In addition to their three main A Levels (or four if studying Further Maths), all Hamptonians choose one of three Elective routes to take through their Lower Sixth year:
Elective Route 1:
An International Language Diploma
Pupils selecting this route study for an internationally recognised diploma in French, Spanish, German or Mandarin providing them with the opportunity to develop greater fluency in a language they studied at GCSE but are not studying for A Level. Pupils will sit a national exam in the summer term of Lower Sixth, leading to an internationally recognised qualification, which not only enhances university applications but can be invaluable for future career prospects.
Elective Route 2:
A Level Introduction and Short Courses
Pupils choosing this route will initially take an extra A Level until the end of October, at which point they will choose three A Levels to continue with (or four in the case of Further Maths). They will then also take two Short Courses, each lasting around eight weeks, from a diverse range of options. These courses are designed to extend pupils’ learning beyond the confines of the A Level syllabus, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills for the future.
Elective Route 3:
Further Physics and Chemistry, or Greenpower Racing Challenge
This route comprises courses that run for the entirety of the autumn and spring terms. Pupils who choose Greenpower Racing Challenge will design, build and race an electric car. The Further Chemistry and Physics course is designed for those wanting to develop an early undergraduate level of understanding in these subjects and is only suitable for pupils studying both Chemistry and Physics as two of their A levels.
Each Elective is allocated four hours, enabling Hamptonians to reach a very high level of understanding in their chosen options. Some courses offer academic extension comparable to undergraduate study; others prioritise skill development, such as writing, coding, problem-solving, and communication. Above all, we hope Hamptonians have fun with their chosen Electives and find them both challenging and rewarding.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUPILS
WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR ELECTRONIC OPTIONS FORM, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO:
Choose ONE route: Route 1, Route 2 or Route 3.
If you select Route 2 you will be asked to specify:
(i) the A Level you wish to study until the end of October (with the possibility of swapping it for one of your main A Levels at that time).
CHOOSE ONE ROUTE FROM:
(ii) five Route 2 short courses in order of preference. While the academic team will endeavour to accommodate your top preferences, it may not always be possible. Make sure you include at least two courses from Cycle A and at least two from Cycle B, and carefully check any prerequisites for course entry.
Elective Route 2: A Level
Elective Route 3: Further Physics and Chemistry, or Greenpower Racing Challenge
Physics and Chemistry or Greenpower Racing Challenge
COURSE RUN
ROUTE 1 ELECTIVES: LANGUAGES DIPLOMA (SEPTEMBER TO JUNE)
DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française)
Goethe-Zertifikat
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
Modern Languages (German)
Modern Languages (French) Course runs from September to June
Modern Languages (Spanish)
Modern Languages (Mandarin)
ROUTE 2 ELECTIVES: SHORT COURSES (CYCLE A RUNS FROM NOVEMBER TO JANUARY; CYCLE B RUNS FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL)
Self-Expression in the Visual Arts Art
Anatomy and Physiology Biology
The Hero’s Journey: The Influence of Homer’s Odyssey in Film Classics
Democracy in Action: The Role of Drama in Politics
Biochemistry
Computing for STEM
Primary School Drama Workshops
Classics
Biology and Chemistry
Computer Science
Drama
Acting and Directing Drama
Musical Theatre Drama
Business and Finance Economics
Zeitgeist: Texts and Their Times English
COURSE
The Language of Power, Business and Identity English
Geography of Food and Health Geography
Geopolitics and Conflict over Trade and Aid Geography
Twelve Events that Shook the World History
Music for the Screen (Film, TV & Video Games) Music
Music for the Stage Music
Debates in World Politics Politics
Essential Psychology Psychology
Medical Ethics and Law RS & Philosophy
Political and Social Philosophy RS & Philosophy
Russian Language and Culture Languages
Sport Performance PE
B Prerequisites for entry?*
ROUTE 3 ELECTIVES: FURTHER PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, OR GREENPOWER RACING CHALLENGE (SEPTEMBER TO APRIL)
Further Physics and Chemistry Chemistry and Physics Course runs from September to April
Greenpower Racing Challenge Design and Engineering
*If ‘ ’. please consult course description.
Please note that for Elective Route 2:
(i) only Short Courses that attract enough demand from pupils will be timetabled in any given year. For this reason, we ask pupils on Route 2 to list their top five Short Courses choices in order of preference. We will endeavour to accommodate top choices wherever possible but in a small number of cases this may not be possible.
(ii) Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin cannot be listed as a pupil’s ‘A Level until the end of October’ option. If a pupil wishes to study any of these subjects as an A Level, it must be listed as a main A Level on their options form.
DELF (DIPLÔME D’ÉTUDES EN LANGUE FRANÇAISE) GOETHE ZERTIFIKAT
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Pupils work towards an international French qualification (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): B1 or B2. Lessons focus on developing the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Pupils will grow in confidence and ability as they aim to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in French that is valued by employers worldwide. Pupils interested in a more in-depth study of French history, politics, popular culture, film and/or literature and those considering French at university should opt for the A Level French course rather than this Elective. However, if you enjoy learning the language and plan to use French in your career, this one-year DELF course might be the right option for you.
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Modern Languages (French) CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of French and must not be choosing French as a main A Level.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Modern language skills are a prerequisite in today’s professional job market, and we promote language confidence and skills for real-world purposes as well as academic ones.
In German, we offer the internationally highly regarded Goethe-Zertifikat diplomas. There are six independent diplomas which correspond, respectively, to the six levels of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The diplomas are valid for life and recognised globally, certifying the level of proficiency you will achieve after an additional year of German study.
The Goethe-Zertifikat provides the language skills to enable you to work in a German speaking country.
Pupils will take the B1 examinations in the spring, with an option to then prepare for the B2 qualification through independent study. Pupils interested in studying the various aspects of German history, politics, popular culture, film and/or literature in greater depth and/ or those considering studying German at university, should pursue the German A Level course. However, if you enjoy learning the language and want to use German in your future career, this one-year Goethe-Zertifikat course may be the ideal choice for you.
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Modern Languages (German)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of German and must not be choosing German as a main A Level.
DELE (DIPLOMA DE ESPAÑOL COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, Spanish lessons focus on developing the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking, while working towards the B1 or B2 Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) qualification. Pupils will grow in confidence and proficiency as they aim to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in Spanish that is valued by employers worldwide. Pupils who wish to study in-depth aspects of Hispanic history, politics, popular culture, film and literature, and those considering Modern Languages at university should opt for the Spanish A Level course rather than this qualification. However, if you enjoy learning the language and want to use Spanish in a future career, this one-year DELE course might be the right option for you.
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Modern Languages (Spanish)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of Spanish and must not be choosing Spanish as a main A Level.
CHINESE PROFICIENCY TEST (HSK)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is an international standardised exam that tests the Chinese language skills of non-native speakers in their everyday, academic and professional lives. Pupils’ proficiency is graded into “three levels and nine bands” assessing three key areas: verbal communication abilities, topics and tasks, and quantitative criteria.
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Modern Languages (Mandarin)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
The evaluation is based on four linguistic components - syllables (pronunciation), Chinese characters, vocabulary and grammar and five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. These standards aim to accurately determine the pupil’s Chinese proficiency. We encourage Hampton pupils to aim for Band IV and above.
PREREQUISITES
Pupils are encouraged to firstly contact the Modern Languages (Mandarin) department if they are interested in this course.
SELF-EXPRESSION
IN THE VISUAL ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Develop your emotional intelligence through the study and creation of art. This dynamic and thought-provoking course allows you to explore various mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture, exhibition curation, and digital art. By the end of the course, you will have created a portfolio of work that can enhance and support your UCAS application. Open-minded and creative pupils are encouraged to apply.
PREREQUISITES
Some art experience is preferred such as studying the subject at GCSE.
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
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Art
CYCLE
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The key aims of this course are to study anatomy and physiology of a range of species and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. After a basic introduction, the course explores different body plans across diverse species, including humans, rats and birds. There will be opportunities to compare anatomy through the study of key organ systems across different organisms. Further topics will delve into the structure and function of the brain including the major regions, comparisons between different animal groups and evolution of the brain. The section on the skeleton and basic forms of locomotion focuses on how organisms move.
This hands-on course includes practical work and dissection, as well as video gait analysis and will appeal to those interested in their own anatomy and physiology as well as that of other organisms.
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Biology CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
This course should appeal to those interested in studying Sports Science at university. .
PREREQUISITES
None
THE HERO’S JOURNEY: THE INFLUENCE OF HOMER’S
ODYSSEY IN FILM
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This elective will look at the continuing influence of Homer’s Odyssey upon Western film. There have been many attempts to make a film of this fantastic epic dealing with Odysseus’ return home after the Trojan War (2024’s The Return, for example), and Christopher Nolan is at the helm of a new version, to be released in 2026. Indeed, many of the events and characters of this epic have become part of our collective consciousness. The Cyclops, anyone? In this course we will examine the structure of Homer’s work in relation to films as diverse as Pixar’s Finding Nemo and the Coen Brothers’ O brother, where art thou? as well as watching extracts from the American Civil War epic Cold Mountain, Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, and even George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road. It will certainly appeal to students of Classics, English and Drama, as well as anyone with a passing interest in Western film and literature.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: THE ROLE OF DRAMA IN POLITICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world and has had a profound and widereaching influence on modern culture. The tragedies performed were allegorical to the contemporary political climate of Athens. In turn, the people would engage in deeper conversations about the state after viewing the plays. In some sense, the theatre became a tool for citizens to question and provide a sanity check on the decisions of their elected politicians. To fully understand this cultural phenomenon requires study of not only the plays but the context in which their form and production developed. This analysis of the production of Greek drama is coupled with an in–depth examination of three plays, all of which have proven to be enduring favourites: Sophocles’ Oedipus rex, Euripides’ Bacchae and Aristophanes’ Frogs.
BIOCHEMISTRY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is the molecular basis for life? This course goes beyond the Biology and Chemistry specifications to explore a range of key topics in Biochemistry, including protein structure and function, metabolic biochemistry, cell signalling, and DNA. It also examines how drugs are used to manipulate biological systems, including how new drugs and drug targets are discovered, and the mechanism of drug action in the body. This course is ideal for anyone considering studying Biochemistry or a related subject at university, or for those who would simply like to expand their knowledge of Biology and Chemistry.
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Biology and Chemistry
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should be studying A Level Biology or Chemistry (or both).
COMPUTING FOR STEM
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on using Computing Science in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The course explores Python modules such as Numpy, SciPy and Matplotlib that analyse and visualise data, and also on the use of MS Office products (including macros).
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
Must have working knowledge of a computer language.
PRIMARY SCHOOL DRAMA WORKSHOPS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers an exciting opportunity to learn how to plan and teach Drama lessons and workshops to pupils in Years 3 to 6 at a local primary school. The workshops take place during the normal lesson periods allocated for Electives, typically a double period during the afternoon. During other lessons, you will plan activities and learn about working with younger children, including how to use language, help develop literacy and
build their confidence. You will develop a short performance to share with the primary school children, in the style of Children’s Theatre.
ACTING AND DIRECTING
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
This is an excellent course for anyone who is looking to make a difference in the community and develop and demonstrate leadership skills. Prior experience in Drama is helpful but the course is open to anyone who would like the opportunity and is willing to learn. RUN BY... Drama PREREQUISITES
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Participants of this course will learn the skills needed for both acting and directing at a high standard. You will study the work of successful theatre directors, including Marianne Elliot and Jamie Lloyd, across a variety of styles and eras. You will understand and practice how to plan out and research a script, and how to run a rehearsal.
After mastering these skills, you will work with a group of actors and directors and direct at least one performance and perform in another piece enabling you to understand
the process of directing from both perspectives. You will have ownership over your choice of casting and planning your rehearsals.
Alongside this practical work, you will create a log of your research, inspirations and process for your performances which will enable you to reflect on your work.
This course is open to those who would like to explore theatre from the perspective of a director. Prior experience in Drama is helpful, but not necessary
RUN BY... Drama PREREQUISITES
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
None CYCLE
MUSICAL THEATRE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course you will research and explore the many different styles and evolution of musical theatre and composers from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Lin Manuel Miranda.
You will take part in singing and acting workshops, as well as dance if required, and develop your skills as a performer. You will explore different styles of musical theatre singing and acting and learn about phrasing in order to deliver a meaningful performance through song.
After mastering these key skills, you will develop two performances from
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Drama
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
the musical theatre repertoire which must include singing, and either dancing or acting.
You will develop these pieces ready for performance and will document your research and process in a research and development log.
This course is open to those who would like to explore the genre of musical theatre. Prior experience in Drama and singing is helpful, but not necessary. The repertoire can be adapted based on experience and vocal ability.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves:
• Three periods per week – Business (business organisation, business decisions and planning, business environment, marketing, financial control, human resources).
• Two periods per week – Finance (financial markets, issues with financial markets, financial careers, personal finances, personal investments, money at university).
• One period per week – Supervised Online Course (OpenLearn) chosen from: leadership, decision trees, operations management, project management, business models, bookkeeping and accounting introduction.
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Economics CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
ZEITGEIST: TEXTS AND THEIR TIMES
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What have Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud got to do with fiction? How do texts and their adaptations capture moments in history and reflect the defining mood? Why could a book be deemed ‘dangerous’?
In this course, pupils will have the opportunity to explore the way history has shaped the production and reception of texts, identifying seminal works which capture the zeitgeist of their time and examining the key influencing factors in the authors’ choices. We will look at how theories such as Marxism,
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English CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
Psychoanalysis and New Historicism can be used as lenses through which we can interpret the murky waters of literature and understand the human condition. A final layer will be added when we explore some striking, and potentially controversial, adaptations of texts, analysing stage and film directors’ decisions to push a particular political or social agenda. Those studying History, Politics, Psychology and English will find the elective particularly pertinent, but all are welcome!
THE LANGUAGE OF POWER, BUSINESS AND IDENTITY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers pupils a great opportunity to learn about how language is used in the world of politics and business, focusing in particular on the way we can use language to influence others, create and express identities, and pitch ideas. The elective will be divided into the following three sections:
• The Language of Power, where we will be exploring political rhetoric, comparing recent political campaigns both at home and abroad, investigating similarities and differences between the language used both by and about male and female political figures, and charting the way political rhetoric has changed over time.
• The Language of Business, where we will be looking at approaches to advertising and pitching, and exploring the language of the boardroom and sales. Pupils will get a chance to put techniques into practice, staging their own Dragons’ Den.
• The Language of Identity, where we will be investigating the ways in which gender, race and geography are reflected in language, and asking how and why we tend to respond to these variations. Pupils will consider how they can use language effectively to present themselves both in the ‘real’ world and online, focusing in particular on CVs, LinkedIn profiles and interviews.
The course will provide pupils with an insight and understanding of how communication can be shaped to empower and persuade, developing key skills for life beyond the classroom and helping pupils become critical interpreters of the rhetoric which surrounds them. Those studying Politics, History and Economics and/ or considering careers in business, advertising, PR, politics and journalism will find the elective particularly informative and thought-provoking.
None RUN BY... English CYCLE Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
GEOGRAPHY OF FOOD AND HEALTH
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Why does the distribution of diseases differ so radically across the world? How do we measure a country’s nutritional choices and food consumption?
Why does economic development lead to a change in the types of diseases society suffers from? How does cholera spread and what are the potential impacts of an outbreak? Are we close to eradicating malaria?
This module aims to explore - and possibly answer – some of these increasingly important questions.
We will explore how the development of countries has led to a profound impact on the diet (nutrition transition) and prevalence of different diseases (diseases continuum) in communities.
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Geography CYCLE Cycle A only
PREREQUISITES
None
Heart disease and cancer are the two biggest killers in the developed world, and we will unpick why this is true today and what the implications might be for a global ageing population.
We will zoom in on two specific diseases to evaluate the geographic factors that influence their diffusion and impacts. Cholera, as an example of a bacterial disease, will be considered in the context of the recent outbreak in Haiti post-earthquake (2010). Malaria, as an example of a parasitic disease, will be considered in the context of Africa’s prolonged fight with mosquitos and malaria. There will be scope to discuss whether we have cause to be optimistic or pessimistic about the eradication of these two deadly killers.
GEOPOLITICS
AND CONFLICT OVER TRADE AND AID
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
How do countries interact with one another? Why are some countries winning the ‘global race’? Have global institutions deliberately maintained the status quo? What role do Europe and USA have to play in a multi-polar world increasingly dominated by emerging superpowers? What role do aid, trade and good governance have in balancing the global development scales?
This module aims to explore - and possibly answer – some of these increasingly important questions.
We will explore a geopolitical world in which liberal democracy and globalisation have become increasingly threatened by the power of nationalism, popularism
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Geography CYCLE
Cycle B only
and autocracy. For example, we will consider the implications of Russian militarisation of the Arctic and Chinese aggressive expansionism in the South China Sea. We will also address the rise of emerging superpowers, like India, China and Nigeria, and consider whether the supposed demise of the USA as a superpower is overstated.
In this landscape we will explore how governments, companies, global institutions and individuals continue to address the challenges of development. We will explore the arguments in favour and against the current global patterns of trade and aid and ask whether these are helping to address the development gap or widening global inequalities.
PREREQUISITES
None
TWELVE EVENTS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is the link between Taiwan and China? Who really was Ghengis Khan? How did communism first start in Russia? During this course we will answer these questions and many more! We will explore how seismic events in history shape the world that we live in today. In a world where politics is so volatile and leaders often use the past to justify their actions today, there is no better time to understand some of the events that led us to this point.
Events that we look at will vary by teacher, but possible topics include:
the fall of the Roman Empire, the Mongol hordes, the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, American Civil War, Russian Revolution and Mao’s China. The course aims to give a global perspective on history and to link these events with the world around us. Each event will be taught for a double lesson to give a broad overview of what happened and its significance. If you’d like to be more informed about the global situation and understand events in their historical context, this is the course for you!
MUSIC FOR THE SCREEN:
(FILM, TV & VIDEO GAMES)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an opportunity to explore the work of recent film and video game composers. From Delia Derbyshire to Koji Kondo, from Hans Zimmer to Howard Shore, you will become familiar with the many ways in which music can enhance the experience of screen media.
Over the course of the Elective, you will work towards one of the following goals:
CYCLE
Cycle A and B
(course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
1. Having learnt from the techniques of a range of screen composers; you will apply these to your own creative process. You will compose your own piece for a scene of your choice and will complement this with a brief research portfolio on the composers who have influenced you and on your own compositional process.
2. Having explored a wide range of screen composers, you will choose a focus area on which to conduct an extended research project of your choice, whether focusing on a franchise, a composer, or a screen genre.
This course is open to all, whether you are already an experienced composer, a film buff, or a keen gamer – the only requirement is a passion for ‘Music for the Screen’!
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Music
CYCLE
Cycle A only
PREREQUISITES
None
MUSIC FOR THE STAGE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, you will explore the stylistic development of the music we hear in the theatre, from the mid-20th century up to the present day. From Larson to Lloyd Webber, Sondheim to Schwartz, you will delve into the compositional style of a range of hit musical theatre writers, getting to know the ins and outs of what makes their music so powerful.
By the end of the Elective, you will put forward one of the following:
1. A performance of a song/scene of your choice (in conjunction with dramatists on the ‘Musical Theatre’ Elective), along with a brief complementary research portfolio on your chosen show/composer.
2. A composition of a song/scene (in conjunction with dramatists on the ‘Musical Theatre’ Elective) along with a brief complementary research portfolio on your chosen show/composer.
3. An extended research portfolio on a composer/show of your choice, exploring in detail the stylistic features of your chosen subject.
This course is open to all, whether you are an experienced performer or an avid listener – all you must bring is an enthusiasm for all things Musical Theatre!
DEBATES IN WORLD POLITICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will challenge participants to grapple with the defining contemporary debates of the political world – both within and beyond borders - and provide a broad introduction to international relations.
You will be introduced to the role and purpose of diplomacy and multinational organisations including the EU, UN and NATO. Each week will centre on a different contemporary debate in world politics, including:
• Populism and the EU: to what extent is the rise of populism a threat to the EU?
• NATO and global security: how safe is our World?
• Climate: can Politics tackle the climate crisis?
• Global Superpowers: who runs the world order?
• The UN and human rights: are rights and liberties globally protected?
• The UK’s place in the World: how influential is the UK today? You will be introduced to the key context and knowledge required for each debate, before being challenged to independently research (using academic sources) and prepare for structured class debate.
Lessons will be discursive and centred on an open-ended question which challenges you to develop your lateral thinking skills and problemsolve by drawing on multiple different perspectives before reaching nuanced conclusions.
A and B (course repeated)
ESSENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of subfields, from emergent neurological properties of the brain to more social aspects of behaviour.
Psychologists look to understand the behaviour of individuals and groups through a range of research methods.
This introductory course will explore these topics, including human memory, mental illness, neuroanatomy, sporting performance, motivation and the criminal mind.
RUN BY...
Psychology
Topics will include:
• What is Psychology?
• Outline of presentation requirements
• Sports Psychology
• Criminal Psychology
• Human memory
• Mental illness
• Pro-Social Psychology
• Brain plasticity and localisation of function
• Presentation preparation
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should not be studying A Level Psychology. CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
MEDICAL ETHICS AND LAW
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will explore medical ethics and law and will appeal not only to those thinking of future studies in Medicine, Law, Philosophy or Sociology, but also to those wishing to develop debating and communication skills.
In summary the course includes:
Medical Ethics
(three periods per week):
• An introduction to Medical Ethics, including veterinary ethics. The course aims to:
1. Explore some of the important concepts (e.g. ‘the four’: autonomy; non-maleficence; beneficence; justice);
2. Evaluate the fundamental ethical approaches (consequentialism, deontology, virtue theory, care ethics), debating their potential pros and cons (including slippery slope); and Apply the theories to a variety of issues including: the doctorpatient relationship; bedside manners; disclosing errors; consent; capacity; mental health; confidentiality; resource allocation;
RUN BY...
Religious Studies and Philosophy CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
disability; disease; children; reproductive medicine (including future persons); end of life; organ donation; neuroethics (e.g. addiction); genetics; information ethics (including AI); public health (including vaccination); veterinary ethics.
• Lessons will tend to include discussion of historic, as well as hypothetical, cases.
Medical Law
(three periods per week):
• An introduction to Medical Law. During the course, we will aim to explore a range of topics: the philosophy of law; the legal system; various statutory provisions; Gillick competence; advance decisions; the tort of negligence; lost chances; death; act/omission distinction; double effect; human rights; key court cases; the legal aspects of reproductive medicine, end of life care, transplantation, embryo/genetic research, abortion, consent.
• Lessons will tend to include discussion of historic court cases.
PREREQUISITES
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An outline of this course is as follows:
Political Philosophy (three periods per week):
An introduction to Political Philosophy. During the course we aim to:
1. Explore the concepts of i) the state of nature; and ii) the state (including social contract theory), through the thought of e.g. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau;
2. Explore and evaluate concepts such as liberty; private property; taxation; justice; and equality, through the thought of e.g. Mill, Berlin, Nozick, Rawls, and Marx;
3. Explore and evaluate ideological paradigms, namely: a. liberalism; and b. right (e.g. conservatism; libertarianism) and left (e.g. socialism; communism; anarchism);
4. Explore and evaluate the potential forms of government/authority, namely democratic (including direct, representative, constitutional monarchy) and non-democratic
RUN BY...
Religious Studies and Philosophy CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
(including authoritarianism, totalitarianism, dictatorship), through the thoughts of Plato, Mill and others; and
5. Explore and evaluate issues regarding global politics and international relations.
Social Philosophy (three periods per week):
An introduction to Social Philosophy. During the course, we aim to:
1. Explore and evaluate philosophies such as, postmodernism (e.g. Lyotard, Foucault); critical theory (the Frankfurt School: Adorno, et al); existentialism (e.g. Sartre);
2. Explore and evaluate approaches to: i) gender and sexuality (including types of feminism), e.g. Butler; ii) class; iii) disability; iv) race, e.g. Bell; v) immigration and multiculturalism; vi) the market; vii) the environment, e.g. Naess; Rolston; Singer; Katz; and viii) media and technology, e.g. Baudrillard.
PREREQUISITES
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
ESSENTIAL RUSSIAN AND INTRODUCTION TO
RUSSOPHONE CULTURE AND GEOPOLITICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This dynamic and engaging course combines an introduction to the essential elements of the Russian language (four lessons a week) with the opportunity to explore various cultural and geopolitical aspects of the Russian-speaking world (three lessons a week).
The course begins with an introduction to the Cyrillic alphabet, core vocabulary and general phrases. Given the phonetic nature of the Russian alphabet, pupils typically make quick progress reading and writing. At the same time, a few principles of fundamental but basic Russian grammar will be introduced to enable learners to express themselves verbally. We will also cover practical vocabulary useful for travel to former USSR countries, where Russian is the official language in four countries and an unofficial lingua franca throughout countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The course will delve into a variety of cultural aspects of the Russian-speaking world, exploring literature, arts and the national cuisine as well as allowing pupils to explore some major geopolitical events which shaped present-day Russia and the Russian-speaking world. Pupils will have the opportunity to attend cultural
RUN BY...
Modern Languages (Russian) CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
and educational events, both inside and outside School and, depending on interest, there may also be a short trip to an Eastern European country, providing first-hand experience of some of the cultural aspects studied in class.
The course is open to anyone who is completely new to Russian but will also be suitable for those who learned Russian as an option in the Third Year. Everyone who is familiar with or speaks another Slavic language outside of Hampton is also encouraged to consider this elective to expand their linguistic horizon further. You should also consider choosing this elective if you are interested in applying to a university outside of the UK or are considering studying Russian or another Slavic language ab initio.
Knowledge of modern languages is increasingly a prerequisite in today’s professional job market, and we promote language confidence and skills for realworld purposes. Russian proficiency increases employability in such fields as civil service, international relations, finance, law, property development, oil and gas industry, international trade and many more!
PREREQUISITES
None
SPORT PERFORMANCE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for those already competing and performing at a high level and will greatly assist those wanting to continue their sport at university and/or explore the world of sport for future employment.
The Sport Performance course includes:
• Personal exercise programme –considerations and implications when designing one.
RUN BY... PE
CYCLE
Cycle A and B (course repeated)
• Sports Psychology – the importance of motivation, goal setting, anxiety
• Nutrition – creating a food diary and understanding the importance of food and its impact on performance.
• Sports Coaching and Analysis – the importance of feedback, different methods of practice and implementation of different coaching methods.
PREREQUISITES
Pupils choosing this option must have a minimum of A team sport representation for Hampton at U16 level and ideally participation in another sport for the School.
FURTHER PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims to:
• Develop a deep knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and Physics that stretch beyond the A Level syllabus.
• Build conceptual links and understand how the two sciences complement and support each other.
• Develop a deeper interest in courses in the Physical Sciences and related disciplines (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Natural Sciences).
• Develop investigative and analytical skills through an independent research project at the end of the course.
RUN BY...
Chemistry and Physics
CYCLE
Runs throughout the Lower Sixth
Course overview:
Further Chemistry:
• Solid state chemistry
• Molecular orbitals
• Functional group level (FGL) in organic chemistry
• Further inorganic chemistry
Further Physics:
• Special Relativity
• Classical Thermodynamics
• The Quantum World
• Rotational Mechanics
PREREQUISITES
A Level Physics
A Level Chemistry
GREENPOWER RACING CHALLENGE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity which challenges young people to design, build and race an electric car. Pupils choosing this Elective will work with the Design and Engineering department on assembling a car, which will then be raced at motorsport venues in Greenpower organised events. This will develop pupils’ design and technical skills, with the opportunity to apply their STEM knowledge.
Greenpower’s IET Formula 24+ category enables 16–25 year olds
RUN BY...
Design and Engineering CYCLE Runs throughout the Lower Sixth
to design, build and compete in electric, single seater racing cars. Teams take part in the design and building of the car, race days and the IET Formula 24+ Championship. Drivers from each team compete in 60-minute endurance races. The team that covers the greatest distance within the time limit wins.
As a well-known competition, participation is a great way to further your interest and enhance any UCAS application or interview.
PREREQUISITES
Basic workshop skills and a basic understanding of electronics and coding
