Congratulations to our Upper Fourth (Year 8s) on graduating from the CREATE Diploma.
After celebrating together at a special graduation party the previous evening, organised by Head of Diploma Carrie Collins, our students took to the stage to showcase everything they have achieved during the two-year programme. Presenting to an audience of parents and staff, they reflected on the skills they have developed through CREATE: Collaboration and Communication, Resilience and Adaptability, Empathy and Global Outlook, Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving, Technological Literacy and Innovation, and Empowerment and Leadership.
Students also reflected on their Benenden Project Qualifications – dissertation-style projects on topics of their own choosing, which form the final assessment of the Diploma and demonstrate the depth of their curiosity, independence and academic ambition.
Throughout the celebrations, Mrs Collins reflected on the students’ CREATE journey and the remarkable progress they have made. The ceremony concluded with each student receiving their CREATE Diploma certificate from Headmistress Ms Bailey, and Lower School Housemistress Mrs Salisbury delivering a moving speech as the year group prepared to embark on the next stage of their Benenden journey in their Middle School Houses.
The Lower School CREATE Diploma forms the foundation of our innovative Lower School curriculum. It is part of our programme of non-examined courses, which was recognised as a ‘significant strength’ in our recent ISI inspection, with inspectors praising Benenden’s innovative approach to education.
We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing them flourish in Middle School.