Extension Subjects
Sixth Form pupils choose one Extension Course in addition to their four main subjects. Pupils either opt for an individual project or a taught course.
Projects
Pupils may may choose to produce an individual project in an area of particular interest rather than opting to follow a taught course for their Sixth Form extension. Projects in the Sixth Form will appeal to those pupils who have an interest in developing skills of independent research and presentation, and who wish to be able to choose their own path through Sixth Form extension.The final project will be completed by the end of the Lower Sixth, and may take the form of a 5000 word report or a ‘product’ (which may be a CD, DVD, crafted object, original composition, work of Art) with an accompanying 1000 word report. Each project will be assessed to gain the AQA Extended Project Qualification.
Oxford University makes this comment on the Extended Project Qualification: ‘The Extended Project will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon their experience of undertaking the project when writing their personal statement, particularly if the topic is allied to their chosen degree course.’
Arabic
Arabic is available in the Sixth Form 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. 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.Critical Thinking AS
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.Free Thinking
A free thinker is one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independent of authority. Put simply, this is a course that teaches pupils how to think, not what to think. Different thinking tools, including lateral and parallel thinking, as well as the six thinking hats will be explored. The course uses stimulus material (an object, story, film or image) from which pupils generate philosophical questions. These questions are answered through writing essays, which are then discussed. Pupils are encouraged to explore and analyse a concept, formulate a question and construct an argument. They will also develop an ability to listen with an open mind and with respect to others’ viewpoints and arguments, and to learn to modify their own thinking in the light of the contribution of others.Further History
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 be assessed by CIE as an Independent Research Report.Beginners’ Italian
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.English Literature Extension
This course will extend the areas studied in Literature in English 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. Pupils will also be expected to produce an extended essay.Law Preparation
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.Mandarin Chinese
Chinese is available in the Sixth Form to those who have studied it in the Fifth Form. Qualifications gained will be dependent on experience and progress made in the Lower Sixth. Whichever course pupils follow, China has a significant influence on the future 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 be invaluable to those who travel to this remarkable country.Modern European Literature Extension
The aim is to introduce pupils to major European writers such as Kafka and Sartre and to key areas of European thought. Pupils will be encouraged to engage critically with the texts and to examine the distinct styles of the authors. This will be of particular interest to pupils considering reading languages at university and would provide an excellent preparation for the cultural topics in the Upper Sixth languages courses. A desire to read widely is essential. Pupils will be expected to give presentations on themes and characters throughout the course and then produce an extended essay on a particular area of interest that has been provoked.Music Performance
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. 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.Music Technology
The Music Technology course follows the Edexcel AS and A2 Music Technology specification (8MT01/9MT01) and pupils may 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.
Origins of Western Thought
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. 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.Performance Perspectives
Performance Perspectives is a practically focused course giving pupils an opportunity to extend their theatrical knowledge and increase their performance skills through devised and scripted performances. Pupils will take inspiration from a variety of theatre styles and genres and will gain a wider understanding of theatre in other cultures. The course will culminate in a showcase performance.Russian
The study of Russian is an enjoyable and increasingly rare experience and is available at Oundle at breakthrough level in the Lower Sixth. Pupils will be taught all four skills – reading, listening, speaking and writing. This is the chance to study the Cyrillic Alphabet and an Eastern European Language. Russia has a fascinating culture and its 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 valuable to have an understanding of its language and people.Study Assistance
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.Theology and Philosophy through Film and Text
Theology and Philosophy are concepts best understood by how they are seen in practice. They are not abstract ideas but ideologies that have had and continue to have huge effects on individuals and society, on history and psychology, for good and for bad. This course will identify significant theologies and philosophies and assess their effects. This will be done by a critical examination of films that illustrate the ideas, and by analysing academic texts written to support the ideas.
Page last updated Fri 3 Dec 2010 15:10