Somerville College Trip November 2025
The Oxford trip to Somerville College, on the 10th of November, was a great opportunity for me to learn more about my plans for after school and college, and the reasons why I would consider going to University - more specifically Oxford. In the first session of the trip we were able to go on a tour around the college campus to areas such as; the Library which has been a part of the college since 1903, and the different types of teaching the school offers. During the day we also learnt about the history of the college, formerly used as an all-girl's institute and the significance of these facts towards the school now. Later in the day, we had a taster Law session, to see how it would be like to attend the school and participate in a lesson. The day was a chance to really think about my future and the route through education I would want to take.- Judith AJ, Yr 11
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Highflyers
At St Edmund’s Catholic School we are committed to providing the best possible standard of education and personal development for all pupils regardless of ability. Within this context we aim to meet the needs of specific groups of pupils including those identified as being in the Higher Band of attainment at KS2.
There is no precise, agreed, national definition of more able pupils or a specified percentage of the school population who should or do fall into this category.
Curricular Provision
- Extra-curricular sporting events
- Music, Dance and Drama performances
- Participation in external academic and cross curricular events
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Access to visiting speakers
Download the application form here.
Current Curriculum Provision
A range of activities and courses designed to enhance the learning of HF pupils are available. Most of these activities are open to many more pupils than those on the register.
Students opt if they meet the entry criteria for Triple Science (S+) and have had early entry for Biology.
All year 10 pupils have early entry for English Literature. Previous results exceed local and national averages for 7+.
Year 10 pupils have option of choosing Fine Art, Ancient History, Sociology and Psychology at KS4.
Extra Curricular provision
St Edmund’s school will provide a range of extra curricular activities to enrich the learning of all pupils including those that are HF. These will be organized by different departments as well as by the High Flyer coordinator and will include activities in partnership with other educational providers.
Current Extra Curricular Activities
Current list of clubs includes some identified as Learning Plus where pupils are going to be able to extend their learning.
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Advanced Table Tennis
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Performing Arts Day
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School Productions (one Drama and one Musical per academic year)
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Shakespeare School’s Festival
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Water Polo
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Band
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Catenian Debate Club
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KS3 Spelling Bee Championships
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Boys Dance Club
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Assembly Musicians
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The Eagle
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MFL A Level taster session in Havant College
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High Flyer Geography
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History High Flyers Club (Year 8+9)
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History 7+ Club (Year 10+11)
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STEM Club (Year 7 and 8)
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Maths Challenge (Year 10)
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Girls High Flyer PE Club (Year 9)
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Grade 9 Maths Club in Year 11 (Further Maths).
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Synagogue Trip
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Power and Conflict Club
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Philosophy and Ethics Club
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Pupil Poet Laureate
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Catholic Writing Competition
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Dance Live (in conjunction with Chichester University)
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University visits (University of Portsmouth, Russell Group Universities)
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Opportunity to apply for MENSA
High Flyers Badge
Pupils are invited to apply for a ‘High Flyers Badge’ once they have attended three or more High Flyers event over the calendar year. Pupils should submit their badge form to Mr Were or to their tutor.
How can you help your High Flyer?
You can help your child flourish by encouraging them to:
- watch educational and current affairs programmes such as the news, nature programmes and documentaries.
- read a quality newspaper and discuss and debate topics they have read.
- listen to podcasts and engage with what they are saying (Oxbridge admissions officers emphasise the need to engage and critique such ‘super-curricular’ resources as part of their successful admissions interview).
- be resilient and accept that they will be challenged at school and that is a good thing.
- listen to different types of music, increasing their cultural capital.
- visit places of cultural and educational interest particularly whilst on holiday such as nature reserves, art galleries and museums.
- explain what they have learned at school and, in particular, how they have learned (metacognition).
High Flyer’s Onward Journey
At St. Edmund’s we believe it is important for students to research Higher Educations institutions such as universities and degree apprenticeships so that they can make an informed decision about their future and how they can achieve their future aspirations. The website for The Russell Group offers pupils an insight into the top 24 Universities in the UK and the courses and opportunities they provide pupils. Working on non-academic skills is also beneficial– the Russell Group universities, universities of Oxford and Cambridge and top employers want students who are intellectually curious as well as having good grades, resilience and independence.
High Flyer's Policy
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| High Flyer PolicyV7.doc | Download |
