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Extended Curriculum

At SuMS, our students study more than just A Levels. We are keen to extend and challenge all of our students so that they build the right skills for future study, develop their abilities and reach their potential.

We also want them to engage with experts from both the academic and working worlds, giving them the opportunity to expand their horizons, meet people of all different backgrounds and to see where mathematical sciences can take them.

Problem Solving

Intended to expose students to non-curriculum content in the context of developing problem solving skills. A low stakes environment in which students develop skills ready for the move into preparation for competitions, challenges and university entrance examinations.

The SuMS Project Qualiﬁcation

Intended to teach students the practical skills to succeed in academia such as academic literacy and project management as well as softer skills of teamwork, time management and how to manage conflict and disagreements when working with peers. Students will work in small groups on project briefs set by mentors from academia or industry.

Personal Development

The Personal Development Programme supports our students’ wellbeing, skills development and wider growth alongside their academic studies. These experiences help develop confidence, communication, collaboration and a sense of belonging.

Personal Development lessons	All student have a weekly PD lesson on Mondays. The curriculum covers relationships and sex education, mental health, equality and diversity, and online safety. We also cover life skills including cooking on a budget, practical home skills and financial literacy. Most sessions are tutor-led with external speakers and workshops enhancing provision.
SPEAK, ARGUE, WRITE	Our PD lessons also focus on presentation, debating, oracy and formal writing skills.
House system	Students are organised into tutor groups within one of our four houses, which are named after wonderful mathematicians and scientists: Birkar, Burnell, Hamilton and Murphy. Over the year we run events such as sports, music, chess and quizzes to develop team spirit and healthy competition! There is the opportunity to purchase a house hoodie.
Tutor system	Each student will meet 1:1 with their form tutor at least once every half-term to provide guidance on academic progress, wellbeing and personal development. Students also have a weekly form time to promote study skills, reflection and community building.
Enrichment	Enrichment activities are scheduled into the timetable on Tuesday afternoons throughout Year 12 and the Autumn term of Year 13. Students sign up for their choice of activity each term/half-term.
Clubs	We offer a wide range of clubs, currently including Chess, Dungeons & Dragons, Robotics and Music. Clubs take place at lunchtime or on Tuesday afternoons. Most are student-led and we encourage and support new clubs. We hold a Clubs Fair at the start of the Autumn term to share what is on offer.
Leadership	The Student Council convey student voice to the Senior Leadership team and organise inter-house, charity and social events. In September, each Y12 form elects a representative to join the current School Council. Additional opportunities include joining the Mental Health Advocates and leading a club.
Volunteering & Outreach	We expect all students to volunteer at one of our Taster Days, Open Days or Outreach events and are working to expand this so that all students also do some form of community volunteering.
Trips and events	We run as many trips, visits and social events as we can and are always happy to hear ideas for new ones! Trips scheduled for 2026-27 so far include the Y12 Cuffley and Y13 Henley Fort residentials, Thorpe Park, orienteering, Lake District trip and Y13 prom. We also organise educational visits. If the trip is outside of the hours of 8:00am-7:00pm, parents/carers will be sent an itinerary and specific permission will be requested.
Duke of Edinburgh	All students have the opportunity to work towards their Silver or Gold award.
Assemblies	Fortnightly year group assemblies are led by staff, students or external speakers and organisations. Topics include academic themes, current affairs and personal development.

Competitions

SuMS students are encouraged to participate in a variety of competitions in mathematical sciences such as the UKMT Maths Challenges and Olympiads, Physics and Astrophysics Olympiads, The Bebras Computing Challenge, The UK Chemistry Challenge and C3L6 and Economics Monetary Policy Essay Prize.

External experts and speakers

We work with the University of Surrey and local, industry-leading businesses to give our students the opportunity to hear from experts in their ﬁelds throughout the school year.