Wider Opportunities

The EPQ gives students the opportunity to research a topic of their interest; this does not have to be based on an academic subject that the student is studying. Once research has been undertaken, students must submit their work, which usually takes the form of a dissertation but can also include compositions, an investigative report or an artefact project supported with a written piece. The EPQ can accrue UCAS points equivalent to half an A Level (maximum 28 UCAS points for grade A* in the EPQ)

A programme of talks from highly engaging speakers and on a wide range of topics, aimed at broadening pupils’ experience of their academic subjects. They are held in a lecture format with a question and answer session at the end. Pupils have listened to an array of lectures, for example, ‘Who wants to live forever’, ‘On the Front Line’, ‘Study, stress and music’, ‘The magic of a Christmas Carol’, ‘Understanding the Universe’, ‘International Security and Nuclear Weapons’ and ‘Recent Developments in Neurological Research’. Pupils are also encouraged to debate significant events, for example, ‘An Evening of Politics’ which was attended by representatives from all the major political parties. These included Lord Carey (former Archbishop of Canterbury), Damian Green (Conservative MP for Ashford), Brendan Chilton (Labour councillor) and Keith Taylor (Green MEP for South East England).

This is the highest academic scientific award for pupils under the age of 18 and is the only award that is recognised by UCAS, setting students apart in the university application process. The Science project is completed over 90 hours and students are expected to apply the full and correct scientific approach to their research and experiments. Students are supported by a STEM advisor.

Throughout the year there are many opportunities for Drama students to experience Drama within the real world. These include lectures from the Royal Shakespeare Company (including a workshop on Twelfth Night), a Brecht workshop, a musical theatre workshop with Disney professionals in Paris, a Frantic Assembly workshop and a local schools Sixth Form exam sharing evening.

Heartstart is a scheme run by the British Heart Foundation. It aims to ‘transform the UK into a nation of lifesavers: a country where everyone knows how to save a life’. Ashford School has been a member of this programme since 2013 and each summer we train a selected group of Year 13 pupils to teach pupils, parents and teachers how to deal with an unconscious person, recognise a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, perform CPR, deal with choking and respond to serious bleeding. Not only is this a fantastic initiative for the school but for also the wider community.

Young Enterprise is a global organisation that helps students to set up and run their own business. Students at Ashford School have formed a range of inventive and exciting companies over the years.

An introduction to studying Psychology at university, featuring lectures on a variety of topics and a tour around the department with an opportunity to experience technology such as the eye tracking device, virtual reality equipment and the mock bar

This is an unforgettable experience where pupils go way beyond the syllabus and experience Biology first-hand with a weeklong residential trip to local conservation parks and natural habitats. Pupils stay at a safari park and experience the ‘wild’ side of camping. They complete an individual investigation using university-style research and statistics.