The document describes the Global Perspectives and Independent Research (GPR) program at Headstart. The 2-year program develops critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills through courses on analyzing arguments, constructing arguments and essays, presentations, and an independent research project. Students learn to evaluate sources and perspectives on global issues. The program prepares students for university through skills-based learning and assessments, including essays, presentations, and exams. It aims to produce confident, responsible, intellectually engaged graduates ready for future challenges.

1. GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVES AND
INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH (GPR) AT
HEADSTART
By Sehar Tariq

2. Ever find yourself asking these
questions?
 What does this mean?
 Is this true?
 Is this the only way to think about it or are there other perspectives on this?
 Is this a fact, argument, opinion, rant, speculation, prediction, explanation,
hypothesis?
 What is the difference between those things?
 Is this a strong or weak argument?
 What is the credibility of what this guy is saying?
 How do you evaluate the reliability and credibility of the sources?
 How do you make a reasoned and balanced judgment based on evidence?
 What is the most effective way to structure the presentation?
 How can research findings be presented to a non-specialist audience?
 How can arguments and research findings be presented effectively and
persuasively?

3. Themes
 Alternatives to oil  Integration and multiculturalism
 Artificial Intelligence  Medical ethics and priorities
 Migration and work
 Biodiversity and threats to the
 On-line and interactive communities
world’s natural heritage
 Standard of living/quality of life
 Endangered cultures
 Sustainable futures
 Ethical foreign policies  Technology and lifestyles
 Genetic engineering  The challenge of GM crops
 Global climate change  The economic role of women
 Globalisation of economic activity  The emergence of a global superpower
 The ethics and economics of food
 Globalisation versus new
nationalisms  The religious-secular divide
 Technology and global trade
 Impact of the internet
 Transnational organizations (UN, World Bank,
 Incorporating technology into NATO)
buildings  Urbanisation and the countryside
 Industrial pollution

4. The Global Perspectives
Philosophy
 Aims to prepare young people for positive engagement with a
rapidly changing world, broadening their outlook through the
critical analysis of and reflection on, issues of global significance.
 This syllabus is firmly based on skills rather than specific content.
These skills will enable learners to meet the demands of the
twenty-first century and to make a successful transition to study
in higher education.
 Provides opportunity and skills to research and explore a range
of issues challenging people across the globe.
 Develop critical/analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
essential to higher education
 Learn the art of argument and persuasion (through writing and
public speaking)

5. Requirements and Rewards
 GPR is not graded on traditional A-
level scale
Written
Essay  Grading system is the same as the
Exam
system of grades in British
undergraduate programs
 Graded on a scale of nine grades:
D1 (Distinction 1), D2, D3, M1
(Merit 1), M2, M3, P1 (Pass 1), P2,
Independent P3.
Presentation Research
 Grades achieved for the four
Report
components aggregated to provide
a single grade

6. What you need to do
Independent Research
Written Paper Essay Presentation Report
 The written paper  Candidates write a  Candidates produce  An extended essay of
lasts 1 hour and 30 2000 word essay on a presentation based 4,500 to 5,000 words
minutes. a global issue of their on pre-released
 Provides opportunity
choice from the source materials .
 Candidates answer to explore area of
topics studied during Stimulus material
compulsory, study in greater detail
the course. consists of range of
structured questions
sources and  Develop practical
based on two or more  The essay must be
perspectives on a skills in research
sources of stimulus framed as a single
global issue. methods, thinking
material provided with question which is
skills and managing
the paper. Questions clearly focused on a  Candidates frame
work
will require both short global issue single question
and longer allowing them to  Prepare candidates
 The essay must be
responses. address contrasting for research
written in continuous
perspectives conventions current
 The stimulus material prose, include a list of
in higher education
provided with the sources used and be  Deliver presentation
written paper may submitted in an to a live audience  Design research
express different electronic format. using any appropriate proposal and plan
perspectives on Quotations must be format to data collection,
issues of global fully referenced. communicate their analysis and
significance taken research interpretation.
from the topics listed (PowerPoint, video,
in the syllabus. weblog, webpages or
mix of different
media).

7. This takes two years
Argument Constructing Independent
Analysis and an Argument Presentation
Critical and Writing Research
and Essay
Thinking Skills Report
Year 1 Year 2
Public Research Written
Speaking and Methods and Field Work
Presentations Field Work Exam
Develop Required Skills Independent Research
Conduct Internal Assessments External Assessments

8. The GPR Classroom Ethic
Presentations
and Peer
Review
Written Independent
Assignments work
Challenging
Discussion The GPR Conventional
and Debate Classroom Ideas
I think you are all adults and you will be expected to act like adults
This is your class – you set the syllabus and you get out of it what you want

9. Output
CONFIDEN
 Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives
T prepares learners for further education
and for life-long learning across a range
RESPONSI of disciplines by helping them to be:
BLE
RESPECTF  confident in working with information and
UL ideas
 responsible for themselves, responsive
INNOVATIV
to and respectful of others
E
 innovative and equipped for new and
INTELLECT future challenges
UAL  engaged intellectually and socially, ready
to make a difference
IMPACTFUL
RESEARCH
ER

10. Why Global Perspectives?
 Universities tell us that Cambridge Pre-U Global
Perspectives and Research (GPR) is an excellent
preparation for undergraduate study as it gives real
evidence of independent, critical thinking.
This will make
Gives you an edge over other applicants to college
you a better

 Develops skills that you will be thankful for – for the
rest of your life
person!
 This course is also a great
preparation for a better life

11. Space is Limited!
exceptional students
Looking to accept 15
 Assessment scheduled on
Friday at 10:00 am
 Short questionnaire with
interesting questions
designed to gauge your
interests and abilities
 Need a minimum of a B
grade in O-level English