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.
Academic interventions
Academic interventions are sessions that take place before or after school. Achieving a Grade 9 is not the same as A*; it’s a new grade, designed to recognise the very highest performing students. So in order to support our students in achieving these new highest grades, bespoke interventions are designed to revisit the most challenging content and skills that need to be practiced in order to be successful. Academic interventions are guided by data from end of topic tests and assessments.
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.
Brilliant club scholars programme
The Brilliant Club PhD tutors to deliver 'The Scholars Programme' in their partner schools and colleges across the UK. They share their subject knowledge and passion for learning with small groups of pupils aged 8-18. It helps them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to secure a place at a competitive university.
The programme is available to state schools across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is structured around seven tutorials, and pupils also attend a Graduation Event at a partner university to speak with current undergraduates and learn about university life. Fourteen pupils are in one placement, taught in two smaller groups of seven. They work towards completing a challenging final assignment which is marked and moderated using university grades.
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 23rd 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:
- Berlin Space Camp
- Exposure to different careers through PSHE and the curriculum
- Residential subject specific weekends for KS4 students to support with GCSE's
