¨ To provide additional breadth in knowledge, and to assist important skill development

¨ To offer a fourth, or fifth, qualification in an efficient manner that may benefit progression plans

The approach to General Studies recognises that you face a demanding programme of study across your ‘main’ subjects.  As such you will not be required to complete homework though you will be encouraged to pursue areas of interest to you; you will be guided to resources and materials that are engaging and useful.  This subject will occupy 2 hours each fortnight.  If you undertake Critical Thinking AS Level it will only occupy one hour a fortnight.

A variety of methodology will be employed – a staff ‘lecture programme’, DVD’s, discussion and debates, think pieces and research.

Mr. Mark Dickson – Course Leader

“I have always relished the idea of ‘General Knowledge’. An awareness of the vastness of humanity’s learning has led me to enjoy accumulating bits of subjects – those on the curriculum and those other areas of knowledge that are not learned formally but which are so enriching.  Knowing even a small amount about philosophers, latin, cinema, literature, countries and culture, scientific advances, space, politics and religion amongst many other topics opens up the possibilities of profound understanding as links are made across all areas.

General Studies can’t possibly teach all knowledge – so the course simply focuses on asking questions and encouraging students to get ‘off the fence’ and start to grapple with difficult judgements about the nature of our world and issues like truth, belief, evidence and how these concepts impact on our society.