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The <strong>GIS</strong> Diploma<br />
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong> <strong>Choices</strong><br />
2023/2024
At <strong>GIS</strong> we believe in the importance of a<br />
holistic education that is more than just<br />
achieving fantastic IGCSE and A Levels:<br />
it also needs to prepare you for the<br />
future, which requires a broad knowledge<br />
and a wide range of skills.<br />
For this purpose, we have developed our<br />
curriculum, offering an extensive choice of<br />
electives that will help prepare you for your<br />
own next steps and life beyond <strong>GIS</strong>.<br />
GUIDELINES TO ELECTIVE CHOICES<br />
Select your elective choice and two reserves<br />
Choose what is right for you<br />
Group size will determine whether or not an elective runs<br />
For some electives there will be a selection process to<br />
ensure the course will be suitable for you
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Academic Toolkit<br />
Explore, Apply, Review<br />
This elective will help you to develop highly effective and<br />
practical learning strategies that will improve your<br />
confidence and optimise your performance in your<br />
studies.<br />
The course will explore the latest research and findings<br />
into how learning takes place and how they can be<br />
applied to daily practice and be part of your toolkit for<br />
success!<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to know how to make knowledge ‘stick’.<br />
You want to find out more about your own character<br />
strengths and mindsets.<br />
You want to which study techniques have been proven to be<br />
highly effective based upon evidence based research.<br />
Alternative Sports<br />
Challenge, Explore, Enjoy<br />
This elective will provide students with an opportunity to<br />
play alternative sports and be physically active. Students<br />
will get the opportunity to participate in a number of<br />
sports. Some examples can be found below:<br />
Volleyball, Table Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Metaball,<br />
Short Tennis, Handball, Tchoukball, Aussie Rules, Gaelic<br />
Football<br />
Take this if:<br />
You wish to be active and try new/different sports. This will<br />
help you manage the stresses involved in chasing academic<br />
excellence.<br />
Chinese Literature & History<br />
Research, Seek, Understand<br />
In this elective, we will explore some Chinese writers and<br />
their lesser-known life facts intertwined with the<br />
historical backdrop of their time. We'll utilize various<br />
mediums such as stories, films, videos, meetings with the<br />
writers, and develop skills in recognizing patterns,<br />
connections, and identifiable trends. By employing the<br />
futurist Skill-Anticipation, we aim to gain a deeper<br />
understanding of Chinese literature.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You are keen to learn Chinese history and literature.<br />
You would like to enhance your critical thinking skills.<br />
You should be able to read and understand Chinese to at least IGCSE<br />
second language level.<br />
Close Harmony Choir<br />
Sing, Learn, Grow<br />
Come and discover the joys of singing together and<br />
creating powerful harmonies with others. In this elective,<br />
you will learn to sing songs from a range of styles,<br />
cultures and time periods, you will form new friendships<br />
through making music together, and you will learn about<br />
how music works on a much deeper level.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You enjoy singing.<br />
You enjoy discovering new music.<br />
You want to deepen your understanding of music harmony.<br />
You want to feel uplifted and energised each week.<br />
You do not need to play music to take this elective, however it does<br />
compliment the music IGCSE and A Level very well.<br />
Creative Interactive Media<br />
Analyse, Conceptualise, Create<br />
Graphic Design is the practice of conceptualising and<br />
visualising ideas and experiences with illustration,<br />
photography, digital imagery, and media.<br />
User interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) are<br />
the yin and yang of web design.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to understand the purpose and content of<br />
pre-production.<br />
You want to be able to create a digital graphic, animation and<br />
websites.<br />
You want to understand the purposes and features of<br />
animation and websites.<br />
Digital Entrepreneurs<br />
Challenge, Experiment, Success<br />
Let's start a software company! By joining this elective,<br />
you'll become a founding member of <strong>GIS</strong>'s new in-house,<br />
student-run software development company. You'll learn<br />
how commercial companies manage the design, coding,<br />
and testing of software, solving real problems. Particular<br />
skills covered will include design thinking (how to come<br />
up with workable solutions to problems) and Agile<br />
development (one of the most popular software<br />
development management models).<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to know how to write user stories and assess<br />
your product against them.<br />
You would like know how to use Git properly, including pull<br />
requests and code reviews.
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Essential Digital Literacy Skills<br />
Innovate, Organise, Excel<br />
In this elective, you'll learn to use office applications<br />
effectively, saving time and enabling professional and<br />
academic work. You'll also have the opportunity to gain a<br />
globally recognised professional qualification (ICDL)<br />
recognised by employers worldwide.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develop your personal organisational<br />
strategies.<br />
You would like to obtain a professional qualification.<br />
Extended Project Qualification<br />
Research, Develop, Critique<br />
This elective will award you with an officially recognised<br />
qualification - the equivalent of an AS Level qualification.<br />
Universities recognise and value this qualification.<br />
Develop a dissertation, an artefact or a creative<br />
performance based on a topic of your choice.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to develop research skills for university.<br />
You want to experience self directed learning.<br />
You want to follow your curiosity in a certain area.<br />
You want to study an area of passion you will pursue at<br />
university.<br />
Film Studies<br />
Analyse, Critique, Share<br />
Film has been the major art form of the 20th and 21st<br />
centuries. Over time, it has been shaped and crafted to<br />
create new meanings and experiences, which in turn have<br />
influenced and been influenced by the world around us.<br />
In this elective, we will explore the different micro<br />
elements of film and read how aspects of film form<br />
construct our cinematic experience. Later on in the<br />
course, we will explore different readings of film in<br />
relation to genre, gender and representation, which will<br />
culminate in students analysing a film of their choice.<br />
Choose this elective if:<br />
You have a keen interest in studying a range of films from<br />
different eras and perspectives.<br />
You want to hone your critical thinking skills.<br />
You want to develop your reasoning skills and evaluating<br />
skills.<br />
You are prepared to discuss and share your ideas with your<br />
peers.<br />
French Beginner (DELF A1)<br />
Learn, Converse, Communicate<br />
This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to learn<br />
French and explore French-speaking culture (no experience<br />
required!). You can also opt to take the DELF exam at the<br />
Alliance Française for an externally assessed qualification<br />
(level A1). Foreign language study offers valuable personal<br />
and professional growth, providing you with skills that can<br />
benefit you throughout your life.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develop your analytical and communication<br />
skills.<br />
You enjoy a new challenge and like to speak to people in different<br />
languages!<br />
French Intermediate (DELF A2-B1)<br />
Challenge, Communicate, Grow<br />
This intermediate French course is designed for students<br />
who want to continue their language learning journey while<br />
pursuing IGCSE/A Level options. You have the option to<br />
take the DELF exam at the Alliance Française for an<br />
externally assessed qualification (Level A2-B1). Foreign<br />
language study offers numerous skills that contribute to<br />
personal and professional growth, with long-term benefits<br />
for your future.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develops your analytical and communication<br />
skills.<br />
You are keen to continue learning French alongside your other<br />
subject choices.<br />
Only for students with a minimum of 2 years prior experience studying<br />
French.<br />
Garden Gamechangers<br />
Designing Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable<br />
Future<br />
Think, Design, Solve<br />
In this new elective, you'll collaborate to tackle global<br />
challenges. Using Design Thinking, you'll gain a profound<br />
understanding of crucial global issues and create and test<br />
innovative solutions with technology. This elective also<br />
allows you to apply for the Global Youth Entrepreneurship<br />
Challenge, where you can compete against other young<br />
problem solvers in Malaysia, with the potential to advance<br />
to the Global competition.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develop skills and attributes such as: empathy,<br />
collaboration, organisation, creative thinking and public<br />
speaking.<br />
It is advised that students opting for this elective have some knowledge<br />
and experience around computer science, and/or information technology.
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Gym Fitness<br />
Build, Advance, Stretch<br />
If you're looking to grow your biceps, get a six-pack, build<br />
your glutes, or improve your physical and mental health,<br />
this elective is perfect for you. Whether you are beginner<br />
or advanced in the gym, we welcome everyone. By<br />
joining this elective, you'll have access to a wide range of<br />
equipment to keep your workouts fresh and exciting.<br />
Working out in a gym surrounded by motivated<br />
individuals can help you stay on track. Plus, having a<br />
dedicated place to exercise is more appealing than<br />
working out in a park or at home. Remember, when you<br />
feel tired, just imagine how amazing you'll feel once you<br />
reach your goal.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develop your fitness in a fun environment.<br />
Health & Fitness<br />
Move, Learn, Grow<br />
This elective will allow you to maintain your health and<br />
fitness and develop practices and habits that will be<br />
important for the rest of your life. Consider well-being<br />
and health holistically and develop your knowledge of<br />
how to maintain a healthy lifestyle when living<br />
independently. Finally, develop an understanding of<br />
fitness trends and alternaitve methods of training. All of<br />
which will help you get in shape, ready for your summer<br />
beach holiday.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to develop your health, fitness and understanding of<br />
what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle.<br />
Historical Figures on a Mission<br />
Discover, Communicate, Develop<br />
Mandarin Intermediate (HSK2)<br />
Interact, Communicate, Converse<br />
"The HSK test is China's official test of Chinese Language<br />
Proficiency for non-native speakers, serving as the global<br />
standard from beginner to advanced levels. HSK (Level II)<br />
evaluates test takers' proficiency in everyday Mandarin<br />
Chinese. It corresponds to Level II of the Chinese<br />
Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other<br />
Languages and the A2 Level of the Common European<br />
Framework of Reference (CEF). Those who pass HSK<br />
(Level II) demonstrate a strong command of basic<br />
Chinese, enabling them to engage in simple and routine<br />
communication tasks, exchanging information on familiar<br />
and routine topics.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to develop your grasp of Chinese language to a<br />
higher level.<br />
You enjoy taking on new challenges.<br />
Only for students with a minimum of 2 years prior experience studying<br />
Mandarin.<br />
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)<br />
Explore, Develop, Focus<br />
A super-curricular focus on completing a MOOC (Massive<br />
Open Online Course) of your choice can directly link to<br />
your higher education options. You have a wide range of<br />
courses to choose from, some of which can even lead to<br />
certification by prestigious universities worldwide.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want flexibility and independence in your learning.<br />
You would like access to a wide range of learning opportunities<br />
not traditionally available in the curriculum.<br />
You wish to enhance your skills and begin working towards<br />
specific career opportunities.<br />
Come and discover the motivation behind a historical,<br />
justice-seeking hero of your choice. Research their life<br />
and explore what makes them a social justice hero. You<br />
will then prepare a monologue speech, written as the<br />
historical hero of your choice. You will receive training in<br />
public speaking and effective delivery. The elective will<br />
culminate in a performance event to showcase your<br />
speech.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to prepare a monologue speech.<br />
You are keen to develop your research skills and knowledge<br />
around social justice.
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Performance & Music Appreciation<br />
Explore, Discover, Perform<br />
If you want to enhance your performance skills and<br />
broaden your musical awareness with other like-minded<br />
musicians then this is the elective for you.<br />
We will push the boundaries of what you thought you<br />
were capable of in music and learn about how ‘The<br />
Greats’ reinvented the game in their own times. This<br />
course will delve into a broad range of styles and<br />
cultures, tailored to the strengths and interests of those<br />
who sign up.<br />
Take this elective if:<br />
You love discovering and studying new music.<br />
You want to push your solo/ensemble performance and theory<br />
skills to another level.<br />
You are grade 4 standard or above in your instrument.<br />
You can read traditional music notation.<br />
This elective is not a substitute for IGCSE or A Level music, but does<br />
compliment these courses if you are taking them.<br />
Philosophy<br />
Logic, Reason, Existence<br />
Philosophy uses the tools of logic and reason to analyse<br />
the ways in which humans experience the world.<br />
It teaches critical and ethical thinking, as well as logical<br />
analysis, and uses these to understand the language we<br />
use to describe both the world, and our place within it.<br />
Take this if you wonder:<br />
What is reality?<br />
How do we define right and wrong?<br />
What is the meaning of life?<br />
Photography<br />
Create, Visualise, Capture<br />
Unleash your inner photographer with the captivating<br />
Photography elective! Embark on a creative journey as<br />
you explore a diverse range of techniques and processes,<br />
capturing breathtaking moments through your lens.<br />
Develop your skills in composition and lighting, and<br />
unlock your artistic vision in this immersive photography<br />
experience.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to understand how to take better photos.<br />
You would like to explore a range of creative techniques and<br />
processes to take your photography skills to a new level.<br />
You want to 'wow' people with your images.<br />
Political Affairs<br />
Discuss, Debate, Enlighten<br />
To make sense of current affairs, a deeper understanding<br />
of politics is essential. In this elective, you will acquire<br />
fundamental knowledge about political systems and<br />
engage in discussions and debates on their application to<br />
recent events. We will explore topics such as "Democracy<br />
in Crisis?" and "Can we protect Human Rights?"<br />
Additionally, our final unit, titled "Overlooked," will delve<br />
into the political situation in Southeast Asia. Through a<br />
student-led thematic project, you will contribute to our<br />
'Overlooked' student magazine, shedding light on various<br />
political issues impacting the region.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to make sense of current affairs.<br />
You would like to explore democracy and Human Rights and<br />
engage in thought-provoking debates.<br />
You want to shed light on overlooked political issues in<br />
Southeast Asia.<br />
Printmaking<br />
Develop, Express, Explore<br />
Embark on a creative journey with our Printmaking<br />
elective! Discover a diverse range of printmaking<br />
techniques, such as monoprint, lino print, etching, and<br />
collagraph. Unleash your artistic potential as you<br />
experiment with different processes, textures, and<br />
colors. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of<br />
printmaking and breathe life into your imagination on<br />
paper.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to explore a range of Printmaking techniques and<br />
processes.<br />
You would like to expand your artistic repertoire and discover<br />
new ways to express yourself visually.<br />
Prop Making<br />
Decorate, Create, Enhance<br />
By enrolling in the prop-making elective, students can<br />
make meaningful contributions to three school<br />
productions. Actively engaging in the creation of dynamic<br />
and creative props, students play a vital role in<br />
enhancing the visual appeal of the performances. This<br />
elective provides an exciting gateway into the world of<br />
theatre, allowing students to showcase their artistic<br />
talents on stage.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to be involved in school productions.<br />
You would like to learn various 3D and decorative techniques<br />
and develop your project management and creative skills.
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Public Speaking<br />
Confidence, Positivity, Spirit<br />
In this elective we will develop public speaking skills<br />
necessary for confidently delivering engaging and<br />
convincing speeches. We will break down the skills used<br />
by great public speakers that make them great at their<br />
craft, and then try to build these skills into our own<br />
practice.<br />
Be prepared to create and deliver speeches, and to give<br />
and receive feedback, in a safe, supportive and<br />
motivating space.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You are keen to improve your public speaking.<br />
You are interested in careers in law, business, education,<br />
finance, sales or any other sector that involves public<br />
speaking.<br />
You would like to improve your self-confidence.<br />
Sculpture<br />
Craft, Sculpt, Immerse<br />
Explore a wide range of techniques to create sculptural<br />
works of art. Each term will have a distinct focus and<br />
outcome, utilising materials such as clay, found objects,<br />
cardboard, wire, and even puppetry. This course provides<br />
a supportive and inspiring environment for you to express<br />
yourself and unleash your artistic potential through the<br />
creation of unique and imaginative sculptures.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You want to explore and develop your creativity.<br />
You are excited to gain hands-on practical experience.<br />
Sound Recording & Production<br />
Create, Record, Produce<br />
Spanish Beginners (DELE A1)<br />
Challenge, Experience, Converse<br />
This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to start<br />
learning Spanish and immerse themselves in<br />
Spanish-speaking culture (no prior experience required!).<br />
At the end of the course, you have the option to take the<br />
DELE exam for an externally assessed qualification (level<br />
A1) if desired. Foreign language study offers numerous<br />
benefits for personal and professional growth, equipping<br />
you with valuable skills for future endeavors.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You are keen to learn new things.<br />
You would like to develop your analytical and communication<br />
skills.<br />
Spanish Intermediate (DELE B1)<br />
Interact, Communicate, Converse<br />
This intermediate Spanish course is specifically tailored<br />
for students who want to continue their language<br />
learning journey while pursuing their IGCSE / A Level<br />
options. At the end of the course, you have the option to<br />
take the DELE exam to obtain an externally assessed<br />
qualification (Level A2-B1). Foreign language study offers<br />
numerous benefits for personal and professional growth,<br />
providing you with valuable skills that can be utilized in<br />
various aspects of your future life.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You are keen to continue learning Spanish.<br />
You would like to develop your analytical and communication<br />
skills.<br />
Only for students with a minimum 2 years prior experience studying<br />
Spanish.<br />
Recording music was once the sole territory of expensive<br />
recording studios, but with the impact of the internet<br />
and digital recording software, the role of the sound<br />
engineer has opened up to all music enthusiasts.<br />
On this elective you will learn the principles of recording,<br />
mixing and production in various musical styles and use<br />
your skills to produce the music you want!<br />
Take this if:<br />
You love music, technology and creativity.<br />
You want the opportunity to be involved with music outside of<br />
a GCSE/A level context (there is no crossover).<br />
You want the skills to record bands, choirs, orchestras or even<br />
just yourself!
<strong>Year</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>Elective</strong>s<br />
Strands of Science<br />
Think, Challenge, Solve<br />
Come and explore topical scientific issues in the different<br />
strands of science: the Physical World, the Chemical<br />
World, the Biological World, and Earth and Space.<br />
Throughout the course, you will learn about rigorous<br />
scientific enquiry, sharpen your verbal reasoning and<br />
discussion skills and critically challenge scientific<br />
concepts. The course will culminate in your completion<br />
of a literature review and presentation on a scientific<br />
topic of your choice as part of the 'this idea must die'<br />
project.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You would like to further feed your interest in science.<br />
Explore and discuss the role of science in everyday life.<br />
Develop and justify your opinions on controversial scientific<br />
ideas.<br />
Develop your presentation skills to effectively communicate<br />
scientific concepts.<br />
You would like to develop your analytical and communication<br />
skills.<br />
Sustainable Futures<br />
Inform, Innovate, Inspire<br />
Want to explore the vital 21st-century challenges facing<br />
our planet? In this elective you will learn about the<br />
pressing socio-economic and environmental issues of our<br />
times. Linked to the United Nations ‘Global Goals’, you<br />
will create your own sustainability campaign.<br />
Take this if:<br />
You are passionate about global issues.<br />
You are keen to think critically, collaborate and create<br />
awareness.<br />
You care about creating a better world for now and for the<br />
future.