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Our unique academic enrichment programme provides expansive opportunities for learning and development beyond the curriculum. |
Through our Academic enrichment programme, students explore academic ideas beyond the curriculum. It is an opportunity to engage and participate in academic research, develop critical and creative thinking and skills, and build intellectual confidence.
Every week we run academic lunches for all senior school students, run either by an impressive collection of guests speakers, academic visitors or by our own students.
| sTUDENT LED CLUBS AND TALKS |
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Students learn how to organise, plan and manage their own clubs and talks which provides the opportunity to practice real world skills and promote critical thinking amongst peers. These clubs demonstrate initiative and passion, and we encourage each student to consider how to be involved in their own way. Students feel a sense of ownership and pride in something they build and sustain, and it provides a further sense of purpose and achievement beyond the curriculum. In the 2024-2025 academic year we hosted 20 student-led academic enrichment clubs, covering everything from science drop-in sessions and African literature to linguistics, coding, law, psychology, and literature societies. In total, 52 students took on leadership roles in running these clubs, demonstrating not only academic passion but also organisation, communication and teamwork. Alongside clubs, students delivered an impressive 87 academic talks to their peers – representing every year group in the school. These ranged from biomedical imaging and neural networks to quantum mechanics, the origins of jazz, hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, women in literature, engineering solutions for life beyond earth and many more. A total of 56 students contributed as speakers, sharing their knowledge, research, and original ideas. |
| EXPERT VISITiNG SPEAKERS |
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We invite a diverse range of external professionals and industry experts to share experiences, insights and advice with our students. From scientists and entrepreneurs to journalists and lawyers, each speaker brings a unique opportunity for the students to explore potential career pathways and ask critical questions. The girls gain valuable career awareness, networking experience and inspiration. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we welcomed 37 outside speakers to St Swithun’s, including surgeons, entrepreneurs, authors, composers, legal professionals, engineers, and academics from leading universities. Talks ranged from astrophysics through to careers in journalism, the secrets of maritime archaeology and international research funding. These sessions gave students invaluable insights into the real-world applications of their studies. |
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Admissions
Our friendly admissions team is here to guide you through each step from your initial enquiry to final enrollment. For more information on the admissions pathway visit our admissions page.