Enrichment
Enrichment is an important part of the curriculum at New Rush Hall School (NRHS). We want our pupils to experience opportunities that broaden their horizons, develop their confidence and help them discover interests, strengths and talents that they may not previously have had the opportunity to explore.
For our pupils, enrichment is about much more than taking part in an activity. It provides opportunities to experience success, take safe risks, manage challenge, work alongside others and develop the resilience and independence needed for life beyond school.
Our Secondary Enrichment Curriculum is carefully planned so that experiences become increasingly challenging as pupils progress through NRHS.
Key Stage 3 – Building Confidence and Exploring New Experiences
In Years 7 to 9, enrichment focuses on exploration, confidence and developing the skills needed to approach unfamiliar experiences positively.
Opportunities include:
- Bike Maintenance and Safety
- BMX at the Olympic Velodrome
- Rowing at the Royal Docks
- Climbing
- Outdoor adventure at Lambourne End
- Sports Coaching
- Horticulture
- Ice skating
These experiences are deliberately progressive. Pupils develop practical cycling skills before progressing to BMX; rowing develops confidence and teamwork on the water; and climbing and the sustained outdoor challenges at Lambourne End encourage pupils to manage risk, overcome fears, solve problems and increasingly take on leadership roles.
By the end of Key Stage 3, we want pupils to be more willing to try something unfamiliar, more confident in their own abilities and increasingly able to persevere when something feels difficult.
Key Stage 4 – Independence and Preparation for Adulthood
In Years 10 and 11, pupils build on these foundations through increasingly challenging and real-world experiences.
Opportunities include:
- Skiing
- Assault Course
- Sailing, canoeing and paddleboarding
- Cycling and mountain biking
- Climbing
- Self-defence
- Padel
- Cricket
- Gym and fitness
- First Aid
- Employability and Work Experience
- Preparing for Work and Life
These experiences require increasing levels of independence, responsibility, teamwork and self-belief, while also helping pupils prepare for life beyond NRHS.
As pupils approach the end of their time at NRHS, enrichment also becomes an important part of preparation for adulthood. Pupils develop practical skills including workplace communication, interview skills, CV writing, career planning and preparation for applying for a provisional driving licence. They can also gain recognised accreditation through opportunities such as First Aid at Work.
Beyond Timetabled Enrichment
Enrichment extends throughout school life at NRHS.
Pupils also have access to:
- our on-site fitness studio and boxing ring;
- a purpose-built music production studio;
- swimming;
- after-school clubs; and
- Friday afternoon extracurricular activities including sport, fitness, boxing, music, gaming and social activities.
Pupil voice helps shape the offer so that enrichment continues to reflect pupils’ interests and provides new opportunities for them to explore.
At NRHS, we believe pupils’ previous experiences should never limit their future opportunities. Enrichment is about creating experiences that build confidence, develop independence, raise aspirations and help our pupils recognise just how much they are capable of achieving.