Years 7 & 8 Timetabled Enrichment

As part of our curriculum in Year 7 & 8, we offer a timetabled extra-curricular lesson once a fortnight to give students the opportunity to experience a wider variety of enriching extra-curricular activities that would not otherwise be covered in their curriculum lessons.

We offer this in timetabled lessons in order to provide both status to this vital area of school life and we are also conscious that some students find it very difficult to attend enrichment sessions after school.

We feel this is important because in the future all our young people will go on to the world of work and many will complete Further/Higher Education. All these routes require a young person to “market their strengths”, to highlight what makes them “stand out” from the crowd. Life is full of elements of competition, and it is important for all young people to be prepared by gathering experiences through a wide range of opportunities on offer at HEHS.

These extra-curricular timetabled lessons will:

  • Widen personal experience, often providing access to new skills.
  • Improve communication skills grow and personal relationships.
  • Develop confidence, leadership and self-discipline.

Improving mental health and general wellbeing. Learning how to relax and getting involved in an activity for enjoyment.

The current carousel includes the following offerings below. Please note, this may change over the year.

Year 7
Chess

Playing chess has multiple benefits such as improving memory, focus, and creativity. it also helps with planning skills and increases self-awareness. Studies have shown that chess players tend to have better memory, attention span, and overall brain function than those who do not play. 
Dementia Friends Workshops

Students will complete a ‘Dementia Friends’ Workshop. The aim is to provide pupils with more information about Dementia and the effect it can have on people and their families. Pupils will focus on the WE CARE ethos, especially respect and empathy, and have opportunities for discussion as well as reading, writing and presenting. Students will come up with a ‘Dementia Friendly Activity’, for example, writing a letter to a Dementia patient in a care home or arranging a fundraising event, and then carry out this activity. At the end of the activity, students will be given a ‘Dementia Friends’ badge to show that they have completed the workshop.

Many students are personally affected by Dementia and find the sessions help them navigate relationships with loved ones who are living with Dementia. 
Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels sessions will be an exciting journey of creativity and storytelling. Students get to create their very own character and even make fun and exciting comic strips to bring their character to life! Students will be able to view some examples of comics and then explore the various shots used when creating comics and graphic novels.
Debate Skills

Developing debate skills are useful for a variety of subjects. The students will be able to come up with topics to debate, which they will then plan and debate at the end of the lesson. This will both support their social skills and offers great educational opportunities.

Design Skills

Students will complete a small project where they will learn a range of drawing skills pertinent to Design Technology. 
Beginner Welsh Students will be learning phrases and useful Welsh words for if they ever visit.
Performing Arts Workshops Students will have the opportunity to develop their social skills - such as concentration, teamwork, listening & following directions - through practical exploration centred around Drama & Music. All students will have the opportunity to develop their social skills further by participating in a variety of tasks, activities & games, with the ultimate aim of equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate social situations in school or beyond. 

   Year 8
Origami

The ancient oriental artform of origami has many proven benefits, improving spatial perception and sequential thinking, as well as developing one’s general mathematical understanding of geometry and fractions. Furthermore, origami develops student’s understanding of physical concepts, for example, demonstrating how a flat piece of paper is not very strong until it is folded like an accordion. Origami also refines the art of patience and resilience in a structured but creative setting. 
Just Dance!

Exercise is proven to be beneficial for mental and physical health – and dancing is a great way to keep active and have fun! Dancing is also a proven way to refine motor/co-ordination skills, and grow confidence and develop co-operation skills with others when working with others in paired or group dances. 
Conservation of Species 

Pupils will widen their understanding of key issues that we face as humanity in conserving our species on the planet. Students will get an insight into conservation, the purpose of it and emerging fields of study. They will choose an endangered species to focus on and research it by producing a PowerPoint, and in the final session they will present their findings. 
Sudoku and Word Puzzles  Embarking on the journey of puzzle-solving, students enhance their lateral thinking and discover innovative solutions to complex problems. But the magic continues when they become puzzle creators, merging knowledge and creativity to bridge theory and practice. In this adventure, word and number puzzles become a blend of exploration, innovation, and fun. 
Understanding your Body

Students will gain a better understanding of being able to regulate their breathing, the science behind managing stress-related conditions and being in tune with their body to promote a more conscious state of being. Scientific studies have evidenced the link between controlling your breath with managing stress and breath control is found in a spectrum of practices, such as Yoga, Meditation and Tai Chai. Through real life case studies, group work and guided teachings, pupils will be able to recognise symptoms of stress, how to regulate their behaviour and be in tune with their body, thus improving their wellbeing. 
Let's Play Cards

Students' skills surrounding problem solving, team work, numeracy skills, memory, sequencing, strategic thinking, resilience and emotional intelligence (patience) will be strengthened in a series of card games and a building project using playing cards.