Electives

Electives

The electives programme runs for the first two terms. Students will attend a 1 hour seminar each week. Below you will find the electives that are on offer with a little bit of background about each one to help you process and think about what you would like to opt for. Please be aware that some electives will be subject to fitting with your academic studies.

Each student will be asked to choose two electives (those students who are studying 4 A levels need only opt for one). Choices will be made on Thursday September 4th.



An Introduction to Philosophy

An overview of philosophy including Plato and Aristotle's views of reality and ways of reasoning.

We will be asking questions like: What is real? What is good? How do we live a good life?

Philosophy teaches reasoning methods, and problem-solving strategies that work in all sorts of contexts, including new and unfamiliar ones. It allows for you to think creatively and to ask questions, seeking new and deeper answers.

This course enriches your communication by enhancing your critical thinking, evaluative and rhetorical abilities.

The techniques that philosophy teaches have far-reaching benefits and can be applied to practical questions and real-world problems as well as the more abstract, ultimate questions in life.

Band Project

Are you a musician with a passion for performing? 

Band Project is a dynamic and practical elective for students who want to experience what it’s really like to be in a band. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or write music, this course brings like-minded musicians together to form groups and work towards real musical goals.

You’ll be mentored by experienced music staff who will guide you through the essentials of rehearsal etiquette, stagecraft, band dynamics, and how to secure and prepare for live gigs. You'll develop the skills needed to thrive as a performer: from setting up a setlist to navigating the challenges of collaboration and time management.

Digital Media

Digital Media offers an exciting introduction to the creative and technical aspects of modern media production.

Students will explore areas such as graphic design, video editing, animation, and interactive content, using a variety of software and tools. Throughout the course, there will be a focus on creativity, problem-solving, and visual storytelling.

As part of the elective, students will create a mini project that showcases their skills and ideas - an opportunity to bring their own concepts to life and gain a taste of what working in the digital media industry is really like.

Film Studies

Explore the history and theory of film criticism and  explore different approaches, including psychoanalytic and semiotic analysis.

Food Skills

The Year 12 Food Elective introduces students to practical cooking skills with a focus on budget-friendly, nutritious meals—preparing them for independent living and healthy eating at university and beyond.

Global Goals: Local and International Action: Understanding and Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


How the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being approached globally. 

How countries are trying to achieve these goals. 

We will look at models from certain countries who are using methods which have positive impacts across all SGDs



Global Politics

An 11 week exploration of global political systems and ideologies through the lens of 12 key countries.

The course will examine how history, institutions, leadership, culture, and global forces shape each nation’s political direction.

Marketing

This 11-week introductory course offers a solid foundation in marketing principles, covering key topics such as the marketing mix, branding and basic strategies. It also introduces students to both traditional and digital marketing methods

Music Appreciation

In this elective you will explore a range of musical genres and gain an understanding of how society has influenced composers and had an impact on composition.

You will be guided through several musical genres whilst being given the opportunity to listen and discuss the music in a subjective way.

Phonetics and Phonology


In this elective, students will explore the fascinating sounds of human language. 

You will learn how speech sounds are produced (phonetics) and how these sounds function in English and other languages (phonology).

From understanding and using the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe phonetically, to uncovering the hidden rules behind accents and pronunciation, this elective will offer an insight into the building blocks of spoken language.



Public Speaking

Successful public speaking uses rhetoric to persuade, inspire and enthuse. The course includes both taught and practical elements.

Religion and World Views in the 21st Century


An exploration into the changing nature and purpose of religion and non-religious worldviews and spirituality in the 21st Century.  Topics include:

  • The changing face of religion in the UK - what do the statistics reveal about religion and spirituality in UK society?
  • What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious?
  • Is secularism the new religion?
  • Is religion a force for good in the world?
  • Is religion truly inclusive? Religion and sexuality / gender.
  • The old traditions in a modern world - Paganism
  • Philosophical worldviews - Stoicism / existentialism