Enrichment

Participation in the very wide range of activities which we provide beyond the academic curriculum is an integral part of life at Ralph Sadleir: it is an essential part of our success.

We believe that the high level of academic performance that we attain here is achieved in no small part because our children and young people are happy at school and fully involved in its wider life. The wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer gives every pupil the opportunity to discover and exploit the talents and interests that give life balance and richness, promoting both happiness and motivation.  Moreover, we find that pupils’ who take a fully active role in the school’s Enrichment programme display higher levels of self-esteem and well-being, a heightened sense of belonging, increased attendance and develop more positive friendship groups.

From Lego to Young Enterprise, drama to choir, through an astonishing variety of clubs, trips and visitors as well as external competitions, our pupils participate in enormous numbers with great energy and commitment. That is also true on the sports field, where a large number of pupils represent the school in a wide range of sports, regularly performing with distinction in international, national and regional competitions. In addition, a high proportion of pupils learn musical instruments.

Every year group takes part in both day and residential trips to extend the learning opportunities provided by our broad curriculum.  Whether it is team building, outdoor and adventurous activities or trying out their French vocabulary the trips are designed to develop and enhance our children’s learning. Visits from theatre companies and authors foster a love of literature and the creative arts.  Science, Technology and Maths utilise time with engineers and scientists using our specialist facilities on STEM Days and during National Science Week to provide a ‘real world’ context to the skills that are learned in lessons.  All the children get further opportunities to use and refine the breadth of skills they develop across our curriculum during our five themed Cross-Curricular Days; a real favourite with the pupils.

On top of all of these opportunities, every pupil can find a niche in the House System through which a wide range of talents -musical, sporting, creative and intellectual – are tested in competitions and activities for various age groups through all parts of the school.  Pupils (including those who might not have the opportunity to represent the school, the county or the region, as many do) take enormous pride in their contribution to their house; the presentation of the awards for best House is an eagerly anticipated highlight at the end of the year.