This academic year, we are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at our academic scholars at Norwich High School for Girls. Miss Aine McMenamin, one of our Classics Teachers and newly appointed Academic Scholarship Coordinator, is at the helm of this dynamic programme designed to enhance our school’s enrichment offerings.

While Norwich High has established programmes for our scholars in music, sport and drama, there was a need for an engaging academic programme. Miss McMenamin has taken on the challenge to create a vibrant environment for our 85 Senior School and Sixth Form academic scholars that provides stretch and prioritises enjoyment alongside intellectual rigour. Her vision is to foster a community where learning is both fun and challenging, allowing scholars to explore their interests beyond the traditional curriculum.

At the heart of the programme is the Scholars’ Challenge, inspired by the popular television show, University Challenge, which Miss McMenamin herself participated in. This engaging competition consists of group stages where teams of four or five students, mixed across year groups, face off in a general knowledge quiz format. The challenge is designed to be manageable, taking place during lunchtime sessions, ensuring it is not too demanding of students’ time.

In addition to the Scholars’ Challenge, Miss McMenamin has introduced the Scholars’ Symposia, which offers a platform for students to present their research on various topics. The inaugural session after half term will feature a presentation on the microbiome and its impact on mental health, led by Year 13 student Inayah, our Head Girl.

“These symposia not only enhance public speaking skills but also allow students to delve deeply into subjects they care about,” Miss McMenamin shares. Each presentation will last half an hour and conclude with a Q&A session, encouraging engagement and further exploration of the topics discussed.

Miss McMenamin’s approach is rooted in her belief that learning should not be confined to the classroom. “I want our scholars to feel proud of their knowledge and curious about the world around them,” she emphasises. “Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and I aim to normalise that within our community.”

Her previous experience running the general knowledge society at school has shown her the transformative power of competition in a supportive environment. She aims to create a culture where students feel empowered to share their unique interests and insights, regardless of their confidence levels.

The Academic Scholars’ Programme also offers a variety of additional initiatives, such as  a magazine project for students in Year 9 to 13, where groups will explore overarching themes like Victorian society or artificial intelligence. This opportunity to produce articles for an annual publication not only enriches students’ writing skills but also introduces them to university-level research and citation practices.

Furthermore, Miss McMenamin is looking to invite staff and guest speakers into school to broaden the horizons of both our scholars and wider student body, providing them with valuable insights into fields beyond the standard curriculum. In the first of these sessions, Mrs Louise Johnson, Head of Psychology at Norwich High School for Girls, will be presenting on criminology, engaging students who show a keen interest in that subject area.

One of Miss McMenamin’s key goals is to help students find their voices. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many students, who may initially seem shy, have stepped up to share their passions during Scholars’ Challenge and how many have volunteered to offer a Symposium. It’s a great opportunity for them to shine,” she notes.