Academic Enrichment: Lent Term

Enrichment | 25 February 2025

We have enjoyed a diverse and thought-provoking range of academic enrichment sessions so far this term.

  • Year 7 were introduced to their KS3 Research Project, and also engaged with discussions on the roles of the Police and the NHS in ‘Current Affairs’ sessions. They also marked Modern Languages Week with a lecture on German culture. Looking ahead, they will participate in sessions for Science Week, Human Rights Week, and a school-wide ‘Drop Everything and Read’ celebration of World Book Day.
  • Year 8 began with an introduction to the KS3 Research Project, followed by discussions on ‘The Purpose of Politics’ to complement their ASPIRE project on Political Parties. They concluded the half-term with a talk on French protest culture. After the break, they will focus on Transferable Skills, Science Week, World Poetry Day, and the ‘Drop Everything and Read’ initiative.
  • Year 9 started the term with their Research Project before diving into topics such as volcanic survival, a Prose Festival workshop, and a lecture on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice for their Creative Criticality project. The English department will wrap up this project after half-term, alongside sessions for World Poetry Day and the school-wide reading celebration.
  • Year 10 explored AI Literacy and heard about Grayson Perry’s journey from being an outcast to a mainstream artist. They also celebrated Modern Languages Week with a Portuguese lesson. Post-half-term, they will engage in sessions for Human Rights Week, World Poetry Day, and the reading initiative.
  • Year 11 have been developing their Cultural Capital through exposure to literature, plays, film, and art. This theme continues after half-term, alongside sessions for World Poetry Day and the reading celebration.
  • The Lower Sixth engaged in interform debating and lectures ranging from Underwater Acoustics to UK university locations. Their focus will shift to AI Literacy after half-term, with additional sessions for World Poetry Day and the school-wide reading event.
  • The Upper Sixth explored the theme of ‘Turning Points,’ with talks on the emergence of the Internet, and the Multilingual Brain. This will continue with a session on the links between civilisation and disease, alongside events for World Poetry Day and the reading celebration.

Across all year groups, this term’s enrichment programme has sparked curiosity and deepened understanding, with even more engaging sessions to come after half-term.