Curriculum
Extracurricular

Developing the Whole Child

At Harlands, we believe education goes far beyond the classroom. Through a planned enrichment opportunities, we actively promote our core values: responsibility, optimism, confidence, kindness, critical thinking, tolerance and respect.

We believe that enrichment is a vital part of education, helping children develop skills, confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging, while also raising aspirations and engagement with learning.

Expanders

Expanders

  • Confidence

    Children regularly perform in front of others, building self-belief and resilience. Enrichment activities, particularly those involving challenge and presentation, can develop self-efficacy and motivation, which are key to long-term success.

    Our children learn to:

    • Take risks in a safe environment

    • Believe in their abilities

    • Develop a positive mindset towards learning

  • Kindness, Tolerance & Respect

    • Whole school events (e.g. World Book Day, Children in Need)

    • Assemblies and pupil leadership roles

    • Debating and collaborative activities

    These opportunities allow pupils to understand different perspectives and celebrate diversity, helping our Harlands’ children engage with the world around them and develop communication and social skills, strengthening respect and inclusion.

    Our children learn to:

    • Listen to others’ viewpoints

    • Work collaboratively

    • Develop empathy and social awareness

  • Critical Thinking

    • KS2 Maths challenges

    • Immersive workshop days

    • Cross-curricular trips

    These activities encourage children to think deeply, solve problems and apply learning in real contexts. Enrichment has been shown to support problem-solving, communication and higher-order thinking skills, all essential for academic and life success.

    Our children learn to:

    • Question and evaluate ideas

    • Apply knowledge in real-life situations

    • Think independently and creatively

  • Responsibility & Leadership

    • Year 6 sports leaders

    • Competitive sport and festivals

    • Bikeability

    • Residential trips

    Children take on real responsibility and leadership roles, learning to support others and manage challenges. Research shows enrichment supports the development of teamwork, leadership and self-regulation, which positively impact behaviour and engagement in school.

    Our children learn to:

    • Lead by example

    • Take ownership of their actions

    • Work as part of a team

  • Wellbeing, Resilience & Personal Growth

    • Outdoor learning, pond dipping, gardening

    • Cross country and sports events

    • Residential trips and workshops

    • Use of extensive outdoor spaces

    Outdoor and adventurous experiences are particularly powerful these opportunities build confidence, resilience, teamwork and motivation.

    Our children benefit from:

    • Improved wellbeing and mental health

    • Stronger relationships with peers and staff

    • Opportunities to succeed in new and different ways

  • Creativity & Cultural Capital

    • Whole school arts week

    • Performing arts and music

    • Trips and visiting sports coaches/workshops

    Enrichment helps to broaden horizons and build cultural capital, ensuring all children—regardless of background—experience a rich and varied education.

    Children gain:

    • Exposure to new experiences

    • A deeper understanding of the world

    • Inspiration for future aspirations
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Why this matters?

Research shows that participation in enrichment is linked to:

  • Higher attendances

  • Greater engagement with school

  • Improved wellbeing and sense of belonging

  • Development of essential life skills [assets.pub...ice.gov.uk]

 

At Harlands, our enrichment offer is carefully designed to ensure every child:

  • Feels included and valued

  • Develops as a well-rounded individual

  • Is prepared for the next stage of education and beyond

 

Our commitment:

We are proud to provide a broad, inclusive and purposeful enrichment offer, aligned with national expectations and Ofsted priorities. Enrichment at Harlands is not an “extra” – it is a core part of how we educate the whole child.

‘Striving for excellence, valuing everyone and our world.’

At Harlands, our vision is, to give every child the life chances they deserve, remove the fear of failure and barriers to success.

This encourages our children to feel empowered to change their own lives and their community, ensuring they becomes life-long learners and positive contributors to society.