1. Introduction
The focus of this policy is on inclusions and practices (i.e. enrichment activities) that support students to use higher order thinking skills and problem-solving based learning. Such activities should complement the curriculum with the aim of deepening students’ knowledge and understanding.
The educational experience of students consists of both the formal curriculum and opportunities provided through extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. The enrichment activities provided by our schools and colleges should foster and support students’ personal, social, cultural, moral and spiritual development.
2. Aims of this Policy
This policy defines:
- Extra-curricular and enrichment activities which play an essential part in enhancing the educational experience of all our students as well as supporting the development of non-cognitive skills and health and well-being
- How we integrate enrichment activities into our schools and colleges to reflect the value we place, not just on academic achievement, but student involvement, enthusiasm and personal development
- Our intention to provide and expand the provision of:
- Cultural enrichment e.g. music, drama, art
- Physical enrichment e.g. sports
- Intellectual enrichment through various other activities, such as learning an additional language, reading and science activities
- Community Enrichment e.g. work experience, young enterprise
The over-riding aims are therefore:
- To develop student character and personal qualities
- To provide teachers and students with a clear understanding of the role of enrichment within the ZES curriculum
- To broaden the educational experience of all ZES students
- To raise aspirations and motivation of students
3. Enrichment Activity Guidelines
3.1 General Guidelines
- Enrichment activities should provide support to the formal curriculum
- As wide a range of enrichment activities should be provided during lunchtimes, during school/college (where these do not detract from implementation of the curriculum), after school/college and during school/college holidays
- Enrichment activities should provide opportunities which support students’ achievement at each grade level
- The range of activities on offer should provide opportunities for students of all ages, abilities and genders equally
- School enrichment activities should be made known to students through notices and publications
- All students should be encouraged to participate in enrichment activities
- No student should be prevented from taking part in an enrichment activity
3.2 Teachers and Enrichment Activities
At ZES, enrichment activities are dynamic. Therefore, there should always be opportunities for all teachers to contribute ideas for new activities in every school/college.
For each academic session, all teachers should be asked by the Principal what they would like to run or participate in, during the session.
Activities should be offered to specific grade levels or student groups across the whole age range within the school/college.
Teachers leading activities must provide the following information regarding their enrichment activities:
- Overall aims and objectives of the activity
- A week by week description of what students will do
- Any costs involved and whether there will be a student contribution
- Staffing and rooms or other areas in the school/college required
3.3 Curriculum Enrichment
Curriculum enrichment at ZES is focused on raising achievement by enabling students to:
- Build on work done in class and give a real purpose for follow up work within the classroom
- Work, learn and develop individually
- Develop good study strategies
- Support and work cooperatively with others
- Take part in activities unavailable during the normal school/college day
- Develop self-esteem
- Enjoy a broader range of direct experiences of activities, people and places
- Develop communication skills in English
Curriculum Enrichment activities at ZES should offer students:
- Teachers to guide, help and support
- Opportunities to learn new skills through the frequent and progressive use of ZES facilities
- A range of activities that broaden and strengthen the curriculum
- Learning with creativity
- Study skills development, especially thinking skills, research skills and problem-solving skills
- An opportunity to develop and celebrate new skills
3.4 In-class Enrichment
There are four main supporting components to the maintenance and development of in-class enrichment at ZES:
- Developing habits of mind
The aim of every lesson should be to provide a rich experience for the students so that they develop a ‘habit for learning’. To enrich lessons, teachers should embed creativity in lessons, create environments for stimulating questioning and discussion from students, strengthening resilience and persistence with learning, promoting reflection and developing skills for collaboration. This can be achieved in a variety of ways by teachers, from the use of innovative resources, providing exciting challenges and using a variety of teaching styles. - Activities
Every day in school/college there should be a wide range of activities available for students to participate during and after school/college. - Broadening the Curriculum
Each student should have opportunity available in school/college to extend their learning into areas beyond the curriculum.
4. Student Behaviour Expectations During Enrichment Activities
- All students must be held to the same behaviour standards that apply for every school/college day
- Any behaviour issues should be resolved by working in cooperation with parents
5. Parental Consent and Communication
5.1 Information to students and parents about the enrichment activity should be published in the form of a leaflet or booklet
5.2 Parents will be expected to complete any necessary paperwork involved for any activity, as required.
6. Health and Safety
6.1 The well-being of our students is our top priority. Teachers are expected to complete an assessment of safety in the following cases:
- Any type of sporting activity
- Any off-campus activity
- Any activity that involves the use of specialist equipment
7. Enrichment Activities (within curriculum and extra-curriculum)
Enrichment activities increase students’ enjoyment of academic life and create an inclusive, community spirit within schools and college. At ZES we include, but do not limit enrichment to:
7.1 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathametics (STEM)
All schools should provide structured, enquiry-based and real world problem-based learning which connects all four of the STEM subjects. Our goal for STEM enrichment is to create and sustain students’ interest so that they may, in future, be interested to pursue courses at higher learning, not because they have to, but because they want to.
7.2 Sports
We should give our students every opportunity to develop their skills and become confident and proficient sportsmen and sportswomen. The importance of working as part of a team is at the heart of what we set out to achieve with sports enrichment activities. Principles such as good sportsmanship, fair play and competitive spirit run through all sports activities in such activities. We seek to engender an enjoyment of sports and the habit of exercise and healthy living from the earliest of ages.
7.3 Creativity and Culture
Whether through visual or performing arts, enrichment activities which are focused on creativity and enhancing understanding of culture engage students in thinking creatively and expressing their identities and thoughts aesthetically. Students can learn to work together and infuse their school/college life with values and lessons from other parts of their learning. Individual and collaborative creative work can emphasise growth and development through personal challenge for the students.
7.5 Languages and Service
At ZES we encourage knowledge and understanding of humanity and civil society through students’ involvement in citizenship activities. Students can develop an appreciation for human rights and human dignity, and of how their actions impact on the world around them.
8. Conclusion
There are many enrichment activities that schools/colleges should consider, based on personal interests of teachers and of students. Any activity or programme should not be limited to those cited above. Schools/Colleges are encouraged to add to these based on local contexts, opportunities and interests.