Enrichment
Giving students the opportunity to expand their learning outside of the classroom and curriculum is important for progress and attainment. At Highfields, we offer students a number of Extended Learning and volunteering opportunities to consolidate, enrich and extend their learning. There is an extensive range of opportunities to develop beyond the curriculum, which are signposted and promoted regularly throughout the year. The main strands of this programme are our Student Leadership Programmes, Enrichment Visits, Outdoor Education and Extended (out of school hours) Learning Opportunities.
Our Extended Learning programme has been designed to expand on the knowledge, understanding and skills that students develop in school, allow them to engage in wider reading and research of topics, whilst gaining practical skills to prepare them for their future learning. Students value the enrichment opportunities offered and understand how it equips them with the behaviours and attitudes necessary for their wider success in life, becoming young confident British citizens who are able to take risks to achieve aspirations that look beyond their local area.
As part of out Extended Learning programme, our students are given a wide range of opportunities to develop leadership skills in preparation for life beyond Highfields. The Student Leadership programme has been developed as the result of students, teachers and support staff working together to create opportunities for our students to build confidence and raise aspirations. This supports the school’s aims to be a place where all students enjoy to learn and nurture their creativity, try new things, find solutions to problems and embrace responsibilities.
Junior leaders represent the school, supporting transition days, Open days and parents’ evenings. In Year 7 students participate in a ‘Fresher’s Fair’ which encourages them to get involved in Life at Highfields. At the Fair the majority of departments across the school are represented promoting their extra-curricular opportunities.
Our extra-curricular and lunchtime sports and special interest club schedule complement the curriculum to help develop well-rounded, socially skilled and healthier students. Clubs available include: STEM, Film Club, The H – School Magazine, HTV, Robotics/Programming club, History Book Club, JLR 4x4 challenge club and a variety of sports clubs.
Students have the opportunity to consolidate and deepen their knowledge and understanding and engage in wider reading and research of topics, whilst gaining practical skills and support and guidance, to prepare them for their future learning through our Extended Learning Programme which features:
The Brilliant Club – aimed at high potential students KS3 into KS4, with a view to encouraging them to aspire to top universities.
NCS – National Citizenship Service, summer programme for Year 11 students.
The City Year UK Leadership Compass programme – Sixth Form Students.
Social Mobility Foundation programme– Sixth Form Students.
The Engineering Education Scheme – Sixth Form Students.
Out of Hours Extended Learning Programme for all external examination year groups.