Perspectives on Science - Extended Project QualificationHead of Department: Nick Everett

Email: nick.everett@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• First year Extended Project Qualification Course (Edexcel)• Equivalent in size, status and UCAS points to half an A level• Assessed via a 6000 word report and accompanying presentation• Part of the QMC programme for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary science students• Input from both the Science & Philosophy departments

Course SummaryAn Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent project of your choice, about a subject or topic you are interested in, providing you with a unique opportunity to explore something that you’re passionate about. The Perspectives on Science EPQ explores the history, philosophy and ethics of science, and looks critically at the nature of science and its contribution to current world views. Taking this course will develop your research, thinking and presentation skills in the exploration of fundamental questions such as the origins of the universe or the beginning and ending of life. The course includes mentoring from both Science and Philosophy specialists, and will be accompanied by specialist talks and personal statement preparation from our dedicated Medicine & Veterinary Science programme.

Specific entry requirementsThe EPQ is available to students who are likely to achieve seven or more GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including English and Maths. For the Perspectives on Science course we also ask that students have grade 6 or higher at GCSE in Double or Triple Science.

Progression skills and opportunitiesThe emphasis throughout is on the development of skills, rather than the learning of factual content. As the skills required are quite complex and sophisticated (and novel for students at this stage in education), they are explicitly taught in PoS rather than their development being left to chance. An EPQ is worth half a full A Level, with up to 28 UCAS points for an A*, and could be part of a university offer. More importantly, if interviewed by one of the most selective universities, you will have the advantage of being ‘an expert’ in your project area, and be able to talk about it with confidence.

Perspectives on Science has been designed specifically to be beneficial for those students applying for competitive science courses at university, such as Medicine or Veterinary Science. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and the medical schools will look for evidence that applicants can think, read, argue and discuss with confidence: this EPQ is a way of proving this to admissions tutors.

How is the course assessed?Perspectives on Science is a highly unusual qualification in that assessment is entirely by an individual research project in which you develop and demonstrate skills of research, analysis and argument. You will write a 6000-word report of your project and make a ten-minute oral presentation to your peers and a teacher-assessor.

• 6,000 word research essay = 80%• 10 minute presentation about your research = 20%

What topics will I be studying?In the first term you will learn about some of the ethical and philosophical questions which relate to scientific and medical issues. You will also be shown how to research these ideas for yourself using a range of sources. The whole of the second term will be given over to researching and writing a 6,000 word essay in which you look at one of these issues in great detail. Previous topics have included: stem cell research, time travel, the existence of a creator of God, abortion legislation and animal rights. However, there are few constraints on project topics other than that they must be rooted in a science ‘story’.

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?You will need a number of skills booklets but everything you require will be provided. Your teacher will recommend other books for study that are relevant to your chosen project but it is up to you whether you buy these or access them in the College Library.

Art, Craft and Design - A LevelHead of Department: James Fraser-Murison

Email: james.fraser-murison@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• For students planning a career in Art and Design, the A Level course will have the necessary breadth of work for entry onto a Degree or Foundation degree in Art and Design.• Some students study a one year full-time Art and Design Foundation course before progressing to degree level. A few students go directly into work related areas. Typical career options include fine art, illustration, textile design, interiors, fashion design, fashion promotion and three-dimensional design, including jewellery, costume and theatre.• Combines well with many other subjects at A level including other Art, Design or Media A levels.

Course SummaryArt, Craft & Design is a multi-disciplinary course which involves working with a wide variety of techniques and processes. In the first year, the course expands and develops students’ practical skills, knowledge and understanding of materials. Students will learn a wide variety of drawing, printmaking, craft and textile techniques and will create exciting contemporary artwork in two and three dimensions. This is deal if you want to explore processes and techniques from across the department.

During the second year the course seeks to build on the knowledge gained during the first year and develop the ability to work independently through sustained investigations, development of ideas and in depth analysis. Students will work on a variety of briefs but they will be more personally directed and in depth. The conclusion of the 2 year A level course will be for students to present two components of work in the form of a portfolio with an externally set assignment.

Specific entry requirementsIt is recommended that you have a grade 5 or above in an Art or relevant Technology subject. If this is not applicable, you should bring a small portfolio of work to your enrolment interview.

Being open to experimentation and to trying new things, as well as having a creative outlook and a willingness to work hard, is highly valued.

Perspectives on Science - Extended Project QualificationHead of Department: Nick Everett

Email: nick.everett@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• First year Extended Project Qualification Course (Edexcel)• Equivalent in size, status and UCAS points to half an A level• Assessed via a 6000 word report and accompanying presentation• Part of the QMC programme for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary science students• Input from both the Science & Philosophy departments

Course SummaryAn Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent project of your choice, about a subject or topic you are interested in, providing you with a unique opportunity to explore something that you’re passionate about. The Perspectives on Science EPQ explores the history, philosophy and ethics of science, and looks critically at the nature of science and its contribution to current world views. Taking this course will develop your research, thinking and presentation skills in the exploration of fundamental questions such as the origins of the universe or the beginning and ending of life. The course includes mentoring from both Science and Philosophy specialists, and will be accompanied by specialist talks and personal statement preparation from our dedicated Medicine & Veterinary Science programme.

Specific entry requirementsThe EPQ is available to students who are likely to achieve seven or more GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including English and Maths. For the Perspectives on Science course we also ask that students have grade 6 or higher at GCSE in Double or Triple Science.

Progression skills and opportunitiesThe emphasis throughout is on the development of skills, rather than the learning of factual content. As the skills required are quite complex and sophisticated (and novel for students at this stage in education), they are explicitly taught in PoS rather than their development being left to chance. An EPQ is worth half a full A Level, with up to 28 UCAS points for an A*, and could be part of a university offer. More importantly, if interviewed by one of the most selective universities, you will have the advantage of being ‘an expert’ in your project area, and be able to talk about it with confidence.

Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, Royal School of Needlework, UCA (Farnham,Epsom), UAL (Kingston, Camberwell), Manchester Metropolitan, Bournemouth, Falmouth,Brighton, Winchester and UWE (Bristol).

How is the course assessed?The course is divided into 18 Units which are all equally weighted. 9 units are completed in year 1 for the Subsidiary Diploma and 9 units in year 2 to complete the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A levels. Each unit is marked at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What topics will I be studying?• Painting and Drawing• Printmaking• Textiles• Digital and film photography• Illustration• Typography• 3D Design• Contemporary Fine Art• Digital Art• Branding

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?The studio fee of £125 per year covers most of the materials that students will require. Students may wish to purchase additional craft materials to develop additional skills within their area of interest. There will be the opportunity to take part in a residential trip.

Perspectives on Science has been designed specifically to be beneficial for those students applying for competitive science courses at university, such as Medicine or Veterinary Science. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and the medical schools will look for evidence that applicants can think, read, argue and discuss with confidence: this EPQ is a way of proving this to admissions tutors.

How is the course assessed?Perspectives on Science is a highly unusual qualification in that assessment is entirely by an individual research project in which you develop and demonstrate skills of research, analysis and argument. You will write a 6000-word report of your project and make a ten-minute oral presentation to your peers and a teacher-assessor.

• 6,000 word research essay = 80%• 10 minute presentation about your research = 20%

What topics will I be studying?In the first term you will learn about some of the ethical and philosophical questions which relate to scientific and medical issues. You will also be shown how to research these ideas for yourself using a range of sources. The whole of the second term will be given over to researching and writing a 6,000 word essay in which you look at one of these issues in great detail. Previous topics have included: stem cell research, time travel, the existence of a creator of God, abortion legislation and animal rights. However, there are few constraints on project topics other than that they must be rooted in a science ‘story’.

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?You will need a number of skills booklets but everything you require will be provided. Your teacher will recommend other books for study that are relevant to your chosen project but it is up to you whether you buy these or access them in the College Library.

Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 3HF Tel: 01256 417500 Email: info@qmc.ac.uk www.qmc.ac.uk