Year 11 extra-curriculars

Year 11 (GCSE Year) – Building the Foundations

1. Academic Focus:

  • GCSE Preparation: Aim for top grades, especially in subjects relevant to your A-levels. English, Geography, and History will be key subjects to strengthen your writing and analytical skills.

  • Time Management: Start building good study habits early so that you have more time for extracurriculars in Year 12.

2. In-School Extracurricular Activities:

  • Debating Society:

    • Wycombe Abbey has an active debating society. This is perfect for developing your argumentation skills, which are essential for consulting and law.

    • Aim to compete in regional and national competitions, like the ESU Public Speaking Competition or Oxford Schools Debating Tournament.

    • Action Step: Take on a leadership role in the Debating Society, even if it’s just helping organize events or debates. This shows initiative.

  • Model United Nations (MUN):

    • MUN will help you develop your public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. Wycombe Abbey typically has strong MUN teams that regularly participate in international conferences, which are excellent for building global awareness.

    • Action Step: Aim to compete in 3-4 MUN conferences during Year 11. Try to take on leadership roles in MUN committees or as a team delegate in Year 12.

  • Philosophy and Theology Club (RS):

    • If this club isn't already active, consider starting or taking part in a Philosophy or Ethics Society. This will show initiative and deepen your engagement with philosophical texts that align with your future A-level subject (RS).

    • Action Step: Lead or organize small debates or discussion groups on topics like free will, morality, and ethics.

  • Volunteer Work:

    • Wycombe Abbey has a strong tradition of service and community outreach. Engage in volunteer workwithin the school or externally with organizations like local food banks, youth mentoring programs, or elderly care.

    • Action Step: Start a volunteering project in areas related to your interests (e.g., mental health, which connects to psychology).

  • Essay Competitions:

    • Many essay competitions are targeted to top students at Wycombe Abbey. Philosophy Essay Competitionsand Political Theory Prizes are great opportunities to show your intellectual drive.

    • Action Step: Research Philosophy Essay Prizes like the John Locke Essay Prize or Philosophy Now and plan to enter them.

3. Outside of School Extracurriculars:

  • Shadowing: Try shadowing a local lawyer or consultant for a day to get an inside view of their day-to-day tasks.

    • Action Step: Reach out via LinkedIn or personal connections to set up these shadowing opportunities.

  • MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses):

    • Platforms like Coursera or EdX offer free courses in philosophy, psychology, or politics. You could take courses like "Philosophy and Critical Thinking" or "Psychology of Human Behavior".

    • Action Step: Complete 1–2 MOOCs by the end of Year 11 and include them on your CV.