Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
The Seren Academy is a fully funded programme from the Welsh Government which supports the aspirations and ambitions of our most able learners, helping to widen their horizons, develop a passion for their chosen field of study, and reach their academic potential.
It is available to years 8 to 13 learners from state schools and further education colleges across Wales who have been identified by their institution as meeting the eligibility criteria.
Being part of the Seren Academy offers our most able learners’ opportunities to immerse themselves in an established super curricular experience to:
- ignite their curiosity and motivation for their learning
- empower them to make ambitious, informed choices about their future educational pathway and
- advance their ability to reach their potential and succeed at highly selective universities.
In the last academic year, the Seren Academy has supported approximately 23,000 Seren learners from across Wales, and, thanks to collaboration with schools and colleges the programme has evolved.
More flexibility has enabled teaching leads to identify learners for the academy in Y8 and Y9.
New programme pack
You can access the Stage One teacher Programme pack by registering on Seren Space
A resource to help teachers break down barriers to participation so that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds can participate in the academy during the school day.
An online platform, for year 10 to 13 learners. Teachers can also register to be part of the Seren Teacher’s community where they can access resources and communications.
Building relationships with Universities
Seren can now offer a Cambridge University residential and Cardiff University dental residential as part of the suite of six residential experiences for year 12, and there is now a new Exeter University reduced offer for Seren graduates.
Universities in Wales
Building on our established partnerships with Universities in Wales, five “Uni Intensive” days were held across Wales for Y10.
Swansea University’s leadership for future generations events
This year 280 Seren learners participated with the former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, her husband, former US President Bill Clinton and former First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Debating competition
The first national year 9 Seren debating competition was held with 16 schools from across Wales participating in the final at Jesus College, Oxford. Make sure your school/s are entering this year! Your hub coordinator will be organising the interschool competitions in your area.
Super-curricular toolkit
A super-curricular toolkit was created in collaboration with Oxplore, containing classroom guides, resources and worksheets for teachers to challenge learners with debates and ideas that go beyond what is covered in the classroom.
Axiom Maths
40 schools are now partnered with Axiom Maths to deliver an additional super-curricular maths programme to Y8 Seren learners from September 2024. Following a teacher-led maths challenge pilot in Pembrokeshire, we are launching a national maths challenge for all Seren schools to take part this year.