Varndean25 - Flipbook - Page 63
OTHER COURSES
ESOL
(ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES)
If you are studying GCSE or Advanced Level
courses and it is identified that you will need to
improve your level of English, we will offer you
the opportunity to participate in our daytime ESOL
adult provision classes. In these classes you will
join a multinational group to work on the skills you
need in order to be successful in your studies.
You will take part in different activities including
discussions, group work, presentations and
conversation.
The course is designed to improve your reading,
writing, listening and speaking skills and you
will broaden and enrich your vocabulary and
understanding of English grammar to prepare
you for the ESOL qualification at the level which
is appropriate for you. Th topics included will be
relevant for life in the UK, both within the education
system and life in general.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You should have at least an intermediate level of
English to join. At the beginning of the course, you
will complete a diagnostic test which will enable
us to provide you with a programme of study most
suitable for your level of English.
EXTENDED PROJECT
QUALIFICATION (EPQ)
(YEAR 2 ONLY)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides
an excellent opportunity to independently research
and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Throughout the project you will keep a log to plan
and review your work. At the end of the project
you will deliver a presentation. Your teacher
will advise and mentor you, as well as help you
develop your skills in organisation, research,
presentation and reflection.
• You can pursue your topic interest in depth,
perhaps in an area related to your higher
education direction.
• The EPQ is graded A*-E and is worth the
equivalent of half an A Level (up to 28 UCAS
points).
• Some universities will give lower offers to
students taking the EPQ; others will provide
additional funding.
• Employers see the EPQ as evidence of maturity
and the ability to self-manage.
“The EPQ was the highlight of my time at
Varndean. I valued the opportunity to research
and produce a university-style essay on a topic
I wanted. This enhanced my essay writing skills
and helped with the transition from college to
university. The EPQ was the perfect course for
me to learn these skills thanks to the support of
the EPQ staff. The one-to-one sessions helped me
organise my research and I really appreciated the
level of personal support provided.” Milo Wheeler,
former student, now studying Geography at the
University of Manchester.
63
