Academic
An Education for Life
On the 13-night course for ages 12-17, students study three modules, taught by Bradfield College teachers, based on the key skills needed for higher education and the modern workplace. Each day focuses on a different module, with students spending two days on each module in total. Classroom learning is supported by a range of evening activities and excursions throughout the course.
“A CURRICULUM THAT EQUIPS OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE SKILLS AND MINDSET THAT WILL HELP THEM BE SUCCESSFUL IN 2030 AND BEYOND.”
CRITICAL THINKING
The ability to examine evidence and other people's views to help come to a judgement based on a reasoned argument
PRESENTATION
The ability to communicate information clearly and in a way that engages a specific audience
Complex Problem Solving
The ability to implement a researched plan that addresses a challenge with lots of factors influencing it i.e. multiple variables
Complex problem solving
At Bradfield, we believe that a flexible and multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving is essential in almost every career, from politics to design.
In this module, students learn how to unpack complex problems, identify the contributing variables and where they intersect, and build the confidence to propose well-researched and creative solutions.
Using real-world problems, Bradfield teachers guide students working in pairs or groups through techniques to conduct detailed analyses of the challenges and potential solutions across various disciplines, including identifying risks and benefits and considering wider cultural implications
Example session topics:
Business ethics: how can a company maintain its competitive advantage while balancing ethical and moral obligations such as environmental and social responsibility?
Government policy: In a democratic government, how do you enact meaningful and effective solutions to complex long-term problems while maintaining public support?
Module skills: problem-solving, analytical reasoning, teamwork, risk management, decision-making, prioritisation, communication, debate.
PRESENTATION
The ability to effectively present ideas is at the heart of this module and applies to every aspect of life. Students are equipped with the skills to engage and captivate an audience, no matter the topic, using visual and verbal techniques to connect and convey meaning with confidence and assurance.
Our teachers understand that confident public speaking rarely comes naturally and we use the same techniques throughout the school to assist students in preparing them to calmly articulate ideas to their fellow students and others, manage performance anxiety and build effective and engaging presentations.
Example session topics:
How to structure, write and perform a captivating speech
Performance techniques: vocal warm-ups, stage presence, delivery
Module skills: Setting goals, structuring presentations, writing, designing visual aids, public speaking, verbal communication, non-verbal communication and body language, conducting question and answer sessions.
CRITICAL THINKING
In a world of information overload, skills to effectively evaluate this information and overcome cognitive biases are more important than ever. Critical thinking is also central to intellectual engagement and independent study and so, at Bradfield, it permeates our whole curriculum.
Designed to establish lifelong critical-thinking habits, this module equips students with the tools to exercise curiosity and open-mindedness, independently gather pertinent evidence, systematically analyse and evaluate, and use logical reasoning to reach well-informed conclusions or interpretations.
Example session topics:
False Information: fake news, deep fake technology and how to navigate the future of information.
Bias in the Media: how culture and experience affect the way information is presented and how bias can impact the interpretation of information.
Module Skills: critical analysis, evaluating evidence, logical reasoning and inference, problem-solving, mental agility and curiosity, open-mindedness, and identifying bias in decision-making.
