I have been studying Geography and English Literature for nearly my entire life and Psychology for only 3 weeks, yet I am still as enthralled by all of the opportunities and knowledge each topic holds and has to bring to my expansive learning.
To begin with Geography, my most favoured subject, I am still unable to fathom the vast number of valuable and completely relevant topical issues that arise from this insightful subject. I am always finding myself delving deeper into the knowledge of the course which relates to almost every aspect of both life and learning. The vast majority of subjects discussed has enabled me to, over the years, become a more well-rounded student; I am not only confident in my ability to share my views on these matters, but also ask questions and really hone in on everything that I passionately (to say the least) have been taught. I will be truthful in stating that I am captivated by every topic in the syllabus as the clarity in which the subject is taught, enables me to be fully inquisitive and engrossed in the matters presented at hand. From human to physical geography, a whole range of current affairs can be learnt, providing holistic geographical understanding. Through synoptic analysis I have already been able to intertwine geographical ideas in a stimulating manner. We, as a Geography community, are fortunate enough to complete a number of field-trips over the two years to the south coast and other trips to London and Kent. We also have the opportunity to visit Naples in Sicily to focus on the workings of tectonics, which is by far my most favoured topic of all. I am optimistic for my future, knowing that at the end of the two years here at Langley I will be a well-equipped UK citizen to further study Geography, or use the skills learnt throughout this course to facilitate and satisfy the needs of another academic pathway through gaining expertise which will make me exceptionally employable.
The topics studied include:
Unit 1: Dynamic Landscapes (topic 1- Tectonic Processes and Hazards and topic 2- Landscape Systems, Processes and Change including optional topics of Glaciated or Coastal Landscapes and Change).
Unit 2: Dynamic Places (topic 3- Globalisation and topic 4- Shaping Places including optional sub-topics of Regenerating Places or Diverse Places).
Unit 3: Physical Systems and Sustainability (The water cycle and water insecurity; the carbon cycle and energy security; climate change futures).
Unit 4: Superpowers; Global Development and Connections.
Secondly, I would like to discuss English Literature which I have already noticed has enabled me to inquisitively analyse a wide range of texts to give me different insights into many aspects of life in the matters that the writers address in the different novels. So far, I have been able to study Brighton Rock by Graham Greene, which has given me insight into the criminal underworld, explaining how the psyche of criminal minds operate. English Literature allows me to express my interpretive thoughts effectively in an engaging manner which has really helped me to ensure both my written and spoken work is more sophisticated. By discussing my elaborative thoughts with my peers, as a group we are all able to debate topical ideas and challenge the thoughts of others. We are also fortunate enough to take part in theatre visits which I know will not only educate me on the chosen novels, but also enhance my existing knowledge and make me question my own thoughts and views regarding the matters in the texts. The course itself is challenging yet interpretive and lends itself well to most other courses offered in the sixth form. Despite being an extremely favoured subject due to students love for the course, it is also extremely rewarding, stimulating and is respected and favoured by many prestigious universities and employers. A passion for reading and being able to confidently express your ideas are required skills, as well as being strong independent learners. Despite this, you must also be able to work collaboratively with your peers and present ideas to the class which I have become a lot more confident in accomplishing since starting my studies here.
The topics studied include:
Aspects of Tragedy (a minimum of three texts must be studied - one Shakespeare play, a second drama text and one further prose or poetry text.)
Element of Crime Writing (a minimum of three texts must be studied – one post-2000 prose text, one poetry text and one further text. Students are also examined on an unseen text.)
Theory and Independence (one poetry and one prose text and explore different interpretations, such as a Marxist or feminist approach, informed by the Critical Anthology.)
Last but not least is Psychology. Having previously never studied psychology before I was intrigued to delve deeper into the workings of the human psyche. I have always been enthralled by documentaries and articles discussing the brain and how it affects our behaviour, meaning that for me, this course was of huge interest from the start of choosing my options. I was also enticed by the fact that I had never studied the subject before meaning that I could begin my sixth form journey with a fresh outlook on learning and broaden my horizons by differentiating between the subjects taken at GCSE and A-Level. So far, I have noticed that Psychology has given me the knowledge and understanding of different perspectives within the subject which has allowed me to recognise the importance of psychological research and critically evaluate these ideas. High level literacy skills are required as some of the content is rather abstract as well as being able to convert this knowledge into essay writing. Students must also have a good grasp of the scientific method and adequate numeracy skills to be able to analyse and represent data.
The topics studied include:
Social Influence
Memory
Attachment
Approaches in Psychology
Psychopathology
Research methods
Biopsychology
Issues and Debates in Psychology
and one from each of the following:
Option 1: Relationships, Gender or Cognition
Option 2: Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour or Stress
Option 3: Aggression, Forensic Psychology or Addiction
These subjects have made me become an enthusiastic learner and I know my study will continue to be elevated and form me into an independent student, ready for higher education. I believe that it is immensely important to choose subjects carefully based on independent interests otherwise ability is heavily limited. By choosing subjects that fully grasp your interest and that you are passionate about will result in exceeding your expectations at the end of your school career.
By Nieve Wiggins
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