The Pre-U consists of both individual subject courses (such as Psychology, Physics and Sports Science) and a Global Perspectives and Research course (GPR). It can be taken alongside AS and A levels. Students who are successful in a Pre-U subject and the Global Perspectives and Independent Research course, together with two A Levels will be eligible for the Pre-U Diploma. ‘Selective’ universities have made it clear that the Diploma meets the requirements of breadth, depth and volume of academic study they would expect to see in successful applicants.
What are the main aims of Pre-U subjects?
- Encouraging the development of well-informed and independent –minded individuals.
- Promoting deep understanding through subject specialisation, with a depth and rigour appropriate to progression to higher education.
- Helping learners to acquire specific skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, team working, independent learning and effective communication.
- Promoting an international outlook and cross-cultural awareness.
How will Pre-U subjects be delivered at the College?
The College will be offering Pre-U courses alongside existing AS/A level subjects in Physics, Psychology and Sports Science (together with the Global Perspectives and Independent Research course). Essentially these three subjects are intended to provide an extension activity for students who have a significant interest in the subject and intend to study it at degree level. Students who choose a Pre-U subject will also have a particular ability and aptitude for the subject and the entry criteria will be higher than for AS level courses in these subjects. As a consequence students will only be able to follow one Pre-U subject, although students will also be able to undertake the Global Perspectives and Independent Research course in order to be eligible for the Pre-U Diploma.
Students who choose to undertake a Pre-U subject will be placed in an AS/A/Pre-U Extension teaching group in the specific subject. An additional two periods of tuition in the subject will be provided. It is intended that this additional teaching will enable the AS/A level course to be completed in an accelerated manner with the last four months of the two year programme being specifically focused on the Pre-U examinations in the summer of Year 2.
Students will also be able to take the Global Perspective and Independent Research course. This will involve three periods of study in the first year during which time the focus will be on the Global Perspectives element. This element requires the development of critical thinking and research and presentational skills together with international and cross-cultural knowledge and understanding. Towards the end of the first year students will commence the Independent Research element which consist of a 5,000 word extended essay/dissertation based on an individually chosen academic issue.
Who should consider a pre-U course at the College?
An AS/A Pre-U extension course is particularly suitable for students who:
- have a strong interest in the subject and wish to study it at university
- have a particular aptitude for the subject
- wish to develop further a range of skills highly regarded by universities
- welcome greater breadth and depth than AS/A level allowing the exploration of more diverse areas
- want the potential to gain higher UCAS points than AS/A levels
Further information
Further details about the College provision are available from subject information sheets for Pre-U Physics, Psychology and Sports Studies together with GPR.
Guides for Parents, and syllabus outlines are available from www.cie.org.uk/cambridgepreu.