Key strands of the academic scholarship programme
Stretch. Challenge. Achieve.
Attend our Academic Societies to explore ideas, push boundaries, and go beyond the curriculum.
Oracy and expression
Speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively
Personal Growth Workshops
Build skills and confidence to reach your full potential.
Networking
Connect, collaborate, and create opportunities.
Some examples of opportunities and activities for this academic year:
Stretch. Challenge. Achieve.
Academic societies
External competitions
Using the enrichment sway to track reading
Academic challenges
Essay/Research Competitions: National or international essay contests.
Personal Growth Workshops
How to build your personal profile
Workshop with Y7 and Y8 scholars (Inner drive) - growth mindset
Workshop on effective study skills
Researching and reading to stretch beyond the curriculum
Time Management & Productivity: Tools and techniques for effective planning.
Oracy and expression
Workshop on public speaking with LAMDA team
Mock Interviews & CV Clinics: Practice interviews for university or job applications.
Networking
Y11 scholars meet up with Mrs Agnew
Scholars breakfast
Y9 scholars meet Y10 and Y11 scholars to discuss options
Cross-year mentorship: pairing younger scholars with senior mentors for guidance.
Lecture series with alumni
Supporting your daughter’s academic growth
Our Academic Scholars programme is designed to empower your daughter to reach her full academic potential. Through personalised support, challenging opportunities, and a rich academic environment, we help her grow, achieve, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Stretch. Challenge. Achieve.
Encourage your daughter to attend our Academic Societies, where she can explore ideas, push boundaries, and go beyond the curriculum. These academic societies offer a platform for her to engage deeply with subjects, collaborate with like-minded peers, and develop critical thinking skills that extend well beyond the classroom. By participating, she will not only enhance her academic experience but also cultivate a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Your daughter’s academic development is closely supported and monitored by a dedicated team. Heads of Year, Directors, and the Deputy Head for Academic Teaching & Learning review progress through triage meetings, while the Deputy Head for Co-Curricular oversees participation in cocurricular, music, and drama using SOCS data. Opportunities are communicated to students via Teams (Scholars 2025–2026).
After each data review, any concerns are addressed through one-to-one meetings with the relevant Head of Year, Directors, or the Deputy Head for Academic Teaching & Learning, as determined in triage sessions. Academic progress is tracked carefully using our internal Power BI platform, and students meet regularly with staff to discuss their development and next steps.
Our expectations of academic scholars
Academic: perform at a high standard throughout their academic journey
Attend co-curricular and at least one academic society
Attend scholar's events
Encourage your daughter to take on an academic challenge
Looking for ways to support your daughter in extending their learning? Over the next two half terms, students have the opportunity to take part in an Academic Challenge designed to stretch their thinking, explore new ideas, and deepen understanding beyond the classroom.
Whether researching a topic that fascinates them, completing enrichment tasks, entering competitions, or creating a project to showcase their knowledge, these challenges encourage curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. It’s a chance for your child to go the extra mile and discover just how far their abilities can take them.
Academic challenges running from November – February:
To celebrate the upcoming Year of Reading in 2026, our academic challenges are designed to extend learning beyond the standard curriculum and introduce greater academic rigour. Many departments also run their own subject-specific challenges, so encourage your daughter to explore these opportunities as well.
For ideas on what to read or listen to related to their subjects, visit Extension beyond the classroom at STHN or ask your child’s teacher for recommendations. Scholar’s should complete one challenge level over the next term.
All activities and reflections should be logged on Unifrog, including summaries that capture key insights and knowledge gained. Once a full row at a given spice level is completed, your daughter should notify Miss Payne via Unifrog for review. Alternatively, they may attend one of the library sessions listed below to discuss their learning and further develop their 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
Mrs Agnew
Miss Payne
Miss Payne
Mrs Agnew
Difficulty
Reading Podcasts Writing skills
Mild ��
Medium ����
Read 1 book of interest linked to a subject (e.g. History); write a short paragraph summarising plot/ideas
Read 2 books (fiction or non-fiction) linked to one subject; write a paragraph for each highlighting main ideas and learning points
Listen to 1 podcast; write a 3–4 sentence summary of key points
Listen to 2 podcasts; write a paragraph for each summarising key points and one interesting insight
Prepare a 200 word review of the book, focusing on what you liked
Write a 300 word review of one book, noting themes, strengths, and personal opinion
Reward
Commendation x 2
Hot ������
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
Write a structured review: summary, analysis, strengths/weaknesses, and personal reflection
Commendation x 3
Fiery
Read 4 subject-specific or research-level papers; summarise findings.
Listen to 4 podcasts; summarise and reflect on how the content informs learning and extends your learning
Listen to 4+ podcasts in your subject of interest, write a summary
Write a detailed review with critical analysis and reflections connecting it to study or career goals
Commendation (x3) and postcard
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 give students the chance to apply their skills, gain valuable experience, and measure themselves against peers beyond their own school. They help build confidence, develop expertise, and provide opportunities for recognition in a chosen field. Participation is a great way for students to challenge themselves and explore new avenues for growth.
Students are encouraged to ask their teachers if they are aware of any subject-specific competitions to 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
Upcoming events this half term
• Year 7 scholars begin mentoring sessions with Sixth Form scholars
• Year 9 scholars meet with Years 10 and 11 to discuss subject and career options
• Oracy workshops commence for selected year groups
• Year 12 sessions on building a personal profile and developing effective speaking skills
• Scholars’ Christmas Breakfast
