On Friday 17 February, participants in this year's High-flyer Programme from Years 9 and 10 gathered for a special assembly to celebrate their achievements. In this challenging programme, students attended weekly tutorials for six weeks. Delivered by Aspire Champions, the tutorials gave students an experience of University-style learning. The programme also included a balloon debate competition in which students had to defend their chosen author. At the end of the programme, students completed a final assignment of 1500 words on whether there are any valid reasons for a ban to be imposed on the works of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or William Shakespeare. Essays were marked in University-style, with pupils receiving a first, 2:1 or 2:2, and moderated by our Chair of Governors, Dr Lazarus. All the essays displayed a good degree of argument, structure and a review of evidence from a wide range of literature; some of the best essays also included a critical evaluation of these sources. It was very hard to decide on the top achievers because the entries were so impressive and interesting.
Certificates were presented to all the participants, who will be proud to include these in their Records of Achievement. Winners were also awarded Amazon voucher prizes. Many congratulations!
Winners of the essay competition:
1st - Liz - 9WA
Joint 2nd - Morgan (10FI) and William (10MO)