Illuminate is where pupils have the opportunity, during the timetabled day, for academic enquiry, academic extension, research and to make links in their learning between subjects through inter-disciplinary study. It is an opportunity for them to explore where their passions may lie, to think about where they want to be at 25 and to spark their intellectual curiosity. The aims of the Illuminate programme are to:
support pupils in furthering their academic interests challenge pupils with ideas and concepts beyond the taught curriculum provide opportunities to undertake research and inter-disciplinary study develop independence hone learning and thinking skills that will be useful for later study
In Year 9 Illuminate, pupils choose an elective course to study for the duration of the academic year. Information about each elective on offer is set out in this brochure, along with contact details of the member of staff running the elective.
Ms E White
Mr J Andrews Co-ordinator of Illuminate Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning)
Introduction to Financial Markets
The Introduction to Financial Markets Year 9 course is run by the Economics and Business Department. During the Autumn Term, the course will help to develop your understanding of the UK economy; including growth, inflation and the tools governments and central banks use to manage the economy. Pupil learning then moves towards personal finance through understanding the risks and rewards of different borrowing products, bank accounts and methods of saving. The Spring Term explores philosophical and ethical ideas concerning the economy such as: is inequality always bad? What is the relationship between economic growth and human development? What is the role of government within the economy? By exploring academic and new articles, pupils will form a greater understanding of the role that governments, households and business’ play in society and the relative importance of different measures of economic performance. During the Summer Term, pupils will undertake a project; they will have a choice of which theme to focus on, based on their learning in the course. For more information, please contact: Mr M Hipperson: m.hipperson@pgs.org.uk
Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)
The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is the perfect way to extend and develop your understanding of a topic beyond the material you have covered in class, and to explore your passion for a subject. It can help you to discover the joys of independent learning, take responsibility for your own study and develop new life and learning skills. You will extend and develop your thinking on a topic, develop your competencies in independent research and project management, and work within a focused structure to deepen your knowledge in a particular field. The HPQ also provides you with an introduction to project learning which may help you prepare for PGS Extend and EPQ in the Sixth Form. The different stages of the HPQ course are:
choose an area of interest
draft a title and aims of the project plan, research and carry out the project
deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment
The project outcome can take the form of an essay, report, artefact or production; it is therefore flexible enough to suit many different areas of research interest. The Higher Project Qualification programme is an externally-assessed Level 2 qualification, and is equivalent to half a GCSE. You will cover taught research skills and work on your project during the Y9 Illuminate programme, getting your project completed and ready for submission in Year 10.
For more information, please contact: Mr J Andrews: j.andrews@pgs.org.uk
Sports Leadership
This Sports Leadership course is designed to develop pupils' leadership skills through a practical and engaging programme of study. Throughout the course, pupils will learn about the qualities of effective leaders, how to plan and lead safe and inclusive sporting activities, and how to communicate confidently with others. They will take part in both classroombased learning and practical sessions, where they will design and lead small-group activities. The course will culminate in pupils planning, organising, and delivering a sporting event for younger students in the school, giving them the opportunity to apply their leadership skills in a real-world setting.
For more information, please contact: Mr A Seddon: a.seddon@pgs.org.uk
Architecture Through Art
Are you curious about the world around you and how it’s built? Are you an aspiring architect? Do you enjoy being creative and trying new techniques? Architecture Through Art is your opportunity to take art further and beyond the classroom to explore architecture in exciting and original ways. Across the year, you’ll experiment with photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and printmaking, using the theme of architecture as your inspiration. You’ll develop your own artistic voice, build your confidence, and learn to think critically about the spaces and structures that shape our lives.
This course is for pupils who are imaginative, independent, and ready to take on a creative challenge. It reflects the PGS Core Values of Curiosity, Courage, Creativity, and Compassion, helping you grow as an artist and as a thinker.
You’ll also gain a wide range of transferable skills that will support you in many other subjects, as the programme is designed to build a wide range of creative, analytical, and practical skills that will complement and enhance several GCSE subjects—not just Art & Design.
Aims of this course:
To develop creative thinking and independent inquiry beyond the curriculum.
To explore architecture as an artistic and cultural discipline through diverse materials and processes.
To encourage cross-disciplinary links between art, history, technology, and design.
To engage pupils with contemporary and historical artistic practices related to built environments.
This programme will offer an exciting and challenging creative journey for PGS pupils who wish to develop both their artistic potential and critical awareness. By learning to observe, question, and interpret the world through the lens of architecture, pupils will gain valuable insight into how art connects with the human experience and society.
For more information, please contact: Mr J Peebles: j.peebles@pgs.org.uk
Ab initio German
Year 9 ab initio German is a fast-paced course, which offers an exciting opportunity to explore a new language from the very beginning. Over the year, pupils will develop essential listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a range of interactive and culturally rich activities. With two periods per fortnight, the course provides a solid foundation in vocabulary and grammar, while also encouraging curiosity about German-speaking countries and cultures.
Pupils will work towards the AQA Foundation Certificate in German, which will be completed in the Summer Term of Year 9. This provides a meaningful and externally accredited outcome without the pressure of a formal exam. Weekly homework will support consolidation of learning and preparation for class. By the end of the year, pupils will have built the confidence to communicate in German and take pride in completing a recognised language qualification. Please be aware this is an ab initio course so it is not suitable for pupils who study German as a language option.
For more information, please contact: Mr J O’Meara: j.omeara@pgs.org.uk
Ancient Greek
Pupils will gain a strong foundation in Greek grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and the alphabet. Along the way, they’ll explore captivating stories from Greek mythology, including tales of Helen of Troy, Achilles and Patroclus, and Odysseus and the Cyclops. No prior knowledge is of Ancient Greek is required but a passion for classical languages most certainly is!
The course is designed to prepare pupils for the Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek (ICCG), a qualification awarded in the Summer Term. Endorsed by the Classical Association, Classics for All, and the JACT Greek Summer School, the course is recognised by leading UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Assessment takes the form of a single, purely linguistic examination held each June. Scripts are marked centrally, with results released by the end of August. Pupils will be expected to undertake independent study beyond the classroom. In return, they will gain a valuable academic qualification that is widely respected within the field of Classics and by top UK universities.
For more information, please contact: Miss E Abercromby: e.abercromby@pgs.org.uk
The Story of Life
This Illuminate elective is an interdisciplinary journey through time that explores the origins of the universe, the evolution of life on Earth, and humanity's rise from simple organisms to spacefaring beings. Spanning 13.8 billion years of history, this course blends Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and big questions about our future - starting with the Big Bang, tracing the development of life and ending with the challenges and possibilities of colonising Mars. Perfect for scientific minds, this course goes beyond the GCSE and A Level specification, encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of our place in the Universe.
For more information, please contact: Mrs B Pugh: b.pugh@pgs.org.uk
CREST Silver Award
The Silver CREST Award is a nationally recognised qualification that celebrates creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). It gives you the chance to work like a real scientist or engineer, asking your own questions, conducting practical investigations, and developing a deeper understanding of the scientific method.
As part of the Silver CREST Award, you’ll take responsibility for a 30+ hour project where you investigate a topic of your choice. You’ll plan and carry out your own research or experiment, record your findings, and evaluate your outcomes. This is a great opportunity to showcase your initiative, independence, and enthusiasm for STEM.
The Silver Award is designed to stretch and challenge students, helping you to:
Develop confidence in planning and conducting a long-term investigation
Explore a real-world STEM topic that interests you
Build essential research, analytical and communication skills
Work independently while being supported by a teacher
Gain experience that supports applications for higher-level awards, work experience, or Sixth Form courses
Key Stages of the Silver CREST Award:
1.Choose a STEM topic or question to investigate
2.Plan and carry out your project work over 30+ hours
3.Record your process, results and conclusions
4.Reflect on your project and evaluate your methods
5.Submit your project report for assessment by the British Science Association
For more information, please contact: Mr D Rogers: d.rogers@pgs.org.uk
