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.
Conduct independent research on topics that interest you.
Explore different approaches to problem-solving in subjects like maths or science.
Read widely: books, journals, or articles related to your subjects.
Create mind maps, flashcards, or summaries to deepen understanding.
Co-curricular:
Join subject-related clubs (e.g., CREST CLUB, debate, or academic societies).
Attend lectures, webinars, or workshops linked to your subjects.
Participate in competitions
How can you extend your learning?
Academic challenges (internal and external)
Complete departmental academic challenges.
Enter school-based challenges such as essay competitions, quizzes, or research projects. Participate in external competitions (e.g., UKMT Maths Challenges)
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 Time Teacher
Wednesday 26th November 1-1.30pm
Wednesday 10th December 1-1.30pm
Thursday 15th January 1-1.30pm
Thursday 5th February 1-1.30pm
How to upload your evidence:
1. Log on to unifrog
2. Go to the skills section
Mrs Agnew
Miss Payne
Miss Payne
Mrs Agnew
3. Add your entries to the following sections:
4. Go to this to alert Miss Payne that you have completed the relevant sections: Difficulty
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
Prepare a 200 word review of the book, focusing on what you liked
Commendation x 2
Medium
����
Hot ������
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
Extra Hot ��������
Read 2 challenging books or academic articles; write a comparative summary highlighting themes, ideas, and questions
Read 3 advanced books or researchlevel texts; write a comparative paragraph linking ideas, insights, and applications
Listen to 3–4 podcasts related to a subject; summarise each
Listen to 4 podcasts; summarise and reflect on how the content informs learning and extends your learning
Write a structured review: summary, analysis, strengths/weaknesses, and personal reflection
Write a detailed review with critical analysis and reflections connecting it to study or career goals
Commendation (x3) and postcard
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) and letter home
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
