The Helena Academic Programme is designed to ignite intellectual curiosity and elevate academic ambition.
The programme offers students a wealth of academic enrichment opportunities beyond the curriculum, enabling them to delve deeper into subjects and broaden their knowledge of their chosen area of interest. By encouraging them to look beyond the boundaries of the syllabus, the Helena Academic Programme fosters independent thinking, nurtures a passion for learning, and helps every student to thrive academically.
The Helena Award
The Helena Award offers students not only the opportunity to extend their subject knowledge but also the chance to support younger students through academic peer mentoring.
Teaching is a great means of embedding knowledge, so supporting the learning of younger students provides benefits in terms of academic development as well as leadership skills. As a reward for the students’ successful participation in the programme, they receive a pass, merit or distinction when awarded The Helena Award at the Academic Colours assembly in Trinity term.
All participants must complete core modules, including regular attendance at academic societies or clubs and participation in Helena Seminars. Sixth Form students also lead subject-related clubs or support peers, while Middle School students commit to a club or society each term. In addition, students choose from a range of tailored electives aligned with their interests, such as entering external competitions, engaging in academic work experience, attending public lectures with follow-up research, or creating critical videos or podcasts that go beyond A Level content.
The Helena Catalogue
The Helena Catalogue allows students to explore the world beyond the A level syllabus. The catalogue offers a rich collection of things to read, watch, listen to, visit and do, designed to broaden their horizons.
From thought-provoking podcasts to must-see exhibitions, this resource empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey and discover just how exciting independent exploration can be.
The Helena Lectures
The Helena Lectures bring thought-provoking voices into our school community, with a dynamic range of guest speakers invited by both departments and central organisers. These sessions are designed to inspire, challenge and expand perspectives, offering students of all ages the chance to engage with ideas beyond the classroom.
Whether it’s a specialist deep-diving into their field, a professional sharing real-world insights or a storyteller sparking new ways of thinking, each lecture opens up rich conversations and ignites intellectual curiosity across the school.
Academic societies
For students who love to dig deeper, Academic Societies offer the chance to explore ideas that stretch well beyond the A level curriculum. These lunchtime and after-school clubs are a space for lively discussion, big questions and bold thinking, where curiosity is welcomed and intellectual challenge is embraced.
Whether debating philosophical theories, unpacking scientific breakthroughs or analysing literary classics, students engage in rich conversations that broaden horizons, build confidence and foster a genuine passion for learning.
Academic showcase evenings
A celebration of curiosity, communication and confidence, Academic Showcase Evenings invite students to step into the spotlight and share their independent research with peers, staff and younger students. Whether tackling complex questions, exploring a personal passion or delving into new territory, participants develop not just subject expertise but the invaluable art of presenting ideas with clarity and conviction.
