Personal Development Programme
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Contents Academic Enrichment
Pg. 6
Crafts
Pg. 26
Advanced Coding
Pg. 7
Critical Thinking
Pg. 27
Amnesty International
Pg. 8
Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners
Pg. 28
Ancient Greek
Pg. 9
Dance
Pg. 29
Art Studio
Pg. 10 Design It
Pg. 30
Astronomy Club
Pg. 11 Digital Youth Panel
Pg. 31
Beekeeping
Pg. 12
Biology Club
Pg. 13 DT Studio
Pg. 33
Biology Olympiad
Pg. 14 English Enrichment
Pg. 34
BLM Discussion Group
Pg. 15
CAD School
Pg. 16 Filming and Editing
Pg. 36
Cake & Conversation
Pg. 17 Flamenco Dancing
Pg. 37
Cake Decorating
Pg. 18 French Club
Pg. 38
Chemistry in the Real World
Pg. 19 French Film Club
Pg. 39
Chemistry Olympiad
Pg. 20 F1 in Schools
Pg. 40
Chess
Pg. 21 Geography Society
Pg. 41
Civilisation
Pg. 22 German Film Club
Pg. 42
Classics on Film
Pg. 23 German Society
Pg. 43
Community Service
Pg. 24 Get Your Geek On
Pg. 44
Cooking
Pg. 25 Girls’ Indoor Hockey
Pg. 45
Devising Theatre and Workshop Performance
Environmental Committee Action Group
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Pg. 32
Pg. 35
Contents GO
Pg. 46 Rugby 7’s
Pg. 60
History Film Club
Pg. 47 Scrabble
Pg. 61
How to be a B.A.D Christian
Pg. 48 Scuba Diving
Pg. 62
Introduction to Electronics
Pg. 49 Stortfordian Foundation Interns
Pg. 63
Ivy House Award
Pg. 50 Student Investors
Pg. 64
Juggling
Pg. 51 Squash
Pg. 65
Literary Enrichment
Pg. 52 Table Games
Pg. 66
Mindfulness
Pg. 53 Textiles
Pg. 67
Model United Nations
Pg. 54 The Jean-Paul Sartre Club (Lower 6th) Pg. 68
Music Tech
Pg. 55 The Learning Council
Pg. 69
Origami
Pg.56
Trading Collectible Card Games
Pg. 70
Police Cadets
Pg.57
Vex Robotics
Pg. 71
Reading Greek Tragedy
Pg.58
Water Polo
Pg. 72
Role Playing Games
Pg. 59 Young Romantics
3
Pg. 73
Why Choose a PDP? The Personal Development Programme (PDP) has its focus in ensuring that the College not only educates pupils academically, but also equips them with the inter-personal qualities essential to thriving in an increasingly competitive workplace, and ever-changing society.
Opportunities offered by the College are wide-ranging. Some might incite new passions within pupils, essential for happiness and well-being. Speaking of well-being, the PDP also offers specific mindfulness courses, educating pupils as to how they can maintain a healthy state of mind when facing pressure and moments of duress. Other initiatives will support speaking, research and collaborative skills, as well as promoting community and global awareness at political and humanitarian levels.
The PDP therefore aims to enrich pupils’ experiences at the College and ensure that what they take away from their years here does not simply boil down to academic grades. Universities are now, more and more, examining how pupils can present themselves in a personal, as well as academic light, and the PDP offers a variety of ways that pupils can present a personal statement that shows off who they really are.
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PDP’s Available This Term Amnesty International Ancient Greek Art Studio Astronomy Club Biology Club Biology Olympiad
Cooking the German Way Crafts Critical Thinking Skills Design Workshop Devising Theatre Workshop and Performance Environmental Committee Action Group Filming and Editing Flamenco Dancing French Film Club Get Your Geek On History Film Club How to be a B.A.D Christian Introduction to Electronics Ivy House Award Juggling Literary Enrichment Mindfulness Model UN Music Police Cadets Role Playing Games Scuba Diving The Jean-Paul Sartre Club Young Romantics
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Academic Enrichment
This enrichment is open to all pupils who have a genuine love of learning and whilst we hope that the academic scholars of the College will naturally want to be highly involved, this is something which we would welcome all pupils who love to find out more to be involved in. Do you like reading? Do you like taking things apart and putting them back together? Do you often stay behind to ask questions at the end of the lesson to find out that little bit extra? Do you quietly or loudly love the work you do in class? Do you like asking challenging questions? Do you just want to find out more? It does not matter what subject you are interested in, if you answer yes to any of the above questions, come along and see where these ideas can take you.
6
Advanced Coding
This is for coders with the competence to programme in an object-orientated style. If you really want to excel in PYTHON then this could well be for you!
Coding is the computer language used to develop apps, websites, and software. Without it, we would have none of the most popular technology we have come to rely on such as Facebook, our smartphones, the browser we choose to view our favourite blogs, or even the blogs themselves. It all runs on code.
This PDP offers pupils the framework of understanding this language, a language that is having a greater and greater impact on the world we live in today. This PDP may even prove the gateway to the increasing number of careers opening up in our technologically modernising society.
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Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. Amnesty International campaigns for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We work to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. The simple act of sending an email, signing a petition or posting a letter could make a real difference to someone’s life. Previous efforts have included devising an assembly to promote Amnesty to the Prep School as well as a poster competition and cake sale.
Attending Amnesty at the College is a worthwhile activity that can help towards fulfilling the volunteering component of your DofE award. This is a very popular PDP with a strong and dedicated community of pupils motivated by change for the better.
8
Ancient Greek
χαῖρε! If you love mythology and the ancient world, you are interested in languages, and want to learn more about the fascinating culture of the Ancient Greeks, come along to Ancient Greek PDP. We will be starting Ancient Greek from scratch beginning with the alphabet, and we will explore myth and culture along the way.
9
Art Studio
This is a chance for those who love art to enrich their study of the subject and practice existing or new mediums under the expert guidance of the College teachers.
The Art Department is also open for GCSE and A Level Art pupils to work on individual projects, making use of materials and processes that may be unavailable during lesson times. Select Art Department staff and Richard Preston, the Technician, will be present for supervision and technical guidance. This makes the open studio time a fantastic opportunity to take full advantage of all the expertise, equipment and materials available for a sustained period of time.
10
Astronomy
The Astronomy activity is designed to give pupils an insight into all aspects of this fascinating subject. Apart from looking in more depth at our nearest neighbours in the solar system, you will learn how to identify stars, planets and constellations in the night sky, about the birth and death of stars, black holes and the Big Bang. Classes are tailored to the ages, experience and interests of pupils that choose this activity where possible.
11
Beekeeping
Learn beekeeping basics: the construction of a hive, how to inspect and manage a colony, how to handles bees, the use of smoker swarm control, bee identification and the constituents of a healthy colony including how to spot bee diseases. During the winter or on wet days we will build and repair frames, learn about the bi-products of beekeeping and how they can be used. Most rewarding of all is harvesting and bottling honey. Bees are incredible creatures living in a very sophisticated community and of enormous importance to the human race.
12
Biology Club
For those who are enthusiastic about how living things work and are interested in the nature around us. We will be attempting a few home experiments (household items, nothing too complicated to bring), collecting data for the RSPB Birdwatch National Survey, learning about aspects of biology beyond the curriculum and may have a little look at the beautiful new David Attenborough 'Perfect Planet'.
13
Biology Olympiad
This is preparation for the relevant competitions. The Upper Fifth sessions will run until the end of January. The 6th Form sessions will run until Easter. Together we will select several books to read over the year and discuss them. The discussion will be open and led by the pupils so do not feel this will just be another English lesson!
14
BLM Discussion Group
From the time historian Carter Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926 up through today’s celebration of Black History Month, the goal has always been to recognize Black Americans’ prolific contributions that had been ignored, dismissed or diminished in textbooks and popular culture… Black Lives Matter has become a global movement. How much do you know about the ideas and the thoughts within this movement? Why is it necessary for this movement to have to exist within our society? Surely it should be that race equality should be achieved by 2020. This is a chance for you to become educated about this, and educated as to the challenges, and to consider what our next steps as a school community might be to do our part in promoting fairness and equality.
15
CAD School
CAD, or computer-aided design, is technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. If you harbour aspirations of being a designer, drafter, architect or engineer, you may have used 2D or 3D CAD programs such as AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT software. These widely used software programs can help you draft construction documentation, explore design ideas, visualise concepts through photorealistic renderings and simulate how a design performs in the real world. If you simply want to advance your understanding of technological design, then you, too, are more than welcome. CAD School allows for pupils to develop these skills using Fusion 360. This will enable you to design better and faster and to produce professional quality work that is recognised by industry and higher education alike. Pupils will follow tutorials with guidance to complete their learning and develop professional skills.
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Cake & Conversation
Over cake and a cuppa, this is an opportunity for Lower and Upper Sixth to explore and discuss matters of faith. Perhaps you think most of the world’s 7 billion inhabitants are bonkers to believe in something beyond ourselves, but want to understand why they do. Perhaps you just do not know what the answer is to the questions you have or perhaps you already have a faith and would like to understand more. Whatever your stance on faith matters, you are welcome.
17
Cake Decorating
You will learn how to make various types of icing from scratch, piping techniques, how to work with fondant and fondant tools and cutters to name but a few skills and of course, eat cake! The activity is open to all years, all pupils who want to learn how to decorate cakes and who want to eat cakes.
18
Chemistry in the Real World
These sessions are designed to branch off from the A Level chemistry specification, placing ideas into real world situations. The focus will be on the theoretical concepts underpinning areas of modern chemistry, backed up by practical or investigative tasks whenever possible. Areas we shall explore include the chemistry of chocolate tempering, new solar technologies and a laboratory synthesis of paracetamol.
19
Chemistry Olympiad
At each session we will focus on one question from a past Olympiad paper, exploring how best to approach it and in some cases deviating away to explore some exciting chemistry not covered in the AQA A Level course.
Designed to challenge and inspire, the UK Chemistry Olympiad is the leading chemistry competition for pupils in secondary education across the British Isles. This enriching experience is a unique opportunity for pupils to push themselves further and excel in the chemistry field.
Budding chemists will develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations. They could even find themselves representing the UK at the prestigious International Chemistry Olympiad.
20
Chess
Chess is a board game of strategic skill for two players, played on a chequered board on which each playing piece is moved according to precise rules. The objective is to put the opponent’s king under a direct attack from which escape is impossible. Learn, or hone your skills playing this popular game which is played all over the world.
21
Civilisation
Civilisation is a game of skill and strategy for 2-7 players. In the ancient world of the Eastern Mediterranean and the near East, each player controls a different nation as they seek to become the most powerful and advanced civilisation. The game objective is to gain a level of overall advancement involving cultural, economic and political factors so that conflicts arise due to rivalry and land shortage, rather than a desire to eliminate other players. As your people grow and migrate, they will build cities, collect commodities such as papyrus, salt and bronze and look to trade these resources with other nations in order to advance.
This PDP will be ideal for not only board-game enthusiasts, but also those with an interest in Classical Civilisation, as this game does bring educational qualities.
22
Classics on Film
We will watch films either set in the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome (e.g. Troy, Clash of the Titans etc), or films inspired by the ancient world (e.g. Percy Jackson etc). There will be a good mix of epic, serious and funny, from Gladiator or The Odyssey to Disney’s Hercules or Monty Python’s Life of Brian. The group gets to choose which films they want to see.
23
Community Service
Love it, loathe it or not really thought about it, ‘How to live the ‘B A D’ Christian life’ is an opportunity to learn about what it actually means to be a follower of Jesus. The ‘B A D’ life is the ‘Belief and Deeds’ life — the things we believe and the deeds we do as a result of those beliefs. This is an opportunity to not only learn how Jesus sought to make the world a better place, but to follow in his footsteps and do the deeds that will make it a better place.
24
Cooking
‘Cooking in the German way’ is open to all and involves spending an hour on Zoom with Hana, our German assistant, learning how to cook and bake some simple German dishes. The first session will be looking at the ingredients needed for all the sessions up to half term and from then on you will be in your own kitchen cooking along with Hana from her kitchen in Germany on Zoom each session. Hana will hold the sessions in English for those of you who would like to join but do not have any German. However, she is more than happy to do the sessions also in German should you wish to take full advantage of the German cooking experience! We also have ‘Zoom cook-along’ which will also help you develop your culinary skills with a weekly Zoom cook-along as we work through a variety of savoury and sweet recipes. Recipe lists will be sent out in advance so the necessary ingredients can be purchased.
25
Crafts
A wonderful way to embrace a new hobby as well as find further means to achieve Mindfulness, is to take part in weekly craft sessions, using Zoom if needed. Your instructors will support you in ensuring you have all the equipment that you might need. Learn new skills and develop a relaxing and mindful hobby. Crafting covers a wide set of skills and everyone can benefit from focusing on creating something unique. Crafts we will cover will range from the easy to get started, but really satisfying, such as decoupage (beautiful papier mache), stone painting, pom pom craft and potato printing to the more difficult, but equally enjoyable skills of Japanese flower making (Kanzashi) cross stitching, felt work, and knitting. The aim is to make each craft as accessible as possible over Zoom without having to purchase expensive materials but will let pupils know what they will need for each session in time for them to get hold of it.
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Critical Thinking (6th Form)
For some courses, a pre-University thinking skills test (TSA) is taken before students are invited for interview. Traditionally this was Oxford and Cambridge, but now other universities are asking for an assessment and it is likely that in 2021 the number of universities asking for some assessment will increase. This course will focus on critical thinking and problem solving and will give you the chance to develop these skills ahead of Autumn exams. It is compulsory for any considering an Oxbridge or Imperial application that requires taking the TSA but is open to all – whether or not you might have to take a test, these are brilliant skills to develop for all and will stand you in excellent stead for future studies and career. This PDP will start after February half term.
27
Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners
Cryptic means ‘mystifying or having secret meaning’, so in these crosswords the answers to the clues are deliberately hidden. In every clue there are two ways to get the answer – there’s the true definition and the sneaky way round. It’s just a matter of knowing how to look at each clue to unlock the answer. Good luck!
28
Dance
This activity is run by Graham's School of Dance, a leading school in the area and recognised nationally for the high standards and achievements their pupils attain. The Dance School’s objectives are to give each pupil outstanding professional tuition; to nurture the love of dance and the performing arts in all pupils; and for everyone to maximise their potential both technically and in performance, whilst having fun, making new friends and building self-confidence and social skills such as working in a team.
Graham's School of Dance caters for a wide variety of dance interests, with the focus being on modern, theatrical performance and even street-dance.
29
Design It
A chance to build on your designing and making skills within the DT Department! The intention is to design and make several small projects that broaden your knowledge of the properties of materials as well as processes, whilst enabling you to take away a usable product which has been made using more traditional ‘wood, metal and plastics’ materials with the possibility of then looking at other areas.
30
Digital Youth Panel
The Digital Youth Panel will be central to bringing pupils’ voices into conversations about technology at the College. It aims to provide you with a platform to influence our digital strategies, and the future of IT in the classroom, the curriculum and everyday life here at the College. We are looking for team members from across all year groups to share their thoughts and expertise, and be part of the decision-making process when it comes to IT provision and digital wellbeing. This might include; •
Informing key decision makers about new digital trends and technologies.
•
Providing feedback and influencing IT initiatives and projects.
•
Making recommendations on how technology can be improved across the College.
• Supporting pupils (and potentially teachers) to ensure that they get the most out of the technology available to them. Volunteering to be part of the Digital Youth Panel will be a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills and help shape the future of the College. Sign up today!
31
Devising Theatre Workshop and Performance
This PDP allows pupils to get involved in a small devising workshop/rehearsal each week – a fantastic opportunity for those who love drama and want to enrich their appreciation and involvement within this craft. This will consist of devising your own projects and writing scripts, and creating scenes and characters. This will be a lot of fun and can easily be done from home! We are hoping to have a short performance in February which we can record or perform on Zoom so this is a wonderful chance to showcase your own piece of theatre!
32
DT Studio
Design and technology gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world and to harness the benefits of technology. They learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including digital technologies, to improve the world around them. DT Studio allows pupils to enrich their enthusiasm and technological abilities even further, as well as provide pupils with further skills to help develop their GCSE coursework if this is the path they have chosen at the College. With more and more careers opening up in our rapidly modernising world, the wealth of experience that the College can provide will support pupils with these aspirations. This is an opportunity to enhance DT skills and ensure that your coursework is of the best possible standard.
33
English Enrichment
How to Grow a Poem Using the ideas of the Orwell Prize-winning author, poet and teacher Kate Clanchy, these sessions will give you the opportunity to workshop, redraft and hone your craft as a poet with the ultimate aim of producing a collected anthology of our work at the end of the year. As Kate says in the introduction to her most recent guide to writing poetry: ‘Writing a poem takes a lot of confidence. You have to believe that you and your experience belong in a poem, and are worth taking time over. Almost nobody finds this easy.’ So we will work together to support one another as we find our way through the words! This PDP would suit anyone seeking a creative outlet (whether or not they study English formally) but is also an excellent complement to the A Level course because it is often only when you try a craft for yourself that you can empathise with the process all writers have undergone.
34
Environmental Committee Action Group
Environmental Committee Action Group Perfect for pupils who care about the environment and want to make a difference. Ideal for those who want to develop their research skills, are considering a career in advertising or are interested in becoming Prefects in the future. Pupils will: •
evaluate current initiatives run by the school
•
suggest improvements within the school
•
support the School Prefects with ongoing initiatives persuading others to change their habits within school and beyond
•
research on the current environmental impact of the school
•
read school reports and design presentations suitable for younger audiences
•
create posters and video campaigns for social media and newsletters
•
run assemblies to disseminate good habits/ new initiatives
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Filming and Editing
Do you have an interest in film and filmmaking? Do you want to learn how to film and edit in a more professional way? If the answer is ‘yes’ then sign up to the Filming and Editing PDP where you will be able to learn more about filmmaking and editing. All you need is your own camera phone (or a video camera if you prefer), a laptop to edit your film and the enthusiasm to make professional looking videos.
36
Flamenco Dancing
Flamenco has been at the core of Spanish cultural heritage for centuries. It has been shaped by its unique blend of rhythm and emotions. As part of this Introduction to Flamenco and Flamenco dancing, we will: •
Delve into Flamenco as an art
•
Learn the beats, the main ‘palos’, or types of Flamenco expressions
•
Link Flamenco to traditions and beliefs
•
Understand how these traditions have survived and evolved over time
•
Explore examples from great Flamenco artists from the last fifty years across instrument playing, singing and dancing
•
Learn to dance ‘sevillanas’, which is a popular and basic flamenco dance divided in four parts.
37
French Club
We will be preparing pupils towards the DELF through a variety of activities such as games, discussions based on the news, films etc. The DELF is a diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to prove the French language skills of non-French candidates.
This is a great opportunity for those who have not necessarily chosen French as an A Level but would like to keep up their level of language. More will be explained during the first session.
38
French Film Club
Are you interested in cinema? This society is open to any pupils studying French or those who are simply interested in cinema or cinematography. French cinema is held in the highest esteem so this club will be entertaining, thought-provoking and the ideal way to develop your French listening skills.
Cinema from the French speaking world: watch films in French to help improve comprehension and fluency (with English subtitles and short sections with French subtitles for the keen linguists). Discover French culture and way of life. Discussions at the end of a film.
39
F1 in School
F1 in Schools is an international STEM competition for school children, in which groups of 3–6 pupils have to design and manufacture a miniature car out of the official F1 Model Block using CAD/CAM design tools. The cars are powered by CO₂ cartridges and are attached to a track by a nylon wire. They are timed from the moment they are launched to when they pass the finish line by a computer.
Offering a way to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related subjects in such an exciting way is achieving great results and we know we are increasing the intake of pupils into Engineering careers.
The challenge inspires pupils to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.
40
Geography Society
Geography Society, or GeogSoc, is an opportunity to explore local, national and global issues beyond the confines of the examination curriculum. There are no minimum age requirements to attend this activity, you do not even have to be studying the subject, just a willingness to contribute to contemporary matters that will impact your life and possibly the lives of others. Debates have included the increasing complexity of the global migrant crisis and to what extent is the famine in Yemen a modern Malthusian exemplar?
41
German Film Club
Are you interested in cinema? This society is open to any pupils studying German or those who are simply interested in cinema or cinematography. We will be showing recently released films in German with English subtitles. It will be run by our German Assistant and a range of genres will be shown, showcasing modern German cinema. Some films will run over 2-3 sessions.
42
German Society
This society is ideal for our current Lower and Upper Sixth Germanists and anyone else who has previously studied German, has a knowledge of German and would like to keep up their German skills. We will be showing recently released films in German. It will be run by our German Assistant and a range of genres will be showcased representing modern German cinema. Some films will run over 2-3 sessions.
43
Get Your Geek On
Do you love obscure science fiction, have a passion for 80s animated TV shows, love thinking about what you are going to dress up as at the next Comicon or enjoy spending time watching anime that no one has ever heard of? Do you know your Star Trek from your Star Wars and want to share why you love it so much? Do you yearn to spend time with others that want to discuss and watch your favourite episode of Adventure Time? If so then this is the PDP session for you.
This PDP will provide a safe space for those that enjoy ‘the world of geek’ and want to discuss and share things they enjoy that others may not know or appreciate as much as you do. In this session we will discuss TV programmes, films, games and comics that you like and share (age appropriate) texts with others and hopefully get them to like it as much as you do. If this sounds like something you would enjoy then sign up and come along.
44
Girls’ Indoor Hockey
Speed, power, dexterity, flexibility and co-ordination. The essential skills and abilities of an indoor hockey player mirror those of an outdoor player. Indoor hockey is much faster and more controlled because of the limited space. The game is known to improve a player’s stick handling skills and vision on the field. If you have been playing outdoor hockey, your skills can easily transfer over to indoor hockey.
45
Go
Go is an ancient Asian board game, older than chess, and is still played extensively in Asian countries such as China, Japan and particularly South Korea. The rules are very simple, but the game itself is infinitely complex.
To play, black and white stones are placed on a gridded board and the aim of the game is to form enclosed territories. It is a beautiful game with deep philosophies underpinning its play style and is taught to children from the age of four in South Korea. Like martial arts, Go is graded from Kyu grades to Dan grades, with 9th Dan the pinnacle of achievement and understanding.
At Go club you will learn how to play the game and play pupils from all year groups. If you are interested in maths, artificial intelligence, art, chess and other mind-challenging board games, Go club is the one for you.
46
History Film Club
How do films influence the ways we think about the past? Does ‘accuracy’ matter? What aspects of history does cinema remember? What does it overlook? If these questions are of interest, this activity will suit you. Perfect for anyone studying History at GCSE, who also enjoys analysing films!
47
How to be a B.A.D Christian
Ever wondered what it actually means to be a Christian? Come along and look beyond the label to explore the lifestyle, as we find out more about how to love God and other people as Jesus did. Here you will discover that a good Christian is actually a 'BAD' Christian!
48
Introduction to Electronics
Get to know some of the small electronic components that make up all the modern communication, IT, audio equipment etc. that we use. This will involve: •
Looking at what different equipment contains
•
Building some temporary small circuits
•
Learning how to solder permanent circuits
•
An ability to carefully follow detailed instructions and handle fiddly little components is required.
49
Ivy House Award
The Ivy House Award has been developed by a team who have spent 20 years coaching FTSE 100 Senior Leaders on their leadership skills. The Award brings life-changing personal and professional development to Sixth Form students. Providing clarity at a crucial time, it gives students the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to step up and take ownership of their future and stay on track, no matter what happens in life. Delivered over 20 sessions, the Award first supports students in discovering their unique character; who they are, what they want and how they can play to their strengths and then develops a core set of skills critical to future success. Developing ownership, initiative, resilience, confidence and self leadership, the Award bridges the gap between education and work, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to thrive, whatever their chosen path.
50
Juggling
Learn how to juggle 3 balls (and possibly more) and learn some simple juggling tricks. Learn a new skill during lockdown. Learning to juggle has been shown to improve the connections in the brain. It also increases focus and concentration. Ideally need 3 juggling balls but can be homemade.
51
Literary Enrichment
If you enjoy reading modern fiction and want to start the enriching process of reading more challenging novels, this is the PDP for you! We will review books that help us to understand the world around us, from the Black Lives Matter movement, to the fight of immigrants trying to find a home in a country where they are not wanted. You may also send in suggestions of any novels you would like to discuss.
52
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened or might happen, it helps us to respond skilfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad. The course being offered is called .be and is a fun, engaging course of mindfulness for young people taught by trained mindfulness teachers who also practise mindfulness regularly. It aims to help you feel calmer, get on better with others, help you to concentrate and learn better, help you cope with stress and anxiety and to perform better in music and sport.
What it is: paying attention to things as they happen, a life skill, evidence based. What it is not: boring, religious, yoga or therapy.
53
Model UN
Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. In Model UN, pupils step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organisation’s agenda. While playing their roles as ambassadors, pupil ‘delegates’ make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate the Model UN Conference rules of procedure, all in the interest of mobilising international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world. In traditional ‘General Assembly’ committees, each pupil represents a specific country and participates in a specific committee (e.g. the Security Council, UNEP or the WHO). Those individual delegates then spend a weekend debating delegates from other schools on different international conflicts such as human trafficking or the global economic recession and hopefully pass a long comprehensive resolution addressing how to solve the problem.
54
Music Tech
Do you want to produce your own songs but don’t know where to start? Do you already write your own songs but want to learn how to make a high quality recording? Do you already record your own songs but want to delve deeper into music production? As part of the Music Department’s COVID-secure co-curricular offering comes a new music technology club, where you can work on your own project with as much or as little support as you require. These sessions will be an opportunity for you to learn the techniques necessary in recording and capturing audio and improve the depth of your understanding of music production software. There will also be opportunity for you to get feedback on your songwriting processes in the hope of producing a high-quality recording by the end of the project. We are likely to develop skills in recording live audio, post-capture processes, using virtual instruments, sequencing, and mixing – although much of what we cover will be dictated by what kind of music you are wishing to create.
55
Origami
Origami is the art of paper-folding. Its name derives from Japanese words ori (folding) and kami (paper). Traditional origami consists of folding a single sheet of square paper into a sculpture without cutting, gluing, taping or even marking it. Over the course you will learn how to make beautiful structures you can show off at home!
56
Police Cadets
Although this activity takes place during a Wednesday evening, it means pupils are free during the afternoon PDP sessions throughout the week to complete prep work. The cadet sessions are run by local officers in conjunction with Miss Speight. Pupils are expected to attend in full Police uniform and the activities on offer range from first aid training, lectures on the law or forensics and arrest scenarios to road traffic accident training, dog handling, drill marching and competitive games of capture the flag or save the hostage.
Cadets work in squads and this is very much an inclusive and team based activity where pupils need to be willing to work with others. Pupils are offered multiple undercover operations locally should they wish to involve themselves and could be asked to marshal at local events in the community, therefore plenty of ways this can be expanded beyond the Wednesday evening.
This activity can count either as a volunteering or service aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
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Reading Greek Tragedy
Reading Greek Tragedy is open to all, but aimed primarily at the upper end of GCSE and the Sixth Form. Hugely influential on modern theatre and tackling the biggest cultural taboos, a familiarity with Greek tragedy is both excellent for those studying Classics, Drama or English, but also for anyone interested in the exploration of challenge to society’s values. We will read translations of some of the most famous and moving drama from the ancient world, setting it in its cultural context and exploring why it is so commonly performed today both in translation and adapted into modern settings. We shall also take the opportunity to read some of the ancient Greek comedies which are raucous and rude.
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Role Playing Games
Most people do not believe in monsters, but you know the truth. They are real, and it’s your task to bring them down. This revised edition of Monster of the Week brings that adventure to life.
Monster of the Week is a standalone action-horror RPG for 3-5 people. Create your character with your own equipment and abilities and hunt high school beasties a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer, travel the country to bring down unnatural creatures like the Winchester brothers of Supernatural, or head up the government investigation like Mulder and Scully.
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Rugby 7’s
Develop your rugby skills, fitness and awareness of space with this globally popular format of the game. The game is played with pace and intensity, with fewer breaks and quicker rucks! Playing this format of the game each and every week will also steal a march on your rivals when you meet them next Autumn in the 15s format. Opportunities will be made available to represent the school in local and national tournaments.
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Scrabble
Hone your literacy skills with this fun, classic board game. Scrabble is a word game in which two to four players score points by placing tiles, each bearing a single letter, onto a game board divided into a 15×15 grid of squares. The tiles must form words that, in crossword fashion, read left to right in rows or downward in columns, and be included in a standard dictionary or lexicon.
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Scuba Diving
Learn how to scuba dive so that you can be prepared to explore the waters around the world. You can take on the rescue course, photography course or videography course amongst others.
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Stortfordian Foundation Intern
The Development Office within the College is working hard towards the virtual launch of the Stortfordian Foundation which will bring together Old Stortfordians, staff & College parents with the aim of building a community with the best interests of the College at its heart. Launch planning will involve the opportunity to get involved in lots of different aspects of relationship building including filming Zoom interviews with key OS, social media planning/activity, article writing for our new annual publication and the gathering and writing up of compelling stories about the College’s vibrant history and those of our diverse community. Opportunities to draft compelling publication and social media content will exist beyond the launch itself.
If you have an interest in history or are considering possible future careers in PR, journalism, charitable fundraising or social media or would just like to support our efforts we would love to welcome you into the Development Office team at this key and important point in the College’s history.
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Student Investor
Take part in the UK’s premier investment competition for pupils with a top prize of a trip to New York. On top of that, winning team members get prize money to spend as well! There are also other prizes on offer throughout the challenge. Teachers can also try and beat their pupils in the first round of the competition (but they are not eligible for the prizes).
The Student Investor Challenge is designed for teams of four pupils and has three rounds. The competition is open to teams from anywhere in the world, however teams from schools based outside the UK are only able to take part in the first round of the challenge and are only eligible for some of the prizes on offer.
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Squash
You're on fire. You're chasing every ball, thriving on adrenaline as the rally goes on, enjoying banter and getting fit without thinking about it. This is sport as you have never experienced before.
Whether you want to get your squash thrill back or pick up a racket for the first time, you will find squash an exciting, indoor court-based game for all ages and abilities. All you need is a ball, a racket, a friend and a wall.
Squash is a racket and ball sport played by two players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The players alternate in striking the ball with their racquets onto the playable surfaces of the four walls of the court. The objective of the game is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return.
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Table Games
Learn to play Rummikub, Cluedo, Scrabble and Sequence. This builds teamwork and a number of different types of strategies, from working with language and anagrams (Scrabble), spotting patterns (Rummikub and Sequence) and using logic (Cluedo). This fits with the skills aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Card games - learn to play Whist-based games (Knockout Whist, Whist and Hearts), Rummy-based games (Rummy, Machiavelli) and Switch (similar to Uno). Groups could progress to learning Canasta if they are accomplished with the other games. Note: we do not play Cheat or Go Fish and participants need to be prepared to play cards!
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Textiles
Textile design is defined here as the creation of designs and products for woven, knitted, stitched, printed or decorative textiles that might have a functional or non-functional purpose.
A study of Textiles will show, for example why certain fabrics are more durable and therefore more serviceable for specific purpose. Complete knowledge of textiles will facilitate an intelligent appraisal of standards and brands of merchandise and will develop the ability to distinguish quality in fabrics
Come and learn how to use the sewing machine to create and make textile products. This activity will appeal to any pupils interested in design and would be great for enhancing your designing and making skills.
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The Jean-Paul Sartre Club (L6)
Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. Jean-Paul Sartre. Have you really thought about life? About what you are free to do? What are you are not free to do? About what your life might be like if you are truly free? Have you really thought about life? About what you are free to do? What are you are not free to do? About what your life might be like if you are truly free? We will start with reading about some key elements of Sartre and then branch out into discussing some other existentialists. We will have discussions, we will watch clips, we will listen to ideas. But most of all – we will be free to choose and act! Remember: Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.
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The Learning Council
How can you boost your learning and of those around you? You will use this activity to explore and develop your understanding of how to learn effectively. During our sessions we will explore the latest thinking as to what effective learning looks like, by examining the latest research from universities and scientists. You will then share your expertise with other pupils, teachers and parents. We will also explore what strategies used in the classroom are most effective in supporting your learning. You will be able to share your experiences of what works best for you and communicate your knowledge to the teaching staff.
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Trading Collectible Card Games
Card games, but not as you know them. You will explore card games set in universes such as Star Wars, the Transformers universe and others. In CCGs, create your own customised deck of cards and challenge other players in matches. Beat your opponent by crafting customised decks that play to synergies of card combinations. Transformers: Team up with BUMBLEBEE, OPTIMUS PRIME, IRONHIDE and RED ALERT with the Transformers card game. Build a team of Transformers Character Cards and a deck of Battle Cards and jump right into battle! Last bot standing wins! Star Wars Destiny: In every game of Star Wars: Destiny, you’ll gather your small team of iconic characters and battle to defeat your foes, using your custom dice and the cards in your deck. The last player with characters left standing wins the game, but to successfully outmanoeuvre your opponent, you’ll need to carefully consider your options and enhance your deck with new dice and cards. If you ever wondered who would win a duel between two teams of heroes and villains from the Star Wars universe, there’s no better way to find out than with Star Wars: Destiny. Keyforge: Leading their diverse teams, filled with followers from three of the Crucible’s great Houses, the Archons must gather Ember, stave off their opponent’s progress and ultimately be the first to open a vault and gain its incredible knowledge. With a vast array of creatures, artefacts and abilities and over 104 quadrillion possible decks, every deck is completely one-of-a-kind, and no two battles will ever be the same! 70
Vex Robotics
VEX IQ is a programmable robotics platform designed to transform STEM learning for young pupils and their teachers. The VEX IQ Challenge is a STEM competition for pupils to test their robot design and programming skills. In the challenge, pupils build a robot to solve an engineering challenge that is presented in the form of a game. During the activity pupils will work as a team of five to solve a challenge by building a robot to compete in a game. There is the potential to compete with other teams at a range of regional events in the UK. Pupils will learn teamwork, simple programming and engineering problem-solving skills. There is currently space for two teams of five. We will run one girls’ only team, as part of our Women in Engineering initiative, and one ‘open’ team.
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Water Polo
This is an opportunity for those who want to try the sport and learn the basics of the game. You do not have to have played before but there is a requirement that you can swim to a reasonable standard as the game is played in the whole of the pool, including the deep end!
Previous participants have gone on to be key players in the resurgent College Water Polo team.
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Young Romantics
Romanticism (also known as the Romantic era) was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. Romanticism celebrates the natural world as awe-inspiring, the focus on human emotion, and appreciation of the meta-physical realm.
We will read poetry from the most eminent Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Keats and Byron; examine 19th century artwork inspired by this movement; and explore how Romanticism has inspired politics, art, cinema and culture today – for example, did you know that the 'The Force' in Star Wars is a the cornerstone of Romantic philosophy.
Building Confidence For Life
Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2PJ Telephone: +44 (0) 1279 838575 Email: general. Enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org 73
Building Confidence For Life
Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2PJ Telephone: +44 (0) 1279 838575 Email: general. Enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org
www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org 74