Enrichment
In addition to following the National Curriculum at NRHS, we have a comprehensive Enrichment Programme to enhance pupils’ learning opportunities and help pupils develop emotionally and socially. This programme allows pupils to develop their inter-personal skills and self-image, improve social skills, and build friendships. The Enrichment Programme is an opportunity for pupils’ learning experiences to be extended into the community and expose them to experiences they would not have ordinarily outside of school.
Assault Course: The assault course challenges pupils to work through physical and mental obstacles, helping them build teamwork, determination and confidence. It’s a high-energy, fun but demanding activity that supports physical development and emotional resilience. For pupils who have grown through earlier experiences like climbing or Lambourne End, the assault course brings these skills together and encourages them to keep pushing beyond perceived limits — reflecting our school value of inspiration.
Bike Maintenance and Safety: Following the successful Bikeability programme in Primary, pupils at New Rush Hall School can continue their cycling journey with this focused and practical bike maintenance and safety course. Led by a professional bike repair specialist, pupils learn how to care for their bikes with hands-on training in repairing flat tyres, fixing punctures, adjusting brakes, and maintaining chains. They also learn how to check if a bike is the right size for them and explore the importance of wearing the correct protective equipment. This enrichment opportunity encourages independence, responsibility, and problem-solving through real-world skills. It supports pupils in developing resilience and confidence — key values in line with NRHS’s vision of learning and developing together for achievement.
BMX at the Velodrome: Pupils take on an exciting physical challenge at the Olympic BMX track in Stratford. These sessions introduce pupils to the basics of BMX riding — including balance, control, and coordination — in a safe, structured environment. Whether they’re learning to handle ramps or simply building up the courage to try something new, pupils are supported every step of the way. BMX supports our ethos at New Rush Hall School of opening doors to new experiences and gives pupils a real sense of achievement through physical resilience and courage.
Climbing: Climbing sessions at New Rush Hall School offer both bouldering and top-rope experiences. In year 8, pupils are introduced to the basic techniques and are able to work through any initial fears. In year 10, they continue to build on the confidence and techniques developed at Lambourne End and pupils are introduced to more technical, controlled environments. Pupils learn to assess risks, trust others and push themselves physically and mentally. This reflects the school’s ethos of building resilience and helping pupils realise their personal strength as they move forward in their journey.
Cycling: In Year 11, pupils take part in outdoor mountain biking, navigating natural terrain and developing confidence on wheels. This activity builds on earlier physical challenges and supports personal fitness, spatial awareness, and perseverance. It’s a chance for pupils to reconnect with nature, manage risk, and enjoy a sense of freedom — echoing the NRHS values of independence and resilience.
Diverse Voices: Self-confidence and self-expression are essential life skills that we want our pupils to develop during their time at NRHS. Our Drama lessons are run by an external company called Diverse Voices. Pupils will participate in workshops to build their confidence, self-expression and creativity using drama and role play. The objectives are to engage pupils who have limited access to the arts and use Performing Arts as a vehicle to explore issues and topics relevant to our pupils.
Employability & Work Experience: This course prepares pupils for the world of work. Whether they go on a real work placement within school, externally, or just develop the key skills needed for future opportunities, each pupil receives tailored guidance to help them move forward. Pupils learn about workplace expectations, communication, and confidence, all of which reflect the values of determination and aspiration. At NRHS, we believe in removing barriers and creating pathways — and this course is a direct reflection of that.
Extra-curricular: On Friday afternoons, pupils are given the opportunity to attend an activity of their choice. This is to reward pupils for their hard work throughout the week, as well offer the opportunity to mix with peers from other year groups and explore a range of interests. The extra-curricular activities offered are an integral part of the ethos of the school. They offer the opportunity to enhance personal development, self-image, improve social skills as well as build friendships. Extra-curricular sessions are an opportunity to extend the pupils learning experience both in the school and the wider community. All pupils are encouraged to take part in activities and staff participate alongside pupils to model the school values of perseverance, respect and determination.
The selection of activities on offer evolves and changes in response to pupil’s interests and skills but includes Board Games, Boxing, Football off-site at Power League, Hair and Beauty, Music, (learning instruments, vocal coaching and mixing using GarageBand), Pool, PlayStation and Table Tennis. In addition to these activities, pupils who have missed work throughout the week are offered the opportunity to work 1-1 with a member of staff to catch up with their learning.
Fairlop Waters: Pupils at New Rush Hall School explore different water sports at Fairlop Waters — including sailing, canoeing and paddle boarding. These sessions reinforce personal responsibility, balance, and confidence in unfamiliar environments. They provide a fantastic opportunity to transfer teamwork skills from activities like rowing and Lambourne End to a new context, embodying our school’s vision of learning through varied, enriching life experiences.
First Aid Course: This accredited First Aid course helps pupils gain essential life-saving skills and a recognised qualification. Delivered in school, it offers practical and confidence-building knowledge that prepares pupils for real-life situations. For many pupils, this is a key milestone in preparing for adulthood. It strongly reflects our school’s aim of removing barriers and giving pupils the tools to succeed beyond the classroom, while promoting responsibility and self-worth.
Fitness Studio: We have been fortunate enough to set-up our very own Fitness Suite, which includes state of the art cardiovascular equipment, weight assisted machines, a free weights area and a full-size boxing ring. Pupils will be able to access the facility through 1-1 PT sessions, 1-1 sessions with our in-house boxing coach, after school clubs, timetabled PE lessons and extra-curricular opportunities. We are excited to be able to offer this brand-new state of the art facility to our pupils and are certain it will be of great benefit to them.
Gym: Year 11 pupils visit a local gym to work on personal fitness goals in a supportive and structured environment. Unlike the school gym, this space offers independence and access to a wider range of professional equipment. Pupils learn how to build healthy habits and monitor progress — skills that promote long-term wellbeing. This enrichment supports our vision of pupils developing confidence, resilience, and a positive outlook as they prepare to transition beyond school life.
Gymnastics: This indoor course is designed for pupils who may never have tried gymnastics before. Focused on body awareness, coordination, and core strength, pupils work through a series of achievable challenges to build physical confidence and personal discipline. Just like with climbing or assault courses, gymnastics helps develop patience, courage, and perseverance — all central values at New Rush Hall School.
Horticulture: In Year 7, pupils at New Rush Hall School begin their enrichment journey by getting hands-on with horticulture. This calming, practical experience helps them understand how to nurture life through patience, care and responsibility. It provides a grounding start to the wider enrichment curriculum, where pupils begin developing key skills such as observation, planning and routine — all of which support the school’s ethos of building resilience and transforming attitudes.
Indoor Cricket: Indoor cricket offers a high-energy, accessible way for pupils to experience the game in a fun, fast-paced setting. With modified rules and inclusive formats, pupils develop teamwork, strategy, and physical confidence — even if they’ve never picked up a bat before. Cricket complements other Year 10 activities like skiing and rowing by fostering the same resilience and focus, while offering something completely different. As always, our goal at NRHS is to provide enriching experiences that help pupils feel confident and inspired.
Judo: Delivered by a specialist instructor, Judo teaches pupils discipline, control, respect, and self-awareness. It is an excellent physical outlet and a powerful way for pupils to channel energy constructively. Many pupils find that the skills learned in judo — balance, calmness, and technique — reflect their growth throughout their time at NRHS. Judo strengthens the school values of respect and courage, helping pupils round out their final year with focus and strength.
Lambourne End: At Lambourne End pupils experience outdoor adventure through activities like climbing, abseiling, water challenges and high ropes. These sessions challenge pupils to overcome fears and work together in new ways. The experiences at Lambourne End help lay the foundations for future pursuits such as climbing, skiing, or assault courses. For many, it’s the first time they discover what they’re capable of — embodying our school values of courage and determination.
Music Studio: We have our very own in-house music production studio. This consists of a sound proof recording suite, microphone booth and an array of music production technology. In addition to this, there is a range of state-of-the-art instruments for pupils to access including drums, guitars, piano etc. Pupils will access the Music Studio through 1-1 sessions with our in-house music producer, through extra-curricular opportunities and also as part of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum, particularly when accessing our range of music and performing arts BTEC courses. This facility enables our pupils to learn the basics in producing their own demos and recordings and is helping to foster their interest in following a career within the Music industry.
Padel: Padel is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, and it offers an exciting new challenge for pupils at New Rush Hall School. Played in doubles on an enclosed court, the game encourages communication, agility, and tactical thinking. For pupils who’ve enjoyed other activities like judo, climbing, or rowing, padel adds another layer to their physical development while keeping the focus on fun and inclusivity. It supports the school’s vision of learning together for achievement and celebrates our values of friendship, determination, and respect.
Preparing for Work & Life: This course supports pupils in their final steps toward independence. They explore what life looks like after school, learn how to apply for their provisional driving licence, and every pupil leaves with a completed CV. Whether they go straight into work, further education or training, pupils are better equipped to succeed. This course underpins NRHS’s ethos of transformation and prepares pupils to take ownership of their futures with confidence and clarity.
Rowing: Pupils are introduced to the basics of rowing in Year 7, where they begin developing water confidence and teamwork. In Year 8, they build on this through regular sessions, becoming more competent and assured on the open water at the Royal Docks. This progression mirrors our school vision of learning and developing together, encouraging perseverance and personal growth over time.
Skiing: In Year 10, pupils visit the Brentwood dry ski slope to learn how to ski. For many, this is an entirely new and unfamiliar experience — requiring courage, adaptability and a willingness to try, fall, and try again. Skiing becomes a metaphor for challenge and growth, helping pupils build resilience and self-belief. This aligns closely with NRHS’s ethos of transforming lives through new experiences and encouraging perseverance, even when things feel difficult.
Swimming: We want our pupils to develop healthy habits and understand that consistent exercise will support their physical and mental development. Our message to pupils is that exercise is fun, and one way to incorporate exercise into their lives is by learning how to swim. The coaching sessions take place in our local swimming pool and are taught by a Swimming Coach. The Coach has designed the programme with the needs of our pupils in mind and creates opportunities for pupils to learn how to get in and out of the pool safely, control breathing, float and tread water and swim with forward motion. Swimming is available to pupils from Year 1 to Year 11.