What can I study?

Chatham Grammar offers an education that maximises the academic and creative talents of every student whilst enriching the lives of the local community, through excellent teaching in a purpose-built centre of learning.

Creative Writing

Thursdays 6-9pm (September - June)

Release your inner storyteller. Travel to worlds of your own creating. Express feelings and explore ideas. Study Creative Writing. You will read and write a wide range of stories, poems, children's books, plays and articles, try out new styles and discover the secrets of great writing. 

From the start you will learn how to be creative, encourage your imagination and grow your confidence. Discover and indulge a love of words and language, while building valuable communication skills which you can use in other subjects. You will express your opinions, explore why you like to read what you do, and be introduced to the ideas behind writing.

This course is taught through informal workshops, practical exercises, discussions, and individual projects which provide a clear framework to support your development as a writer.

UNITS:

Each subject module is taught through six units. Topics are likely to include: Inspiration and Reflection, Writing for Television, Writing the Short Story, Writing for Children, Writing Poetry, and Writing Crime.

English Literature

Wednesdays 6-9pm (September - June)

What's the difference between a good book and a great book? Why do some plays stand the test of time while others are consigned to the dustbin of history? How do great poets help us to see the world in new and surprising ways?

This course in English literature can help you to answer these questions, teach you how to get the most out of your reading and give you the skills to write and talk about literature. English literature is a subject of opinions so classes are interactive and based around discussion.

UNITS:

Each subject module is taught through six units. Topics may include: Studying Literature, Short Fiction, Poetry, Shakespeare's Drama, Prose, and Studying a Play. 


Politics and Law

Mondays 6-9pm (September - June)

Have you ever wondered how those in power claim the right to tell you what to do? Are you curious about the relationship between party politics and our country's laws?

Studying Politics with Law will help you to understand the political system and the power that politicians have over our ability to get free health care, education, employment and state support. It will encourage you to question this power and consider if it is exercised in the interests of all.

You will learn about key concepts such as power, democracy and authority and explore how the law is made and applied. The course will consider the British Constitution, elections, the role of Parliament and the Courts and will allow you to consider whether the system actually achieves its goals.

UNITS:

Each subject module is taught through six units. Topics are likely to include: Politics and the State of Nature, Studying a Political Ideology, The UK Constitution, The Role and Function of Law, The British Constitution, and Law and Civil Liberties, or Criminal Law. 

Psychology

Tuesdays 6-9pm (September - June)

Psychology is all about you. Learn more about the way people behave. Find out about the way children develop and form attachments. Understand criminal behaviour and the way a jury works. Look at the impact of social influence on people: why do people conform and why do some resist authority? Study theories about psychopathy and understand different options for treatment.

This fascinating course enables you to develop your knowledge of psychology, skills such as investigation and research, and how to analyse and present results.

UNITS:

Each subject module is taught through six units. Topics are likely to include: Introduction to Psychology, Neuropsychology, Psychology and Therapy, Criminological Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Social Psychology. 

Sociology

Thursdays 6-9pm (September - June)

Do you create the society that you live in or does society create you as an individual? Do the media reflect current thinking or merely shape the way in which we think?

Come and explore how you as an individual interact with the society that you live in through culture, religion, the media, education and the family, and examine how the power of groups can bring about change throughout the world.

Join the debates on youth culture, crime and deviance, criminal justice and law, and investigate how social class and government policy can ultimately shape the way in which we live.

UNITS:

Each subject module is taught through six units. Topics are likely to include: Introduction to Sociology, Sociology of the Family, Social Science Research Methods, Social Stratification, Theories of Crime and Deviance, and Sociology of the Mass Media. 

GCSE qualifications

Many university courses expect applicants to have good grades in GCSEs English and/or Maths, so we run GCSE classes to help you to meet university entrance requirements. These qualifications are distinct from the Access to Higher Education Diploma, but if you apply for the Access programme you will be given the option to apply for GCSEs as part of your study with us. 

You can also apply to take English and/or Maths GCSE without applying for the Access Diploma programme by clicking on the link below. 

Applications for September 2023 are now closed. We will be accepting applications for 2024 in February.   

GCSE English

Tuesdays 6-9pm (September - June)

Join a friendly group of adult students and build your English language skills in a supportive environment. Develop your ability to write both creative and non-fiction texts, and to read and understand them. You also learn how to enhance your speaking and listening skills.

This course leads to a nationally recognised qualification that can help open doors to further opportunities in education and employment.

The GCSE is organised by the Academy and the fee of £50* is payable in addition to the Access Diploma fee.

Applications for September 2023 are now closed. We will be accepting applications for 2024 in February.   

GCSE Mathematics

Mondays 6-9pm (September - June)

Get your Maths GCSE. Come and learn in a supportive and informal environment with an experienced tutor who can show you how maths can be fun and accessible by relating to your everyday life.

The GCSE is organised by the Academy and the fee of £50* is payable in addition to the Access Diploma fee.

Applications for September 2023 are now closed. We will be accepting applications for 2024 in February.   

* Fees subject to final confirmation but all applicants will be informed of any change before enrolment. Please note, fees are non-refundable.

Short Courses and Taster Evenings

If you're thinking about applying for the Access Programme but you're not sure if it's right for you, get a flavour of the subjects that we offer by booking a place on one of our free short courses or taster evenings.