An innovative programme run by Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne to challenge students and help them to develop into future leaders is proving a great success. The Kingsbury Green Academy Scholars Programme introduces students to a diverse range of activities, from sessions with professionals at the top of their game to competitions and in-class challenges.
Assistant headteacher Mary Goldsmith, who runs the Kingsbury Green Academy Scholars Programme, says students who show an interest can join as early as in Year 7, when they move up to the school. “So far this year, our Year 7 and 8 scholars have attended live lectures on topics such as orthopaedic implants, memory, and what it’s like to study for a PhD,” she explained.
“Students who have shown an interest in a particular industry have also attended virtual industry insight sessions, including a live Q&A session with a barrister.
“The Scholars Programme develops in Year 9 with a university visit, and last term our Year 9 scholars attended Bath University and are taking part in a series of lectures on fluid mechanics.”
Scholars have also entered national art and writing competitions, including one run by the Western Front Association, which aims to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all those who served their countries on all sides during the Great War of 1914 to 1918.
Scholars at Kingsbury Green Academy, which is part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust, can gain recognition for the skills they develop in school time and for the opportunities they take part in outside school time through the nationally recognised Skills Builder framework.
They are also able to work towards the programme’s bronze, silver and gold awards. Scholars aiming for the gold award complete a mini-dissertation on a subject of their choice that particularly interests them.
Kingsbury Green Academy headteacher Jason Tudor said the Kingsbury Green Academy Scholars Programme expands students’ horizons beyond the national curriculum and provides them with opportunities to become leaders in their chosen fields in the future.
“We aim to provide every one of our students with the tools to achieve their own personal goal in whatever area of life that they want to excel in. The Scholars Programme is one of our many tools that enables each Kingsbury Green Academy student, whether their passion is science, art, music, sport, drama or whatever else, to shine and be their best possible self.”