Scholars' Programme

‘It’s about having the cultural capital and the ability to succeed’

The inception of the Scholars Programme in 2018 was a watershed moment for our Academy. It made clear our determination that all students, who have the academic ability and personal character required, should have a pathway to progress to the best sixth forms and universities that this country has to offer. As bold as that aim might seem, it is exactly what our students deserve.

Through a combination of rigorous academic study outside of the curriculum, a range of fantastic experiences of the workplace, and visits to places of cultural and historical significance, we are confident that we can give our most academically able students the foundations to compete with the best students anywhere. This is not an extra, or an add-on, it is an entitlement. I look forward to seeing all of our Scholars flourish and grow as they develop the knowledge and experiences to be era-defining leaders and pioneers.

Shane Richardson, Headteacher

What is the Scholars' Programme?

At Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, we recognise that our students have an incredible amount of talent and potential. Therefore, the purpose of the Scholars Programme is to recognise students who have a high level of academic ability and to give them opportunities to thrive beyond the national curriculum and the classroom.

Our Latin motto, “Labor Durus Omnia Vincit” (“Hard work conquers all”), encapsulates the purpose of our programme which is to provide our students with a rigorous and challenging series of electives, lectures, projects and competitions so that they have the confidence and skills to achieve their rightful places in higher education and the professional world.

We are excited to welcome our new cohort of scholars and can’t wait to see what they achieve as a result of their experience in the programme.

Academic Enrichment

Electives

Our Scholars in key stage 3 will have a choice between two electives per half term. These electives may include:
Creative Writing; The History of Medicine; Eco Club; Fine Art; Ancient Civilisation and many more.

Lecture Series

Scholars will have the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers about their knowledge of various academic subjects.
They will also be able to listen to professionals discuss their experiences of different careers.

Skills Workshops

Scholars will have access to a series of workshops to develop skills required for success in interviews and employment.
These may include: note taking; public speaking; project delegation; essay writing; academic research and many more.

KS4 Level 2 Project Qualification

Year 10 Scholars will have the opportunity to achieve an additional qualification: the Level 2 Project Qualification. This is an independent project which they will conduct throughout the year in a subject of their choosing and is the equivalent of half a GCSE.

Personal Development Opportunities

Latin

Latin opens a door into a world that has much to offer. It gives pupils a broader
perspective and develops cultural capital, while improving literacy and
supporting the learning of a range of modern foreign languages. Only a small
proportion of state school pupils in England have access to this enriching
subject at school. The Latin Excellence programme aims to change that.
Students who successfully complete the programme in Year 7 and 8 will be
given the option to carry on to study for an additional GCSE.
We are excited to welcome our new cohort of scholars and can’t wait to see
what they achieve as a result of their experience in the programme.

Year 7 - Find Your Voice

One of the main skills for success is communication, therefore our Year 7
Scholars will be set on a programme designed to improve their public speaking
and communication skills. They will be learning how to articulate an argument
and challenge others verbally through the form of debate. They will also be
learning how to write creatively in the form of narrative writing and poetry, with
an opportunity to share their work through the spoken word. By the end of
the year, students will have the chance to participate in the “Poetry by Heart”
national competition whereby they will recite a poem of their choice.
This will provide our Year 7 scholars with the skills to not only form their own
thoughts, opinions and ideas independently, but have the confidence and skills
to articulate these ideas in a number of ways. This experience will also prepare
students to continue the Scholars’ Programme throughout their time at the
academy and enable them to participate in further electives and competitions.

Year 8 - Mock Trials

The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition helps young people understand
how the law touches every aspect of their lives, gaining an insight into how the
legal justice system works. Schools will be given access to resources, including
a specially written criminal case, to help teams prepare legal arguments.
After preparation, your team will take part in a local heat and go head-to-head
with other schools to prosecute and defend the case. The winners may then
compete in a regional heat with a new case.

For most students it is their first experience of the law. There is no better way
to introduce them, than in a fun and engaging experience that stays with
them for life. Students who take part are encouraged to think critically, build
arguments and boost their confidence. The experience will help students
develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the
justice system in our society.

Year 9 - Model United Nations

Model United Nations is designed to help students to understand the
principles of the United Nations and how it functions. Students will assume
the roles of national ambassadors of different countries across the world and
seek to solve global issues such as conflict, climate change, human rights and
economic crises. They will have the opportunity to research their assigned
country before debating for an appropriate solution and negotiating for the
best outcome. It gives students the opportunity to learn about negotiation and
how decisions can impact communities in various ways.
Whilst learning about issues in the wider world, students will refine their skills
in debate, communication, decision making and leadership. Many of today’s
leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in Model UN
as students themselves which demonstrates how the skills learned within the
programme are transferable to many careers.

Year 10 - Level 2 Project Qualification

Year 10 - Level 2 Project Qualification
Our Year 10 Scholars have the opportunity to achieve a Level 2 Project
Qualification before they sit their GCSEs. The Level 2 PQ is an independent
project based on the students’ own area of interest and it helps learners to
develop their independence by planning, managing, completing and evaluating
their own project. Not only will this set students apart from others when
competing for places at colleges, university or in employment, but it will also
give them skills for life, provide an opportunity to delve more into areas
of interest and formally reward students who study above and beyond in
their studies.
Whilst this is an independent project, students will be supported through
monitored research time and regular meetings to check progress with the
project. They will also be assigned with a mentor within the academy who
has some level of knowledge of their chosen topic and can provide academic
support and guidance.
Students will be marked on how well they have managed and planned their
project, how well they use resources and information, how they develop their
final piece of work and, finally, how they evaluate the success of their project.
More information will be given to students as they begin the
Scholars’ Programme.

Additional Perks of the Programme

Celebration Event	To celebrate the scholars achieving a place on the programme, we commence with a celebration event. This formal occasion is a great way to come together as a cohort to start the year ahead.
The Scholars Room	Our scholars have their own dedicated room within the academy which can be used for relaxing, reading and studying at designated breaks and lunch times. The room has computers, key texts and bean bags and will be the location for scholars' meetings.
Competitions	Throughout the programme, our scholars will be signposted towards national competitions in areas such as creative writing and public speaking.
Cultural Trips	Scholars will have the opportunity to go on trips to broaden their cultural capital. These experiences might be to discover workplaces and future careers, to understand an academic subject in the context of the wider world or to visit universities.
Graduation	At the end of the year, scholars and their families will be invited to a graduation event where students will graduate the year in true university style and have an opportunity to show off their projects throughout the year. This celebration of success will help give our scholars a taste of what academic success can bring.