Meridian Masters

The term ‘high attainers’ is defined as those students whose progress exceeds age related expectations at Key stage 2 based on their standardised scores. At the start of year 7 we also conduct CAT4 testing and reading tests through NGRT that also feed in to how the students are identified. At Meridian High School we recognise the need for a broad and enriched approach for our most able students. We have therefore put in place a curriculum designed to stretch and challenge the higher achievers, as well as offering various additional interventions and opportunities outside the classroom to develop not just our students’ skills and understanding, but also allow them to see what opportunities lie ahead in careers and higher education. Through this provision we hope to instil aspiration and a love of learning to ensure the highest level of achievement for the future of our students.

 

The Brilliant club tutoring 

 

The Brilliant Tutoring programme supports the national post-Covid tutoring effort so that pupils can access a future they deserve. Our programme re-engages and rebuilds secondary school pupils’ confidence in core subjects by working with our subject expert tutors. Their courses are designed in collaboration with curriculum experts and the tutors are rigorously assessed and undergo extensive training. As subject experts, they support pupils to catch up and inspire them beyond the curriculum.

As an approved tuition partner of the National Tutoring Programme, The Brilliant Club supports state schools who have faced disruption from Covid-19 related measures. The Brilliant Tutoring Programme works in tandem with schools to provide extra support for students in core curriculum subjects.

• Our programme works with Lead Teachers to select three modules out of a module list to tailor the course to pupils needs.
• We offer intensive tutorials and heightened support for pupils in small groups of three pupils to one tutor.
• We measure progress using formative assessments throughout the programme and an assessment completed at the end of the programme.

Students who are underachieving in Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics have been offered a 13 week placement in which they engage in small group tutoring sessions twice a week with a PhD specialist tutor in the area of study. Student feedback is positive and the impact is now being seen in student assessments at the end of the term. 

Tutor the Nation

Tutor The Nation is a new charity connecting university students with pupils in the State sector for free online tutoring. 

Launched in 2020, Tutor The Nation (TTN) is a charitable platform inviting undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates from the UK’s top universities to volunteer to provide online tuition for young people in the State sector. Through tutoring, Tutor The Nation aims to give young people at Meridian High School the confidence and tools they need both to perform better academically and to gain the motivation and confidence to work towards their future aspirations.

Tutor The Nation is currently working with Bolton and Solihull Councils, and is ready to expand and thus have approached Meridian High school with this fantastic opportunity. Having delivered over 35,000 hours of tutoring through the Coronavirus Tutoring Initiative, and by working with private tutoring agencies combining over 50 years of experience, they are well placed to provide excellent tutoring at scale.

Our one-to-one online tutoring is completely free for any State sector school. At present 22 places have been made available for Meridian High School and our year 10 cohort have grasped the opportunity with both hands.

Students attend an introductionary meeting in which TTN co-ordinators and leaders explain the expectations of students and tutors very clearly. Students who are willing to fully commit then complete a questionaire which outlines the subjects they would like support in. Once this is completed TTN then match the students to the tutor. Each tutor will initially be assigned to a student for an hour per week, for one full term, and possibly longer. Students liaise with their tutor through their school email and use an online learning platform called 'Bramble'. This is a secure teaching site where all interactions are recorded for safeguarding purposes. 

https://tutorthenation.org/safeguarding

 

Latin workshops

Latin, for two thousand years the language of many of the greatest thinkers and writers of the western world, remains a living and intellectually stimulating language which is the key to understanding many central aspects of western thought and culture. Latin workshops are available for Year 7 and 8 and are aimed to provide a well-rounded and immersive experience in the classical world. Workshops are delivered by a Latin Specialist who is a subject leader for Classics at Harris Chafford Hundred where he has designed a Latin curriculum that is being delivered to key sates 3 to 5 across multiple schools within his federation.

Studying Latin, a highly organised and logical language, much like studying math, sharpens the mind, cultivates mental alertness, creates keener attention to detail, develops critical thinking, and enhances problem solving abilities. Since about two thirds of English words are derived from Latin, studying Latin provides invaluable insights into English vocabulary, the structure and meaning of English words, especially of longer and more complicated ones. This is supported through direct vocabulary instruction and exploring the etymology of the words that happens in every classroom, every day. The study of Latin enables learners to  coordinate ideas, reflect on the various ways to say the same thing, and thus to write and communicate their ideas more clearly, which supports our drive for Oracy in the classroom. We value all students voices and the development of confidence with vocabulary is important so our students are able to articulate their ideas as effectively as possible.

 

Cambridge University Visit 

On Thursday 23^rd June, 15 students from Meridian High School visited Selwyn College at the University of Cambridge to find out what it is like to study at a Russell Group university. 

Students first had a presentation about the University of Cambridge and Russell Group universities. This included information on how to apply, what courses are on offer, what student life is like and how to choose A-Level subjects. 

Students then had an opportunity to explore the college through a guided tour. Students visited the chapel, gardens, library and student accommodation, before going to the 'Hogwarts' style main hall for lunch.

After lunch, there was a Q&A session with the admissions tutor and current Selwyn students. Our students asked many insightful questions linked to college life, university study and future job prospects.

Dr Tom Smith, Research Fellow in History and American Studies, then led an example supervision (tutorial) session on American Empire and the Hidden History of Hawai'i. Our students had to analyse and discuss a variety of sources to answer challenging questions such as 'Why did America want control of Hawai'i' and 'Was the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy evidence that America had an empire'. Our students came up with lots of great ideas, leaving Dr Smith extremely impressed!

Finally,  we had time to explore one more college, Robinson, before we headed back to school. 

Expanding our offer

We are currently reseaching the following exciting opportunities:

• Alabama Space Camp (Opportunity for year 9 and 10 students in 2023/24 cohort
• Exposure to different careers through PSHE and the curriculum
• Residential subject specific weekends for KS4 students to support with GCSE's