What Are Enrichments?
Macmillan Academy continues to provide an excellent educational curriculum.
The Academy out of hours learning is outstanding and offers impressive enrichment opportunities for participation in a range of activities
(OFSTED September 2005).
The enrichment programme supplements the curriculum and adds character to the students' experience. Enrichment allows students to add broad and varied achievements to their National Record of Achievement/Curriculum Vitae and therefore improves their chances of accessing further education avenues and employment.
Enrichment activities at Macmillan Academy are varied and appealing to all students. Around 70 different activities are on offer ranging from trampolining to cookery, animation to messy science, studio film making to sign language. Each activity offers the opportunity for students to develop new skills in a fun and exciting way. The activities are led by a member of staff who is qualified in that particular activity or who has a keen interest in the subject.
Enrichment activities take place on a Monday at 3.45 pm – 4.55 pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 2.45 pm – 3.55 pm . There is also a programme of sporting activities on a Wednesday from 2.45 - 3.55 pm . Late transport is provided for students at the end of enrichments.
Activities may last for either several weeks or for one, two or three terms. After the enrichment course is completed, each student may receive a certificate or award in recognition of their achievements which will form part of their Record of Achievement.
Students choose the enrichments they would like to take part in at the beginning of each term. All students are encouraged to participate. It is compulsory for all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to attend one enrichment per week. Many students take part in two or more enrichment activities per week.
Once students have chosen to do a particular enrichment they are committed to completing the course and are expected to attend each week. Registers are taken at each session. Good attendance and achievement is rewarded and non attendance is followed up.
During enrichment time students have the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and confidence in a curriculum area, for example, English. Staff are available to offer support in students' learning, classwork or homework. Students can arrange this with their subject teacher or attend any subject support session on the timetable which is made available to them.
The Academy Information Centre and computer Helpdesk are available as a resource for students to use during enrichment time. These options are not a replacement for enrichments; they are an addition.
The enrichment programme is a dynamic and flexible programme of study. If students or parents would like to see a particular enrichment activity running, or if parents can provide support to any of the existing enrichments, please contact Miss Miller, the enrichment co-ordinator, to discuss the matter further.