Preparing for life after School

Preparing for life after School Programme for Year 13 students

Curious Skilled Aware Passionate Creative Pro-active Resilient Assured

The Giggleswick Learner

Our Learner Profile defines the character that we encourage in our pupils to give them the very best opportunities beyond school.

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Preparing for life after School

Introduction

Introduction Welcome to the Upper Sixth Transition course. This three week course is designed to give you some insight into learning on the next stage of your career, and to help you develop some of the skills that you will find useful as you lead an independent life after school. The content has been based upon what you have requested as well as how the previous Upper Sixth responded last year.

Each session will be delivered in a less formal manner than your lessons of the past, and what you gain from the courses will be very much driven by your own approach, just as it will be once you leave school. We hope that you embrace the opportunity to really enjoy the last three weeks of your time at Giggleswick, and that, most of all, you will find the learning fun and rewarding.

Mark Turnbull, Headmaster

Course content This booklet is designed to provide you with information about what will be covered in our academic courses. There are a broad range of courses and you are free to follow your usual A level choices, or fit in an alternative course if you feel it will benefit you, or if you have a particular interest in the area being studied. The timetable blocks remain the same, but any swap within the existing timetable is allowed and encouraged. We will also be providing a skills course consisting of five key areas: IT, Health, Nutrition, Finance and Employability Skills, plus talks from Alumni and universities such as Northumbria and Leeds. The usual Games slots are also in place, as well as extra evening events during which you will be able to enjoy social time with your friends and teachers.

Course length and structure of the day The courses are designed to last three weeks and below is an outline of how each day will be scheduled. Lessons will be the usual 55 minutes and each day will have a mixture of academic lessons, skills, talks and Games.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

08.20 - 08.40

Tutor Time

Tutor Time

Tutor Time

Tutor Time

Tutor Time

08.40 - 09.35

Lesson

Skills Carousel

Lesson

Lesson

Lesson

09.40 - 10.35

Lesson

CrossFit/Spin

Lesson

Lesson

Lesson

10.35 - 11.05

Break

Break

Break

Break

Break

11.05 - 12.00

Lesson

Lesson

Lesson

Skills Carousel

Skills Carousel

12.05 - 13.05

Lesson

Lesson

CrossFit/Spin

Lesson

University Talk

13.05 - 14.05

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

14.05 - 15.00

Skills Carousel

Lesson

Lesson

Games

15.05 - 16.00

Games

Games

Skills Carousel

OG Talk Evening Social

Dress code The dress code will be smart/casual. This means you will need to dress appropriately for an office environment. Jeans, sliders or sleeveless tops are not permitted.

Fine Art

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Art OVERVIEW

The course will aim to provide students with the following competencies:

Appropriate ideas to develop their own creative practice through drawing and experimentation.

Understand how political and cultural change manifested to influence 20th Century art and the creative industries of today.

Explore the perspectives of Art critics in examining how artists and designers have sought to challenge established ideas and gain new inspiration from ‘an alternative other’.

Write appropriate arguments to debate perspectives on ideas in art, fashion and architecture.

Consider the role of art and design as a potential force for change, and the role of the artist as a mechanism for political and social challenge or disruption.

Examine these ideas within the role of Art in today’s global society, how it manifests as political voice, as a global commodity, as a brand or as a from of rebellion.

Consider how juxtaposition of ideas from Britain’s rich multicultural heritage enhance the role of our artists, designers, film makers and architects.

Communication of key ideas in discussion, written form, and visual language.

Employ a confident approach to asking questions and utilizing resources to gather evidence and debate ideas and arguments.

Content Areas of study include: Key influences on 20th century art; Film, fashion and architecture; Development and realization of ideas; Critical analysis and writing; Art and Sportswear design; Challenge and disruptors within the creative world.

Approach Debate and discussion We will use critical methodology and connections to contextual ideas with pupils, also honing written analysis skills, and use of key vocabulary.

Drawing and experimentation This will underpin all practical work. Students will explore methods of practical work most appropriate to their degree specialism.

Artist study and contextual Investigation Academic Writing Skills Additional sessions for university

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The transition course has been designed using information from the Royal Society of Biology and leading Natural Science Course providers. It will cover areas and topics that are identified in many of the medical and biological courses.

By studying areas in more detail, through the use of mixed media, you will develop the intellectual, communication and organisational skills required in undergraduate study.

This short course will help build the autonomy in your learning, but remains structured in order to help you build confidence in your skills. As you move through the course, you will be presented with more independent tasks and miniprojects that you will present back in a variety of ways.

Biology

OVERVIEW

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Biology Content Areas of study include: Anatomy and physiology, Fieldwork investigation including writeup and presentation, Introduction to effective referencing for your studies.

Approach Reading As part of the course you will be introduced to how to critically approach biological papers, using relevant examples and how to reference these at a University level.

Problem based learning Use of real-world issues to make you more aware of your learning and develop your understanding and competency.

Small group and independent work Mini-projects set in order to develop your understanding of specific areas relevant to your future studies.

Business

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Business OVERVIEW

This programme is designed to explore models and theories that form a key part of many university undergraduate courses. In particular, the content will focus on the theoretical approaches to business strategy. These are models that have not been studied as part of the A level course but will provide a foundation for future study.

Each week will focus on different business scholars and how their work has influenced the strategy and direction of specific businesses and the business world in general.

There will be independent work as well as paired and group tasks for students to explore the models through background reading and research. This will provide a range of opportunities for research with a more academic focus which will help students with the transition to higher level study.

Content Areas of study include: Business performance; Business strategy and positioning;Technology and business strategy; and Strategic change in business.

Exploring models and theorists such as: Change management; Kaplan and Norton’s balanced scored card; Core competencies; Experience curves.

Approach Background reading There will be a reading list based around the topic being studied. This will contain links to journal articles with students expected to consider the source validity and critique the material. Students will develop their note taking skills to aid preparation for higher level study.

Group work Students will work in small discussion groups to consider and debate each topic. There will be opportunities to present ideas to the whole class.

Quizzes Interactive quizzes and multiple choice assessments for students will take place to test their understanding.

Research All students will complete reports/virtual presentations on one of the topics being studied. Students will be expected to use a range of source material and reference appropriately. There will be a weekly discussion class of background reading material.

OVERVIEW

Through discussion with staff at the Royal Society of Chemistry, we have identified A level topics which will be continued on at University as part of several degree options as well as within ‘pure’ Chemistry degrees.

Together this will enable you to extend your understanding and also to prepare yourself for further study by developing both your knowledge and your higher order thinking skills.

As well as aspects of more ‘formal’ chemistry topics such as physical, organic and inorganic chemistry other topics will be investigated, for example biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials science and atmospheric chemistry.

Through looking in more detail at these topics we will be able to develop learning skills that will be required in your undergraduate study including problem-solving activities in small groups led by a teacher.

The ability to research and to think more independently are also be key skills that will be developed further through these lessons.

Content Areas of study include: Entropy and equilibrium; Buffers in biological and industrial settings; Atmospheric and environmental Chemistry; Further organic chemistry; Biochemical applications and Applications of kinetics and equilibria theory in industrial contexts.

Approach Problem solving These will be activities in small groups led by a teacher (known better as dynamic problem based learning or dPBL)

Chemistry

Chemistry

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Classical Civilisation

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Classical Civilisation OVERVIEW

In this course, we shall be examining the lives and representations of women in the Ancient World. By reading a variety of literary sources (in English of course!), inscriptions, law court speeches, and study of visual sources (vases, statues etc), you will gain an insight into the varying roles of women and how they were treated and perceived by men and each other.

Content Areas of study include; Greek and Roman thinking regarding the ideal qualities of women and their status domestically, civically, and legally Women of legend: Pandora, Helen of Troy and Lucretia; Young women: education in Athens, Rome and Sparta; “Improper women”: hetairai, the stories of Neaira and Clodia; Women to be feared: Medea and Cleopatra .

We shall also study the emotive poetry of Sappho who muses on the nature of love in all its guises and Aristophanes’ comedy, Lysistrata, where the women of Athens go on a sex strike to protest about the futility and waste of war.

Approach Close reading of texts and sources Analysis, discussion and debate focusing on links to modern day issues.

Reading of Sappho’s poetry; research into the later reception of her poetry.

Online resources Lectures from leading academics via Massolit and other platforms eg.Ted -Ed and “Stand Up for Classics” (a look at the Classical world through a comedic lens by comedian, Classicist and writer Natalie Haynes).

Lysistrata An introduction to Ancient Comedy: what makes it funny? Can a modern audience relate to it? What message about women does it convey to its male audience? You will also be given the opportunity to unleash your inner Thespian and act out some of the scenes.

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In depth analysis of domestic products through an exploration into the impact and demands of consumerism.

Investigate the development in materials technologies, both short and long term; the impact and influences of market push and market pull.

Investigating developments in the evolution of production techniques as a result of materials technology developments.

Analysis of sustainability; the impact of the development of technologies and carbon footprint and lifecycles.

Examining the impact on society and wellbeing.

Communication and presentation of findings through written analysis and graphical representation.

Develop ideas through drawing and CAD representation.

Economics

OVERVIEW

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Design Content We will explore: Product lifecycles; Efficiency; Materials development; Technological developments; Environmental issues and sustainability; Prototyping techniques and Product development.

Approach This will be project based and conclude in a presentation. We will also include debate and discussion.

Economics

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Economics OVERVIEW

This programme is designed to prepare you for undergraduate study. Each week will focus on a different economic issue facing society. Students will research and discuss a wide range of evidence and opinion on each topic to broaden their understanding. They will further develop a more critical approach to the study of economics.

The structure is designed to aid transition to higher level education with materials that move beyond A level content and structure.

Resources will be provided in a range of different formats including videos, journals and interactive media.

Content Areas of study include: Wealth taxes; Collective action vs individual choice; Zero emissions 2050; The end of petrol cars 2035; The Gig economy; Power of cities; Cities and networks; The role of the State in British Economic History 1948-present.

Approach Background reading There will be a reading list based around the topic being studied. This will contain links to journal articles with students expected to consider the source validity and critique the material. Students will develop their note taking skills to aid preparation for higher level study.

Group work Students will work in small discussion groups to consider and debate each topic. There will be opportunities to present ideas and arguments to the whole class.

Quizzes Interactive quizzes for students will take place to test their understanding.

Research All students will complete a report on one of the topics being studied with both internal and external prizes for the best pieces of work. Students will be expected to use a range of source material and reference appropriately.

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During the weeks leading up to half term, you will be able to broaden your literary knowledge, your critical and analytical skills and your own creative writing in preparation for study at degree level.

The course will be divided between critical and creative writing and will give you the opportunity to not only read and evaluate a range of texts, but also to produce a portfolio of your own creative work.

You will have the opportunity to listen to top university academics discussing challenging texts through Massolit and you will have access to theatrical productions and critical articles through Digital Theatre Plus, E-mag and The English Review.

This course will provide you with a stimulating and diverse selection of texts and approaches and will allow you to hone your skills before you move on to university.

English

OVERVIEW

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English Content Areas of study include: The philosophy of literature; The art of writing fiction; America 1880-1940; Poetry; Modernism and post-modernism; Drama; Dystopia; Graphic novels and Portfolio.

Approach Reading You will be asked to read a number of short texts taken from a variety of genres and styles ranging from Chaucer to graphic novels, post-modern drama and poetry. The course will combine close readings of texts with an exploration of the philosophy of literature and critical perspectives and approaches.

Critical writing Using the texts you have read and the critical approaches you have studied, you will work independently and in collaboration with other students to formulate critical interpretations which you will then structure into formal, academic essays.

Creative writing portfolio There will be a number of creative tasks which will be combined to produce a portfolio of work. You will read a number of extracts from texts with distinctive stylistic features as well as extracts from seminal works such as ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King and ‘The Art of Writing Fiction’ by Andrew Cowan. You will then have the chance to spend time working on and developing these narrative techniques in your own writing.

French

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French OVERVIEW

The aim is to afford students the opportunity to further develop key skills used on MFL degree courses such as analysis and discussion of authentic texts regarding current affairs in the French-speaking countries, spoken presentation skills and referencing with revision of key grammatical structures.

Content Areas of study include: Current affairs; Poetry; Modern and contemporary literature; History and cultural aspects; Practical tips for living and working in French-speaking countries Approach Presentation/discussion Students will give a two minute spoken presentation of their given side of an argument to open discussion. They will also be asked to present based on reading of longer current affairs articles (topic: something related to a French speaking country). Students will give a longer spoken presentation (3-5mins) on given topic and then open discussion.

Group debate Students will be asked to read articles prior to class and prepare some questions for the discussion.

OVERVIEW

With advice from leading University departments and The Royal Geographical Society, the key attributes that undergraduate Geographical courses would like to see in first year students in addition to those supported by A level specifications are an increased level of numeracy and the ability to read academic articles.

Our pre university course addresses numeracy by teaching new statistical tests and how to use excel to conduct both these statistical tests and those already learned. These skills would be transferable to many other university subjects.

We will use published articles or MOOCs, one from each of the six taught A level subjects, to explore undergraduate research and how to get the most from academic periodicals.

Content We will explore additional statistical tests such as Nearest Neighbour and Pearsons Product Moment Correlation. In addition, we will learn how to produce our own Excel spreadsheets to conduct tests such as Spearman’s Rank Correlation or Chi2.

An academic article focusing on a current issue will be selected from Geographical magazine each week to explore Water and Carbon Cycles, Cold Environments, Hazards, Changing Places, Global Systems and Population and the Environment.

Approach Taught skills How to use Excel and collaborate using Excel Online to produce a selection of spreadsheets. The ambition is to produce a portfolio document that can be taken away and used at university.

Online lecture New tests will be taught using conventional powerpoint methods, just like a university lecture.

Q&A When possible we will research a current paper in an online tutorial and then prepare an online Q&A for current subject matter experts. Some of these will be Mr Richmond’s former students such as Dr Daniel Blake, Post Doctoral Fellow at Wellington, NZ, or Henry Fell PhD at Nottingham. Time zone dependent, these will either need to be recorded and posted, or delivered live.

Geography

Geography

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German

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German OVERVIEW

The aim of the course is to continue to develop language skills and grammatical knowledge whilst undertaking literary analysis whilst looking at two key German literature texts in the Romantic and Naturalism movements. The study of the film will build upon the skills already gained in the A level course and will cover the topic of the STASI in East Germany and its approach to culture.

Course The Power of Nature - Romanticism to Symbolism; A study of Kleist’s ‘Das Erdbeben in Chile’; Hauptmann’s Bahnwarter Thiel’ and a study of the film Das Leben Der Anderen Approach Research Students will do background research on the key movements and the STASI Translation We will read the text/watch the film together and do close translation of the key sections Discussion We will discuss the key themes in the texts/film Presentation Students will choose a key theme on which to do a short presentation

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This programme is designed to be a taster to some of the undergraduate skills you will develop when you embark on a degree to read History at university. Supporting material is provided by a range of universities, for example the University of York and Nottingham University.

Each week will focus on a different historical skill you will be utilising at university.

Students will develop a wide range of skills such as active note-taking and how to approach seminars and tutorials. We will help you review your time management skills and we will consider how to help you maintain digital well- being whilst at university.

The structure is designed to aid transition to higher level education by offering specific guidance on critical reading and academic writing. We will review your study skills with a focus on finding and judging information, acknowledging sources of information, writing assignments and using IT.

History

OVERVIEW

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History Content Areas of study include: Active note-taking; Organising notes; Tutorials and seminars; Leading a seminar; Time management; Academic writing; Critical reading and Study skills Approach Guidance from universities Each week we will be using a variety of tutorials and videos created by Russell group universities to help provide you with some of the skills you will need at university. This means we will be focusing on exactly what the universities want. You will develop your note taking skills to aid preparation for higher level study.

Online resources We will use a wide range of online resources to allow you to trial different approaches, for example listening to TED talks and online lectures at https:// www.massolit.io/ subjects/history so that you can look at different ways to review notes.

Academic poster You will use the skills we have focused on to produce an academic poster as a method to display a piece of research. This is a common method used within many professions to publicise information and ideas. We will provide you with tips on what an academic poster is and how to produce one.

Mathematics

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Mathematics OVERVIEW

A pre-university or employment course in Mathematics could take many different paths due to the beauty, richness and diversity of this truly fascinating subject. However, the fundamental skills developed in Mathematics are directly relevant to a number of subjects at University level, and in the work-place. So we have therefore decided to focus upon an essential piece of software which will be of benefit to a variety of students, whether or not they studies A Level Mathematics.

This three week course will focus on the programming elements of Microsoft Excel, from basic formatting and formulae, to modelling real-life scenarios through simulations.

Content Basic formatting skills and formulae More advanced data analysis tools Collecting and interpreting real-life data Using Excel to process algorithms Simulations to model real-life problems Approach This course will use a hands on and practical approach, with all of the students generating their own unique data. There will also be a collaborative approach to the analysis to demonstrate how ‘big data’ can be more useful to an organisation, and to highlight the benefits of shared information and knowledge.

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This course is an opportunity to make an initial study of music from the eras not covered at A level, which only covers the more commonly studied periods of music. By listening to, and learning about, example works from these periods, pupils will gain an insight into what came before the music they have already studied, and explore what came after.

At the end of the topics, pupils will have a clearer idea of the whole range of music in the Western classical tradition, which will set them up really well for the first year of a Music degree. It is hoped that those pupils who do not intend to study Music at university will still get enjoyment and interest out of the selection of music explored in this programme.

Music

OVERVIEW

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Music Content Periods of study may include: Medieval; Renaissance; Musical Theatre; English 20th century song; Late 20th century music and 21st century music.

Music Tech: Practical recording sessions to reinforce theories studied in lockdown Approach The lessons will use a variety of educational techniques, including preliminary teacher guidance, but emphasising independent research in preparation for university.

Introduction to each era Group discussion of pupils’ present knowledge Listening time Independent background research Pooling of research results Teacher-led exploration with further ideas for listening Listening again with particular points to listen for, discovered in the research and exploration Summary and final group discussion of pupils’ personal opinions on the music and the composers’ explored.

Philosophy & Theology

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Philosophy & Theology OVERVIEW

This course is designed to bridge the gap to university for anybody contemplating Theology, Philosophy or other humanities courses.

Content We will be covering four key areas: Introduction to Theology; Worldviews, Faith and Identity; Introduction to Biblical Studies; Christianity in Context.

Approach We will develop the study skills you will need for any university course through the use of seminars, lectures and small group discussions. Using primary source material we will discover the wonders of modern Theology and with critical analysis explore some of the major questions facing Theologians today.

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The course is designed to further develop skills which will explore applications of concepts already studied, whilst further developing ideas in order to give engineers a head start in their future careers.

Ultimately we will, wherever possible, apply the knowledge in practical situations through participatory demonstration and practical work.

Physics

OVERVIEW

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Physics Content Solar Physics will cover the application of ideas learned in the A level nuclear fusion topic, to develop an understanding of the Sun as the source of all our power. Spectroscopy and observable properties of the Sun will be studied by making use of the department’s telescopes which give us an opportunity to safely observe features such as prominences and sun spots. By making several observations we should be able to study the rotational properties of the Sun and link the two strand of the Transition course.

Engineering Physics will expand upon the ideas of linear motion to develop a theory of rotational mechanics. rotational dynamics; and thermodynamics We will investigate rotational motion and forces by carrying out experiments on a larger scale than normal, making use of the outside spaces around the school.

Thermodynamics is a topic with applications in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and many other branches of Science; it dictates how our universe will end, and how a fridge keeps drinks cold; both will be considered in this course Approach Demonstrations This will allow ideas to be visualized, and calculations to be performed which verify the theory.

Practical work Carried out with household ‘equipment’ will allow ideas to be visualized, and calculations to be performed which verify the theory.

Politics

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Politics OVERVIEW

Content Areas of study include: Government; Leadership; Protest and Reform.

This course aims to develop pupil understanding of politics and society through discussion, debate and research. Pupils will be asked to critically analyse contemporary politics and the historical development of political thinking, all skills that will then be developed at undergraduate level.

Throughout the course, pupils will:

Heighten their understanding of key political debate at a local, national and international level.

Compare and contrast the core principles of authoritarian governments and liberal democracies through case studies ranging from North Korea to the USA.

Recognise how politicians throughout the ages have harnessed the power of information warfare, from the spy masters of the Elizabethan age, to the use of ‘fake news’ in the modern world.

Examine the powerful role of social media in both catalysing revolution and threatening democracy

Approach Literature To raise questions and explore ideas.

Documentaries To fuel discussion and debate.

Podcasts To spark curiosity and engage with current and innovative ideas.

News articles To engage with debate at a local, national and international level.

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The aim is to afford students the opportunity to further develop key skills used on MFL degree courses such as analysis and discussion of authentic texts regarding current affairs in the Hispanic world; spantaneous discussion and debate; spoken presentations skills; research and referencing together with revision of key grammatical structures.

Spanish

OVERVIEW

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Spanish Content Areas of study include: The rise of pupilism in the Hispanic world; The societal issues presented in popular contemporary Spanish TV series; Magic Realism; Current affairs in the Hispanic world; The cinema of Pedro Almodovar Approach ‘Taller de gramática’ The grammar workshop will be an opportunity to revisit and practise key grammatical structures such as verb forms, relative, direct & indirect object pronouns, prepositions, subjunctives and the use of por & para.

Literatura, tele y cine In these classes students will view a variety of works ranging from García Márquez’s ‘Cuentos Peregrinos’ to Almodóvar films and contemporary Spanish series such as ‘Las Chicas del Cable’, analysing the relevant themes, techniques, historical and societal issues raised. Students will also work in pairs to script a given piece of film in original English version and create a dubbed version in Spanish.

‘Club de conversación’ The weekly conversation class is designed to encourage spontaneous discussion and debate on contemporary issues. Students will engage in a range of activities each week including short oral presentations on prepared topics; discussion of contemporary news articles and matters such as the rise of Vox, economic crisis in Venezuela and the recent exhumation of Franco.

Theatre Studies

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Theatre Studies OVERVIEW

During the weeks leading up to half term, you will be able to broaden your theatrical knowledge, critical/ analytical skills and your own practical performance skills in preparation for study at degree level.​ The course will be divided between a practical and academic approach and will provide an opportunity to not only explore and evaluate a range of texts in performance, but also to develop your own creative work.​ You will have the opportunity to listen to access theatrical productions and critical articles through Digital Theatre Plus and listen to industry professionals discussing their approach to work.

This course will provide you with a stimulating and diverse selection of ideas and approaches, allowing you to hone your skills before moving on to university.

Content Landmarks in Theatre and Performance This module aims to provide students with a conceptual and critical language with which to analyse dramatic works and theatrical performance. This will be achieved by looking at a range of theatrical and performance works that can be considered ‘landmark’ works from the late nineteenth century to the present.

Studio Practice This module aims to prepare students as artists, theatre and performance makers by opening up a virtualspace for experimentation, enquiry, and building their skills through attention to key principles of performance and theatre (for example: presence, focus, responsiveness/listening, full embodiment, psychophysical impulse).

Theatre and Performance Practice Through practical classes, students are introduced to approaches for creating performance and theatre through various rehearsal methodologies. The module includes aspects of vocal, physical, textual and character work; students will acquire individual skills and be introduced to group & individual projects.

Preparing Performance This module prepares students for the work of making performance by equipping them with key practical skills, including confidence building. It will support students in transitioning to HE and becoming independent learners and practitioners.

Theatre Crafts There is a broad-based introduction to technical theatre covering the areas of Stage Technologies, Design and Stage Management.

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This course will aim to develop the essential skills for success on a Sports course:

Sport

OVERVIEW

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Sport Content Week 1: Physiology of Performance Week 2: Business and Sport Week 3: Organising a Sport Event Approach Quizzes

Problem solving Decision making

Leadership

Working with a variety of people

Reading of research and news articles

Organisation and time management

Research tasks

Written and oral communication

Data analysis

Collaborative work

Case studies

Giggleswick School, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0DE tel: +44 (0) 1729 893 000 email: enquiries@giggleswick.org.uk

www.giggleswick.org.uk Giggleswick is a registered charity no 1109826 The contents of this publication are correct at the time of printing.

However changes may be made in due course for educational or other reasons.