High Flying Activity of the Month

Somerville College Visit

' As part of a High Flyers trip I was lucky enough to go to Summerville college in Oxford to have a taster of what it is like to study at Oxford University. The day consisted of a tour, a Q&A session with students, a meal provided by the college and a biology lecture by one of the lecturers. It was a very interesting and informative trip providing an insight into life after St Edmund’s and potential options ahead for further education. I had a really enjoyable day and learnt a lot from the trip widening my options for the future.' - Beth T, Yr 11

Highflyers

At St Edmund’s Catholic School we are committed to providing the best possible standard of education and personal development for all pupils regardless of ability. Within this context we aim to meet the needs of specific groups of pupils including those identified as being in the Higher Band of attainment at KS2.

There is no precise, agreed, national definition of more able pupils or a specified percentage of the school population who should or do fall into this category.

Film Studies GCSE

Following the examination results, several of our school's High Flyer pupils have been commended for their work in their GCSEs. For Film GCSE , Gaia Sullivan's short film for her coursework has been recommended by the exam board to be put forward to the Moving Images awards run by the British Film Institute. Gaia's use of angles, location and music meant that she achieved top marks in her Film Studies GCSE.

Curricular Provision

Each subject teacher will differentiate their lesson plans to ensure that the High Flyers are challenged and engaged in their learning whether they are gifted in that subject area or not.

In addition, HF pupils will be offered access too:

• Extra-curricular sporting events
• Music, Dance and Drama performances
• Participation in external academic and cross curricular events
• Access to visiting speakers

All pupils identified as High Flyers in EBACC subjects at KS3 are expected to complete the EBACC qualification at GCSE.

Download the application form here.

Current Curriculum Provision

A range of activities and courses designed to enhance the learning of HF pupils are available. Most of these activities are open to many more pupils than those on the register.

Students opt if they meet the entry criteria for Triple Science (S+) and have had early entry for Biology.

All year 10 pupils have early entry for English Literature. Previous results exceed local and national averages for 7+.

Year 10 pupils have option of choosing Fine Art, Ancient History, Sociology and Psychology at KS4.

Extra Curricular provision

St Edmund’s school will provide a range of extra curricular activities to enrich the learning of all pupils including those that are HF. These will be organized by different departments as well as by the High Flyer coordinator and will include activities in partnership with other educational providers.

Current Extra Curricular Activities

Current list of clubs includes some identified as Learning Plus where pupils are going to be able to extend their learning.

• Advanced Table Tennis
• Performing Arts Day
• School Productions (one Drama and one Musical per academic year)
• Shakespeare School’s Festival
• Water Polo
• Band
• Catenian Debate club
• KS3 Spelling Bee Championships
• Boys Dance Club
• Assembly Musicians
• The Eagle
• STEM Club (Year 7 and 8)
• Maths Challenge (Year 10)
• Ethics Club
• Cosmetic Club
• Faraday Award
• Literacy Quiz
• UKMT Maths Challenge (KS3)
•  Mensa IQ Tests (Year 10)
• AMSP Workshops (Year 11)
• Grade 9 Club (Year 11) 

High Flyers Badge

Pupils are invited to apply for a ‘High Flyers Badge’ once they have attended three or more High Flyers event over the calendar year. Pupils should submit their badge form to Mr Were or to their tutor.

How can you help your High Flyer?

You can help your child flourish by encouraging them to:

• watch educational and current affairs programmes such as the news, nature programmes and documentaries.
• read a quality newspaper and discuss and debate topics they have read.
• listen to podcasts and engage with what they are saying (Oxbridge admissions officers emphasise the need to engage and critique such ‘super-curricular’ resources as part of their successful admissions interview).
• be resilient and accept that they will be challenged at school and that is a good thing.
• listen to different types of music, increasing their cultural capital.
• visit places of cultural and educational interest particularly whilst on holiday such as nature reserves, art galleries and museums.
• explain what they have learned at school and, in particular, how they have learned (metacognition).

High Flyer’s Onward Journey

At St. Edmund’s we believe it is important for students to research Higher Educations institutions such as universities and degree apprenticeships so that they can make an informed decision about their future and how they can achieve their future aspirations. The website for The Russell Group offers pupils an insight into the top 24 Universities in the UK and the courses and opportunities they provide pupils. Working on non-academic skills is also beneficial– the Russell Group universities, universities of Oxford and Cambridge and top employers want students who are intellectually curious as well as having good grades, resilience and independence.