Senior Head's Blog: Academic Enrichment

I was very pleased to receive more nominations than normal for my Academic Endeavour Award this week, which reflects the fantastic work that so many of our pupils are doing during this time of remote learning. In our remote assembly on Monday, I was pleased to award Emma Burgess in the Second Year for her series of detailed posters on Latin grammar. Also in the Second Year, Achinta Kundra for her helpful video on how to balance chemical equations. In the Third Year Faris Fahal had produced an extremely factual video on the causes and treatments of Coronary Heart Disease. In the Sixth Form, James Willy demonstrated admirable skills in solving an advanced Physics problem that even the staff struggled with. Eshan Chopra has shown exceptional commitment not only throughout the year in Performing Arts but in particular during our ‘new normal’. Ben Hogarth has shown considerable determination and diligence with his work in DT for his non examined unit and Inger Hansen has written a highly accurate and persuasive essay in German on Anne Frank. This is particularly pertinent as it shows how the young mind can act as an inspiration and role model to us all in a time of self isolation. My congratulations to you all for exceeding your teachers’ high expectations.

Our Academic Enrichment clubs, Junior Colloquium and JSABs, continue during our remote learning time. This week, at Junior Colloquium on Monday, pupils watched a video dialogue between Mr Lonsdale and Mrs Dobson entitled ‘Why study Art?’ Many pupils were inspired by the views expressed. On Tuesday at JSABs, a zoom was hosted by Miss Lerman explaining the career paths that a study of Art can lead to. The pupils found this not only interesting but valuable in terms of their future decisions.

Next week at these clubs, in connection with Spanish BAC Week, a video link to some rather entertaining and somewhat strange festivals will be posted to the Junior Colloquium and JSABs Google Classrooms.