/* =====================================================================
   Academics page - clean unique image-led redesign
   Uses the same school design language, but section layouts are unique
   and not copied from About or Management pages.
   ===================================================================== */

.academics-page {
  background: var(--white);
  color: var(--text);
  overflow: hidden;
}

.academics-page * {
  box-sizing: border-box;
}

.academics-page img {
  display: block;
  max-width: 100%;
}

.academics-page h1,
.academics-page h2,
.academics-page h3,
.academics-page p {
  margin-top: 0;
}

.academics-page h1,
.academics-page h2,
.academics-page h3 {
  color: var(--navy-dark);
}

.academics-page p {
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.72;
}

.academics-page .section {
  padding-bottom: clamp(78px, 7vw, 118px);
  padding-top: clamp(78px, 7vw, 118px);
}

.academics-page .lead {
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: clamp(1rem, 1.2vw, 1.1rem);
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.78;
}

.academics-page h2 {
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3.35rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.045em;
  line-height: 1.08;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.academics-kicker {
  align-items: center;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  gap: 10px;
  letter-spacing: 1.55px;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.academics-kicker:before {
  background: var(--gold);
  border-radius: 999px;
  content: "";
  height: 3px;
  width: 28px;
}

.academics-kicker-light {
  color: var(--gold);
}

/* ================= ACADEMICS HERO ================= */
.academics-hero {
  align-items: center;
  background:
    linear-gradient(
      90deg,
      rgba(4, 22, 42, 0.94) 0%,
      rgba(5, 39, 70, 0.86) 44%,
      rgba(14, 91, 72, 0.62) 100%
    ),
    url("../images/folder-3/18.jpeg") center / cover no-repeat;
  color: var(--white);
  display: flex;
  min-height: clamp(560px, 74vh, 740px);
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.academics-hero:before {
  background: linear-gradient(
    90deg,
    var(--gold),
    var(--green-bright),
    var(--blue)
  );
  content: "";
  height: 6px;
  left: 0;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 3;
}

.academics-hero-shell {
  align-items: center;
  display: grid;
  gap: clamp(36px, 6vw, 86px);
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(360px, 0.72fr);
  min-height: inherit;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.academics-hero-copy {
  max-width: 820px;
  padding: clamp(104px, 10vw, 150px) 0 clamp(80px, 8vw, 120px);
}

.academics-hero .academics-kicker {
  color: var(--gold);
  text-shadow: 0 8px 22px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
}

.academics-hero-copy h1 {
  color: var(--white);
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-size: clamp(2.75rem, 5.5vw, 5.25rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.055em;
  line-height: 1.04;
  margin: 0 0 24px;
  max-width: 840px;
  text-shadow: 0 18px 46px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.36);
}

.hero-lead {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9) !important;
  font-size: clamp(1.03rem, 1.45vw, 1.2rem);
  font-weight: 650;
  line-height: 1.72;
  margin: 0 0 32px;
  max-width: 720px;
  text-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.28);
}

.academics-hero-tags {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 12px;
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.academics-hero-tags li {
  align-items: center;
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--white);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.94rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  min-height: 50px;
  padding: 12px 20px;
}

.academics-hero-panel {
  display: grid;
  gap: 16px;
}

.hero-panel-card {
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.13);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
  border-radius: 26px;
  box-shadow: 0 24px 70px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.22);
  display: grid;
  gap: 8px;
  padding: 24px;
}

.hero-panel-card:nth-child(2) {
  transform: translateX(-28px);
}

.hero-panel-card span {
  color: var(--gold);
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 950;
}

.hero-panel-card strong {
  color: var(--white);
  display: block;
  font-size: 1.12rem;
}

.hero-panel-card p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
  font-size: 0.94rem;
  font-weight: 650;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* ================= LEARNING STAGES ================= */
.academics-pathway {
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at 10% 8%, rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.14), transparent 30%),
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 88% 22%,
      rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.12),
      transparent 28%
    ),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--white) 0%, #f7fbff 100%);
  position: relative;
}

.pathway-heading {
  display: grid;
  justify-items: center;
  margin: 0 auto clamp(34px, 4vw, 56px);
  max-width: 880px;
  text-align: center;
}

.pathway-heading .lead {
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 700px;
}

.pathway-board {
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(6, minmax(0, 1fr));
}

.pathway-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  border-radius: 30px;
  box-shadow: 0 18px 48px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  display: grid;
  grid-column: span 2;
  min-height: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition:
    box-shadow 0.24s ease,
    transform 0.24s ease;
}

.pathway-card:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 26px 64px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.13);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.pathway-card-wide {
  grid-column: span 3;
}

.pathway-card-tall {
  grid-column: span 3;
  grid-row: span 2;
}

.pathway-card figure {
  height: 220px;
  margin: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.pathway-card-tall figure {
  height: 390px;
}

.pathway-card img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.pathway-card:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.pathway-card div {
  padding: 26px;
}

.stage-range {
  align-items: center;
  background: rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.16);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  letter-spacing: 0.45px;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  padding: 7px 12px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.pathway-card:nth-child(2) .stage-range,
.pathway-card:nth-child(5) .stage-range {
  background: rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.16);
  color: var(--green-dark);
}

.pathway-card:nth-child(3) .stage-range,
.pathway-card:nth-child(4) .stage-range {
  background: rgba(77, 141, 255, 0.14);
  color: var(--blue);
}

.pathway-card h3 {
  font-size: clamp(1.22rem, 2vw, 1.72rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.025em;
  line-height: 1.14;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}

.pathway-card p {
  font-size: 0.96rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.pathway-card-blue {
  background: linear-gradient(140deg, #f8fbff, var(--white));
}

/* ================= CLASSROOM METHOD - LAB WORKSHOP REDESIGN ================= */
.academics-method {
  background:
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 12% 14%,
      rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.16),
      transparent 30%
    ),
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 88% 76%,
      rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.16),
      transparent 28%
    ),
    linear-gradient(145deg, #071d36 0%, #062b55 55%, #063f61 100%);
  color: var(--white);
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.academics-method:before {
  background: linear-gradient(
    90deg,
    var(--gold),
    var(--green-bright),
    var(--blue)
  );
  content: "";
  height: 6px;
  left: 0;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 0;
}

.method-lab-shell {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.method-lab-head {
  align-items: end;
  display: grid;
  gap: clamp(24px, 4vw, 64px);
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.95fr) minmax(360px, 0.76fr);
  margin-bottom: clamp(30px, 4vw, 52px);
}

.method-lab-head h2,
.method-lab-head p {
  color: var(--white);
}

.method-lab-head h2 {
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 820px;
}

.method-lab-head .lead {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 560px;
}

.method-lab-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: clamp(20px, 3vw, 32px);
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.02fr) minmax(0, 0.98fr);
}

.method-lab-feature {
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
  border-radius: 38px;
  box-shadow: 0 34px 82px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.28);
  margin: 0;
  min-height: 620px;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.method-lab-feature img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.62s ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.method-lab-feature:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.method-lab-feature:after {
  background: linear-gradient(
    180deg,
    rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.02) 0%,
    rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.84) 100%
  );
  content: "";
  inset: 0;
  position: absolute;
}

.method-lab-feature figcaption {
  bottom: 30px;
  display: grid;
  gap: 10px;
  left: 30px;
  max-width: 560px;
  position: absolute;
  right: 30px;
  z-index: 2;
}

.method-lab-feature small,
.method-panel-intro span,
.method-image-strip figcaption {
  align-items: center;
  border-radius: 999px;
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  justify-self: flex-start;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  padding: 8px 13px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.method-lab-feature small,
.method-panel-intro span {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
  color: var(--gold);
}

.method-lab-feature strong {
  color: var(--white);
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 3vw, 2.6rem);
  line-height: 1.08;
}

.method-lab-panel {
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
}

.method-panel-intro,
.method-step-grid article {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  box-shadow: 0 22px 58px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
}

.method-panel-intro {
  border-radius: 34px;
  padding: clamp(26px, 4vw, 42px);
}

.method-panel-intro h3 {
  color: var(--white);
  font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.6vw, 2.5rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.035em;
  line-height: 1.08;
  margin: 14px 0 14px;
}

.method-panel-intro p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.method-step-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
}

.method-step-grid article {
  border-radius: 28px;
  min-height: 210px;
  padding: 24px;
  position: relative;
  transition:
    background 0.24s ease,
    transform 0.24s ease,
    box-shadow 0.24s ease;
}

.method-step-grid article:hover {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  box-shadow: 0 28px 66px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.method-step-grid span {
  align-items: center;
  background: var(--gold);
  border-radius: 18px;
  color: var(--navy-dark);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-weight: 950;
  height: 52px;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 22px;
  width: 52px;
}

.method-step-grid article:nth-child(2) span {
  background: var(--green-bright);
  color: var(--white);
}

.method-step-grid article:nth-child(3) span {
  background: var(--blue);
  color: var(--white);
}

.method-step-grid article:nth-child(4) span {
  background: var(--coral);
  color: var(--white);
}

.method-step-grid h3 {
  color: var(--white);
  font-size: 1.24rem;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}

.method-step-grid p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.76);
  font-size: 0.94rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.method-image-strip {
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));
  margin-top: clamp(24px, 4vw, 42px);
}

.method-image-strip figure {
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
  border-radius: 28px;
  height: 210px;
  margin: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.method-image-strip figure:after {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 20%, rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.78));
  content: "";
  inset: 0;
  position: absolute;
}

.method-image-strip img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.58s ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.method-image-strip figure:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.method-image-strip figcaption {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
  bottom: 16px;
  color: var(--white);
  left: 16px;
  position: absolute;
  z-index: 2;
}

/* ================= ACADEMIC SYSTEM - CURRICULUM STUDIO REDESIGN ================= */
.academics-system {
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at 8% 18%, rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.14), transparent 30%),
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 90% 20%,
      rgba(77, 141, 255, 0.12),
      transparent 28%
    ),
    linear-gradient(180deg, #f8fbff 0%, var(--white) 100%);
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.academics-system:before {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08), transparent);
  border-radius: 999px;
  content: "";
  height: 220px;
  left: 50%;
  pointer-events: none;
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: min(1040px, 82vw);
}

.system-studio {
  align-items: center;
  display: grid;
  gap: clamp(42px, 6vw, 90px);
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.92fr) minmax(0, 1.08fr);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.system-intro-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  border-radius: 38px;
  box-shadow: 0 28px 70px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.1);
  padding: clamp(30px, 4.5vw, 52px);
}

.system-intro-card h2 {
  max-width: 760px;
}

.system-intro-card .lead {
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 660px;
}

.system-highlight-row {
  display: grid;
  gap: 14px;
  margin-top: 34px;
}

.system-highlight-row span {
  align-items: center;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--white), #f8fbff);
  border: 1px solid rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  border-radius: 999px;
  box-shadow: 0 14px 34px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.07);
  color: var(--muted);
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  font-weight: 800;
  gap: 8px;
  line-height: 1.45;
  padding: 13px 18px;
}

.system-highlight-row strong {
  color: var(--navy-dark);
  font-weight: 950;
}

.system-collage {
  min-height: 610px;
  position: relative;
}

.system-collage:before {
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.18), rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.13)),
    var(--white);
  border: 1px solid rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  border-radius: 46px;
  bottom: 32px;
  content: "";
  left: 62px;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 52px;
  transform: rotate(2deg);
}

.system-collage-main,
.system-collage-small {
  margin: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: absolute;
}

.system-collage-main {
  border: 10px solid var(--white);
  border-radius: 38px;
  box-shadow: 0 32px 78px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.18);
  height: 470px;
  left: 0;
  top: 0;
  width: min(620px, 82%);
  z-index: 2;
}

.system-collage-small {
  border: 8px solid var(--white);
  border-radius: 28px;
  box-shadow: 0 24px 56px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.18);
  height: 210px;
  right: 0;
  width: min(310px, 42%);
  z-index: 3;
}

.system-collage-top {
  top: 72px;
}

.system-collage-bottom {
  bottom: 0;
}

.system-collage-main img,
.system-collage-small img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.62s ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.system-collage-main:hover img,
.system-collage-small:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.system-collage-main:after,
.system-collage-small:after {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 12%, rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.78));
  content: "";
  inset: 0;
  position: absolute;
}

.system-collage-main figcaption {
  bottom: 28px;
  display: grid;
  gap: 10px;
  left: 28px;
  max-width: 460px;
  position: absolute;
  right: 28px;
  z-index: 2;
}

.system-collage-main small,
.system-collage-small figcaption {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--gold);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  justify-self: flex-start;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  padding: 8px 13px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.system-collage-main strong {
  color: var(--white);
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-size: clamp(1.6rem, 2.7vw, 2.45rem);
  line-height: 1.08;
}

.system-collage-small figcaption {
  bottom: 14px;
  color: var(--white);
  left: 14px;
  position: absolute;
  z-index: 2;
}

.system-process {
  display: grid;
  gap: 16px;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr));
  margin-top: clamp(34px, 5vw, 66px);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.system-process article {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.94);
  border: 1px solid rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  border-radius: 28px;
  box-shadow: 0 20px 52px rgba(6, 43, 85, 0.08);
  min-height: 255px;
  padding: 26px;
  position: relative;
  transition:
    box-shadow 0.24s ease,
    transform 0.24s ease;
}

.system-process article:hover {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow);
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.system-process article:before {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.18), transparent);
  border-radius: 28px 28px 0 0;
  content: "";
  height: 90px;
  left: 0;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 0;
}

.system-process article:nth-child(2):before {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.16), transparent);
}

.system-process article:nth-child(3):before {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(77, 141, 255, 0.15), transparent);
}

.system-process article:nth-child(4):before {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 111, 97, 0.14), transparent);
}

.system-process span {
  align-items: center;
  background: rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.18);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.32);
  border-radius: 18px;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-family: "Fraunces", Georgia, serif;
  font-weight: 950;
  height: 54px;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
  position: relative;
  width: 54px;
  z-index: 2;
}

.system-process article:nth-child(2) span {
  background: rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.16);
  border-color: rgba(32, 201, 151, 0.28);
  color: var(--green-dark);
}

.system-process article:nth-child(3) span {
  background: rgba(77, 141, 255, 0.14);
  border-color: rgba(77, 141, 255, 0.24);
  color: var(--blue);
}

.system-process article:nth-child(4) span {
  background: rgba(255, 111, 97, 0.14);
  border-color: rgba(255, 111, 97, 0.22);
  color: var(--coral);
}

.system-process h3 {
  color: var(--navy-dark);
  font-size: 1.22rem;
  line-height: 1.2;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.system-process p {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

/* ================= COMMUNICATION AND CONFIDENCE ================= */
.academics-confidence {
  background:
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 12% 16%,
      rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.12),
      transparent 30%
    ),
    linear-gradient(145deg, #071d36 0%, var(--navy-dark) 58%, #062b55 100%);
  color: var(--white);
}

.confidence-heading {
  display: grid;
  justify-items: center;
  margin: 0 auto 44px;
  max-width: 920px;
  text-align: center;
}

.confidence-heading h2,
.confidence-heading p {
  color: var(--white);
}

.confidence-heading .lead {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.76);
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 740px;
}

.confidence-gallery {
  display: grid;
  gap: 18px;
  grid-template-columns: 1.24fr 0.88fr 0.88fr;
}

.confidence-card {
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.13);
  border-radius: 30px;
  box-shadow: 0 28px 70px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.26);
  min-height: 440px;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.confidence-card-large {
  min-height: 520px;
}

.confidence-card img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.62s ease;
  width: 100%;
}

.confidence-card:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}

.confidence-card:after {
  background: linear-gradient(
    180deg,
    rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.02) 0%,
    rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.86) 100%
  );
  content: "";
  inset: 0;
  position: absolute;
}

.confidence-card div {
  bottom: 0;
  display: grid;
  gap: 10px;
  left: 0;
  padding: 28px;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  z-index: 2;
}

.confidence-card span {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
  border-radius: 999px;
  color: var(--gold);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  justify-self: flex-start;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  padding: 8px 13px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.confidence-card h3 {
  color: var(--white);
  font-size: clamp(1.28rem, 2vw, 2rem);
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.confidence-card p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* ================= CTA ================= */
.academics-enquiry-section {
  background: var(--white);
}

.academics-enquiry-card {
  align-items: center;
  background:
    radial-gradient(
      circle at 88% 18%,
      rgba(255, 198, 0, 0.18),
      transparent 30%
    ),
    linear-gradient(140deg, var(--navy-dark), var(--navy));
  border-radius: 34px;
  box-shadow: 0 28px 64px rgba(4, 31, 61, 0.28);
  display: grid;
  gap: 30px;
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) auto;
  overflow: hidden;
  padding: clamp(32px, 5vw, 58px);
  position: relative;
}

.academics-enquiry-card:before {
  background: linear-gradient(
    90deg,
    var(--gold),
    var(--green-bright),
    var(--blue)
  );
  content: "";
  height: 6px;
  left: 0;
  position: absolute;
  right: 0;
  top: 0;
}

.academics-enquiry-card h2,
.academics-enquiry-card p {
  color: var(--white);
}

.academics-enquiry-card h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3.6vw, 2.85rem);
  max-width: 760px;
}

.academics-enquiry-card p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 640px;
}

.academics-enquiry-button {
  align-items: center;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--gold), var(--gold-dark));
  border-radius: 14px;
  box-shadow: 0 14px 30px rgba(242, 184, 0, 0.32);
  color: var(--navy-dark);
  display: inline-flex;
  font-size: 1.04rem;
  font-weight: 950;
  justify-content: center;
  min-width: 190px;
  padding: 15px 24px;
  transition:
    box-shadow 0.2s ease,
    transform 0.2s ease;
}

.academics-enquiry-button:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 18px 36px rgba(242, 184, 0, 0.42);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* ================= RESPONSIVE ================= */
@media (max-width: 1180px) {
  .academics-hero-shell,
  .method-layout,
  .system-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .academics-hero-panel {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));
    padding-bottom: 76px;
  }

  .hero-panel-card:nth-child(2) {
    transform: none;
  }

  .method-copy {
    max-width: 820px;
  }

  .method-photo {
    height: 520px;
  }

  .method-stack {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr));
  }

  .system-visual {
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 760px;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .confidence-gallery {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }

  .confidence-card-large {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .academics-hero {
    min-height: 0;
  }

  .academics-hero-shell {
    justify-content: center;
    text-align: center;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy {
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 820px;
    padding-bottom: 58px;
  }

  .academics-hero .academics-kicker,
  .academics-hero-tags {
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .hero-lead {
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
  }

  .academics-hero-panel {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 760px;
  }

  .pathway-heading,
  .confidence-heading {
    justify-items: start;
    text-align: left;
  }

  .pathway-board {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  }

  .pathway-card,
  .pathway-card-wide,
  .pathway-card-tall {
    grid-column: auto;
    grid-row: auto;
  }

  .pathway-card-tall figure {
    height: 260px;
  }

  .method-stack {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
  }

  .academics-enquiry-card {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    text-align: left;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
  .academics-page .section {
    padding-bottom: 72px;
    padding-top: 72px;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy {
    padding-top: 86px;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy h1 {
    font-size: clamp(2.25rem, 9vw, 3.35rem);
    line-height: 1.08;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy h1 br {
    display: none;
  }

  .academics-hero-tags li {
    width: 100%;
  }

  .pathway-board,
  .method-stack,
  .confidence-gallery {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .pathway-card figure,
  .pathway-card-tall figure,
  .method-photo,
  .system-main-photo,
  .confidence-card,
  .confidence-card-large {
    height: 340px;
    min-height: 0;
  }

  .method-photo,
  .system-main-photo,
  .confidence-card,
  .pathway-card {
    border-radius: 24px;
  }

  .system-visual {
    min-height: 0;
  }

  .system-visual:before {
    display: none;
  }

  .system-note-card {
    border-radius: 20px;
    margin-top: 16px;
    max-width: none;
    position: static;
  }

  .system-main-photo {
    border-width: 0;
  }

  .academics-enquiry-button {
    width: 100%;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 460px) {
  .hero-panel-card,
  .pathway-card div,
  .system-board,
  .method-stack article,
  .confidence-card div {
    padding: 22px;
  }

  .pathway-card figure,
  .pathway-card-tall figure,
  .method-photo,
  .system-main-photo,
  .confidence-card,
  .confidence-card-large {
    height: 300px;
  }
}

/* ================= RESPONSIVE OVERRIDES FOR REDESIGNED ACADEMIC SECTIONS ================= */
@media (max-width: 1180px) {
  .method-lab-head,
  .method-lab-grid,
  .system-studio {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .method-lab-head .lead,
  .method-lab-head h2,
  .system-intro-card {
    max-width: 860px;
  }

  .method-lab-feature {
    min-height: 520px;
  }

  .system-collage {
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 860px;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .system-process {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
  }
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .method-lab-head {
    justify-items: start;
    text-align: left;
  }

  .method-step-grid,
  .method-image-strip {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .method-image-strip figure {
    height: 260px;
  }

  .system-process {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .system-process article {
    min-height: 0;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
  .method-lab-feature {
    border-radius: 26px;
    min-height: 360px;
  }

  .method-lab-feature figcaption {
    bottom: 22px;
    left: 22px;
    right: 22px;
  }

  .method-panel-intro,
  .method-step-grid article,
  .system-intro-card,
  .system-process article {
    border-radius: 24px;
    padding: 22px;
  }

  .system-collage {
    display: grid;
    gap: 16px;
    min-height: 0;
  }

  .system-collage:before {
    display: none;
  }

  .system-collage-main,
  .system-collage-small {
    border-width: 0;
    height: 320px;
    position: relative;
    right: auto;
    top: auto;
    bottom: auto;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .system-collage-main,
  .system-collage-small {
    border-radius: 24px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 460px) {
  .method-lab-feature,
  .method-image-strip figure,
  .system-collage-main,
  .system-collage-small {
    height: 300px;
    min-height: 0;
  }
}

/* ================= BANNER TEXT CLEANUP =================
   Keeps the existing banner image/overlay, but fixes the oversized
   heading wrap so the second line is balanced and not awkward. */
.academics-hero-shell {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  min-height: inherit;
}

.academics-hero-copy {
  max-width: 980px;
  padding: clamp(96px, 9vw, 132px) 0 clamp(76px, 7vw, 108px);
}

.academics-hero-copy h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2.7rem, 4.7vw, 4.72rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.052em;
  line-height: 1.08;
  max-width: 980px;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.academics-hero .hero-lead {
  max-width: 760px;
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .academics-hero-shell {
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy {
    max-width: 820px;
    padding-bottom: 58px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
  .academics-hero-copy h1 {
    font-size: clamp(2.25rem, 9vw, 3.35rem);
    line-height: 1.08;
  }

  .academics-hero-copy h1 br {
    display: none;
  }
}


/* =====================================================================
   CLIENT FIXES - Learning Stages + Learning Methodology alignment
   Fixes:
   1) Learning Stages cards now sit in a clean balanced grid with no empty
      text-only gaps.
   2) All card images use a fixed visual ratio and object-fit cover so every
      photo fills its card correctly.
   3) Learning Methodology top spacing is reduced and the heading/lead are
      aligned cleanly on the dark section.
   ===================================================================== */

.academics-pathway.section {
  padding-top: clamp(64px, 6vw, 96px);
  padding-bottom: clamp(54px, 5vw, 82px);
}

.pathway-heading {
  margin-bottom: clamp(28px, 3.4vw, 44px);
}

.pathway-board {
  --pathway-gap: clamp(18px, 2vw, 26px);
  align-items: stretch;
  display: grid;
  gap: var(--pathway-gap);
  grid-template-columns: repeat(12, minmax(0, 1fr));
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
  max-width: 1180px;
}

.pathway-card,
.pathway-card-wide,
.pathway-card-tall {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  grid-column: span 4;
  grid-row: auto;
  height: auto;
  min-height: 0;
}

.pathway-card:nth-child(4),
.pathway-card:nth-child(5) {
  grid-column: span 6;
}

.pathway-card figure,
.pathway-card-tall figure {
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 10;
  background: #eaf1f7;
  flex: 0 0 auto;
  height: auto;
  min-height: 0;
}

.pathway-card img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.pathway-card div {
  display: flex;
  flex: 1 1 auto;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: clamp(20px, 2.2vw, 26px);
}

.pathway-card h3 {
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.pathway-card p {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.pathway-card:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.04);
}

.academics-method.section {
  margin-top: 0;
  padding-top: clamp(52px, 5vw, 78px);
  padding-bottom: clamp(64px, 6vw, 96px);
}

.academics-method:before {
  height: 4px;
}

.method-lab-head {
  align-items: center;
  display: grid;
  gap: 10px clamp(28px, 5vw, 72px);
  grid-template-areas:
    "method-kicker method-title"
    "method-lead method-title";
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.88fr) minmax(0, 1fr);
  margin-bottom: clamp(24px, 3vw, 38px);
}

.method-lab-head .academics-kicker {
  align-self: end;
  grid-area: method-kicker;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.method-lab-head h2 {
  align-self: center;
  grid-area: method-title;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  max-width: 720px;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.method-lab-head .lead {
  align-self: start;
  grid-area: method-lead;
  line-height: 1.68;
  max-width: 560px;
}

.method-lab-grid {
  align-items: stretch;
  gap: clamp(20px, 3vw, 32px);
}

.method-lab-feature {
  height: clamp(520px, 41vw, 620px);
  min-height: 0;
}

.method-lab-feature img,
.method-image-strip img {
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center;
  width: 100%;
}

.method-lab-panel {
  align-content: stretch;
}

.method-panel-intro {
  padding: clamp(24px, 3vw, 36px);
}

.method-step-grid article {
  min-height: 190px;
  padding: 22px;
}

.method-image-strip {
  margin-top: clamp(20px, 3vw, 32px);
}

.method-image-strip figure {
  height: clamp(170px, 15vw, 210px);
}

@media (max-width: 1180px) {
  .pathway-board {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
    max-width: 900px;
  }

  .pathway-card,
  .pathway-card-wide,
  .pathway-card-tall,
  .pathway-card:nth-child(4) {
    grid-column: auto;
  }

  .pathway-card:nth-child(5) {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
  }

  .method-lab-head {
    align-items: start;
    gap: 10px;
    grid-template-areas:
      "method-kicker"
      "method-title"
      "method-lead";
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    margin-bottom: clamp(24px, 4vw, 36px);
  }

  .method-lab-head h2,
  .method-lab-head .lead {
    max-width: 860px;
  }

  .method-lab-feature {
    height: clamp(420px, 54vw, 560px);
  }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
  .academics-pathway.section {
    padding-top: 58px;
    padding-bottom: 58px;
  }

  .pathway-heading {
    margin-bottom: 26px;
  }

  .pathway-board {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .pathway-card,
  .pathway-card-wide,
  .pathway-card-tall,
  .pathway-card:nth-child(4),
  .pathway-card:nth-child(5) {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
  }

  .pathway-card figure,
  .pathway-card-tall figure {
    aspect-ratio: 16 / 11;
    height: auto;
  }

  .academics-method.section {
    padding-top: 48px;
    padding-bottom: 64px;
  }

  .method-lab-feature {
    height: 360px;
  }

  .method-step-grid,
  .method-image-strip {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .method-image-strip figure {
    height: 240px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 460px) {
  .method-lab-feature,
  .method-image-strip figure {
    height: 300px;
    min-height: 0;
  }
}

/* ================= METHOD SECTION GAP FIX =================
   Makes the left lab image stretch to the same height as the right-side
   methodology cards, removing the empty blue space before the image strip. */
@media (min-width: 1181px) {
  .method-lab-grid {
    align-items: stretch;
  }

  .method-lab-feature {
    align-self: stretch;
    height: auto !important;
    min-height: 100%;
  }

  .method-lab-feature img {
    height: 100%;
    inset: 0;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center;
    position: absolute;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .method-lab-panel {
    align-content: stretch;
    height: 100%;
  }

  .method-panel-intro {
    padding: clamp(22px, 2.6vw, 34px);
  }

  .method-step-grid article {
    min-height: 0;
    padding: 20px;
  }

  .method-step-grid span {
    border-radius: 15px;
    height: 44px;
    margin-bottom: 16px;
    width: 44px;
  }

  .method-step-grid h3 {
    margin-bottom: 8px;
  }

  .method-step-grid p {
    line-height: 1.55;
  }

  .method-image-strip {
    margin-top: 18px;
  }
}