Meeting Tomlinson’s Extended Challenge
Posted on Wednesday 29 November 2006
Sir Mike Tomlinson, former Chief Inspector of Schools, presented 70 students at Farnborough Sixth Fo
Sir Mike Tomlinson, former Chief Inspector of Schools, presented 70 students at Farnborough Sixth Form College with bound dissertations and AQA Certificates to celebrate the completion of the country’s first Extended Projects as part of an A level programme.
The second year students had responded to the College’s challenge to undertake an extended piece of research linking two of their A level subjects over the summer holidays and to write up a thesis by the October half-term.
“This was about real stretch and challenge, exploring an area that wasn’t covered in college textbooks – and not downloadable from the Internet”, said Principal Dr John Guy. “We have been astounded by the standard of scholarship and commitment from the students, many of whom juggled their research between holidays, college work and part-time jobs – I am full of admiration for these young people”, he added.
He said that the College had been determined to show that an Extended Project delivering the skills which universities and employers sought need not be tightly prescribed and regulated by QCA. “We have shown that if we encourage and support the students to undertake effortful study in their own time, they will not only enjoy learning but stretch themselves beyond a defined syllabus”, said Dr Guy.
Speaking to the students at the presentation, which was attended by an official from the government Department for Education and Skills, Sir Mike Tomlinson said, “There has been a perception that the existing system fails to nurture the skills of analysis, research and presentation in a cognitive way to a lay audience. Tonight represents the reality of an idea which we proposed to government two years ago – at Farnborough you have proved that young people in Britain can measure up to that challenge”.
Marie-Claire Thomas, 17, from Camberley, received a personal award from Sir Mike for an outstanding piece of scholarship. Her project, entitled “Lost in Translation: an analysis of the accuracy in the communication of meaning and message in Lorca’s rural tragedies across the language and cultural divide”, was described by AQA moderators as “stunning, reflecting a maturity of thought and understanding well beyond her seventeen years”.
Maire-Claire said, “It was really enjoyable researching and analysing an area which I chose for myself. It was hard work but I learned more than if I had done it as part of preparing for an examination - the pressure was completely different and came from within myself”.
AQA’s Head of Qualifications Development, John Mitchell, said, “AQA has been delighted to work with Farnborough Sixth Form College on the trial of the Extended Project qualification and congratulates all the students on receiving their certificates”.
