THE LEAVERS’ CHALLENGE 2021
INTRODUCTION TO THE LEAVERS’ CHALLENGE
In this most extraordinary year, we want to give our Leavers the best possible send off.
In the fortnight that follows summer assessments, you will join us for a completely bespoke programme of continued learning, but also fun and celebration.
Your academic experience will bear no resemblance to your current timetable; it is specifically designed to prepare you for the lectures and tutorials of undergraduate study, with freedom to choose from a wide range of synoptic themes.
Conscious of so many missed opportunities, we have also included an element of ‘Challenge’, working in teams through a carousel of relevant life skills, physical challenges and Leavers events, bringing in the expertise of OIs, senior leaders, a visiting speaker and a trip to the University of Suffolk.
Importantly, though, our Leavers’ Challenge will start and finish with FUN! With so much difficulty behind us, we are delighted to offer you much to look forward to.
Mr Cliff and the Sixth Form Team
LEAVERS’ CHALLENGE TIMETABLE
Please note that all academic options and other timetabled activities may be subject to change
DAY 1 - AWAY DAY
We kick off, on the first day back from exams, by getting away from it all.
We can't promise you the surfing of North Devon, but we promise to get as close as possible to those adventurous activities that we missed in 2020.
Imagine high ropes, kayaking, archery, floating obstacle courses and paddle boarding. By the end of the day we hope any exam stresses will have been long forgotten!
DAYS 2-9: ACADEMIC STUDY
Session 1 0900-1045
You will be prepared for undergraduate study by experiencing a different style of learning.
Teachers have volunteered their own personal and professional passions, preparing 100min sessions that are designed to follow the lecture and tutorial model of undergraduate study.
Without being chained to an A Level specification, teachers can be truly synoptic, bringing subjects together in the 12 faculty groups shown here.
You have almost complete freedom to choose eight sessions, one for each of A-H in the timetable on page 2.
You are encouraged to deliberately think beyond your current A Levels or future degree course, remembering that Junior Honours courses require such breadth.
Choices will be made in Week 1 of the Summer Term.
Subject Choices
Natural Sciences
Medicine and Sport Science
Creative Arts
Psychology and Criminology
Engineering
Finance and Business
Politics and History
Modern languages, culture and literature
Maths and Computing
English Literature
Classics and Theology
Geography
DAYS 2-9: CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES
Session 2 1115-1245
This is something we’re really excited about. Between Break and Lunch, you will work in mixed groups on a wide range of life skills relevant to you now and in the near future.
You will cook and eat your own lunch, learning from a trained nutritionist about healthy, quick and cheap student cooking; you will have an ‘exit interview’ with the Headmaster; meet an Old Ipswichian who is currently a Year 2 or 3 undergraduate; look ahead to a healthy Freshers Week and attend sessions on managing your finances; student first aid, and interview skills.
And Mr Ross has promised to get you to Notcutts for the rifle range!
Challenge Activities
Student Cooking
Personal Safety
Student First Aid
Interview Skills
Finance and Freshers
Range and Teamwork
Meet an OI and the Headmaster Dragons’ Den
DAYS 2-9: AFTERNOON OPTIONS
Session 3 1400-1545
On one afternoon we have a visiting speaker followed by break-out groups. This is a whole year commitment on the course; thereafter you have more flexibility, but with a wide range of options to choose from, including an early finish if you wish.
Tuesday Sport and Thursday Activities will run as normal. On one afternoon we hope
to offer a visit to the University of Suffolk, giving you early insight into a university library, lecture theatre, halls of residence and other facilities.
There will be time available to work on your House talent show piece, and we know some students are keen to work on their own ideas in the Music Faculty, or Drama (by arrangement).
DAY 10LEAVERS’ DAY
A special occasion every year! After bacon baps and pastries in the Sixth Form Centre, you will follow a busy programme of inter-House fun... in fancy dress, of course!
Tug-o’-war, inflatable assault course, team challenges and the annual House talent show all happen before the global premiere (!) of the 2021 Leavers’ Video.
Year Books, hoodies.... and usually a few tears! We end with a BBQ lunch before saying farewell (but certainly not goodbye).
And we’re launching this year what may become an annual Leavers’ tradition, a bespoke edition of the Occasional dedicated solely to your year group, written by you, for you. Budding journalists will have time to put this together.