VI Academic Extension Newsletter

Mr C Dodd – Staff Editor

Only three print issues of the VI Academic Extension Newsletter were published before it evolved into The GSAL Journal (TGJ). All content from the newsletter has been transferred online into TGJ and can be accessed via the drop-down menus above.

VI Issue 1 (Binary 1)

If a man neglects education he walks lame to the end of his life.

Plato

A warm welcome to the first edition of VI. This is the place where all students in Years 11-13 can find up-to-date information about opportunities and resources relating to academic extension. Competition for places on high-profile courses and at leading colleges and universities is fierce. Students wishing to make successful applications must make sure that they stand out from the crowd. Exploring a subject beyond the classroom and developing the ability to think deeply and critically will strengthen an application. Mr C Dodd & Mr S Yates

VI Issue 2 (Binary 10)

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle

Welcome to VI. There are currently plenty of opportunities available to pursue particular subject interests and develop critical thinking skills. For example, the school library subscribes to a broad spectrum of subject-related periodicals, or you could sign up for a free massive open online course (MOOC). The importance of academic extension is highlighted by former student Lexy Shipley who provided VI with a uniquely personal insight into the excitement and challenge of studying medicine and playing university sport at Oxford. Mr C Dodd & Mr S Yates

VI Issue 3 (Binary 11)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Durant

Welcome to VI. This month saw the official launch of the 2008 Society, created as part of GSAL’s 10^th birthday celebrations to recognise the school’s most academically capable students. The society was launched by Richard Kilgariff (OL) who studied English Literature at Oxford University and then held a number of senior roles in the media industry, including heading the Cartoon Network. More recently, Richard has established a book club which reviews recent non-fiction titles from some of the world’s leading authors. He has inspired VI’s new ‘Leaders are Readers’ feature. Mr C Dodd & Mr S Yates