ALTON (MARCH 2022)-138

Hypatia Programme

Hypatia 
Our Hypatia Programme replaces Alton School’s previous awards and scholarships and recognise achievement and ambition in our Senior School. The programme focuses on enrichment and extension and is available for Music, Drama, Art, Sport and Academic. These are non-monetary. Recipients are expected to work hard, set a good example, and challenge themselves.

Joining Hypatia 
During the first half of the Autumn Term, our Director of Studies together with teaching staff will observe pupils and identify those who would benefit from or show a particular interest in stretching themselves either academically or in their chosen area. They will then be invited to join the relevant Hypatia Programme, commencing in the second half of the Autumn Term.

All our Hypatia Programmes are subject to annual review and in some cases specific conditions. There is also the opportunity for pupils to join the Hypatia Programme at a later stage, should we feel they are performing at a high enough level in the relevant discipline.

Hypatia Academic
The focus is on enrichment, extension and stimulating academic challenge. Pupils undertake an independent research project, with the support of a staff mentor, resulting in a final piece which reflects their chosen area of interest. Through doing their project, pupils gain the confidence, support and recognition to think for themselves and plan their own research.  Pupils have complete freedom to create a final piece in whatever form they choose, for example a short film, play, robot, model, article, display or essay. With each subsequent academic year, pupils are free to explore new topics and projects, or they may choose to continue to develop their research into a specific field of enquiry.  As they progress through the School, they may also act as mentors for younger pupils, thereby further developing skills of leadership, nurture and teamwork.

Hypatia Sport and Talent ID
This programme enables us to identify our most talented athletes at any age and to monitor their progress. It is made up of two parts:

Talent Identification – From Year 7 and above we identify students who are working hard and showing great promise in their chosen sport and give them encouragement and support to progress. We will also encourage students to join an external club relative to their discipline. The PE department will be able to advise on local clubs to join if they are not already attending. We ask students and parents to keep us updated on their progress in their sport. 

Hypatia – At this stage we identify our most elite athletes. All students will have achieved County level or above in their sport. Students are expected to represent the school, be role models and help run events. Students may be provided with time to perform their Strength and Conditioning programmes/ skill programmes within curriculum time and will be offered a physio screening as part of their programme. They will also be invited to Hypatia Events as well as specific sport talks and events.