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Academic Extension

Beyond A Levels

Your fourth strand of Sixth Form learning.

Three A Levels provide the foundation for your future. Our distinctive Independent Academic Extension programme gives you the opportunity to go further.

Alongside their A Levels, all Sixth Form students are encouraged to pursue mentored, independent academic work that develops intellectual ambition, essential skills and a distinctive personal profile for university applications and future pathways.

The programme is designed to help you explore ideas in greater depth, take intellectual risks and demonstrate initiative beyond the classroom. Depending on your interests, you might undertake an extended research project, prepare for a challenging university admissions test, enter a national essay competition, build a creative portfolio or work collaboratively on a STEM challenge.

With guidance from specialist teachers, you will develop the independence, discipline and curiosity that distinguish confident learners.

Choose your challenge

Highly Competitive Maths

For students who enjoy mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and intellectual challenge.

Opportunities include:

  • Further Mathematics A Level.

  • Mathematical challenges and Olympiads.

  • Preparation for university admissions tests, including TMUA, TARA and ESAT, where appropriate.

  • Small-team mathematical problem-solving.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Develop a question or topic that genuinely interests you through an independent, mentored research project.

You will learn to plan and manage a substantial piece of work, evaluate sources, construct an argument and communicate your findings. The EPQ can provide valuable experience of independent study and may contribute UCAS points, subject to the qualification and university requirements.

Investment Team

Explore economics, business, financial markets and innovation through collaborative projects and competitions.

Activities may include:

  • Investment simulations using platforms such as Investopedia.

  • Participation in global investment-team activities.

  • Economics and business competitions.

  • Exploring entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial decision-making.

Highly Competitive Essays

Develop the research and writing skills needed to engage with challenging academic questions.

Students can explore subject-specific and interdisciplinary competitions across areas including History, English, Classics, Languages, Religious Studies, Sociology, Geography and Psychology.

With guidance from specialist teachers, you will practise constructing persuasive arguments, undertaking university-style research, reading critically and referencing sources. The programme also supports students preparing for highly selective university applications.

Creative Showcase

Develop your creative identity and produce work that reflects your individual interests and ambitions.

Opportunities include:

  • Extended portfolios in Art, Graphic Design and Architecture.

  • Drama showreels and performance projects.

  • Music technology and composition.

  • Music grades and studio practice.

  • Creative writing, the School Newspaper and the Creative Writing magazine.

  • French and German plays and other language-related creative projects.

Speak Out!

Develop your confidence, communication skills and ability to construct and defend an argument.

Activities include:

  • British Parliamentary debating.

  • Model United Nations.

  • LawSoc and mooting opportunities.

Through discussion, debate and public speaking, you will learn to consider competing perspectives, think on your feet and express complex ideas with clarity.

STEM Projects

Explore scientific and technological ideas through practical challenges, collaborative projects and independent investigation.

Opportunities include:

  • MedSoc.

  • VEX Robotics.

  • Bebras, CREST and Cambridge challenges and Olympiads.

  • The Earth Prize.

These activities encourage problem-solving, creativity and the application of knowledge to real-world questions.

Open Book

Discover the ideas, arguments and stories that make reading such a powerful form of intellectual exploration.

The Open Book programme brings students together to share their reading and develop their analytical skills through:

  • Subject-based reading groups.

  • Book presentations and critical discussion.

  • A curated list of 100 classic books.

  • The 12 in 12 in 12 challenge: 12 books over 12 months in Year 12.

  • Short-text analysis seminars in History, English, Philosophy, Languages and Sociology.

Whether you want to explore familiar interests or venture into a new subject, Open Book encourages independent thought, informed discussion and a lasting love of reading.

More than an additional qualification

Independent Academic Extension is about developing the intellectual confidence to pursue questions independently, the discipline to complete ambitious projects and the ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

These are skills that will serve you at university and throughout your life.

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