General Studies
General Studies
Head of General Studies: Mr J Reynolds
All boys at LRGS will take an additional A-level in General Studies. The exam is accredited by AQA and we take Specification A. The exam is taken wholly in the Upper Sixth, with two exams in January and two in the summer.
- Module 1 Culture and society
- Module 2 Science and society
- Module 3 Culture and society
- Module 4 Science and society
Options
In the Sixth Form you will be expected to study at least two modules from a broad and diverse selection. There are two compulsory modules which are part of the LIFE course, each taking six weeks to complete and there are longer modules that can result in an extra qualification. Read on for a more detailed description of the module system.
Life
This is a course written specifically for LRGS. It involves two modules of study:
• Knowing yourself
• Leadership and creativity
There are a variety of teaching and learning methods, ranging from assembly presentation and video analysis to psychological experimentation. The aim is to provide an opportunity to learn and think about areas completely untouched by any other area of the formal teaching curriculum, hopefully in a manner different to the teaching elsewhere in your studies. As well as these lessons, there are a number of speakers who come and talk during CAVE periods. You can choose when you study the two modules but they must be completed at some point within your AS or A2 study.
Other options choices
These choices can change year on year, depending on the teachers available to deliver the material. Here are some examples of what we have done in the past and may offer in your years of study: a social enterprise project that will lead on from our Challenge 120 event; a study of Bob Dylan and his music; games coaching experience; a study of Western Films; German for beginners; Italian; Law and Philosophy of religion; song writing; finance; DIY; GCSE Film Studies and many others.
In addition, there will be the opportunity to study for the Extended Project Qualification with the AQA board. This is a challenging and exciting course that will deepen you knowledge of an area that you have a passion for and want to develop as an area of special interest. This is for those who have the commitment to put a considerable amount of their own time, approximately 120 hours, into an AS qualification. This is an ideal way to develop your UCAS personal statement and develop material for interviews with Universities.
General Studies - FAQs
What is General studies and why bother?
General studies is a broad exam and tests your knowledge over a number of different disciplines. It reflects your all-round ability to learn, understand and above all think. At least one Old Lancastrian maintains attainment in General Studies is the only true measure of academic ability in education!
So why do we do it?
Firstly General Studies is an A-level qualification. Therefore whatever you achieve can be used towards your UCAS application. Where certain institutions may not accept General Studies, you may well find that for competitive courses it may help to distinguish between candidates. In addition, you will pick up a wide range of skills which are useful to employers and a raft of good, topical, general knowledge.
Follow these links for General Studies A specification and materials and Extended Project Qualification.