Students at Old Swinford Hospital have five lessons a fortnight in Year 12 designated to Academic Enrichment.
Academic enrichment refers to activities and learning that extend beyond the prescribed curriculum, providing students with a broader understanding of their subjects. At A level, engaging with such material is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, it equips students with the critical thinking skills needed to excel in university courses, where independent research and in-depth analysis are paramount. Universities highly value applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the ability to engage with complex ideas, often leading to a strong advantage in the admissions process.
Furthermore, super-curricular reading serves as an excellent foundation for job interviews and university interviews. Prospective employers frequently seek candidates who can articulate a passion for their field and showcase knowledge that surpasses standard academic requirements. By cultivating a habit of intellectual exploration during their A level studies, students not only enrich their understanding of the subject but also position themselves as well-rounded individuals, ultimately enhancing their prospects for higher education and future employment.
By designating set time for Academic Enrichment, students at OSH Sixth Form can be signposted to specific areas beyond the curriculum that relate to their interests and future careers.
At OSH we offer four different academic enrichment pathways that students can follow:
Dynamis – The Arts Pathway with EPQ
Students will receive two lectures a fortnight on super-curricular topics related to the Arts, Culture and the Humanities. Led by the Headmaster, students will cover topics including the Renaissance, Identity, Ontology, to name but a few.
Students will then have designated time to work on an Extended Project Qualification either related to the Arts or on a topic of their own choosing.
Students will also have time to explore Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) related to the Arts which can be evidenced in application forms.
Dynamis – The Social Sciences Pathway with EPQ
Students will receive two lectures a fortnight on super-curricular topics related to Politics, State and Society. Led by the Director of Sixth Form, students will cover topics including the Enlightenment, International Security and Terrorism, Criminology, to name but a few.
Students will then have designated time to work on an Extended Project Qualification either related to the Social Sciences or on a topic of their own choosing.
Students will also have time to explore Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) related to the Social Sciences which can be evidenced in application forms.
Dynamis – The STEM Pathway with EPQ
Students will receive two lectures a fortnight on super-curricular topics related to Science, Technology and Maths. Led by one of our most experienced Further Maths teachers, students will cover topics including Bayesian Inference, Cryptography, Intelligent Design, to name but a few.
Students will then have designated time to work on an Extended Project Qualification either related to STEM topics or on a topic of their own choosing.
Students will also have time to explore STEM related Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which can be evidenced in application forms.
Core Maths (AS qualification)
Note: This pathway cannot be taken if a student is taking A level Mathematics
Core Maths bridges the gap for students who do not wish to undertake traditional A-Level Mathematics but still require mathematical knowledge for their future studies. It offers support for students facing mathematical components in other A-Level subjects, ensuring they are well-prepared for the analytical rigour of higher education.
Moreover, universities often regard Core Maths as a commendable qualification that enhances a student's application, demonstrating a commitment to developing practical skills. Ultimately, the study of Core Maths fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, vital for success in both academic and professional environments.
