Academic Enrichment Programme

Inspiring Bold Futures

We believe that education extends beyond the curriculum. Our Bold Futures Pathway is designed to inspire curiosity, develop independent thought, and build the confidence and courageousness of pupils in every year group need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Through a structured, age-appropriate programme in line with the World Economic Forum ‘s Future of Jobs Report we equip our pupils with not only academic excellence but also essential skills for the modern world. We provide opportunities for critical thinking, creativity, wellbeing, and intellectual exploration and ultimately cultivating a deep love for lifelong learning and we fully prepare our pupils to engage wholeheartedly with the world around them.

From developing public speaking skills and digital literacy in the Thirds (Year 7), empowering our pupils to undertake independent research through our HPQ programme in Lower 4 (Year 8), to completing university-level research, facilitating university test preparation and equipping students with essential life and independence skills like changing tyres and health and wellbeing skills in the Sixth Form, our academic enrichment programme fosters a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

WEF FUTURE OF JOBS REPORT

The 42 Club

The 42 Club sessions, compulsory for Academic Scholars and open to all interested pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 is designed to broaden thinking, foster lively discussion, critical thinking and inspire deeper intellectual curiosity on topics that sit beyond the curriculum. These sessions are not lectures, they are opportunities for students to engage, question, and think differently.

“The Answer to the Ultimate Question of is 42.”

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams

Thirds / Year 7

Building Foundations

Autumn Term

Pupils embark on a full-term Oracy Programme, developing the essential skills of clear communication, persuasive argument, and confident self-expression. Oracy is a vital skill that underpins all areas of learning and equips pupils with lifelong abilities to engage in respectful and compelling debate.

Spring Term

A rotation of four exciting workshops deepens their academic curiosity and life skills:

Digital Detectives: The Information Investigation
This innovative module explores the ethics of artificial intelligence and teaches pupils how to research effectively in the digital age.

Visual Literacy
This forward-thinking course investigates how our ability to observe, analyse, and interpret images enhances success in an image-saturated world. Inspired by research from the Department for Education, this initiative helps establish visual literacy as the fourth pillar of education.

Problem Solving
A dynamic and collaborative module focusing on teamwork, leadership, and scenario-based challenges, designed to build resilience and creativity.

Brainwaves Toolkit
This series equips pupils with the skills to understand and protect their wellbeing and make bold, ambitious choices. Topics include:

The Science Behind Wellbeing
Understanding the Changing Brain
Managing Anxiety
Challenging Negative Thoughts

Lower 4 (Year 8)

Introducing Independent Study – Be Bold! Project

Pupils take part in our bespoke Be Bold! Project which draws on the format of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The project – an independent research project on a subject of their choice – is designed to develop critical essential skills such as project management, critical thinking, and time management along with academic techniques including independent study, self-reflection, research methodology, and presentation skills. As well as working on their projects, girls have had lessons that deliver important study skills such as the Harvard method of referencing.

By engaging in an independent project on a subject of their choice, the girls cultivate a genuine passion for learning and the habits of scholarly inquiry.

Upper 5 (Year 11)

Challenging Assumptions

All pupils come together each fortnight for a thought-provoking lecture exploring ideas beyond the curriculum. These talks challenge assumptions, spark intellectual curiosity, and connect classroom learning to the wider world. Guest speakers from across disciplines share their expertise, ensuring pupils engage with current issues and diverse perspectives, recent topics have included:

The US Elections and Political Campaigning
War Photography
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
Fearless Women in Sport

Find out more

Senior School

Senior Curriculum

Sixth Form Enrichment