Before half term, we held the first Kaleidoscope Day of the academic year. A highlight of our co-curricular programme, Kaleidoscope Day is designed to help students develop transferable skills to use in their studies and life beyond school.
They developed skills such as team work, leadership, resilience, risk taking, problem solving, deep questioning and learning, cultural appreciation and exploring different points of view, positive sense of self and an understanding of global issues.
Year 7’s visit to the River and Rowing Museum
Year 7 got to experience the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, where they spent the day exploring exhibits, taking part in hands-on activities and going on a guided walk along the river – all to supplement their river studies topic in Geography. They gained insights into river systems, their formation, and the processes that shape them. They also explored exhibits related to the environment and the negative human impacts on our local rivers.
Year 8’s Day at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Our Year 8’s visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the natural world, learn about science, and develop a deeper appreciation of biodiversity and conservation.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to a wide variety of animals from different ecosystems around the world. Students observed, studied, and appreciated the incredible biodiversity on offer, all while having a fantastic day outside of the classroom!
Year 9’s Trip to the Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum provided a unique and engaging educational experience for our Year 9 students. This living museum recreates the industrial landscape and way of life from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Year 9 had fun getting hands on with history, which enhanced their understanding of their classroom studies. The museum also offered hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities, including demonstrations of historical industrial processes and machines, providing a deeper understanding of engineering principles and technological advancements.
Year 10’s Study Skills and Social Action Afternoon
Year 10, preparing for their GCSEs, had a morning of study skills which focused on academic integrity and higher order thinking skills in a lecture delivered by our Librarian, Ms McMorrow. They then spent their afternoon in the local community, as part of our Social Action Community Project. A group visited Barracks Lane Community Gardens to learn about how ‘The Garden Project’ cares for the environment, demonstrates healthy living and offers everyone access to a green space for relaxation and recreation.
Another group of Year 10 students visited the Museum of Oxford to research the displays and write community labels, a space for the Oxford community to share their personal connections or perspectives on the exhibits. This gave our pupils a perspective on local history and the importance of community.
Helen & Douglas House in Summertown were happy to see our Year 10 volunteers, who learnt about the vital work they do in the community and even created a Christmas display!
Year 11’s Active and Creative Day
Year 11 took part in Active & Creative Day, which enriched their interests, built on their collaboration and trust in each other. Their activities included a performing in a Samba band, stage fighting and karaoke!
Extended Research Project Festival
As a part of Kaleidoscope Day, Year 13 pupils presented their Extended Research Projects (ERP) to their Year 12 peers. Their projects ranged from mental heath issues in adolescents to the chemistry used in Agatha Christie novels! The ERP prepares students for university level research, referencing and critical evaluation.