This academic year, we have introduced an enrichment lesson for children in Years 3 to 6. This is an opportunity for children to choose from a range of experiences beyond the more traditional aspects of the curriculum. Over the year, they can opt into units across three strands:
Thinking skills
This includes critical thinking, oracy, debating and research skills – such as learning how to ask a really good question, learning how to go about finding an answer, and checking the validity of sources of information. For children in Years 5 and 6, this also includes a focus on study skills such as revision.
Creativity and performance
Children can opt to create an art portfolio, or join a small musical ensemble, or both! This allows children opportunities to explore what they are interested in and take part in experiences that are beneficial for scholarship preparation in the creative and performing arts.
Physical activity
The programme of physical activity includes fitness – learning about how to exercise specific muscles and support physical wellbeing – yoga, dance, and gardening.
Children choose a few different units across the year – picking at least one from each strand – and will then work in small groups with a variety of teaching staff. Giving children this choice is important because we know that agency builds engagement and motivation – when children have ownership over their learning, they are more likely to persist through challenges and are better able to build the self-regulation and reflection skills that underpin independent, lifelong learning.
They have been very excited to make their enrichment choices and have enjoyed the first few sessions!
