We recognise that first-class education is based on both high-quality teaching and a range of experiences outside of the classroom.

At Academy 360, we believe enrichment activities are essential for a well-rounded education. Our Enrichment Programme, spanning from Reception to Year 11, provides pupils with diverse opportunities to explore, learn and grow beyond the standard curriculum.

To track their journey, each child holds an individual enrichment passport, allowing them to record their participation and achievements as they progress through school. We value the hidden character curriculum, ensuring that every pupil develops into a rounded learner who embodies our Trust Values:

• Ambitious 
• Brave
• Curious
• Determined
• Extraordinary 
• Fast 
• Good

Why Enrichment Matters

Enrichment activities help pupils develop essential life skills, including:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Creativity

For vulnerable students, enrichment offers a ‘taste of success,’ boosting self-esteem and fostering a love for learning. It also provides extended learning opportunities for students who grasp concepts quickly, allowing them to explore topics with greater depth and creativity.

Key Benefits of Enrichment:

• Builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning
• Enhances social and cognitive development
• Develops teamwork and leadership skills
• Encourages curiosity and a love for discovery

Our Approach to Enrichment

We offer a wide range of activities designed to nurture every child’s potential. Our programme is built into our Character Curriculum and Trust Values, fostering confidence, resilience, and ambition.

Developing Core Skills

Children enhance their communication and problem-solving abilities through:

• Arts & Crafts
• Storytelling
• Cooking

These activities encourage creativity and independent thinking, supporting academic and personal growth.

Social & Emotional Intelligence

Through team-based activities, including sports and group projects, children develop:

• Empathy
• Leadership
• Social skills

At Academy 360, we cultivate an environment of respect and kindness, ensuring every child feels supported and valued.

Physical & Creative Activities

 

Sports & Physical Development

We offer a broad sports curriculum, including:

• Football/futsal
• Swimming
• Orienteering
• Trampolining
• Dodgeball
• Gymnastics
• Basketball
• Rounders
• Tag ruby
• Rugby union
• Netball
• Volleyball
• Athletics
• Handball
• Dance

Music & Performing Arts

For creative expression, we offer:

• Ukulele, drums, guitar, virtual keyboard & recorder lessons
• Class & school choirs
• Performing arts opportunities

Pupils also have the chance to attend external musical events, showcasing their talents beyond the school environment.

Expanding Learning Horizons

STEM & Computational Thinking

We introduce pupils to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities such as:

• Puzzles & problem-solving games
• Simple robotics & coding
• Science experiments & design technology
• Chess Club

These activities foster critical thinking, creativity and technological proficiency, preparing pupils for future careers in an evolving digital world.

Arts, Culture & Outdoor Learning

Pupils engage in cultural and outdoor experiences, including:

• Theatre performances
• Museum & historical site visits
• Places of worship & key landmarks
• Coast to Coast cycling trip

Outdoor learning opportunities include:

• Forest School & Beach School
• Environmental science & gardening projects
• The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
• Bike Ability (KS1&KS2)

We collaborate with the RHS and Nature Parks to transform grey spaces into green spaces, allowing children to:

• Grow their own plants from seed
• Work with professional gardeners
• Gain experience in horticulture & conservation

Residential Experiences

Pupils in Key Stage 2, 3 and 4  have the opportunity to attend exciting residential trips, fostering independence, resilience and teamwork.

Recent destinations include:

• Bushcraft & Camping at Beamish
• Kingswood & Derwent Hill
• London & Edinburgh trips
• The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
• Paris and Barcelona

Festivals we attend 

• KS1 Athletics Festival
• KS2 Athletics Festival
• Swimming Gala
• Wildcats football festival
• Dodgeball competitions 
• Sunderland School Football League 
• Hockey Tournaments
• Snow Tubing festival

 

Skills Builder Initiative at Academy 360

Academy 360 is in partnership with Skills Builder, a Universal Framework that breaks each of these essential skills down into small teachable steps with the aim to ensure every learner has opportunities to build eight essential skills to support them now and in the future.

Please see below more information regarding Skills Builder at Academy 360:

 

skillsbuilderatacademy360.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

How do enrichment activities benefit students?

They provide hands-on experiences that enhance problem-solving, creativity and communication skills, supporting cognitive and social development.

How do these programmes support different learning styles?

We incorporate visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning experiences, ensuring each child can learn in a way that suits them best.

What are the long-term benefits of enrichment?

Pupils develop strong social skills, greater confidence and a positive attitude towards learning - benefits that support their academic and personal growth.

What does a typical enrichment activity look like?

Activities take place during the school day and beyond, offering:

• A core offer – Activities embedded into the curriculum
• A targeted offer – Tailored activities for specific pupils
• An enhanced offer – Additional opportunities supported by The Laidlaw Foundation