IN THIS SECTION
At Benfield School, enrichment plays a vital role in broadening pupils’ experiences beyond the classroom. Our extensive range of clubs and activities encourages pupils to explore new interests, develop skills, and build a strong sense of community. From creative arts to sport, music, debate, and STEM, there is something for everyone. With clubs running before school, during lunchtime, and after school, pupils have multiple opportunities to get involved. The programme reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child, providing access to activities that enrich their academic and personal development.
Every pupil at Benfield has access to a wide variety of enrichment activities. The programme is designed to ensure inclusivity, offering opportunities in areas such as sport, the arts, technology, and personal development. Football, basketball, rugby, and netball provide physical activity and teamwork experiences, while clubs like Art, Choir, School of Rock, and Drama allow pupils to express their creativity. STEM activities, such as MicroBit programming, Lego League, and Chess Team, encourage problem-solving and logical thinking. Debate Club, PrideSoc, and the Newspaper Club provide spaces for discussion, self-expression, and advocacy. With activities embedded across different subjects, our universal offer ensures that all pupils can discover and develop their passions.
Enrichment at Benfield is designed to engage pupils from their first year and nurture their interests over time. In Year 7, pupils are encouraged to try a variety of clubs, from Games Club and Magic Club to Dance, Eco Club, and Cookery. As they move through the school, they have opportunities to deepen their involvement in activities that align with their passions. For example, pupils may progress from Art Club to specialised Art and Textiles Clubs or develop their public speaking skills from Debate Club in KS3 to a more advanced KS4 Debate Club. The offer remains broad at all key stages, ensuring that older pupils can continue to access enrichment opportunities that support their personal development, academic learning, and career aspirations.
We ensure that all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with additional learning needs, can access and benefit from enrichment activities. Clubs such as Lexia provide tailored literacy support for EAL pupils, while activities such as Cookery Club, Eco Club, and orienteering-based PE sessions offer hands-on, practical learning. The small group structure of some clubs, like Cookery and Art and Textiles, ensures that pupils who need more support can participate in a comfortable and engaging environment. By offering a range of activities at different times of the day, including before school, lunchtime, and after school, we remove barriers to participation and enable all pupils to engage with enrichment in a way that suits them.
Pupil voice is at the heart of our enrichment programme, with clubs evolving based on interest and demand. Pupils are encouraged to suggest new activities and take leadership roles within clubs, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. Staff play an active role in running and developing clubs, sharing their expertise and passions to create enriching experiences. While parent engagement in enrichment is an area for development, we aim to strengthen this through better communication of opportunities and celebrating pupil participation. By continuing to listen to pupils and staff, we ensure that our enrichment offer remains diverse, inclusive, and meaningful for our school community.