In order to reach the school’s Vision of realising ‘the unique potential of each student, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and values to succeed in an ever-changing world, inspire social responsibility and a commitment to lifelong learning’ extending the parameters of learning outside of the formal confines of the classroom into an extensive enrichment programme is essential at BSGC.
Our Enrichment programme seeks to extend and enhance the curriculum through regular visits and trips, and a scheduled programme of activities at lunchtime and after-school. Such opportunities provide the possibility of extending knowledge, learning new skills, developing important values and attitudes in a less structured environment, and opening one’s mind to the wider world and all its possibilities and issues. The type of skills and attitudes we seek to inculcate include problem solving, creative thinking, initiative, self-direction, resilience, higher order thinking skills, self-acceptance, and the courage to make a difference.
In-school opportunities take place at lunchtimes and afterschool and include academic courses, skills based courses, creative courses, working within the community and sports activities. Each term a schedule is developed to reflect the needs, desires and important foci of the school; with the students selecting those activities that interest them and to which they wish to commit.
In addition to the school-based activities, regular visits and trips are organised to enhance and extend the classroom based learning. Therefore, visits to local museums, theatres and sites of historic, geographic or literary importance are regular features in the school calendar. Residential trips are considered as being crucial in the development of key life skills, as well as providing unforgettable learning opportunities. Therefore, Primary has an established programme of residential trips that progressively builds the students’ independence and ability to live outside the norms of daily life and routines. This foundation enables the students, when they move into Secondary, to travel extensively within Spain and to other countries developing knowledge and understanding, essential in our quest to engender responsible world citizens.
A key feature of the school, embedded within our Enrichment programme, is a commitment to service and helping others. The school has numerous opportunities for students to contribute for the betterment of the school and local community, for helping others and instituting collection and donation campaigns throughout the school year. A key player in this work is the secondary Student Voice that empowers our students to bring about positive change by equipping them with skills and knowledge, and providing the guidance and support needed to work in collaborative teams for successful outcomes. This group has been influential in instituting change and developments within the school and leading important campaigns, whilst the students have developed skills and understanding that will serve them a lifetime.
