At Waterside Academy, learning beyond the classroom is a planned part of curriculum entitlement rather than an add-on or reward.

The extended curriculum gives pupils opportunities to apply knowledge, develop confidence, experience success in different contexts and build cultural and social capital. It is linked to clear educational outcomes and complements the academic and personal development curriculum.

Environment & Sustainability

During the autumn term, wider curriculum experiences focus on the environment and sustainability.

This may include outdoor education, stewardship, the local environment, teamwork and practical challenge. These experiences help pupils develop resilience, responsibility and an understanding of the world around them.

Community & Citizenship

During the spring term, the focus moves towards community participation, citizenship, belonging and contribution.

Pupils have opportunities to engage in social action, community projects and experiences that help them understand their role within school, their local community and wider society.

Enterprise & Futures

During the summer term, the focus is on enterprise, employability, creativity, problem solving and preparation for progression.

Activities help pupils develop confidence, independence and an understanding of the skills and behaviours needed for future education, training and employment.

Wider Experiences

The precise programme is reviewed each year and may include outdoor education, creative learning, food, photography, sport, community projects, visits, enterprise challenges and other experiences selected for their educational value.

Purposeful Off-site Learning

Off-site learning may form part of an individual pupil’s curriculum where it provides a clear educational benefit that cannot be achieved as effectively through the on-site offer.

Where off-site provision is used, the purpose is explicit and linked to the pupil’s curriculum, needs and intended destination. Attendance, engagement, safeguarding information and progress are monitored, and the quality and suitability of provision are reviewed rather than assumed.

Off-site learning should complement the Waterside curriculum and support progression; it should not replace core learning without a clear educational reason.