Extra Curricular Activities
Students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to participate in a fantastic range of activities beyond the curriculum. From the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to participating in the Mock Trial, to Young Enterprise and Sport and Music, members of the Sixth Form take a leading role. Students are expected to participate in at least one activity, but the majority will participate in many. The Presdales Sixth Form opens doors to new possibilities.
MedSoc
Presdales Medsoc is a lively and thriving supercurricular club, whose members meet weekly. The purpose of Medsoc is to support students all the way through their journey from starting A levels to receiving their results two years later. We aim to give students the opportunity to experience activities that will give them more breadth and depth to their understanding of medical issues, which improves confidence and therefore performance at interview.
Activities covered include:
-Science in the news - students take it in turn to research and present a topical subject in science
-Ethical debates, for example, should the termination date for abortion for serious conditions be 28 or 40 weeks. Students need to be able to present arguments for either side, irrespective of personal viewpoints.
-Dissections, for example, rat
-Logic tests practise
-Interview practise - both MMI and traditional
-Help during application process, including writing a personal statement
-Writing references for work experience
-Visits from alumni, who are both currently at university and also those who have qualified
-Independent research on a specialism, eg the effects of exercise of the prevention of Alzheimers
-Links to extra reading and on-line lectures and courses
-External speakers
-Visits to lectures
.....and many more!
Activities covered include:
-Science in the news - students take it in turn to research and present a topical subject in science
-Ethical debates, for example, should the termination date for abortion for serious conditions be 28 or 40 weeks. Students need to be able to present arguments for either side, irrespective of personal viewpoints.
-Dissections, for example, rat
-Logic tests practise
-Interview practise - both MMI and traditional
-Help during application process, including writing a personal statement
-Writing references for work experience
-Visits from alumni, who are both currently at university and also those who have qualified
-Independent research on a specialism, eg the effects of exercise of the prevention of Alzheimers
-Links to extra reading and on-line lectures and courses
-External speakers
-Visits to lectures
.....and many more!
Music
Presdales produces a number of concerts throughout the year to showcase the students' talents. All styles of music are encouraged including a full orchestra, chamber choir, Rock Band alongside many other ensembles and choirs.
EPQ
EPQ – An EPQ is a single piece of work that allows students to study a subject area, of their choice, in depth and develop independent research and study skills. An EPQ requires a high level of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working. The project should demonstrate ‘extension’ of the student’s knowledge and understanding. An EPQ can be a written report of 5,000 words or a written report of 1,000 words with an artefact, a recording of a performance/activity, a multimedia or slide presentation or a photographic record. Students must keep a production log which forms part of the EPQ, as well as deliver a presentation during which they will be questioned and assessed.
Sport
If sport is a passion then there are opportunities for Sixth Formers to play either recreationally or competitively in our impressive newly built Sports Centre. As part of the Core PE programme they are able to participate in the CSLA/HSLA scheme as sports leaders and this can earn them a creditable 30 UCAS points as well as being very rewarding.
Drama
There is a range of theatrical opportunities at Presdales School. From performing in large scale productions to getting involved behind the scenes, working on lighting, costumes, make-up or sound, Sixth Form students take the lead in school productions. The Year 12 also put on a Sixth form review at Christmas to entertain the rest of the school.
Charity Committee
Sixth Form students at Presdales run the whole school charity events. The Committee is self-governed and self-supported and works to support local, national and international charities. Sixth Formers who get involved with Charity Committe develop leadership, personal integrity, helpfulness and a respect for others.
Pinewood
At Pinewood, Sixth Form students have the opportunity to work with young people who are educated in a special school for children with moderate learning difficulties. Engagement with these students enhances the insight and skills of our Sixth Formers, whilst they undertake activities that enrich the lives of others.
World Challenge
Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take part in World Challenge expeditions which helps them gain a perspective on life lived in very different circumstances to their own. Sixth Form students have recently supported projects in Vietnam.
Young Enterprise
Students in Year 12 are also able to take part in the Young Enterprise scheme.They learn how different types of businesses are structured and operated. Topics covered include business brainstorming and planning, marketing and sales, human resources management, production techniques, arranging finance, maintaining financial control, making a profit and corporate responsibility.
Mock Trial
The Bar Mock Trial Competition is a yearly opportunity for Year 12 students to participate in a National Competition organised by the Citizenship Foundation. The heats happen in the autumn term, and the winning school from each heat progresses to the national final in the spring.
Two criminal cases, specially written for the competition, are studied in detail and students take the part of Barristers, Witnesses, Court Officials and Jury members. After many weeks of practice the drama is played out in real Crown Courts across the country. We usually attend Snaresbrook Crown Court. The competition requires our Prosecution team to compete against the Defence team of another school. This requires students to think on their feet and give pertinent replies to unexpected questions. A degree of acting ability is necessary but the chief characteristic is an ability to speak confidently and with authority, as well as a thorough understanding of the law as it relates to the particular case.
All students find the day enjoyable and challenging. They meet with other students but learn a lot about their own ability to reach heights of competence they never imagined themselves capable of.
Two criminal cases, specially written for the competition, are studied in detail and students take the part of Barristers, Witnesses, Court Officials and Jury members. After many weeks of practice the drama is played out in real Crown Courts across the country. We usually attend Snaresbrook Crown Court. The competition requires our Prosecution team to compete against the Defence team of another school. This requires students to think on their feet and give pertinent replies to unexpected questions. A degree of acting ability is necessary but the chief characteristic is an ability to speak confidently and with authority, as well as a thorough understanding of the law as it relates to the particular case.
All students find the day enjoyable and challenging. They meet with other students but learn a lot about their own ability to reach heights of competence they never imagined themselves capable of.
