Core Enrichment Entitlement
Evidence shows that increased participation in extra-curricular activities is associated with higher academic outcomes, at St Andrew's every child has access to sport, the arts and more. Before school, during school and after school, opportunities, are carefully mapped out to ensure that there are lots of exciting opportunities for all!
A new set of enrichment benchmarks ensures every child has access to activities across five categories of enrichment.
1. Civic engagement
Activities that help pupils participate in society and their communities, such as:
* Volunteering
* School councils and pupil voice
* Democratic participation
* Community and social action projects
2. Arts and culture
Opportunities that develop creativity, expression and cultural understanding, including:
* Performing arts (music, drama, dance)
* Visual arts and creative activities
* Visits to museums, galleries and cultural venues
* Engagement with cultural organisations
3. Nature, outdoors and adventure
Experiences that connect pupils to the natural world and develop independence and resilience, for example:
* Time learning outdoors
* Climate and environmental education
* Outdoor learning experiences
* Residential trips and adventure activities
4. Sport and physical activities
A wide range of physical and sporting opportunities, including:
* Individual or team sports
* General fitness and physical activity
* Participation in sports clubs
* Attending live sporting events
5. Developing wider life skills
Activities that build practical, social and transferable skills needed for adult life, such as:
• Cooking and food preparation
• Debating and public speaking
• Managing money and financial education
• Digital skills, including coding
During the school day
Enrichment can and often does take place:
•Within curriculum time (e.g. themed days, workshops, visiting speakers)
•as collapsed-curriculum days or enrichment weeks
•through timetabled sessions such as PSHE, form time or wider curriculum slots
•Integrated into subjects (e.g. STEM challenges, debates, performances)
This approach is particularly important for equity, as it ensures all pupils can access enrichment, not just those able to stay after school.
Outside normal school hours
Enrichment can also happen:
•After school clubs
•Lunchtime or breakfast activities
•Before/after-school programmes
•Holiday or weekend opportunities
These are valuable but should not be the only way pupils access enrichment, as attendance can be affected by transport, caring responsibilities or cost.