We intend:
- To ensure metacognition, debate and critical thinking are planned for and taught across the curriculum.
Time allocation:1 hr per week supervised 4 hrs per independent
Supra-curricular activities are those that take the students regular curriculum further. They take the subjects they study in the classroom beyond that which the teacher has taught or what’s been done for homework. For example, they may go into more depth on a topic that has been taught in the classroom, or students may investigate and learn about a new topic altogether that encourages them to be inquisitive. Universities and Higher Apprenticeships both value the skills developed through supra-curricular as demonstrates a student’s desire to be an expert in their chosen field. There are a number of opportunities on offer to support students develop their supra-curricular.
Year 12 Extended Project Qualification
EPQ is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop students’ abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or their future career.
The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects. Students get to plan and carry out research on a topic that they’ve chosen and isn’t covered by their other qualifications. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something personal and unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report and, in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production.
By taking responsibility for the choice, design and decision making of an individual project (or an individual role in a group project) students:
- become more critical, reflective and independent learners
- develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
- increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
- learn to apply technologies confidently
- demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise.
Undertaking an EPQ can also deliver other benefits for students such as:
- improved A Level performance for students taking EPQ
- increasing student motivation by allowing them to study topics of personal interest
- enabling students to apply their new skills to other areas of study.
Year 13 Academic Mentoring
Academic mentoring involves tailored, one-to-one holistic support, covering al aspects of a students education. Where tutoring is subject-focused, academic mentoring is about helping students get the best out of their education in general. Academic mentoring will consist of one supervised hour per week for all year 13 students where they will receive one-to-one support to discuss their progress and seek support and advice on how to achieve their maximum potential. Working closely with both students and academic staff mentors will look at the broader picture and help students develop as individuals outside the classroom.
Scholarly Reading
All departments provide students with a list of books, pod casts and youtube channels that they recommend students read /listen to, to widen their knowledge of their subject. Teachers will add to this list responding to students’ individual interests and aspirations. Scholarly reading is encouraged during student’s independent supra-curricular sessions.
