Curriculum Enrichment

At Carr Head Primary School, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our curriculum enrichment programme is designed to inspire curiosity, develop character and provide memorable experiences that broaden horizons and raise aspirations for all pupils.

We ensure that enrichment opportunities are inclusive, accessible and carefully planned to enhance our core curriculum.

We aim to:

• Provide real-life experiences that deepen learning.
• Develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Promote cultural capital and broaden pupils’ understanding of the world.
• Foster teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
• Ensure equality of opportunity for all pupils.

Our enrichment programme supports:

• Improved engagement and attendance
• Greater confidence and resilience
• Enhanced vocabulary and communication skills
• Increased aspirations for the future

We believe that memorable experiences create lifelong learners.

Forest School

Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that takes place in a natural outdoor environment. It supports pupils to develop confidence, independence, resilience and a deep connection with nature through regular, hands-on experiences.

Our Forest School programme follows the principles set out by the Forest School Association and is delivered by a trained practitioner.

At Carr Head Primary School, Forest School aims to:

• Build self-confidence and self-esteem
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Encourage teamwork and communication
• Promote physical development and coordination
• Foster a lifelong respect for the natural world

Sessions take place on Tuesday afternoons throughout the year to allow children to experience the changing seasons. Sessions are timetabled between the year groups so that during a child’s journey through Carr Head, each child will experience each season twice.

What do children do at Forest School?
Activities are carefully planned to balance child-led exploration with skill development.  These may include shelter building and den making, nature crafts and tool us (age-appropriate and supervised), campfire cooking, wildlife identification and environmental learning, and team challenges and cooperative games.

Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks is a safe, supported environment, helping them develop resilience and independence.

Safety and Risk Management

Safety is a key priority.  All activities are risk assessed and delivered by trained staff.  Pupils are taught to use tools safely and responsibly, respect wildlife and the natural environment, manage risks and make safe choices.  Appropriate staff-to-pupil ratios are maintained at all times.

Benefits of Forest School

Research and experience show that regular outdoor learning can:

• Improve wellbeing and emotional regulation
• Increase engagement and motivation
• Enhance social skills and teamwork
• Support physical health and coordination
• Develop perseverance and resilience

Many children thrive in the outdoor environment and demonstrate increased confidence that transfers back to the classroom.

Educational Visits and Visitors

Each year group takes part in carefully planned educational visits that enhance classroom learning. These may include:

• Local history walks and museum visits
• Trips to farms or the zoo
• Science workshops and STEM events
• Theatre productions and author visits
• Residential trips is upper Key Stage 2

We also welcome a wide range of visitors into school, including artists, athletes, authors and community professionals, helping pupils to see the relevance of their learning beyond school.

Sport and Physical Development

Through our P.E curriculum and enrichment programme, we provide opportunities for pupils to:

• Participate in inter-school competitions
• Access a wide range of after-school clubs
• Experience alternative sports such as archery, dance or gymnastics
• Develop leadership skills as playground or sports leaders

Participation in initiatives such as those supported by the Youth Sport Trust helps promote active lifestyles and teamwork.

Creative and Performing Arts

We value creativity as an essential part of a broad and balanced education.

Enrichment opportunities include:

• Class assemblies, school productions and performances
• Choir and instrumental tuition
• Art and design workshops
• Art and craft after-school clubs
• Dance and drama workshops

Cultural Capital and Personal Development

We actively promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Enrichment activities include:

• Celebrating national and international events
• Learning about different faiths and cultures
• Pupil leadership roles (School Council, Eco Warriors, Junior Leadership Team, and Reading Ambassadors)
• Charity fundraising and community projects

These experiences help prepare pupils for life in modern Britain and support the development of responsible, respectful citizens.

Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities

We offer a wide range of lunchtime and after-school clubs, which may include:

• Sports clubs
• Coding and Computing
• Gardening and eco clubs
• Art and craft
• Chess
• Cooking

We regularly review pupil voice to ensure that our offer reflects their interests and needs.

Inclusion and Access

We are committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation. Where possible we:

• Provide subsidised trips and clubs (most lunchtime and after-school clubs are currently free of charge)
• Offer targeted places for disadvantaged pupils
• Use funding streams to support access to enrichment opportunities