Cambridge Pre-U Early Extended Project
Competitive University Preparation Programme A Level Equivalent
Subject Descriptions
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CUPP
(Competitive University Preparation Programme) Level 3 A Level Equivalent When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2018. For how long will I study? For one year with the opportunity to extend it to a second year. What is this course about? This is a mentoring programme to help academically gifted students prepare for the challenge of competitive university places. In the first term of this course, students will develop new ways of thinking, expand their critical thinking skills, and increase academic literacy and confidence in discussion. There are debates and discussions in most lessons. Students work individually, in pairs, small groups and large teams to research information, evaluate the sources, deconstruct arguments and reach balanced conclusion on a wide variety of subjects. They also benefit from encouragement and intellectual stimulation from like-minded students. Most work is presented verbally in the first term, focusing on developing the ability to think critically, to identify flaws in arguments and to consider the reliability of evidence plus the bias or
vested interest an author might have. In the second term, student will receive guidance to decide between enrolling for the Cambridge Pre-U in Global Perspectives path or the Early Extended Project path. In both paths, writing and presentation skills are the focus of development throughout the rest of the course. Taking this subject is likely to improve your performance in the other subjects you take and make you a better candidate for the most competitive university courses. What topics will I study? Each cohort of students has a different range of interests. The choice of the 5 topics studied is chosen from a list of 20 by students in the group. Previous topics chosen include the religious secular divide, technology in buildings and Designer Babies, medical ethics, and the economic role of women in society. As much as possible we link our topics to current affairs. Last year we explored the topic ‘New Nationalism’ in the context of Brexit and the rise of Trump.
If you choose the Cambridge Pre-U Path how will your work be assessed? Unit 1: written paper using Critical Thinking skills 1 hour 30 minutes exam in May - 25%. Unit 2: 2000 word essay on a topic chosen from 20 written between February and March - 30%. Unit 3: Presentation based on Pre-Released material from the exam board between March and April - 45%. If you then go on to the second year you will choose an Independent Research topic which will either contrast with or extend the other A Level subjects you are taking and prepare an extended dissertation. The completion of this work is the only assessed work in the second year. Successful completion of the Cambridge Pre-U is Equivalent to 1 A Level. If you choose the Early Extended Project Path how will your work be assessed? The Early Extended Project Qualification will commence in January of Year 12 and will be completed early in October of year 13. You will choose between a dissertation, investigation, artefact or performance and you will be assessed on your ability to plan, organise, research, document, and present and evaluate your performance as well as on the project itself. Successful completion of the Early Extended Project is equivalent to half an A Level. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? • A love of academic enquiry. • A willingness to challenge yourself. • Prepared to “think outside the box”. • Able to consider a range of views and prepared to change your mind. • Ready to tackle demanding materials and difficult ideas. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? You need to become a very effective independent learner, ready to tackle demanding and difficult materials.
Students will become: Confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others. Responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others. Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges. Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference. Are there any specific entry requirements? If you are interested, you may nominate yourself but students will be invited to take part in CUPP. Students will have a GCSE average score of grade A or above (or equivalent). The successful candidates have achieved mostly A and A* including Maths and English at grades 9 - 7. What do students say about this course? This course “makes you stand out from other students, so it’s VERY useful for uni applications, but it also helps you broaden your horizons and enables you to think about issues in a much deeper and more empathetic sense.” “Unlike many other subjects, Pre-U offers the chance to challenge your own way of thinking and consider new ideas on a lesson to lesson basis. Excellent to stretch yourself and be around like-minded people.” “It has given me key skills which will undoubtedly be useful in further education and later in life. Most of all, it’s fun, you’re with like-minded people in an exciting and energetic atmosphere!” What have I got to do in order to do well? • Take responsibility for your own learning. • Take an interest in world affairs. • Be prepared to study demanding and difficult material. • Be open minded but also prepared to put forward your own point of view. • Engage fully in debates on the topics you study.
Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? Not really, this is designed to sit alongside three other A Level subjects rather than be one of your main choices. You must consider the implications of your total workload and decide on your priorities. This subject will combine well with all other academic courses. What do people do with Cambridge Pre-U? Chemistry at Bristol, Theology at Durham, Veterinary Science at Royal Veterinary College, Mathematics at Cambridge, Philosophy at Bournemouth, Biology at Imperial, History at Oxford, Medicine at University College London, Astrophysics at Sussex and many more. If you are determined to go to a top university to study a challenging degree subject this course provides you with the experiences and skills required to succeed at the rigorous university selection process. It enables you to discover what you think about the most important topics of the day, to present arguments clearly, to refine your debating skills and to write persuasively and coherently about complex ideas. Many CUPP students participate in the debating society at college. Top universities welcome students with these abilities and our students have enjoyed discussing their essays, presentations and research on UCAS personal statements and during university admissions interviews.
To inspire, build confidence and prepare you for the life you want to live
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