The Scholars Programme is designed to engage our most academically able students in intellectually enriching opportunities beyond the taught curriculum. Our principal aim is to instil a love of learning in all our students. As such, we have designed the Academic Scholars programme to extend and enrich learning both within and beyond the classroom. Our Academic Scholars are challenged and nurtured at all stages of their school career with the Programme being tailored to suit each year group. This involves active participation in school events, academic Period Seven sessions and both national and internal competitions. In addition, students on the Scholars Programme will undertake a range of activities to enhance their academic accomplishments. These include wider reading university-level resources, attending both in-person and online lectures, completing Masterclasses and academic courses online, or hosting discussion groups with others. Students are expected to keep a record of their activities and progress on OneNote, which may also include completing Stretch and Challenge activities within the classroom. 

Groups will have bi-weekly meetings with Miss Weeks, Head of Academic Enrichment, who closely monitors their progress. These sessions also offer an opportunity to learn critical thinking skills and encourage debate amongst scholars. 

Students who demonstrate the necessary commitment, academic ability and intellectual curiosity may receive offers to join the Programme or may seek to join through their own initiative.

This year we are also excited to launch our new Mente Nova (with a new mind) lecture series. We invite members of staff or members of our Sixth Form Scholars to come and deliver a 10-minute lecture or seminar on a subject they are passionate about. Mente Nova will also form the title of our publication at the end of the academic year. This journal will include students' academic findings that go beyond the curriculum and challenge their thinking. 

For further information on the Scholars Programme, please feel free to email jweeks@gordons.school.