St John’s CE Academy
Enrichment & Clubs
Curriculum Enrichment
Our curriculum extends beyond the National Curriculum and includes a wide range of enriching experiences and opportunities both within and beyond the school day.
P5 Enrichment (Secondary Phase)
One of the distinctive ways this is supported at St John’s is through our P5 Enrichment Programme, which also contributes to our S.H.A.P.E Award Scheme.
What Is P5 Enrichment?
P5 Enrichment is a weekly enrichment hour built into the school timetable. It gives you time to:
- Explore interests beyond normal lessons
- Try something new or develop a passion
- Work with students from different year groups
- Build confidence, independence, and responsibility
What Is the S.H.A.P.E Award?
Every enrichment activity at SJO is designed around the S.H.A.P.E framework, which recognises the different ways students can grow and succeed.
S – Service
Contribution, compassion, leadership for others
H – House
Belonging, teamwork, competition
A – Academic
Curiosity, challenge, intellectual growth
P – Physical
Health, resilience, confidence
E – Enterprise
Initiative, organisation, responsibility
How Do P5 Enrichment and the S.H.A.P.E Award Work Together?
P5 Enrichment provides the experiences. The S.H.A.P.E Award helps recognise the skills, attitudes, and character you develop during this time.
Across your time at SJO, you will:
- Take part in a wide range of enrichment activities
- Build a personal profile of experiences
- Work towards SHAPE Awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
How Do Enrichment Blocks Work?
The year is divided into six enrichment blocks, each lasting no more than six weeks. In each block, you choose one workshop and attend it every week for the full duration of the block. Workshops cannot be changed once a block has begun.
In future blocks or years, you can:
- Try something completely different
- Build on a strength or interest
- Repeat a workshop to take on more responsibility
What Is Expected of You?
When you choose a P5 enrichment workshop, you are expected to:
- Attend every session
- Take part positively and respectfully
- Work with students from different tutor/year groups
- Commit for the full six weeks
- Reflect on what you have learned or developed
Enrichment is about growth, not being perfect.
How Should You Choose Your Workshop?
When choosing, ask yourself:
- What would I enjoy doing for six weeks?
- Do I want to try something new or build confidence?
- Do I want to create, perform, think, help, compete, or lead?
- Which S.H.A.P.E areas do I want to develop in this block?
There is no right or wrong choice, however variety over time is encouraged, helping you explore your interests and ‘live life in all its fullness’.
For example in term 4 we offered:
- Service & Volunteering (Service)
To support the Primary phase by working alongside teachers, running small-group activities, and supporting the delivery of the reading programme.
- Strategic Games (House)
Play thinking games where you plan ahead and make smart choices.
- Quick Cricket (House)
Learn cricket skills and play quick, fun matches as part of a team.
- British Sign Language – Foundations (Academic)
Learn the basics of sign language and how we use it to communicate.
- Musical Theatre (Physical)
Learn and perform group dances & songs from musical theatre.
- Journalism (Enterprise)
Write SJO news and stories that will be shared with a real audience.
Whole School Theme Days/Weeks
Throughout the year, themed days/weeks are woven into the curriculum to extend the breadth and balance of opportunities we offer our pupils. For example: Anti-bullying Week and Safety Day, Creative Arts Week, Black History Day, Sport & Health Week, Mini-enterprise Week.
Educational Visits and Residentials
Trips include class visits, visitors into school and residential are aimed at bringing learning alive and providing first-hand experience. This is further enhanced by the trust pledge.
Cambrian Learning Trust Pledge
The Trust has undertaken to offer every learner a broad range of exciting educational opportunities throughout their time at school, from Early years to Sixth Form.
This is made possible through working together and our collective determination that every Cambrian Learning Trust school is a great school to choose for its provision of excellent opportunities and outcomes for your child.
The infographic below outlines the vast menu of enrichment possibilities available throughout their educational journey.
