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What lies ahead? How can you be sure?
This course investigates how to create autonomous systems. There will be options to write either an autonomous game playing system or create a robot that competes in the national student robotic competition.
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This course is for students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of financial markets and investing. If you want to know what a venture capitalist or equity trader does; if you want to know how a platform works or what portfolio management means, then this is the course for you!
You might work on an acquisition pitch-book for an established company, or pull together research and analysis for a promising new start-up as well as exploring some of the most startling case studies of recent years.
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Is making money always good?
This course will examine the notion of what a market is and the moral limits that should be placed on what goods and services are traded within them.
We accept the right to buy a Mars Bar for a certain sum without questions, but is it acceptable for a developing sub Saharan African government to sell the right to 'big game hunters' to track and kill lions or for charities to sell tickets to hear the Pope speak? What is the market case for legalising drugs? This will be a discussion course driven by your questions.
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Are you interested in a career in the Law?
This course explains and explores training routes to the Legal Profession - Barristers, Solicitors, Legal Executives and Law Apprenticeships as well as a wider range of options in law enforcement and within the justice system, a law based career in business and industry.
This course is intended both for any student who might be interested in the Law - whether or not your are currently taking Law A Level.
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Do you have an idea for a new magazine?
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a magazine journalist or art director? If you would like to find out more about magazine production and feature writing, then this is the course for you. You will learn about the magazine industry; genre codes and conventions; how to write a successful feature as well as layout and design techniques.
You will devise your own magazine idea; produce a front cover using original photography; write a feature on a topic of your choice and produce a double-page spread with accompanying original photography.
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Are you interested in a career in the music industry?
The course is an introduction to an exciting, vibrant and multifaceted industry, which simply gets the music from the musicians to the audience. We will look at the different organisations and the range of roles that make up the industry. You will also be given the opportunity to find out about the people who work in these organisations, from performers to people who work in technical, production and administrative roles. If you are interested in working in the music sector or intend on progressing to higher education, you will develop an understanding of the business and the range of job opportunities available.
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Become a film buff: from the iconic classics to contemporary greats.
This course covers the development of film from the early silent period up to the 20th Century. We will explore the innovations of the studio system and the golden era of Hollywood; the 'New Hollywood' era from the late 1960s to the early modern 1980s and end with a look at modern American cinema.
We will discuss historical context and the events and trends that shaped them. With film screenings each week, this is suitable for everyone.
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Discover a wide range of experiences and cultures.
An important factor to explain the explosion in the number of the reading groups over the last couple of decades, is the growing diversity in the themes of novels and in those who write them. In particular, the way in which contemporary novels reflect a wide range of experiences and cultures means that they appeal to audiences who want to see their own experiences reflected, but also to gain an insight into other lives and experiences.
We will be looking not only at novels that reflect different social experiences but which also come from a range of different places such as the US, Ireland and India.
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Debating gets the adrenalin racing?
Both fun and intellectually stimulating. Being able to put together a coherent case for a viewpoint you don't necessarily agree with is an exciting mental challenge and a valuable life skill, especially as you have to think on your feet as you answer challenges from the other side. It will look great on your CV and make you more confident in interviews. The topics and formats we use will be up to you, but expect a mix of serious and humorous. Opportunities to debate against other schools or colleges.
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Are you planning to explore places beyond Surrey after College or while at university? Get ready to communicate with the Francophone world with this fun and active course.
We will cover asking for travel tickets, food and drink orders, talking about accommodation and the necessary vocabulary you would need in an emergency. Open to all.
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Want to become a journalist? Worried that the career is about to vanish before you even get to it? This course addresses the industry itself - the rise of online copy, the role of the big media companies, the role of blogging, micro-blogging and social media in the production of news stories.
You will also learn that many journalists are really experts in a particular field who have used that expertise to travel into journalism; science, medicine, psychology, the environment and so on. You will learn how to structure a good article, how to get your work out there and how you might go about making a living as a journalist.
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Are you planning on exploring Spain and want to be able to talk when you get there? Do you want to travel to Central or South America be able to communicate? Have you always wanted to find a way into the food, music, cinema or literature of the Spanish-speaking world?
Whether you want to learn Spanish to go on holiday, use it for work or study, or simply give your brain a boost, this course will help you discover one of the world's most widely spoken languages, and the fascinating cultures and peoples of the Spanish-speaking world.
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Do you want a good way to earn money while you are travelling or in uni holidays? This course explores how to teach English as a second language. We look at different ways you can communicate with somebody, as well as the difference between the receptive skills of listening and reading and the productive skills of speaking and writing.
Having studied or studying a modern foreign language is advantageous because you can draw parallels with that language and English; but it is not required. We will be exploring made up languages as well as having the opportunity to create you own following particular grammatical systems. Suitable for all!
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Welcome to the wonderful world of women's writing - a disturbing dystopian vision of Atwood's 'sister[s] dipped in blood'; of Carter's nightmarish spooky magic realism, frequented by surreal abhuman creatures and damsels in distress who turn out to be 'nobody's meat'; and Plath's 'Panzer man, panzer man' cruel 'Daddy' figure, brutalising women with his 'black shoe'.
This course will examine a range of relatively recent women's writing, both poetry and prose, familiar and lesser known, in terms of connections, influence and lineage, together with a fascinating range of feminist theory.
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From the iconic to the inventive.
Explore some of the world's most extraordinary buildings. Discuss progress in the development of materials and techniques of construction from ancient times to today's huge environmental concerns. How do we home an ever-increasing world population? How can architecture bring communities together?
Experiment with your own model-making too! This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the built environment and wants to know more about the decisions that create the cities around us. You don't have to be an artist but do need to be curious and ready to think laterally.
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Everyone can be an artist!
This programme of workshops is open to students of all abilities. It is designed to help you think imaginatively, work collaboratively and develop your confidence. Each week we will use a different artistic technique of 'making' and then complete a project which will relate directly to you and your environment. This will include media such as painting, drawing, collage and digital experimentation as well as individual activities.
See how art can be used to develop your emotional and expressive instincts and can be applied in your daily life to understand the world around you. This is an ideal opportunity to share and explore your creative side with your peers!
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Prepare you for your own applications.
Getting into drama school is notoriously difficult. Most schools receive over 3000 applications for fewer than 30 places. This course will put you in a better position when it comes to your own applications. We will start at the beginning with which schools to apply for and their specific requirements.
We will work through various monologues and songs to find the right ones for you and we will finish with a mock audition and interview at the end. This course is suitable for those with and interest in the technical aspects of theatre or performance production as well as students wanting to act, dance or sing.
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This course aim to develop your ability to use Adobe Photoshop to control and manipulate your digital images properly and enhance your work.
Topics covered will include: Photoshop Basics, Adjustment layers to edit Lighting/Contrast/Colour balance, Adjustment Layers, 'multi-me' image compositing, Removing Objects and Blemishes, Stamp Tool/Spot Healing Brush/Patch Tool, Re-sizing, cropping and image resolution.
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We use cameras all the time, but there's an enormous difference between a really good image and a plain ordinary one. In this course, you can learn how to take a good photo and have the chance to play with a range of different equipment.
From analogue to digital - you can try different cameras from tin cans to iPhones and 'proper' SLRs.... Learn to develop your work in our dark rooms and get ready to show off the results...
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Love music, like talking lyrics?
Track the development of popular music and music production over the past few decades. Learn about and appreciate everything from the crooning of Bing Crosby, to the polished production of Taylor Swift.
Through listening, analysis and group discussion we will find the secrets behind the songs to work out what has made them timeless classics. Opportunities to debate wider issues around popular music and discuss your favourite tracks!
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Develop your digital skills and share your passions
The emergence of portable digital technologies has given podcasting the platform needed to prove itself to be the future of audio-media. Podcasts can be a perfect way to showcase your creativity, share your passions and find your audience.
This course will give you the skills to research suitable topics, learn new technical production skills, make your own fantastic podcasts and distribute them on the internet. There are a maximum of 16 spaces available, so book early to avoid disappointment.
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This programme investigates our vulnerability and resilience towards climate change. We will explore the causes and consequences of global climate change as discussed and debated in the latest news stories.
The third section of the course will look at possible responses and opportunities for change. This course will be relevant to everyone at College: we all share the same planet after all, and we urgently need to protect and preserve it!
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Explore and compare different anatomies through first hand investigation
Starting with small invertebrates and ending with a larger vertebrate, we will explore and compare different anatomies through first hand investigation. Our discussions will relate these findings to the adaptions needed for each organism to survive in different environments.
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An introduction into what it is like to be a forensic scientist. We will look at a murder scene and using forensic evidence discover who killed the victim. We will be covering DNA fingerprinting, fibre and pollen analysis, how to work out when a victim died, fingerprinting and poisons.
There will be lab work in every lesson so if you enjoy the practical aspects of Biology and have an interest in criminology this is a course that would suit you!
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Join our environmental habitat project! We want to research, plan and build a pond in the College grounds. This outside classroom will give us a chance to explore aquatic habitats and interactions and threats involved.
A great opportunity for all students to join a vibrant and energetic team and enjoy seeing the practical outcome of your work.
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To consider what it means to be human
This nine week course will get you to consider what it means to be human. We'll look at what makes humans different to other animals - our bodies, our languages and how we classify ourselves into different groups (such as by gender and ethnicity). We'll touch on the divisions that we've made between ourselves and factors that unify us, such as our tendencies to modify our bodies, hold celebrations and come up with ways to communicate.
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A History of Warfare covers the changing nature of how war has been conducted. This course will involve looking at the strategies used as well as advancing technologies and tactical innovations.
From a starting point of Romon times, each week will focus on a particular battle as a representation of a period of warfare. Students who have an interest in history and have always wanted to look further on to the way in which war is conducted should consider this course.
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Have you ever wondered why you have a telephone and others don't have clean drinking water?
Why, even with all the progress in the world, 70 million children under five are expected to die between now and 2030? If these questions interest you, this course is for you. Blending a taste of politics, economics and geography, this is an introduction to the big ideas that will shape development in your lifetime.
You'll look at the lessons of how the world has developed over the last 50 years. Is it aid or trade that has helped more people out of poverty? You'll also be looking at the mega trends set to change the world this century - technology, climate change, migration and pressure on shrinking resources, shifts in global economic power.
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This course will consider how we can define 'human rights' and how this has changed over time. We will focus especially on the evolution of the concept of human rights in the twentieth century, for example the impact of the Second World War and atrocities such as the Holocaust, on the establishment of the United Nations and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We will look at human rights violations such as the Rwandan genocide and groups whose human rights have often been overlooked. We will also consider the impact of counter-terrorism on human rights. Lots of opportunities for discussion and perfect for anyone interested in history, politics, law, the work of charities, NGOs or international organisations.
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Have you ever felt like you don't know enough about Politics to get involved in conversations with your friends about what's going on? You're not sure about how politics works in the UK, and don't understand why people bother to vote? This course is the one for you. Politics for beginners will take you through the British Political system, elections and voting, political changes, political ideologies and big questions of our time.
We will also look at what government does, or should do, in Britain. We will tackle the big questions, like what makes people vote the way they do, and have voting patterns changed over time? This course will give you political knowledge, develop your debating and research skills, and help you become an informed and active participant in British democracy.
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Understand the facts and the myths about the impact humans are having on the carbon and water cycles. Learn why sustainable strategies are needed and what strategies are available.
This course will involve debate and discussion of the ever increasing range of podcasts, research material and documentaries combined with an opportunity to evaluate how you can make a difference, whether that be in your transport methods, clothing, housing, energy consumption or tourism choices.
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An opportunity to sharpen your reasoning and question some foundation beliefs, this course will provide an introduction to Philosophical thought by taking you through a different question each week. 'Does God exist?', Is art valuable?', What, if anything, can we know for sure?', Should I tolerate the views of others?' and many more.
You will have opportunity the to discuss, debate and persuade. This course is suitable for all students, but will be of value particularly to those who are prepared to think critically and have their views challenged!
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The course involves exploring the reasons behind addiction. How does it begin and why does it have such a powerful effect on some individuals? What part do factors like irrational thought processes, age, society's expectations or pressures and the media play? What are the most effective treatments today? What is psychiatry?
This course is suitable for all and will offer information on this rapidly changing and highly relevant topic today.
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All welcome! Don't worry about your current skill level: it will improve! Join us for a regular Friday morning workout, some healthy competition between scratch teams as well as fitness drills.
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What could we do to make the College a more environmentally friendly site for the benefit of all students and staff? This course will share and research ideas for greening the College site.
It will give you the chance to get actively involved with making a difference and to weigh up the advantages and logistical implications for ways we might change our behaviour and increase you own sense of fulfilment and well-being as a result. Good for all students: passion, humour and insight guaranteed.
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Learn the art of truly listening to others; be introduced to first principles of counselling skills including unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence. On this course you will learn how to identify your existing levels of communication skills, how to park your own desire to interrupt, give advice and 'mend' your friend's problems and instead practice the skills of 'self' and 'other' reflection, creating a safe environment in which to explore listening with others.
There has been much talk in the press about our mental health crisis in your people, partly due to an increased sense of isolation from the experience of others. Learn about the basic theories of humanistic, person-centered counselling and practicing these skills with others.
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Mindfulness covers a range of strategies to raise awareness, principally developed through meditation. We will discuss the development of mindfulness and its current popularity. Sessions will include body scans, mindfulness meditations and discussions about the benefits and challenges of meditation.
This mindfulness course should be beneficial to any students looking to raise their self-awareness. Regular mindfulness practice can have many benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, increased happiness and focus.
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Running is a great form of exercise and something anyone can do. Regular running is fantastic for your health and well-being, reduces stress and definitely boosts your mood. This group is primarily designed for beginners or those who want to get back into running, but equally, if you are experienced and want to join up, you are very welcome!
We will build up, through training, to be able to comfortably run 5K by the end of the course. We hope you will feel inspired to run regularly outside of College, join a local Park run, sign up for a charity run, or even a Marathon?! We will also discuss goal setting and help with motivation. We hop you will develop a love of running that will stick with you beyond College.
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There are many benefits to this meditative exercise; it increases muscle stength and tone, lowers blood pressure, reduces insomnia, helps you deal with stress, promotes calmness and improves your strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga improves concentration and clear thinking, and is suitable for nearly everyone.
Each session will help you with stretching, grounding, balancing, twisting and feature breathing exercises and relaxation at the end. We will explore different types of yoga from vinyasa ('flow' yoga) to hatha which is more stationary. (Those with medical condition(s) should check with their GP before starting classes.
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Want your fitness routine to be fun as well as effective? This is the course for you! An aerobic fitness programme featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American dance music, suitable for all.
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A look at the four main engineering disciplines: Civil, mechanical, Electronic and Chemical and we will explore what skills, opportunities each offers or requires.
Each will include a case study and a team practical task so that by the end of the course you will have experienced a taste of what is involved in each discipline and have a clearer understanding about what is involved and how to further investigate careers in engineering.
While Aerospace, Automotive, Environmental and other specific engineering disciplines are not named above the 4 general areas have been chosen to give the widest experience possible,.
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Build your future-proof skills
An introduction course in programming that is suitable for complete novices and those who wish to develop their programming have completed GCSE Computer Science.
The course will be mainly practical, and cover all of the essential elements that will allow you to create creative programming solutions to a range of common problems.
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Explore key moments in fashion history
On this history of fashion course you will discover the key moments in fashion history over 500 years from the Tudor Court to the 1990s.
You will learn how men's and women's styles have evolved in response to changes in society, the influence of music, politics and culture and how these inspired fashion styles. If you have a keen interest in clothes and culture then this course is for you.
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We will investigate and find out how Chemistry helps our lives. From looing at which solvent to use to get out a bad stain to seeing how batteries work to making your own soap.
We will explore how some cancer drugs work and explore how chemistry helps us in cooking. It is for people who are still interested in doing a bit of Chemistry but aren't necessarily doing an A-level in it!
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From plankton to puffer fish, coral to currents, join a dive into Marine Biology. With oceans covering 70% of the planet's surface, the vast majority of life on Earth is found under the sea. There is still so much to be explored, but this course will give you the chance to investigate a wide range of marine based plants and animals, the ecology of marine habits and an introduction to oceanography. Some dissection and sampling techniques will be carried out as part of the course. Suitable for all.
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Develop you practical skills
A course for all students who want to develop their practical skills and develop an understanding of what a university Laboratory course would look and feel like. Each week you would be given a new compound to synthesise under the guidance and support of the chemistry department.
You will need to do some work outside of the lab to prepare and be able to work safely in the lab.
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Explore the bizarre to the iconic!
"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living" David Attenborough
Zoology is the study of animal life, from whole animals and populations through tissues to their cells and molecular structures. In this course we will investigate the behavoural patterns of animals and how they survive in their natural habitats as well as evolutionary relationships between different animals.
We will also examine the different ways people are trying to conserve biodiversity. To help us understand the adaptions and threats to different plants and animals we will use a mix if preserved samples and clops from nature documentaries. We will investigate the bizarre to the iconic!
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Achieve a St John's Ambulance CPR certificate
Students completing this course will earn a St John's Ambulance CPR certificate. The course covers resuscitation for both children and adults; how to cope in an emergency, communication and casualty care as well as primary responses, clearing the airway and recovery positions. This is a vital life skill and would be good for all students.