Trips, Clubs and Enrichment

We believe that trips, clubs and enrichment play a vital role in providing a well-rounded education. The aim of trips, clubs and enrichment at Ashford St Mary’s is to contribute to a holistic educational experience that nurtures all of our childrens’ talents, interests, and well-being, preparing them for future academic and personal success. These activities go beyond the standard curriculum to support childrens’ personal, social, and emotional development. 

 

Trips and experiences

School trips and experts who visit our school provide numerous benefits for our children. Trips and experiences contribute to their academic, social, and personal development. Here are some of the key benefits:

Educational Enrichment

Enhanced Learning Opportunities:

• School trips can bring the curriculum to life, providing practical and engaging learning experiences.
• Real-world application of classroom learning helps deepen understanding and retention of information.
• Visiting experts provide an alternative stimulus at Ashford St Mary’s which excites and enhances engagement in learning.

 

Hands-On Experience:

• Interactive activities and hands-on learning during trips can improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Children can explore and investigate in ways that are not possible within the classroom setting.

Social skills development

Teamwork and Cooperation:

• Participating in group activities and shared experiences fosters teamwork and cooperation among children.
• School trips encourage children to work together, share responsibilities, and support each other.

 

Building Relationships:

• Spending time outside the classroom helps children build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers.
• Social interactions in a more relaxed environment can improve communication skills and build friendships.

Personal Growth

Independence and Responsibility:

• School trips often require children to take on responsibilities, such as managing their belongings.
• These experiences can boost confidence and independence.

 

Exposure to new environments:

• Visiting new places broadens children’s horizons and exposes them to different cultures, lifestyles, and environments.
• This exposure can foster curiosity, open-mindedness, and a greater appreciation for diversity.

 

Physical and Mental Well-Being

Physical Activity:

• Many school trips involve physical activities, such as walking tours, outdoor adventures, or sports, promoting physical health and well-being.

 

Mental stimulation and break from routine:

• Breaking the routine of classroom learning can reinvigorate students and provide a much-needed mental break.
• Engaging in new and exciting activities can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

 

Life skills

Practical Life Skills:

• Navigating new environments, following instructions, and adhering to schedules help children develop practical life skills.
• Problem-solving in real-world contexts enhances adaptability and resilience.

 

Cultural Awareness and Understanding:

• Visiting culturally significant sites or interacting with diverse groups of people fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• These experiences can instil a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.

Overall, school trips are an incredibly valuable component of childrens’ educational journey at Ashford St Mary’s. Trips offer a holistic approach to child development that extends beyond the classroom as well as enhancing the learning that occurs within the classroom.

 

Extracurricular Clubs

Afterschool 

Sports Clubs: 

• Football, netball, cricket, athletics, and rugby clubs help our children develop physical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These physical activities also have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of our children.

Creative Arts: 

• Art, Ocarina, Ukulele and Choir clubs offer our children opportunities to express themselves creatively and develop their artistic talents.

Book Clubs: 

• Encourage a love for reading and improve literacy skills through group reading sessions and book discussions.

 

Enrichment

Cultural Activities

Cultural education and celebration:

• Our children participate in numerous learning activities throughout their journey at Ashford St Mary’s which helps them; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.
• We teach our children to understand, accept and respect diversity every day but we celebrate diversity together, as a whole school community (including parents/carers), during our annual Culture Week. 
• Teaching children about and celebrating different cultures creates an enriching educational experience that promotes mutual respect, broadens perspectives, and prepares our children to thrive in a multicultural world.

 

Community and Citizenship

School Council: 

• Provides our children with a voice in school decision-making and helps develop leadership and communication skills.

Charity Work and Fundraising: 

• Involves children in community service and teaches them the value of helping others.

Competitions and Events

Curricular:

• Maths, writing, spelling and homework competitions encourage academic excellence and healthy competition.

 

Extracurricular: 

• Sports days, sports fixtures and music performances provide platforms for our children to showcase their talents and celebrate their achievements.

 

Structured Playtime: OPAL

We are in the process of revolutionising playtime in our school with OPAL. OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is a programme designed to enhance the quality of play opportunities for primary school children. This initiative focuses on improving outdoor play environments and ensuring that children have access to diverse, stimulating, and creative play experiences. 

Here’s an overview of the OPAL playtime objectives at Ashford St Mary’s Primary School:

OPAL Objectives

Improve Play Quality: 

• We aim to elevate the standard of play by offering a variety of activities and resources that stimulate creativity, cooperation, and physical activity.

 

Inclusive Play: 

• The program ensures that all children, regardless of abilities or interests, can participate and enjoy playtime.

 

Developmental Benefits: 

• By engaging in diverse play activities, children can develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, social interaction, and resilience.

 

Environmental Enhancement: 

• OPAL emphasises the importance of well-designed outdoor spaces that are safe, engaging, and conducive to imaginative play.

 

Key Components

Play Environment: 

• Varied play zones that might include natural elements (sand, water, trees), physical structures (climbing frames, tunnels), and imaginative areas (mud kitchens, role-play spaces).

 

Loose Parts Play: 

• Children are provided with loose parts like tyres, crates, ropes, and fabric, which they can use creatively to build, invent, and explore.

 

Benefits

 

Physical Health: 

• Enhanced play opportunities promote physical activity, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

 

Mental Wellbeing: 

• Play is essential for reducing stress, improving mood, and fostering a sense of joy and wellbeing.

 

Social Skills: 

• Through cooperative play, children learn communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills.

 

Creativity and Imagination: 

• Open-ended play stimulates creativity and allows children to experiment, invent, and imagine new scenarios.

 

The OPAL playtime program is a comprehensive approach to enhancing outdoor play, focusing on creating diverse, inclusive, and stimulating play environments. By investing in quality play, we can support our children's physical, emotional, and social development, laying the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and success.