Throughout their time studying with us, our students are encouraged to work towards achieving the Queensmead Diploma. Although not a formal qualification, it helps guide students towards opportunities and experiences outside of the classroom which will help build their character, confidence and experience.

The aim of the diploma is for students to commit to achieving a minimum number of credits for each of the four strands as outlined below. In doing so, students are preparing themselves for life beyond Queensmead School and critically, making themselves more appealing to prospective university admission tutors, apprenticeship providers and employers.

Students are expected to complete the following to achieve the Queensmead Diploma:

Intellectual Curiosity
• Wider reading around subject areas or topics
• Attending online lectures / seminars offered by universities
• Completing MOOCs (Massive open online courses)
• Visiting a museum

Career preparation / Work Experience
• 3-5 days worth of work experience
• University trips / open days and taster days
• Paid work (in a field of interest)
• CV writing

Volunteering
• Mentoring students in school
• Peer reading with students in school
• Helping in KS3 / KS4 lessons during private study
• Values Team member
• Member of the Student Leadership Group
• Helping at a food bank or local charity shop

Extracurricular activities
• Regular attendance at a sports, music, arts club outside of school
• Regular attendance at one of the many ECA clubs offered in school
• Girl guides, Scouts or similar
• Any other hobbies that you engage with on a regular basis, outside of the home.

Students should aim to achieve a minimum of 250 points across the academic year, with a minimum of 50 points from each of the 4 strands.

Below are some examples of how points might be earned: