Today, our Year 11 and Year 13 students have received their mock examination grades. As always, results are a source of heightened emotions, which can be felt palpably in the Sixth Form Common Room. For Year 13, in particular, there is some trepidation, as grades achieved are compared with university entrance requirements. There may be some work to do, but they can do it!

Despite their challenges, these mocks are an excellent opportunity to reflect and learn and improve; they can be a springboard to success in the summer examinations. I would encourage all our students to look for support and guidance from teachers, Form Tutors and Heads of Year to make the most of the opportunity.

Moreover, we know that education isn’t only about grades. Nurturing a talent in music and sport or developing skills in leadership and communication are as significant in helping a student flourish in later life. Equally, one’s academic development isn’t confined to meeting Assessment Objectives or writing to a mark scheme. As important is a student’s ability to develop areas of academic interest that go beyond the curriculum.

I am proud of the many ways in which our Year 13 students have, over the last couple of years, demonstrated precisely such intellectual curiosity and determination. They have, for instance, given independent presentations on nutrition in the weekly REACH seminars, entered essay competitions on topics such as prime numbers, successfully devised and run a social enterprise and completed fantastic Extended Projects on everything from jellyfish to the death penalty. And these ‘outputs’ are merely the visible aspect of students’ far deeper engagement with their interests through their wider super curricular studies.

While, for the examination groups, now might not be the ideal time to start a whole new project on the concept of infinity, there is still time to have a break from studies by reading something new or listening to a podcast (recommendations for both are available on Firefly). And for other year groups, now is the time to explore other interests further, as demonstrated so powerfully at the Scholars’ Celebration. If you’re stuck for a place to start, for Years 10 and above I would wholeheartedly recommend the Gresham College Lectures, Unifrog and Staircase12. Learning beyond the curriculum has a positive impact on students’ performance in examinations. But, more importantly, it also means that students have strengths that go above and beyond their grades.

Mr Viesel
Director of Sixth Form