Short Extension Subjects

Click here to go to descriptions of Long Extension Subjects

Beginners’ Italian

Head of Modern Languages: Miss S. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)
Head of Academic Extension: T.D. Watson, MA (Northwestern)

This intensive course offers the opportunity for pupils to study Italian to GCSE in nine months. There is particular emphasis on everyday colloquial spoken Italian. From the outset aspects, both high and low, of Italian culture will play a major part in every lesson and participants will be offered several opportunities to broaden their linguistic prowess and cultural knowledge through watching notable examples of Italian cinema.

Critical Thinking

Course Co-ordinator: Mrs C.R.Gent MA (Cambridge)

This course is designed to equip pupils to think in a more analytical and logical fashion, to reason, and to assess credibility. It provides the tools to construct coherent and valid arguments and to deconstruct the flawed arguments of others. It informs all A Level subjects and helps pupils to prepare for the growing number of pre-tests for university entrance. Universities and employers actively seek the skills that are developed during this course. Pupils will generally be expected to sit the AS examination in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth.Back to top

Further History

Head of Department: C.R. Pendrill, MA (Cambridge)

This is an opportunity for pupils to study History in more depth, unbounded by the syllabus, probably in the same period (Early Modern or Modern) as the one taken at A Level. The courses will look at intellectual, social and cultural history as a way of broadening pupils' understanding of the period they are studying, and of analysing change and the reasons for it on a longer time-scale than that allowed for in the examined AS Units 1 and 2. This should appeal particularly to pupils thinking of applying for History or History-related degrees at university. Pupils will be expected to undertake their own research project, present their findings at the History Forum and submit an Extended Essay to gain AQA's Extended Project Qualification.Back to top

Global Perspectives

Course Co-ordinator: J.L.L. Barnwell, BSc (Loughborough) MEd (Cambridge)

Global Perspectives is a course in which pupils explore a range of topical issues that face the modern world. For example, over the course of this academic year, some of the topics that pupils have looked at have included the Ethics and Economics of Food, Endangered Cultures, the Impact of the Internet, Artificial Intelligence and the Religious-Secular Divide. Pupils are taught to follow and deconstruct arguments and assertions, to separate fact from opinion, and to assess and evaluate the truth of claims. Whilst keeping abreast of current affairs, they will also develop effective research skills, learn how to construct arguments, and how to assemble and handle evidence. These lifelong skills are highly valued by universities and employers. Pupils will be expected to write an Extended Essay.Back to top

English Literature Extension

Head of Department: T.P. Hipperson, MA (Durham)

This course will extend the areas studied in English Literature A Level to include aspects such as the Short Story, Modern Poetry and the History of the Novel. This option provides an opportunity to study a wider range of canonical texts and therefore should appeal to pupils considering an English or literature based degree. Pupils are also encouraged to share their own enthusiasms with members of the group. A desire to read widely is an essential requirement for this course. Pupils will also be expected to produce an Extended Essay to gain AQA's Extended Project Qualification.Back to top

Music Performance and Music Technology

Director of Music: A.P. Forbes BA LRAM
Head of Strings: A.P. Gibbon GRNCM

The Short Course in Music Performance and Music Technology is an abbreviated version of the Long Course. Details are outlined in the Music Performance and Music Technology Long Course entry..

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Origins of Western Thought

Head of Department: S.J. Chambers, MA (Cambridge)

Pupils will look at a number of the significant philosophies and philosophers of the ancient world. The course starts with the Pre-Socratic Philosophers such as Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides and Zeno. Then the importance of Socrates and some of the dialogues of Plato will be explored. The two competing schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism take the survey into the Roman world.

The course is of interest to pupils studying a wide range of A-level subjects: History, English Literature, Classical Greek, Latin, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies, for instance. It will provide a lot of material suitable for an extended essay and pupils will be encouraged to participate in competitions such as the Fitzwilliam and Corpus Christi essay prizes.

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Pre-U Economics

Head of Department: E.M.Tweedie BA (Durham)

Pupils wishing to take Pre-U Economics must choose Pre-U Economics as one of their four main subjects and Pre-U Economics as their Short Extension Course. Fuller details of the course are found with the main Economics entry.

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Pre-U German

Head of Modern Languages: S.J. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)

Pupils wishing to take Pre-U German must choose Pre-U German as one of their four main subjects and Pre-U German as their Short Extension Course. Fuller details of the course are found with the main Pre-U German entry.

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Pre-U History of Art

Head of Department: J.D. Oddie, BA (Manchester)

Pupils wishing to take Pre-U History of Art must choose History of Art as one of their four main subjects and Pre-U History of Art as their Short Extension Course. Fuller details of the course are found with the main Pre-U History of Art entry.

Pre-U Physics

Head of Department: M.N. Wells, MA (Cambridge) FRAS

Pupils wishing to take Pre-U Physics must choose Physics as one of their four main subjects and Pre-U Physics as their Short Extension Course. Fuller details of the course are found with the main Physics entry.

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Science Research Projects

Head of Science and Technology: P.C. Clark, BSc (London) ARCS CPhys MinstP

The Short Course in Science Research Projects is an abbreviated version of the Long Course. Details can be found in the Science Research Projects Long Course entry.

Long Extension Subjects

Arabic

Head of Modern Languages: Miss S. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)
Co-ordinator of Arabic: C. Ben Nacef, BA (Tunis)

Arabic is available in the Sixth Form as a beginner's course, or to those who wish to continue their study from the Fifth Form. The course focuses on developing the ability to communicate in the Arabic language – Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It begins with learning the script and phonology, and develops into a limited range of situation-based conversations and topics that build vocabulary, grammar, general communicative competence and cultural awareness.

The pupils will be introduced to the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the standard means of communication in the Arab world. At the end of the year pupils will be able to speak about themselves and their environment and to hold conversations on a number of simple topics; be able to read and understand texts on familiar topics; be able to carry out simple spoken and written transactions related to daily life; and have a greater knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Arab culture. The course may be certified under OCR’s Asset Languages Scheme (www.assetlanguages.org.uk).

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Mandarin Chinese

Head of Modern Languages: Miss S. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)
Co-ordinator of Chinese: S.C. Kent, BA (Oxford)

Chinese is available in the Sixth Form to those who wish to continue their study from the Fourth/Fifth forms, and, depending on staffing/scheduling, as a beginner's course. For continuers, Chinese GCSE represents a major linguistic challenge, and is available to take in the summer of the Lower Sixth.

For those who are beginning the language, OCR's Asset Languages (www.assetlanguages.org.uk) provide an assessment structure which forms an excellent framework and incentive for studying the language, as well as qualifications that look impressive on a university application form. Study of Chairman Mao and the Cultural Revolution will form part of the second year of study. Whichever course pupils follow, China represents the future, in terms of global trade and political development. Studying Chinese at Oundle offers the chance for pupils to learn something of the country's past and its culture; proficiency in the language will help enhance CVs, and be invaluable to those who travel to this remarkable country.Back to top

Continuers’ Italian

Head of Modern Languages: Miss S. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)
Head of Academic Extension: T.D. Watson, MA (Northwestern)

This course offers the opportunity for linguists who have opted for Italian in the Fifth Form to study it beyond GCSE. There is a particular emphasis on everyday colloquial spoken Italian. From the outset aspects, both high and low, of Italian culture will play a major part in every lesson and participants will be offered several opportunities to broaden their linguistic prowess and cultural knowledge through watching notable examples of Italian cinema.

Law Preparation

Course Co-ordinator: Mrs C.R. Gent, MA (Cambridge)

Pupils will be taught to read cases and will be introduced to legal concepts and to rhetorical argument. They will be encouraged to research law-related issues with a view to writing an Extended Essay. The course is intended for prospective Law applicants but all pupils with an interest in the Law are welcome. The course will cover Critical Thinking skills with a particular focus on the LNAT pre-test. Pupils will have the option of sitting the Critical Thinking AS (OCR H052) in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth. Pupils should not choose this course together with Short Extension Courses in Global Perspectives or Critical Thinking AS as there is considerable overlap in the skills taught.

Lower Sixth Study Assistance

Course Co-ordinator: Mrs C. M. Redding, BA (Dublin) Dip Ed (Dublin) MA (California)

This course is aimed at pupils who may need extra support and encouragement in the transition from GCSE to A level. It aims to provide a sound foundation for Sixth Form studies by working to improve understanding, approach, attitude and effectiveness. The programme aims to give pupils greater confidence by focusing on their organisation, research and presentation skills. Although there will be a few subject specialists teaching the course, pupils will be expected to make the most of academic voluntaries for subject specific help. Pupils are welcome to opt for Study Support in consultation with their tutors and Hsms but places are limited and are at the discretion of the Director of Studies. Some pupils will be directed towards this course.

Further Mathematics

Head of Department: N.P. Hamshaw, MMath (Oxford)

Pupils wishing to take Further Mathematics must choose Mathematics as one of their four main subjects and Further Mathematics as their Long Extension Course. Fuller details of the course are found with the main Mathematics and Further Mathematics entry.

Music Performance and Music Technology

Director of Music: A.P. Forbes, BA LRAM
Music Performance Tutor: A.P. Gibbon, GRNCM
Music Technology Tutor: C. Pettitt

Pupils will follow one of two routes (i) Music Performance or (ii) Music Technology. There will be practical sessions which will involve all the pupils from this course.

(i) The Music Performance course is aimed at pupils striving to achieve a high level of proficiency on one or more instruments and who are already at Grade 6 level or beyond. This course can be taken either as a Short or Long Extension Course. A performance standard of at least Grade 7 is expected for the second year of the course. It is aimed as a complementary course to AS Music and is tutored by the Heads of Instrument. The practical classes look at all aspects of presenting an informed and musical performance. Pupils play in a series of regular lunchtime concerts throughout the academic year. They are prepared for the higher-grade practical examinations, as well as diplomas such as Dip. ABRSM. Preparation is given for audition requirements for music conservatoires and universities.

The course includes the following elements:
• Study of Orchestration
• General Musicianship and Performance Etiquette
• Ensemble Work
• Music Appreciation / Analysis for Performers
• Music Criticism
• Conducting and Directing Skills
• Programme Notes and Seminar Presentations

This would be a valuable course, in combination with A Level Music, for a university Music degree (BA) or for a performance-based degree at Music College (BMus).

(ii) The Music Technology course follows the Edexcel AS and A2 Music Technology specification (8MT01/9MT01) and pupils will have the opportunity to take these qualifications. The course is suitable for the players of any instrument (orchestral or popular). A grasp of conventional notation is helpful but not essential. The course has three main elements:
• Arranging and writing original material using music technology.
• Recording live performances and the subsequent editing and enhancing of the recordings
• Analysing and listening to popular music from 1910, with two focus styles each year.

Anyone wishing to take this course without choosing Music as one of their main subjects must consult with the Director of Music.

Russian

Head of Modern Languages: Miss S. Davidson, MA (Edinburgh)

The study of Russian is an enjoyable and increasingly rare experience and is available at Oundle as a long extension course for beginners. It will be certified at either GCSE Level or OCR’s Asset Languages (www.assetlanguages.org.uk), depending on the ability of the group, either of which qualifications would stand out on any university application. Pupils will be taught all four skills – reading, listening, speaking & writing. This is the chance to study the Cyrillic Alphabet and an Eastern European Language. Russia has a fascinating culture and its great literary works of the nineteenth century are considered to be some of the most influential in the world. Whether you admire or fear Russia, it is undeniably one of the most important countries today and it is crucial to have an understanding of its language and people.

Science Research Projects

Head of Science and Technology: P.C. Clark, BSc (London) ARCS CPhys MinstP

Pupils who opt for this course will have the opportunity to take part in scientific research projects. There are opportunities for projects in Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology and Physics. Pupils working on these projects will be encouraged to submit an Extended Essay to gain AQA's Extended Project Qualification. Examples of research projects include the use of an atomic force microscope to investigate surfaces and investigations into aspects of biochemistry. Participation in these activities is a unique opportunity as the equipment and techniques being used are normally not encountered until university.

The molecular transgenics project, which is supervised by Dr Rachel Barnes, Oundle Research Fellow, is now well established.. Its aim is to work out the function of a number of unknown genes which have been provided by the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Transgenic bacteria will be created which will in turn create transgenic adult plants. The genotype and the resultant phenotype of the adult plants will be studied to see how they have been altered.

A pupil’s role in all these research projects will probably extend beyond timetabled time and for some into the Upper Sixth. This is a unique opportunity to take part in a serious long-term scientific research project which is not normally available to pupils at secondary school.

Preparation for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Sixth form pupils considering medicine or veterinary science might need to take the BMAT test in October of their Upper Sixth year. Currently the universities or colleges that require this are Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, University College and the Royal Veterinary College. There will be an opportunity for pupils to prepare for the BMAT as part of the Science Research Projects. Preparation will include sessions on critical thinking and essay planning – both key components of the exam. There will also be revision sessions in Mathematics and Physics for those pupils who are not taking these subjects at A Level.



Page last updated Mon 1 Dec 2008 17:29