Personal Development, enrichment and extra-curricular activities play an integral part of ‘what we do’ as a school community. The purpose of our enrichment programme is to provide extended learning opportunities for our students, allowing them to develop the skills and characteristics that will provide a solid foundation for all aspects of their lives as future leaders. We never lose focus on academic excellence, but our students benefit educationally, personally and socially from a rich and rounded educational experience.
Learning beyond the classroom can have a huge impact on a child but we don’t know which moment at will inspire or resonate with them later in their life. What we do know is that if we ensure children seize as many opportunities as they can something has more chance to stick & act as a catalyst. Building leadership, resilience & character doesn’t happen by accident but through planned thought out experiences.
We are very proud of the achievements of our students both in and outside of school, and regularly celebrate and share their success with the wider school community. Whilst we have an extensive enrichment and extra-curricular programme available to students, the information below provides a flavour of some of our key areas:
Educational visits
There are a large number of educational visits organised through the subject areas to develop students understanding and application of their academic studies and bring the subject to life. Trips and visits take place throughout the academic year at home and abroad. These trips include theatre trips, attendance at conferences, visits to Universities, the annual Oxbridge Admissions Conference, field trips, gallery visits, trade fairs, competitions, revision conferences, Industrial visits and annual ski trips.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Every child at GSHS has a supported opportunity to experience the Duke Of Edinburgh Bronze in Year 9, which then progresses to Silver and Gold in Year 10 and 6th Form.
What is the DofE
A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.
Why do the DofE
For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our participants say, it’s life-changing.
Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job.
Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.
Scholars Award
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality... Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things.” Abraham Lincoln
Our Scholars Award Programme recognises and celebrates the commitment, success and achievements of our students in contributing to a positive school ethos.
Our enrichment and extra-curricular activities help all students to study concepts with greater depth, breadth and complexity, whilst also helping students to pursue their own areas of interest and strengths outside the normal parameters of the school day.
At GSHS, we recognise the value of an enriched curriculum in the development of the whole child and we are proud of our comprehensive enrichment & extra-curricular offer that aims to promote:
· Increased enjoyment & emotional wellbeing
· Challenge and development of independent learning for all students
· Development of particular skills and themes; Self-confidence, Self-motivation, Team working, Creativity and Wider participation
· Innovative ways to bring the Leadership specialism to life
Student Leadership
“Each one of the leaders we respect today was once a child whose potential was identified, shaped and released by those who preceded them as leaders, teachers and other agents of influence.”
George Barna
Our students are our best ambassadors, and our student leaders are our school’s role models. There are a range of different Student Leadership opportunities available from Year 7 Form Rep to our Year 11 Head Boy & Girl and House Captains.
Together the Student Leadership Team will:
· Be a positive role model and set a good example at all times to other students through compliance with school rules, regular attendance, punctuality, appropriate dress and good presentation, responsible behaviour at all times, achieving a positive work rate and meeting deadlines with homework / coursework.
· Exhibit positive personal qualities such as reliability, responsibility, leadership skills, communication skills, co-operation with both peers and adults, self-discipline, politeness, confidence to speak in public, helpfulness and be capable of earning the respect of peers and adults.
· Act as mentor or ‘buddy’ for younger students, offering help, support and advice.
· Act as the voice of the student body in House / School Council meetings
· Willingly assist with the smooth running of the school during the school day by regularly and reliably performing duties.
· Act as an Ambassador for the school at school events, within both the school and local community.
· Be involved with all aspects of school life, both within the school day and in their own time including extra-curricular activities, inter-house events, charity work, house assemblies and trips.
· Be willing to give up their own time when required to assist with events such as Open Evening, Induction & Parents’ Evenings and Presentation Evenings.
· Play a significant part in the settling in of the new Year 7 students, by supporting the Year 6 students throughout their induction visit / transition to GSHS and when they join the school in September.
· Show initiative and be able to work independently and as part of a team, in order to generate new ideas and develop them
Community Links
Great Sankey High School is at the heart of the local community, and the school prides itself on having a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Our students are the best ambassadors for the school and repeatedly mention community as one of their top priorities. The work done by students raising money for charities and in the local area is an inspiration to us all. Students and parents make glowing remarks about their experience of Great Sankey High School, especially following transition in Year 7. We have an excellent local reputation and are a National Teaching School, responsible for training the next generation of teachers. The sense of community continues in our 6th form, Barrow Hall College, with many of our
students choosing to further their studies with us. Being a member of the Omega Multi Academy Trust enables fantastic collaborative opportunities between the high school and partner primary schools. Students from all schools benefit from projects such as subject specialist support, peer mentoring, sporting tournaments and concerts.