Higher Challenge Page

Welcome to the Higher Challenge page

Barclays Head Office Canary Wharf

June 7th 2013

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Bronte Waterfalls

June 19 2013

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Here at BVGS we have a very active and thriving Higher Challenge cohort comprising the top 15% in each year group. The decision whether or not to include a pupil on the cohort depends on many factors. The cohort is reviewed each year.

Once on the cohort the pupils’ progress is closely monitored. Each pupil is individually mentored once every half term and the pupils meet as a group each half term to encourage cohesion within the group.

The girls receive, when appropriate, differentiated work in lessons and intervention measures are put in place when required.

Reaching for Excellence

Seven year 12 girls have been accepted onto the Reach for Excellence Scheme which is run by The University of Leeds. It is a two year programme during which time students are given a taste of university life and gain the necessary skills and experience for successful transition into higher education. They will have the opportunity to attend sessions in law, medicine, dentistry, and engineering as well as skills development sessions.

Cambridge conquered

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"Cambridge was absolutely amazing. Our mentors were really nice and helpful and took us to all the activities, lectures or workshops we wanted to go to. They also shared their experiences concerning university application with us. We had plenty of time to wander around the town which was a great opportunity because we got to see all the different colleges and sites and spend more time with our friends. We could spend up to £6.50 on each meal and the accommodation was fantastic. I attended the annual Shadows' quiz at the Selwyn Diamond on the last night. We didn't win (the prize was fudge) but it was a lot of fun as I got to spend more time with the people staying at my college. The last thing before we left was an admissions talk which I found really useful as we were told what grades we need and were given advice on writing our personal statements and the interview process. On the whole, going to Cambridge was so great that I really didn't want to come back." :D

Tamanna Saghir .

IMAGE & IDENTITY
YEAR 9 DISCOVER DAY – UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
FRIDAY 8TH MARCH 2013

The event consisted of four lectures which led to various activities. The students gained a great deal of information which they then used in the activities. Click on the link below to view a trip report from the Higher Challenge co-ordinator Mrs Scott.

Trip Report

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Chemistry @ York

YEAR 9
WED 6TH FEB 2013

Twelve year 9 girls visited the University of York to enjoy a whole day of Chemistry.

There were 3 sessions in the labs:

Chemical Fingerprints – In this session they had to identify 5 unknown compounds using their own observations compared to a data sheet. They worked in a fume hood burning compounds to give a flame from which they had to try and make their identifications. Some of the equipment used in this test was – Bunsen burner, nichrome wire loop, hydrochloric acid and the various compounds.

Bouncy balls and materials design – In this session the girls were looking at the qualities of polymers and made bouncy balls. Each group followed a different recipe so they could then best see which gave the best bouncy ball. Some of the equipment used in this experiment – pipette, wooden stirring stick, PVA glue, borax and corn flour.

Neutralisation of Indigestion tablets – In this session the girls measured the effectiveness of various indigestion tablets. Some of the equipment used – conical flask, automated stirrer, burette filled with HCI, clamp and methyl orange indicator solution.

The girls wore lab coats, gloves and goggles all day and looked the part of scientists. They all worked independently carefully following the precise instructions they had been given.

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Rock Climbing

A group of girls were taken to an indoor climbing centre where over the next 12 weeks they will learn how to boulder and climb ropes. This is part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Please click on the link below for a trip report.

Trip report