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Extension Studies
Introduction
This programme of Extension Studies continues throughout the Lower Sixth academic year. Its aim is to introduce the students to different experiences and skills, both academic and practical, outside their AS Level studies.
The Extension Studies programme includes the following:
For example
i) A Six Week course on Psychology.
Over the six sessions the students cover the following issues.
Week 1 - An Introduction to Psychology
'We are all psychologists?'
This session involves the meaning of psychology. Is it an art or science discipline. The various careers open to someone with a psychology degree.
An introduction into psychological experiments.
Week 2 - Conformity and Obedience
A closer investigation into why people might conform to or obey others. Specific mention is made of Milgram's Obedience experiment and the ethics involved in this experimental research.
Week 3 - An introduction into Abnormal Psychology.
This is an interesting aspect of psychological investigation. The first area of study will focus on schizophrenia, its symptoms, and possible causes.
Week 4 - An Investigation into Autism
This is the second part on abnormal psychology. It includes examining the causes of Autism (as yet no clear explanation has been found) and autistic behaviour. Extracts from the video 'Rainman' is used to highlight some of the key issues.
Week 5 - Freud's Psychoanalysis
The background and findings of Freudian psychoanalysis. Its implications for our actions and behaviour.
Week 6 - Animal Psychology
An investigation into animal experiments and what they might reveal about human behaviour. A general summary of the course will end this six weeks of lessons.
Other courses, including both the Politics course and the 'Cooking on a Budget course', approach their six sessions in different ways. For example the Politics course allows some students to participate in a 'United Nations' School Debate in Liverpool. This is always popular and receives some enthusiastic and positive comments from the student participants. Other students, coming up to voting age, acquire more knowledge and understanding of the role of government, the manifestos of political parties, and how the voting system works.
M.U.N.G.A. held at Liverpool Town Hall.
Cooking on a budget helps to provide students with a basic life-skill especially for those going to university. It is a practical, hands-on approach, and is popular amongst the students.
Outside of these specific courses students are also given the opportunity for 'Private Study'. This is intended to teach the students about the need for personal commitment towards their academic work. Again this is an important skill to acquire, especially for those attending university.