Upper Sixth - Preparation for University - Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 - Malvern College
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Upper Sixth – Preparation for University Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020
Welcome
from Joe Gauci
Malvern College recognises that, at this unprecedented time, we need
to continue our care and support of all our pupils right through the
Summer Term. This is particularly important for our Upper Sixth who
have all worked so hard over the last two years to prepare for their
final exams and in securing places at University.
I am delighted to be able to launch our 2. Essay writing and research skills for
Preparation for University Bridging Courses university courses.
for our Upper Sixth pupils. Our Academic 3. A Careers Preparation course.
Leadership Team have spent many hours
4. University subject specific preparation
identifying each course to appeal to as
– either some pre-course reading or a
broad a range of our Upper Sixth as possible.
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) or
This demonstrates our commitment and
a combination of both supported by an
continued determination to give each
academic Mentor in defined subject areas
individual our support, guidance and
courses. Run by academic departments.
resources to effectively make their transition
to University, or to the world of work, and 5. More general MOOCs for which there will
to ensure that pupils can continue to realise be less external support, but tutors will
their full potential. monitor and discuss their tutees’ progress
with them.
The bridging programme aims to provide
our Upper Sixth pupils with subject specific Your tutor will be available for on-going
academic and intellectual stimulation as well discussion during these courses.
as skills focused courses and so provide them
Best wishes for the remainder of the
with valuable preparation for moving on to
Summer Term.
Higher Education or work.
Pupils in the Upper Sixth may choose up
to 3 or 4 courses from the options open
to them, outlined below:
Joe Gauci
1. Continuation of subject specific study Deputy Head Academic
in some, or all, of a pupil’s A level or IB
subjects, either as preparation for an
Autumn sitting of IB or A level exams,
or, purely for further academic interest.
Contents
Academic Writing and French 12
Research Skills for University 4
Geography 13
Careers Preparation Course 5
German for Business and
Anthropology 6 Commercial Situations 13
Architecture 6 History 14
Biochemistry 6 Law 15
Business Law 7 Medicine 16
Chemistry 7 Music 16
Classical Civilisation 8 Philosophy 17-18
Computer Science 8 Photography 19
Economics 9 Physical Education 20
Engineering 9 Physics 20
English 10 Politics 21
Film Studies 11 Social Sciences 22
Academic Writing and Research Skills for University
Aim of course Skills
This course aims to develop skills that would be useful The skills this develops will be similar to those covered
in writing coursework essays and dissertations at during the Extended Essay (EE) and EPQ, and we
university, specifically how to find and evaluate sources, recommend this for anyone going on to university
how to reference correctly, how to read for detail and who did not complete either an EE or EPQ.
how to structure an argument and write critically.
Week 1 - online research (evaluating sources)
Week 1 - referencing (formats)
Week 2 - developing a research question
Week 2 - referencing (online tools - Zotero)
Week 3 - smart reading, note taking and
argument mapping
Week 3 - report structure and writing critically
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 4
Careers Preparation Course
Aims of course » Thinking on your feet
To prepare pupils for accessing the world of work » Strategies for dealing with tricky questions and
by refining skills, knowledge and experience already managing nerves
acquired in the Life Skills and Careers Programmes at » Body language and interview etiquette
Malvern College. » Assertiveness and resilience
» Homework: view videos of interviews
Outline of course
Session 2:
CV WRITING (IN WEEK 3)
» Review and discuss videos watched
Session 1: » Purpose of on-line tests: understanding
» Purpose of CVs: understanding the employer’s what they are looking for
perspective
» Analyse sample questions and answers
» What to include and how best to describe
» Evaluating evidence, data or statistics
qualifications and experience
» Homework: practice with an on-line test
» Format, order and style of CV so it stands out
» Identify any gaps and check for errors RESEARCHING AND RESOURCES (IN WEEK 5)
» Homework: write CV before next session and
Session 1:
send to RGT
» Overview of resources of information on internships,
Session 2: jobs, apprenticeships, gap years
» Analyse, assess and discuss pupils’ CVs » Exploration of Unifrog, UCAS, OM Connect,
» Advice on how to continue developing CV and LinkedIn, GOV.UK, etc.
promote CV online » Homework: research and prepare presentation
» Write an effective cover letter/email to complement on chosen job, etc.
your CV
Session 2:
» Homework: write CV before next session and » Review and discuss presentations
send to RGT
» Advice on further research and contacts
INTERNSHIP/JOB APPLICATION (IN WEEK 4) » Feedback from pupils on Careers Preparation Course
Session 1:
Course tutors
» Purpose of interviews: understanding what the
interviewer is looking for » Richard Thurlow
» Effective pre-interview research and preparation » Mark Smith (SPW Careers)
» Structuring effective answers » OM volunteers
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 5
Anthropology
An Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity. In this course, We will be using several different case studies including
we will be looking at how society has evolved from Ancient Egypt and the history of Britain from Ice Age to
a simple hunter/gatherer state through subsistence AD 2020.
existence and community formation to the digital
We will also consider methods of data collection
society of which we are a part today.
including archaeology and written records.
We will be looking at the roles of religion, honour, and
community in the context of the evolution of society.
Architecture
Architecture is more than building. Architects have to an understanding of the many and varied themes that
deal with cultural, social, economic, technological and architects deal with when answering a design brief, and
political issues when designing. help them to see what an interdisciplinary subject it is.
Using the Harvard University MOOC “The Architectural https://www.edx.org/course/the-architectural-
Imagination” pupils will be able to gain imagination
Biochemistry
The Molecules of Life
This course will outline the background and history It is ideal if you enjoy Biology and Chemistry at
of the field of Biochemistry, and its contemporary school, and are thinking about studying Biochemistry
significance in the life sciences. or Natural Sciences, or working in biochemistry as a
distinct subject.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/
biochemistry
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 6
Business Law
Introduction to the course This course comprises of 3 contact lessons as follows:
In modern business, it is essential to have a broad Lesson 1: Explain the primary sources
understanding of the legal implications of Company of English Law
Law. This course will introduce you to the history and » Civil and criminal law
structure of the English Legal System and how the
» Sources of law
European Union has influenced national law. Companies
must ensure that the contracts they enter into with Lesson 2: Explain the law of Contract
customers or other businesses are legally binding. » What is a Contract?
You will look at the legal concepts of Offer and
» How a Contract is formed?
Acceptance and Invitation to Treat in The Law of
» Legal Concepts of Offer and Acceptance and
Contract. Finally, you will learn how to approach
Invitation to Treat
answering a legal problem.
Lesson 3: Approaches to solving a legal problem
» How to analyse a legal problem
» An approach on how to answer a legal question
This course requires you to be active in researching
information to support the above. This will include
reading case materials, looking at websites,
newspaper articles and other reference materials.
Chemistry
“Discover Science: Atmospheric Chemistry” (Note: Dr Vaughan, Head of Chemistry, has played a
Learn about the role that radiation and greenhouse part in the research that is discussed)
gases play in our understanding of atmospheric
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/discovering-
chemistry.
science-atmospheric-chemistry/
As levels of CO in the atmosphere increase, you will
2
discover the solutions scientists are exploring to reduce
levels, and, discover how missions to other planets and
moons in our solar system are revealing extraordinarily
diverse atmospheres. Explore how an exponential
increase in the discovery of new exoplanets is helping
us learn about the evolution of our own atmosphere.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 7
Classical Civilisation
Aim of course » the Acropolis in Athens: a brief overview of the
buildings contained within the sanctuary, and
As well as nurturing the general skills of academic
a closer look at the sculptural decoration and
writing, reading, note-taking, planning, academic
architectural design of its most iconic building,
integrity and the use of IT, the aim of this course is
the Parthenon.
to provide pupils with more historical, geographical,
cultural and archaeological contextual knowledge of the Introduction to Archaeology: looking at the scientific
Classical World of the Greeks and Romans to prepare process; methodology of excavation; dating techniques;
them for their chosen university degree course. recording and conservation; publication of findings.
Introduction to Greek Drama: exploration via read-
Outline of course
throughs and video clips of Euripides’ tragedy Medea
The course can be tailor-made in discussion with pupils. and Aristophanes’ comedy Lysistrata.
Suggested topics include:
Greek Sanctuaries:
» a whistle-stop tour of Mycenaean palace culture
and the Greek Dark Age 1100-800 BC.
» the sanctuary of Apollo and the Oracle at Delphi:
what would the ancient visitor see and hear?
Computer Science
The Computer Science department will support After this course a student should feel familiar with the
students who would like to learn programming/ Python language and be able to solve problems such as:
coding skills by assisting in their learning of the Python
» Creating a program that checks if a word is
language through futurelearn courses. This will involve
a palindrome
the basics of designing algorithms to solve problems,
» Using python to check if a number is prime
learning about different data structures in Python as well
as the basics techniques of procedural programming. » Coding a simple game of Bulls and Cows
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 8Economics
Economic History: An Introduction
Aim of course Outline of course
This course aims to prepare pupils for Economics Economic History: 1850-1900 Industrial Revolution
modules at university by providing them with an Movement from agriculture to manufacturing Economic
overview of Economic History which is a mandatory History: 1900-1972, 1900-1913, World War I, The
module on most first-year undergraduate courses. It will 1920’s, The 1930’s, World War II, 1951-1972. Economic
also include content which pupils will cover in a number History: 1973-2020, The 1970s Oil Crisis, Winter of
of modules including International Economics, Public Discontent, The 1980’s, The 1990’s, The Nice Decade
Sector Economics and Applied Economics. (1997-2007), 2008 Credit Crunch, Austerity, Brexit.
This bridging course requires you to be active in
researching information to support the above.
This will include reading notes, looking at websites,
newspaper articles and other reference materials.
Engineering
The Physics department will support the identification Topics such as rotational mechanics, thermodynamics,
of the skills that pupils will find useful for a course advanced electronics and computer programming may
in Engineering by raising awareness of areas of be developed depending on the students’ preferences.
engineering that pupils will not have come across The department will very much be guided by the
in such detail. students’ interest and will adapt the course to
their requirements.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 9English
This course is designed to help students prepare to » A selection of courses provided by the Ivy League
read English at university, but it is also an opportunity universities including:
to broaden their skills and knowledge more widely – Modern and contemporary American
and to enjoy investigating the many avenues of poetry (UPenn)
literary and linguistic study and research.
– English for Journalism (UPenn)
The course will be tailored to individual needs
– Masterpieces in World Literature (Harvard)
and interests.
– Shakespeare’s Life and Work (Harvard)
Some of the material available in this course include:
– John Milton, Paradise Lost (Dartmouth)
» A series of ‘intermediate’ courses recently made
available through the Open University, including https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/
ivy-league-free-online-courses-a0d7ae675869/
– ‘What is poetry?’
– ‘What is good writing?’
» A collection of short writings from a variety of writers
– ‘Exploring the English Language’ from different contexts, as chosen by members of
– Specialist units on Marlowe, Dickens the Malvern College English Department.
and Shakespeare
Pupils will be asked to interrogate the text on a series of
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
levels. This will involve some knowledge and practice
free-courses/full-catalogue
in some literary theories including cultural historicism,
personal reader response, feminist, and political.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 10Film Studies
Aim of course
The aim of this course is to explore the history of film by delving into significant films in a range of genres.
Pupils will consider the historical origins, socio-political contexts and aesthetic achievements of the medium
thinking about key concepts and the ideas of major film makers.
Content
SILENT MOVIE (Horror) FANTASY DRAMA
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari It’s a Wonderful Life - Frank Capra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aimAeeDx2p4 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSzogRm_
jlWBvWEVWxH-uFNYwYDEBuw0J
CHARLIE CHAPLIN City Lights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyH6lVzE2uk A Matter of Life and Death/The Red Shoes -
Powell & Pressburger
EXPRESSIONIST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t3Xv70vkY8
Science Fiction - Metropolis – Fritz Lang https://www.youtube.com/
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=t1ga6wgQjNU&list=PLY7SP1cD4-e_
watch?v=awMAnKhBQlg OGqGGrr6IiII1R_VD-s8z&index=3&t=0s
The Birds or Psycho – Alfred Hitchcock
Citizen Kane – Orson Welles (Netflix)
https://vimeo.com/231413951
https://vimeo.com/85707358
SURREALIST FILM
Un Chien D’andelou – Dali/Bunuel Reservoir Dogs or Pulp Fiction – Tarantino (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=054OIVlmjUM
DARK FANTASY
Labyrinth – Guillermo del Toro (Netflix)
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 11French
The aim of this course is to prepare pupils for If students prefer, we are also happy to support them
studying French at university. The sessions will through a range of MOOCs and will talk through
be tailored to pupils’ specific interests or to their options with them.
chosen university course.
Currently, these are the seminars offered, however they
Pupils will be invited to reflect more deeply on aspects may be adjusted according to the needs of the pupils.
of Francophone history and culture and will consider
how these are expressed through different media. Week 1: Le cinéma français
Pupils will also have the possibility to explore linguistic Introduction to French Film, to critical analysis and film
issues such as the complexities of act of translation; theory. Students will explore the complex and nuanced
the influence of English on the French language and nature of French Film and how film is used to express
the social, cultural and moral implications of language decisive moments in Francophone history.
change. There will also be the opportunity to delve
deeper into French Literature and Culture through Week 2: Traduire c’est mentir?
an introduction to film analysis or to French poetry Can we ever really understand a text in translation?
where students will examine how these media
Students will explore translation theory, reflect on
communicate social values.
the linguistic, cultural, ethical responsibilities of the
Pupils will develop a portfolio and engage in university– translator and discuss translation issues in practice.
style seminars where they will present their ideas. It is
anticipated that pupils will begin to develop deeper Week 3: Le mot et la chose
critical reading skills required for university; that they An introduction to Linguistics and Socio-Linguistics:
will begin to engage with reading lists and to develop a window into the relationship between language
a more advanced critical vocabulary. and culture.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 12Geography
The aim of the course is to encourage pupils to begin Each pupil will have their own individual project and
to think “outside the box” and to critically evaluate will be guided weekly into new areas and set targets
areas they have studied. to complete. It is anticipated that pupils will present
their findings in a variety of interactive manners.
One possible area of study will be Geography Films.
Here pupils will be expected to think about how If pupils prefer, we are also happy to support them
accurately a chosen film reflects the reality they have through a range of MOOCs and will talk through
studied in the classroom; for example, looking at the options with them. There are three options below,
possible impacts of changing Ocean Circulation models but there are many more to choose from:
in the film “Day After Tomorrow”. We may then look
» Tipping Points: Climate Change and Society
at the proposed impacts of migration in the film on
» New Energy Technologies: Energy Transition
Mexico, as well as how things have changed over time
and Sustainable Development
since the film was made.
» Concepts in Sustainable Development:
Another area that pupils might be interested to explore
An Introduction to the Key Issues
is the Geography of a Sport or a Team. This could focus
on the impact of global brands and advertising or
possibly look at where players have come from and
the impacts of international migration.
German for Business and Commercial Situations
Aim of course The course begins with simpler interactions and
moves to more complex scenarios:
The aim of this course is intended to give pupils the
cultural understanding and specific vocabulary needed 1. Face-to face introductions; etiquette; making/
to ‘get by in business in German’. cancelling appointments
2. Enquiries; catalogue; stock; delivery time;
Course content discount; first order etc.
The course combines several elements to allow 3. Business problems; complaints; dealing with
pupils to gain an understanding of the nuances of supply chain issues; overdue payment etc.
communicating in German in commercial situations. 4. Coping with correspondence; various, such as
Initially pupils will build on their existing knowledge of querying an invoice; production problems etc.
grammar, using this as a foundation on which they can
layer vocabulary and specific terms that are required in
business. This will include the use of particular idioms
that are commonplace in German commerce.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 13History
Core skills Timetable
Research; identification of sources; reading; Week 1 Discussion of nature of History/study at
note-taking; planning; IT; working to deadlines; university level - identification of suitable area of
essay writing. interest for research and essay.
Week 2 ICT Skills – using JSTOR/search engines for
Topic
academic results and identification of other useful
To be of pupils’ choosing based around their own online collections.
interests and in discussion with their teacher.
Week 3 Discussion of topic/reading / footnotes/
references/ bibliographies.
Outline
» Pupils will work towards producing a 2500 word End of course essay submitted.
essay on a topic of their choosing in agreement
with their teacher. This will be similar to a university
module essay.
» Three sessions will be given by teachers on study
skills for university/the nature of History/discussion
of the topic chosen by the pupil.
» The finished product will then be marked by staff.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 14Law
For those pupils who intend to proceed to courses On this course, pupils will be introduced to the
in Law, the following MOOCs are suggested: role of judges in the legal system of England and
Wales through an array of articles, cases and
1. Justice interviews with judges.
Provider: edX / Harvard University Pupils will explore how judgement works and engage
with the work of the judiciary through the study of a
Study: 12 weeks, 3-6 hours per week. Free access.
recent decision of your chosen court. Pupils will also
Abstract: Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael consider how judges are portrayed in the media and
Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and learn how working practices have evolved over time.
contemporary theories of justice, including discussion
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/the-
of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative
modern-judiciary
action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the
role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and
property rights), arguments for and against equality, 3. Incarceration:
dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course Are Prisons Suitable Punishment?
invites learners to subject their own views on these
Provider: FutureLearn / Leeds University
controversies to critical examination.
Study: 2 weeks, approx. 4 hours per week. Free access.
The principal readings for the course are texts by
Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Abstract: England and Wales have the highest
Mill, and John Rawls. Other assigned readings include incarceration rate in Western Europe. Almost a quarter
writings by contemporary philosophers, court cases, of these prisoners are held in overcrowded prisons. On
and articles about political controversies that raise this course, pupils will take a look inside the prisons of
philosophical questions. England and Wales.
https://www.edx.org/course/justice-2 Pupils will consider the role of imprisonment as a form
of punishment, and, hear from ex-prisoners about their
experience of being incarcerated. Through case studies,
2. The Modern Judiciary: pupils will explore the challenges faced by the current
Who they are, what they prison system. Pupils will identify alternative methods
do and why it matters of punishment and rehabilitation, and, learn about the
debates that exist within the criminal justice system.
Provider: FutureLearn / KCL / The Judiciary of England
and Wales
Study: 5 weeks, approx. 3 hours per week. Free access.
Abstract: From criminal trials to Brexit, judges in courts
and tribunals across the country make decisions that
affect our daily lives every day, but their role isn’t
always understood.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 15Medicine
The Chemistry Department will be tutoring pupils Additional option for Medics
through a MOOC, “The Science of Medicines.” As an additional option for potential medics, or those
interested in medical diagnostics, there will be a
The world’s growing population faces major health
problem-based course; each week a set of diagnostic
issues, and medicines are a primary pillar to effect better
information is provided, and pupils must research the
health. Learn about the science of key medicines used
possible causes and propose their own diagnosis.
to manage heart disease, depression, diabetes, pain
control and smoking cessation.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/the-science-
of-medicines
Music
Unit 1 Unit 3
A guide to the Music Industry Individual tutorials
(The Recording Artist) Pupils will create a self-defined brief as an introduction
Pupils will discover more about music as a ‘product’, to the first-year topics at their chosen universities, and,
and explore the systems and businesses involved in alongside a tutor, will engage with reading material,
turning sound into a marketable commodity. historical context, related listening and analysis.
Unit 2
The role of a freelance musician (The Performer)
Pupils will have the opportunity to engage with the
experiences of people currently working as freelance
musicians across a range of genres and consider their
own aspirations and expectations.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 16Philosophy
For pupils who intend to proceed to courses that include Philosophy, we suggest the following MOOCs.
» Justice: particularly suited to PPE candidates
» Introduction to Philosophy: suited to those who will be starting their study of Philosophy
(and also to those with some existing background in Philosophy)
» Science and Philosophy: suited to those who have studied some Philosophy previously
There are plenty of other options available, but these are the ones for which we intend to offer support.
1. Justice
Provider: edX / Harvard University The principal readings for the course are texts by
Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart
Study: 12 weeks, 3-6 hours per week. Free access.
Mill, and John Rawls. Other assigned readings include
Abstract: Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael writings by contemporary philosophers, court cases,
Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and and articles about political controversies that raise
contemporary theories of justice, including discussion philosophical questions.
of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative
https://www.edx.org/course/justice-2
action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the
role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and
property rights), arguments for and against equality,
dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course
Course details continued
invites learners to subject their own views on these on the following page
controversies to critical examination.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 17Philosophy continued
2. Introduction to Philosophy 3. Philosophy, Science and Religion:
Science and Philosophy
Provider: Coursera / Edinburgh University
Study: 4 weeks, approx. 14 hours in total. Free access. Provider: Coursera / Edinburgh University
Abstract: This course will introduce pupils to some of Study: 4 weeks, approx. 9 hours in total. Free access.
the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy. Abstract: Philosophy, Science and Religion mark
In each module a different philosopher will talk through three of the most fundamental modes of thinking
some of the most important questions and issues in about the world and our place in it. Are these modes
their area of expertise. incompatible? Put another way: is the intellectually
We’ll begin by trying to understand what philosophy responsible thing to do to ‘pick sides’ and identify with
is – what are its characteristic aims and methods, and one of these approaches at the exclusion of others?
how does it differ from other subjects? The remaining Or, are they complementary or mutually supportive?
course will be focussed on gaining an introductory As is typical of questions of such magnitude, the devil is
overview of several different areas of philosophy. Topics in the details. For example, it is important to work out
will include: Epistemology, where we’ll consider what what is really distinctive about each of these ways of
our knowledge of the world and ourselves consists of, inquiring about the world. In order to gain some clarity
and how we come to have it; Philosophy of science, here, we’ll be investigating what some of the current
where we’ll investigate foundational conceptual issues leading thinkers in philosophy, science and religion
in scientific research and practice; Philosophy of Mind, are actually doing. This course, entitled ‘Science and
where we’ll ask questions about what it means for Philosophy’, is the first of three related courses in our
something to have a mind, and how minds should be Philosophy, Science and Religion online series.
understood and explained; Political Philosophy, where The course will address four themes each presented
we’ll investigate whether we have an obligation to by guest lecturers:
obey the law; Moral Philosophy, where we’ll attempt » Are science and religion in conflict?
to understand the nature of our moral judgements and
» Neuroscience and free will
reactions – whether they aim at some objective moral
» Creationism and evolutionary biology - science
truth, or are mere personal or cultural preferences,
or pseudo-science?
and; Metaphysics, where we’ll think through some
fundamental conceptual questions about free will » Do scientific claims constitute absolute truths?
and the nature of reality.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-
https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy#about science-religion-1#about
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 18Photography
This course will partly be governed by the individual There will also be tutorials /demonstrations on the
needs and requests of the pupil, but the basis of following genres of photography: fashion, film, time-
university preparation will be as follows: lapse, advertising, HDR, macro, studio, photojournalism,
product photography, commercial, editorial, family
Over the course of the 5 weeks, we will be looking
photography, event photography, landscape, wildlife.
at the following in detail:
Each week pupils will be given a different genre of
» The importance of independent study, and
photography to study and take photos in the style of.
self-motivation needed at university
They will be different to the subjects already studied
» Detailed discussions on the aesthetics and moral during their A level course, to push them out of their
issues around Photography as an Art form ‘comfort zones’. Discussions will follow, employing the
» How to develop a rigorous critical approach above “rigorous critical approach” to their work, to
to one’s own work, and the work of others push them further.
» Developing your ‘visual voice’ for effective This work will be marked each week, and graded, based
communication, and the importance of ‘thinking on Assessment Objective criteria. This will enable pupils
outside the box’ to understand the rigours, importance and expectations
» The critical role of open-mindedness, and, being of a fully backed piece of research supporting a
open to suggestion in the pursuit of successful collection of photographs.
imagery Overall, the aim of this short course will be to re-ignite
» Full revision of technical aspects (both analogue their passion for the subject, to give them confidence
and digital), so that students are fully equipped, that they will be starting their further study in as strong
confident and ready for their courses a position as possible.
» Discussions on how to get images published, They will have an abundance of critical thinking, open-
exhibited and commissioned mindedness, technical knowledge and an abiding
» Photography as a career curiosity, and, hopefully, the self-confidence and belief
that they can achieve anything that they want to.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 19Physical Education
Skills to be advanced: Lesson 3 – Effective Writing
» The collation, conclusion and creation of your
» ICT; academic research; reading; note taking;
own scientific writing
source analysis; planning; academic writing;
academic integrity Lesson 4 – Putting it all together 1
» The opportunity to choose a subject of choice and
Lesson 1 – Effective Research
use the skills gained to produce a piece of work
» Introduce search platforms and exposure to
scientific literature Lesson 5 – Putting it all together 2
» The opportunity to choose a subject of choice and
Lesson 2 – Effective Analysis
use the skills gained to produce a piece of work
» The collection, comparison and dissection of similar
scientific literature
Physics
The Physics department will seek to promote the This will help to level the playing field with other
academic curiosity of students going on to study Physics students doing different courses who may have had
at university through support in their areas of interest. more or less exposure to the fundamental Physics
topics in any Year 1 Physics degree course.
As such we are keen to help students develop a good
understanding of topics such as special relativity,
rotational mechanics, Quantum Physics, or any topic
of their choosing.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 20Politics
The Politics course is an 8-week programme of materials There are three stages to each week’s activities:
and resources designed to help pupils bridge the gap 1. Essex will release via emails and the Facebook
between A Level Politics and studying Politics and/or group that week’s video and materials
International Relations at university.
2. Pupils will have a week to read them and use
The programme has been designed by academics in the them in any way they see fit
Department of Politics at the University of Essex (Essex 3. At 4.15pm the following Monday, there will be
are in the top 5 ranked Politics departments in the a one-hour Zoom Q&A in which students can
country, according to the Good University Guide). discuss content with one of their lecturers.
4. The table below gives an outline of topics available:
Materials Live Q&A,
Presenter Topic
circulated 4.15 pm
Fri 17/4 Mon 27/4 Prof. Rob Johns Have social media created a crisis of democracy?
Fri 24/4 Mon 4/5 Dr Miranda Simon International development and the economics of migration
Fri 1/5 Mon 11/5 Prof. Shane Martin The Westminster Parliament in crazy times
Fri 8/5 Mon 18/5 Dr James Christensen Human rights and global justice
Fri 15/5 Tue 26/5 Dr Ryan Bakker Election 2020: How the electoral college might play out
Fri 22/5 Mon 1/6 Dr Mollie Gerver COVIDeology: What the key thinkers would make of this crisis
Fri 29/5 Mon 8/6 Dr Brian Phillips The terrorism-crime link
Politics/International Relations at uni: what’s different,
Fri 5/6 Mon 15/6 Prof. Rob Johns
and how to manage it
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 21Social Sciences: (Sociology, Criminology & Psychology)
The Psychology department will be tutoring pupils An introduction to crime
through a choice of independent MOOCS. These and criminology
MOOCS have been chosen in line with the various
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-
UCAS course choices that Malvern College pupils
law/introduction-crime-and-criminology/content-
have made this year.
section-0?active-tab=content-tab
The aim of these courses is to enthuse pupils towards
The course goes on to consider how social scientists
their chosen university course and to develop skills of
and criminologists, in particular, study and seek to
independent study, critical thinking and research.
understand problems of crime. The course invites
Pupils can choose from any of the following courses; pupils to develop what can be called your
‘criminological imagination’. This, in part, involves
An introduction to Sociology viewing criminological issues or problems from
https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to- multiple perspectives but also encourages you
sociology to recognise that private troubles and social issues
are often linked together.
From feminism to Marxism and functionalism, this
course offers a fresh perspective on sociological topics
Good Brain, Bad Brain: Basics
like culture, gender, sexuality, race, class and more.
(Recommended for those intending to study
Psychology in the future)
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/
good-brain-bad-brain-basics
We will look at what your brain is made of, how these
components are organised and how they function.
This information is helping neuroscientists across the
globe understand the brain - and how it is able to do
everything from stopping you falling off your bike, to
making you feel sad that your football team lost their
game, to helping you learn how your brain works.
Pupils will follow the course of their choice and will
receive structured tutoring, and further tailored guided
reading from the Psychology department to support
their independent learning throughout the programme.
Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 22Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF, UK t: +44 (0)1684 581 515 | e: admissions@malverncollege.org.uk Upper Sixth – Preparation for University | Bridging Courses | Summer Term 2020 23
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