Additional Courses
Extended Project Qualification
Course Summary
All students will have the opportunity to undertake the AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). They will begin this project in June of Year 12. The area of study for the project is chosen by the individual student based on their own academic interests and it takes the form of independent research.
The project provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on an area they are really interested in, whilst gaining and improving independent research an organisational skills that are required for successful university study, and as such it is highly regarded by admissions officers.
Students are supported by an individual project supervisor and additional taught sessions are provided to give guidance on key areas such as referencing.
This is a level 3 qualification which appears on the UCAS tariff table.
|
Grade |
UCAS points |
Grade | UCAS points | |
|
A* |
28 |
A | 24 | |
|
B |
20 |
C | 16 | |
|
D |
12 |
E | 8 |
2024 exam results
A*-B 66.78%
A*-E 100%
Entry Requirements
Organisational skills, motivation and commitment are essential as students are responsible for meeting all deadlines and managing the reading, write up and final presentation of their findings.
Assessment
5000 word essay or artefact with 1000 word report
Log book
Presentation
EPQ examples
Do the benefits of using CRISPR-CAS9 gene therapy outweigh the drawbacks in the treatment of HIV and Cardiovascular disease?
To what extent is the media positively influencing the development of women’s football?
A comparison of liberal and illiberal democracy – what is the effect of each on protection of individual rights and liberties.
How are female characters portrayed in fairy tales and how does this affect our perspectives on femininity and gender?
Please add the following 2 more and take out the date from the examples.
Is physical health more beneficial than medication to the health of the elderly in the United Kingdom and wider world?
Does queer representation affect or reflect society’s acceptance of queer individuals?
Enrichment
Course Summary
All students take part in a structured programme of enrichment. These largely take place on Wednesday afternoons and provide an excellent opportunity to develop leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills, pursue an interest or deepen and stretch students academically.
Enrichment provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the creativity, organisational skills, professionalism and initiative that admissions officers and employers are looking for.
A wide range of activities is offered, including languages, sports and voluntary work. These activities bring Year 12 and Year 13 students together to improve their interpersonal and academic skills. Other activities on offer include the EPQ, the Model United Nations and a preparation for adult life carousel, which includes practical activities such as cooking on a budget. Some students also choose to support in lessons lower down the school as teaching assistants. With a range of qualifications on offer and also skill-based activities, we aim to aid the future development of our students.
A full list of the opportunities on offer is provided prior to the start of each term. It is expected that students will take part in a number of different activities or projects during their time in the sixth form.
Sports
Braintree Sixth Form offers a range of sports through the Enrichment programme. There is the opportunity to compete as part of the football or netball team in a league against other sixth form teams in the area. Internal matches, such as the popular 5-a side matches, also take place within the sixth form. Other sports on offer include table tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, trampolining and more besides, depending on the interest of the students. There are a number of sporting events throughout the year that sixth form students can get involved with, either as a competitor or organiser. These include cross country and athletics competitions. Students also organise or assist with extra-curricular sports clubs for younger students, or work as teaching assistants within PE lessons.
Examples of Enrichment Choices
A full list of the opportunities on offer is provided prior to the start of each term. See below for examples. Please note that this is subject to change at the start of each academic year.
The enrichment programme also includes a series of visiting speakers and lecturers who are invited to talk to students about aspects of university life, employment and personal development.
|
EPQ (year 13 only) |
Netball |
|
Football |
General Sport |
|
Psychology Award |
Creative Writing |
|
Beginner language / FCSE course |
|
|
Resit Maths |
Resit English |
|
Student Librarians |
Student Newsletter |
|
Voluntary work |
Teaching Assistant |
|
1 to 1 mentoring programme |
|
|
Own work experience |
|
|
Organising own course |
|
Level 3 Dance Teaching Assistant Diploma
Course Summary
This course is perfect for anyone wishing to take their first steps to becoming a qualified teacher in any performing arts subject; dance; acting; musical theatre. It is suitable for those just starting out as TA’s or equally for those already established in a TA role.
The aims and objectives of the course are to support you in developing knowledge and understanding of specific syllabus requirements, safe dance practice and teaching. There is focus upon:
-
Safe practice (dance, acting or musical theatre); health and safety in the studio; roles and responsibilities of TA’s.
-
Observation and supervised teaching practice
-
Basic theoretical and applied knowledge of the chosen genre and its syllabi
As a teaching assistant you will be expected to help and assist teachers in class situations, help with teaching small groups of learners for a specified period under the supervision of a qualified teacher.
It is important to note that UCAS points are not available on completion of this course.
Entry Requirements
Some experience in dance, acting or musical theatre. Ideally taken some dance examinations.
Module Assessment
Module 1: Written evidence in Logbook (M4)
Module 2: Written evidence in Logbook (M4)
Module 3: Written evidence in Logbook (M4) AND discussion in Q&A (M5)
Module 4: Written evidence in Logbook (M4)
Module 5: 60 minute live question and answer session with an NPAA Examiner.
Personal Development Programme
Course Summary
Entry Requirements
We do some units which give them memorable experiences and develop competencies which employers like to see, for example in Year 12, students are currently setting up a business to run at an Enterprise Fair where younger students buy the products students produce. We also run a Model United Nations conference. Part of this programme is also support with progression. We guide students – and parents – through the process of applying for university, apprenticeships or jobs, taking them to two local universities and inviting a range of different providers in to talk to them.
