Academic Enrichment
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A Levels are about exploring your academic interests in depth, discovering the rewards of independent scholarship and intellectual curiosity.
Beyond the curriculum we offer a programme for academic enrichment that includes a dynamic weekly lecture series, and there are many opportunities for developing vital leadership skills, and giving back to the wider community by taking part in meaningful voluntary work.
Education at FHS goes far beyond A Levels. We organise an exciting programme of compulsory weekly lectures for Sixth Formers, which prepares students extremely well for university life. The speakers come from all walks of life to share their varied experiences and wisdom by giving enriching and inspirational lectures. Speakers have covered topics as diverse as the role of diet for a successful life, blood donation and transplant, anxiety and stress-management strategies in relation to learning, the importance of inter-faith relations, entrepreneurship and careers, Olympic victories, and the work of the United Nation’s Agency for Sexual and Reproductive Health.
In the Autumn and Spring terms, the Lower Sixth students attend Carousel lessons which focus on essential A level study skills, critical thinking, presentation skills and research skills. In the Summer Term these sessions focus on Careers (including CVs and mock interviews), PSHE (the focus varies every year and most recently has focused on resilience and nutrition) and UCAS preparation.
In the Upper Sixth the Life Skills Carousel focuses on preparing students for university and careers, as well as PSHE and first aid.
During their form time students have sessions on time management, note taking, revision techniques and critical thinking. Form time activities also offer the opportunity to discuss and debate current affairs and ethics, equipping our students with the ability to take their place as responsible, informed adults in society.
The opportunity to acquire the Extended Project Qualification and to enhance self-motivated learning is available to every student in the Sixth Form. This is worth half an A Level and can cover any topic which may inspire our students. This qualification is highly respected by many universities and is increasingly recognised by university offers. All students in the Sixth Form attend lessons on research skills and visit have sessions with our school Librarian to experience obtaining first-hand research. The qualification is optional.
Recent EPQ projects have included a fascinating array of subjects such as: ‘The Doha agreement facilitated the Taliban to take-over Afghanistan in August of 2021’; How do genetics involved in inbreeding affect mammals, and is crossbreeding worth the risks to mitigate the effects of inbreeding depression?; and ‘Is economic segregation in London as prevalent as it is in New York City?’.
Students who wish to apply to Oxford and Cambridge receive exhaustive preparation from subject-specific teachers as well as weekly Critical Thinking sessions. Oxbridge challenges start in the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth and increase in complexity in order to provoke and engage the aspirations of the student. Aspiring Oxbridge candidates will be expected to complement their schoolwork with a full programme of academic enrichment and participation. Staff and prospective candidates thrive on a shared passion for their particular subject. Students are thoroughly prepared for the admissions assessment tests and for their potential interview.
