Academic Challenges Nov - Feb - Update Nov 25

Looking for ways to push your learning further?

Over the next two half terms, take on an Academic Challenge to stretch your thinking, explore new ideas, and deepen your understanding beyond the classroom. Whether it’s researching a topic that fascinates you, completing enrichment tasks, entering competitions, or creating something that showcases your knowledge, these challenges are your chance to go the extra mile. Build your curiosity, develop independence, and discover just how far your learning can take you!

How to extend your learning?

Academic: Complete enrichment tasks or extension questions in lessons.

Co-curricular:

Academic challenges (internal and external)

Conduct independent research on topics that interest you.

Join subject-related clubs (e.g., CREST CLUB, debate, or academic societies).

Complete departmental academic challenges.

Explore different approaches to problem-solving in subjects like maths or science.

Read widely: books, journals, or articles related to your subjects.

Attend lectures, webinars, or workshops linked to your subjects.

Participate in competitions

Create mind maps, flashcards, or summaries to deepen understanding.

Enter school-based challenges such as essay competitions, quizzes, or research projects.

Participate in external competitions (e.g., UKMT Maths Challenges)

How can you extend your learning?

Academic challenges in school running from November – February half term To celebrate the upcoming Year of Reading in 2026, our academic challenges are designed to push your learning beyond the standard curriculum and add greater academic rigour. Many departments also run their own academic challenges so look out for these too!

For ideas of what to read/listen to linked to your academic subjects, see Extension beyond the classroom at STHN or ask your teacher for suggestions.

It is recommended that you complete one level over the next term.

Make sure to log all activities and reviews on Unifrog, including summaries that capture the key insights and knowledge you have gained. Once you have completed an entire row at a given spice level, use Unifrog to notify Miss Payne so she can review your entries and reflections.

Alternatively, you can attend one of the library sessions below to discuss your learning and further develop your oracy skills.

Dates Wednesday 26th November Wednesday 10th December Thursday 15th January Thursday 5th February

Time 1-1.30pm 1-1.30pm 1-1.30pm 1-1.30pm

Teacher Mrs Agnew Miss Payne Miss Payne Mrs Agnew

How to upload your evidence: 1. Log on to unifrog 2. Go to the skills section

3. Add your entries to the following sections:

4. Go to this to alert Miss Payne that you have completed the relevant sections:

Difficulty

Reading

Podcasts

Mild 🌶

Read 1 book of interest linked to a subject (e.g.

History); write a short paragraph summarising plot/ideas

Listen to 1 podcast; write a 3–4 sentence summary of key points

Writing skills Prepare a 200 word review of the book, focusing on what you liked

Reward Commendation x 2

Medium 🌶🌶

Hot 🌶🌶🌶

Extra Hot 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fiery 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Read 2 books (fiction or non-fiction) linked to one subject; write a paragraph for each highlighting main ideas and learning points

Listen to 2 podcasts; write a paragraph for each summarising key points and one interesting insight

Write a 300 word review of one book, noting themes, strengths, and personal opinion

Commendation x 3

Read 2 challenging books or academic articles; write a comparative summary highlighting themes, ideas, and questions

Listen to 3–4 podcasts related to a subject; summarise each

Write a structured review: summary, analysis, strengths/weaknesses, and personal reflection

Commendation (x3) and postcard

Read 3 advanced books or researchlevel texts; write a comparative paragraph linking ideas, insights, and applications

Listen to 4 podcasts; summarise and reflect on how the content informs learning and extends your learning

Write a detailed review with critical analysis and reflections connecting it to study or career goals

Commendation (x3) and letter home

Read 4 subject-specific or research-level papers; summarise findings.

Listen to 4+ podcasts in your subject of interest, write a summary

Write an advanced review synthesising critical analysis, research links, and practical applications

Commendation (x3) certificate in year assembly & letter home

External competitions External competitions provide opportunities to apply your skills, gain experience, and benchmark yourself against peers outside of your peers at schools. They can help you build confidence, develop expertise, and gain recognition in your field. Participating is a chance to challenge yourself and explore new opportunities for growth.

Do ask your teachers if they are aware of any subject-specific competitions you could enter.

Find some links here to some external competitions:

•

Oxford and Cambridge Essay Competitions — Minds Underground

•

Academic competitions for schools and colleges | University of Oxford

•

Best children's writing competitions | The School Reading List