EDUCAT ION
PUPILS FIND THEIR OWN PASSIONS AND TALENTS
possible in timetabled lessons. It might include bringing in external speakers, whose insights and passion resonate with their young audience. It could involve independent research, to help pupils whose hearts are set on a career in a highly competitive area such as medicine, to gain vital, CV-enhancing skills and experience. Sometimes it’s a case of taking those with an existing interest to the next level. “It’s fantastic to give them the opportunity to go and work on something they feel passionate about and look into it in real depth,” says Richard. Pupils at The Perse School are encouraged to carry out original research from the very start, with those in years 7 and 8 producing an essay, an artefact and extended presentation, while older students can work towards formal qualifications. The school also runs a research competition encouraging just that type of original thinking, currently aimed at local schools, but soon to go national. At a time when the world seems an ever more uncertain place, the fact that schools are busily ensuring their pupils do far more than acquire sheaves of top grades (although they’re extremely good at that, too) is reassuring. While the future – as always - remains unknowable, our only hope is the next generation. In addition to being hugely satisfying, the co- and super-curriculum are likely to provide the resilience and flexibility of mind that will benefit us all in the decades to come.
including innovation in ballet, sleep, brain scanning and mental health. The co-curricular programme is also “hugely important at Gresham’s”, says the school, enabling pupils “to explore new opportunities and find their own passions and talents”. The timetable is carefully constructed, so there’s ample time during the week for activities – including drama and music rehearsals, additional training for talented athletes, or careers advice. Year 9 pupils enjoy the thrills of a survival course, building shelters (and fires) and preparing wild food, all taking place in the school’s own well-equipped outdoor activity centre. And it’s not just about honing resourcefulness, responsibility, confidence and leadership skills, but inclusivity, too. Students, for example, who love drama, but won’t necessarily aim for a leading role, can get just as much from being involved in a production as a naturally gifted thespian. With well over 100 clubs, societies and activities on offer in many schools, it’s no wonder the co-curricular programme spills out into spare corners of the day. Before-school training, lunchtime rehearsals and end-of-day clubs and societies make schools vibrant and exciting places to be. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the super-curriculum. Some schools term it ‘enrichment’ – a way of exploring a topic, subject or interest in more depth than is
VARIETY Whether survival skills at Gresham’s (top left), performance art at The Leys (top), or Stoke College students taking to the stage or trying bushcraft (centre and above), extra-curricular activities are thriving
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2021 85
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