Prep IGNITE Programme

IGNITE is Edgbaston High School’s Year 6 enrichment programme, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and prepare girls for the exciting step into Senior School. Through a vibrant mix of academic challenge, creative exploration and personal development, pupils discover their strengths, embrace new experiences and learn to approach every opportunity with energy, independence and self-belief.

IGNITE inspires girls to step outside their comfort zones and see what they can achieve. From pitching ideas in IGNITELeadership, our Dragons’ Den-style project, to debating or tackling real-world STEM challenges, pupils learn to think critically, communicate clearly and approach challenges with confidence. These experiences encourage resilience, perseverance and the courage to take risks – key qualities that help girls thrive in every area of life.

At the heart of IGNITE is the belief that confident learners understand how they learn best. In projects such as IGNITECuriosity, girls plan, reflect and refine their strategies, responding thoughtfully to feedback and taking ownership of their progress. This reflective approach builds independence and lays the groundwork for academic success in Senior School and beyond.

IGNITE also places great importance on emotional wellbeing. Through IGNITEWellbeing sessions – featuring mindfulness, relaxation and reflexology – girls learn to manage stress, regulate emotions and find calm in their day. These sessions nurture emotional intelligence, self-awareness and inner confidence, supporting pupils to flourish both in and out of the classroom.

In IGNITEWorldview and across the humanities, pupils explore global responsibility, cultural diversity and sustainability. Hands-on activities such as Cultural Day, eco projects and allotment visits bring geography, history and environmental themes to life. Through these experiences, girls develop an awareness of the wider world and a sense of purpose as thoughtful, responsible global citizens.

IGNITE celebrates creativity and self-expression. Through IGNITEPerformance, girls build confidence through drama, music and movement, while IGNITEVoice introduces them to debating, persuasive speech and public speaking. These activities help pupils find their voice, explore their creativity and work collaboratively – developing empathy, teamwork and clarity of thought along the way.

IGNITE equips girls with practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Sessions in first aid, financial literacy, leadership and STEM challenges build initiative, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. By applying their learning to real-world contexts, pupils develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning – qualities that will serve them well long after Year 6.