The Middle School Diploma
The Fettes College Middle School Diploma Our own bespoke qualification (for ages 13-15) which recognises students’ achievements outside the classroom and encourages each individual to aim high and give back. In line with our vision, this qualification promotes the key characteristics of a Fettesian …. knowing themselves, looking out for others, thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.
The Aims of the Diploma To help every student make the most of the wide range of opportunities at Fettes and to unlock their potential.
To encourage students to step outside their comfort zone, to be willing to take risks, give things a go and flourish at Fettes.
To give students the opportunity to acknowledge, reflect on and learn from their achievements as well as their failures.
To nurture and develop the skills and characteristics of a Fettesian ready for entrance into the Sixth Form and the wider community.
How will it work? The Diploma is made up of 4 components:
1.
Community: encourage every student to value and enrich both the Fettes community and wider communities through positive contributions.
Examples: fundraising (charity runs, SuperTroop log carry), language leaders, House responsibilities (bells, snack etc), beach clean, environmental and sustainability work.
How will it work? 2.
Creativity and Curiosity: empower every student to try activities which allow them to use their imagination, produce something and develop their critical reasoning.
Examples: EET project, inter-disciplinary project, writing an article for a school journal, performing in a School/House play, playing an instrument, performing in a concert.
How will it work? 3.
Wellbeing: enable every student to do things which allows them to thrive emotionally, mentally and physically.
Examples: school sport, House sport, PSHE, the activities programme, Third Form field week, Fourth Form challenge.
How will it work? 4.
Communication: support every student to improve their ability to listen actively, think on their feet and speak confidently.
Examples: speak in chapel, deliver House prayers, debating club, reading for pleasure, give a School tour.
The Fettes Passport Running through the diploma and connecting the four components is the Fettes Passport: 10 things we want every Fettesian to do independent of everything else. This is what makes us distinctly Scottish and Fettesian as well as encouraging students to do something new and go outside their comfort zone. You cannot get the diploma without doing these things.
The Fettes Passport Students select 10 things from this list Climb Arthur’s Seat
Dance reels at a Ceilidh
Bag a Munro
Attend a Burns Supper
Participate in House Singing
Run the Steeplechase
Attend an Academic Society Meeting
Attend a Coffee Concert
Sleep out under the stars
Sing Floreas Fettesia off by heart
Make supper for your brother/sister House
Listen to the Fettes Pipe Band Beating Retreat
Chat to Mr Harrison over supper in The Lodge
An act of kindness to another Fettesian
Be a buddy to a new or visiting student
Speak to a visiting Old Fettesian (OF)
Commencing in 3 Form th and finishing in 5 Form rd
Third Form begin the Diploma at the start of the Spring Term.
Completed by the end of the Autumn Term in Fifth Form.
Diploma awarded in the Spring End of Term Assembly.
Gold, Silver and Bronze Diploma Minimum of 75 points per component for Gold
Minimum of 50 points per component for Silver
Minimum of 25 points per component for Bronze
How points are awarded? For each activity within the component, there are a maximum of 25 points available. For example, if a student joined the Knitting Club, as part of the Wellbeing component: Regular Attendance at Knitting Club – earns 5 points Active Involvement – 10 points (e.g. Improving your knitting skills)
Making a difference – 15 points (e.g. Helping others improve their knitting skills)
Industria – 25 points (e.g. Hosting the School exhibition)
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