Varndean Progress

Enrichments run from September to February Half Term

• You need to choose one enrichment to include on your timetable. 

• There are five categories to choose from, but you can only select one enrichment session from one category. 

• You can choose one of the following:

Archaeology

You will explore the subject of Archaeology, where it came from & why it matters in the modern world.  You will also be able to explore study & career opportunities in Archaeology & Heritage & get specific help with taking the subject further. 

Aspire (Humanities) 

If you love learning and have ambitions of studying a humanities subject at a top university then this group offers support and information to students who have the ability to flourish on academically challenging undergraduate courses.    

Aspire (STEM) 

If you love learning and have ambitions of studying Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths subjects at a top university, then this group offers support and information to students who have the ability to flourish on academically challenging undergraduate courses.    

Aspire (MED/VET/DENT) 

Specialist support for students applying for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science higher education courses.  Listen to speakers, focus on writing personal statements, gain support for the BMAT/ UKCAT exams, plus 1:1 interviews to help with UCAS applications.

Code 'n' Cake

Level up your programming skills - this enrichment is is open to absolutely everyone. 

Enter coding competitions and work on small projects, such as programming Raspberry Pi computers. This year students entered the Astro-Pi and Bebras competitions. This extra-curricular project looks great on a personal statement when applying to study Computer Science at university.  

Dance Audition Preparation

The audition process for dance conservatoires and universities is tough and competitive, this enrichment will provide students with audition technique tools and an environment to create audition material with feedback and support, readying them for the audition process. 

Film Careers

For Filmmakers, Writers, Actors and Artists. Screen Careers is a group for students who are passionate about Film, and interested in pursuing a Career in the area. Sessions will aim to develop ideas for Short Films and connect teams to execute Short Films, with the goal of entering those films in Festivals. This could mean Camera Operation, Costume Design, Acting or various other on-set or broader Film Industry roles.

Hidden Histories

Students will challenge their perceived ideas of history. Learn to be critical of where they often learn their history, and why some histories are less covered. 

Lit Crit

Lit Crit is a literature extension class for all students who are curious about novels, short stories, plays and poetry and who want some great ideas about what to read next - both for pleasure and for study. Each week, we look at a poem or an extract from a novel, short story, or play, and discuss its ideas and its language and form. It’s great fun: we often travel from medieval English up to the present day, with lots of interesting stop-offs in between. We sometimes read things that weren’t originally written in English but have been translated for us, so we’re quite international too. There's no writing to do, but some students like to make notes while they talk. It’s also great preparation for taking unseen papers on your A Levels and IB diploma, if you have chosen English or World Literature as subjects. 

Mock Trial Team / Law Society 

As part of the society we have outside speakers, investigate the roles and responsibilities of different court personnel, take part in mock trials and possibly enter external mock trial competitions. 

New Perspectives in Chemistry

New Perspectives is a chemistry orientated interdisciplinary enrichment that aims to trade in the traditional aspects of chemistry for one that has cultural, artistic and philosophical elements. Taking discussions and research to examine how chemistry shapes the world around us and allowing you to think critically about how chemistry is presented. There will also be some opportunities to take part in some practical demonstrations. 

What a Tragedy

Come and discover why humanity's darkest stories remain its most unforgettable. Through extracts, clips, discussion and debate we'll explore how tragedy has evolved from Ancient Greece to modern literature, film and art, tackling questions such as:

• What does it take to make a tragedy?

• Do people create their own downfall, or is it all fated?

• Why do audiences enjoy tragic stories? What do they do to us?

• Can villains be tragic heroes?

• Is tragedy still relevant today?