Wider School Curriculum
At Park End Primary School, we believe in extending the pupils’ education far beyond the classroom walls. The wider school curriculum are opportunities we provide in or out of school that enhance the taught curriculum. Park End’s school values are embedded in our programme of enrichment opportunities, which offer pupils a wealth of diverse and engaging activities at every stage of their education.
The school’s enrichment programme extends pupils’ knowledge and expands skills as well as giving them the opportunity to flourish as individuals. From academic activities, learning to play chess and musical instruments, carrying out roles in school to sport and arts clubs, our wider school curriculum activities promote problem solving, teamwork and a commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Below are some of the ways in which we develop and enrich the lives of our pupils. Click the sections to find out more.
Charity
A central part of our ethos is that we aim to inspire caring, compassionate and empathetic children ready to face life’s challenges and understand global issues.
The pupils and staff at Park End Primary, organise several activities across the year to raise funds for a variety of local, national and international charities. Supporting charities and people in the local community raises awareness of key issues and teaches our children about the importance of generosity. We feel this reflects our school values of ‘caring, responsibility and positivity’.
Rota Kids play a pivotal role in listening to pupil’s ideas, selecting charities, discussing ideas and planning fundraising events. The pupils, parents and staff of Park End Primary School support a variety of charities throughout the school year.
- Children in Need – Pupils donate money and come to school dressed in their Pyjamas
- Red Nose Day – Pupils have their nose painted and they wear a red item of clothing in support of comic relief
- Poppy Appeal – We raise money in support of the Royal British Legion appeal through the sale of poppies
- Caring for the Community – school council and Rota Kids raise money for local causes, from raising money for dog rescue centres to donating gifts at Easter and Christmas to local hospitals and sheltered accommodation.
- Eco Shop – school council prepare food parcels to support parents in the local community
In addition to our regular fund-raising events, we have non-uniform days to raise money for various charities
Preparation for Next Steps
| Acorns & Nursery | Reception | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Transition sessions Toilet training Visual stories | Social stories Meet the new teacher Transition topic Whole school outdoor play | Meet the new teacher Social stories Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Whole school outdoor play | Meet the new teacher Learning about careers in the STEM field Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Whole school outdoor play | Meet the new teacher Learning about careers in the STEM field Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Whole school outdoor play | Meet the new teacher Learning about careers in the STEM field Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Whole school outdoor play | Meet the new teacher Learning about careers in the STEM field Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Whole school outdoor play | NHS workshop – careers in the NHS Meet the new teacher MFC transition program Assemblies linked to careers, e.g. dentist Enhanced transition sessions with secondary schools Learning about careers in the STEM field Whole school outdoor play |
At Park End Primary, we recognise the important role that is played by primary schools in enabling children to have high aspirations about their future. As a school, we endeavour to provide children with a range of meaningful experiences, visits and visitors that teach them about the world of work and provide information about the next phase of education and future careers. We also aim to break down any misconceptions or stereotypes our pupils may have about different careers.
During lessons, pupils are exposed to the world of work through learning about careers in the STEM field and beyond. We encourage pupils to develop their interests and ignite any passion they may have for a subject, e.g., becoming a sculptor or a research scientist.
Children in Upper Key Stage 2 are introduced to careers through workshops and visits. We also offer our pupils a transition package so they are ready for the next stage of education. Pupils engage with Headstart, a charity aimed at supporting pupils through the transition to secondary school
A thorough transition is beneficial for all pupils. It helps pupils to build positive relationships with new adults, recognise the change in environment and supports positive attitudes for the up-and-coming change. At Park End Primary School, we have a thorough transition process to support all pupils, including those with SEND and those starting school for the first time. We help pupils to transition through different phases by preparing them for new environments and routines, fostering social-emotional skills, and maintaining open communication with families and receiving schools.
We hold a ‘Meet the New Teacher’ session prior to pupils moving classrooms. All parents and carers will be given an opportunity to meet the new teacher ahead of moving classes. Parents and pupils are provided with a newsletter detailing information about the new teacher and where classrooms are located. Pupils also partake in social stories to support them with any transitions. In addition to whole school transition days, SEND pupils may have additional time with their new teacher.
Our PSHE provision supports pupils through the transition process by preparing students emotionally and practically, providing them with coping strategies, building resilience, and facilitating open discussions about changes and feelings. These lessons equip students with skills to manage anxiety, understand new opportunities and challenges, and reflect on their experiences both before and after the transition.
Enrichment
At Park End Primary, learning is developed beyond the classroom to enrich learners – both within and beyond the school day. Our enrichment programme is designed to support our core offer and to develop character with a focus on the whole child.
Our aim is to provide every pupil with experiences that will enrich their lives and develop their cultural capital. With this in mind, we have created a carefully constructed personal development offer which ensures that each and every pupil has high quality opportunities – both discrete and woven throughout the curriculum – to help them succeed at school and leave with the ability to engage positively in society and able to cope with the challenges that life sometimes brings.
Below are some of the enrichment opportunities we offer:
Clubs
To develop pupils’ personal development, behaviour and attitudes we offer wide range of clubs run by teachers, support staff and outside providers.
Our wider curriculum enrichment offer is an integral part of our school curriculum, providing opportunities beyond the classroom. We offer breakfast club, lunchtime clubs and after school clubs, all free of charge.
Lunchtime Clubs
- Art Club
- Games/Chess Club
- Sports Club
- Drawing Club
- Movie Club
After School Clubs
- Gardening Club
- Cookery Club
- Art/Craft Club
- Lego Club
- Table Tennis
- Cricket
Please note: after school clubs may change through the year. Please refer to the school website and the School Office for current information.
RotaKids
At Park End Primary, we understand the importance of pupil voice and trust the children to help us make the decisions that shape our school and community and make it the way that they want it to be. We believe that pupils should be given every opportunity to have a voice and contribute to the leadership of the school.
Children from Year 3 to Year 6 engage with the democratic process to elect representatives onto RotaKids (a school council group).
RotaKids is a school-based group that empowers children to make a positive difference in their community and beyond through small acts of kindness, fundraising and service. The children meet every week at lunchtime to share ideas and plan projects. So far, RotaKids have performed carols at a local care home, created cards of hope for Ukrainian soldiers, raised funds for Zoe’s Place, and fundraised to buy Easter eggs for children at James Cook University Hospital.
Each term, RotaKids focus on a different theme or cause, and they are proud to do this with the continued support and guidance from Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club. RotaKids are proud to have raised money for local causes and the children involved are always looking for more ways to support the school community, the local community and various charities.
