Windlesham House launches diploma for pupils aged 11–13 to better equip children
The programme is designed to equip children aged between 11 and 13 years with the foundation skills and attributes required to flourish at senior school as well as in their future lives.
The Windlesham House Diploma & Futures Programme will take two years to complete with coursework and formal examinations. The programme is designed to equip children aged between 11 and 13 years with the foundation skills and attributes required to flourish at senior school as well as in their future lives.
The course itself is unique to the school and will allow children to develop the qualities and skills that extend beyond traditional academic subjects. Throughout the two-year diploma, pupils will formally study areas that will help to prepare them for the next stage of their education and their life beyond. Covering aspects such effective communication, working as a team and dealing with conflict resolution, and as well leadership sessions looking at the value and attitudes of caring and inspirational leaders. Pupils will also learn about self-reflection, how to think critically, become positive thinkers and manage things like stress management, time management and exam pressures. Ben Evans, Headmaster at Windlesham House explains more, “Over the last few years, it’s become evident that there are more forward thinking, alternative and exciting educational routes than the current common entrance syllabus and examinations that many children complete at the end of Year 8. Our new diploma replaces and enhances that route, with a rich, rigorous curriculum and the addition of essential social, leadership and team skills that will better equip our young people for the future.”
Learning for Life sessions will be taught weekly and will also involve lessons in public speaking, debating and money management. The diploma also includes further non-compulsory elements such as enrichment sessions delivered on a Saturday morning where pupils work on collaborative leadership and entrepreneurial projects as well as outdoor orienteering, local charitable endeavours and first aid training. The Futures Programme element of the diploma also seeks to go beyond simple careers guidance by examining future school choices, giving pupils advice on planning for GCSE options, scholarship support and even looking ahead to university entrance and courses.
“We want to widen our pupils’ skill sets and give them more exposure to the real world. So, it’s important that we focus on building their confidence, whether that’s through developing public speaking skills or giving them regular opportunities to attend exhibitions and presentations, the more space they have to explore, innovate and take risks, the more resilient and self-reliant they will become,” added Mr Evans.
With formal examinations, coursework, presentations, reflective journals and practical assessments, pupil progress and achievement will be recognised through a system of continuous assessment. At the end of the two-year course, each pupil will be awarded the Windlesham House Diploma with either a pass, merit or distinction.
February 2024