Curriculum Clubs
Continuing from the success of last year, we are extremely excited about our ongoing Curriculum Clubs, which run every Wednesday from 3:00pm until 3:30 pm. Key Stage 1 pupils have been invited to choose a club that interests them and attend it each week. We recognise that many of the pupils at our school face challenges in attending general after-school clubs, whether due to commitments such as attending Mosque or other personal circumstances. With this in mind, we have carefully scheduled the Curriculum Clubs during school hours to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to participate in enriching extra-curricular activities. Our dedicated staff team have extended the school day on Wednesdays to provide these valuable opportunities, which have been shaped by the interests and desires of our pupils. The benefits of our Curriculum Clubs are extensive and multifaceted:
Mental Health and Wellbeing:
The mental health and wellbeing of pupils is the foundation for their overall development. Research, such as the "My Happy Mind" programme, highlights the importance of promoting positive mental health in schools, showing that children who are emotionally healthy are more likely to succeed academically and socially. The Curriculum Clubs provide a space for relaxation, social interaction, and the pursuit of interests, all of which are crucial for maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing.
Character Development:
Character development is key to preparing pupils for life beyond school. According to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), programmes that focus on social and emotional learning can have a significant positive impact on pupil outcomes, particularly in areas such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The clubs encourage the development of these essential life skills, which are critical for pupils as they navigate both their academic journey and their future roles in society.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development:
The development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding is central to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Ofsted’s subject review series emphasises the importance of providing a broad and balanced curriculum that supports pupils' overall development. The clubs offer diverse experiences that enrich pupils' understanding of themselves and the world around them, laying the groundwork for responsible citizenship.
British Values:
Promoting British Values is essential in fostering a sense of community and belonging within the school and the wider society. The Curriculum Clubs reinforce these values by encouraging respect, tolerance, and a sense of democratic participation, helping pupils to grow into respectful and active members of society. The integration of these values aligns with Ofsted’s framework, which places a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
Protected Characteristics:
Ensuring that all pupils feel included and valued, regardless of their Protected Characteristics, is a priority. The clubs provide an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and all pupils have the opportunity to thrive. This approach is supported by research from the EEF, which highlights the importance of tailored interventions that cater to the diverse needs of pupils, helping to reduce gaps in achievement and promote equality.
Academic Success:
While academic success is important, it is often the result of a well-rounded education that also prioritises mental health, character development, and social skills. The Curriculum Clubs contribute indirectly to academic achievement by developing skills and attributes that support learning in more traditional academic subjects. The EEF’s research indicates that when pupils are engaged in a balanced range of activities, including those that develop social and emotional skills, they are more likely to achieve higher academic outcomes.
In summary, our Curriculum Clubs offer a comprehensive approach to education that nurtures the mental health, character, and social development of our pupils, while also supporting their academic success. By ensuring that all pupils have access to these enriching opportunities within the school day, we are committed to providing a learning environment that fosters well-rounded, resilient, and capable individuals, ready to thrive both in school and beyond. The table below provides some examples of the curriculum clubs available across the academic year:
Come back to visit this webpage at the end of the Autumn Term to see some snapshots of our Curriculum Clubs in action. Alternatively, visit our school 'X' page where staff will be posting updates throughout the half term.
