Enrichment at Ormiston Denes Academy is about enhancing opportunities for our students to develop themselves beyond what is required of them by the national curriculum and motivate them to enjoy new forms of learning.
Through the wealth of activities on offer we ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover and develop existing and new talents and interests as well as reminding them that learning can be fun.
Enrichment is about balancing the learning experience of the ‘whole child’, ensuring that our students not only perform well academically but that they improve their independent learning skills so that when they leave the academy they do so with the ability to enjoy and continue their learning journey.
Enrichment is about equipping our students for the future.
Enrichment is coordinated by Mr M Armstrong and run collectively by both staff and students. To contact us at Ormiston Denes Academy about our enrichment programme please email [email protected].
We run an extensive range of lunchtime and after-school enrichment activities for students to choose from. Students can just turn up to clubs – no need to book.
Ormiston Denes Academy students are encouraged to participate in as many clubs and activities as possible. This is both to broaden experiences – providing students with additional opportunities to discover something new, and to strengthen understanding – spending additional time on a subject they are interested in or need extra support with.
We are always reviewing and updating our clubs and activities offer, so please feedback to us with any further opportunities you would like to be considered.
Our Autumn 2023 activities can be viewed below.
OAT has its own charter: OAT Enrichment Charter and we are now working with staff, governors and students to adapt this to meet the needs and priorities for all students at our academy, to ensure a range of opportunities and experiences for every one of our students over their five year journey with us. We aim to ensure that the enrichment offer compliments curriculum delivery and enables students to develop their social, emotional, employability and life skills. Once agreed, our academy enrichment charter will be available to view here.
The 2024 work experience programme has now been launched through the year 10 Welcome to GCSE evening, year 10 assemblies and PSHE lessons.
Work experience is an exciting opportunity for students to spend valuable time with an employer, allowing them to experience the hours, working conditions and regulations they may encounter in the world of work.
Work experience is key to bridging the gap between education and the world of work. Work experience can open young people’s eyes to jobs they may never have thought of, help inform careers decisions, offer a chance to prove themselves to an employer and help instil the attitudes and behaviours expected at work. It shows students that school and work environments differ quite dramatically, which increases their maturity and confidence and develops invaluable skills that will help them in work after education.
However, it also shows them the links between their learning (in terms of academic and skills-based learning) and how these are used in specific jobs. Skills such as interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication, time management, problem solving will be enhanced through work experience.
Students have been issued with their work experience pack, comprising of a work experience guide for parents and carers, a guide for students, and a self-placement form. Please also see copies of these below.
Once a student has sourced their placement, the self-placement form needs to be completed by the business, parent or carer, and student (as shown on the form). We are encouraging students to find their own placements this year. Work experience is an important part of their secondary education and an opportunity to experience the work of work for the first time (in most cases).
In order to ensure students are safe on placement, we work alongside an external provider who carry out any necessary Health and Safety check prior to placements being approved and confirmed.
If any of our school community are able to offer a placement to any of our students, please contact Mrs Richings as shown below.
Students not having found a placement will remain in school during the course of work experience week, on a bespoke learning package. The year 10 team and Mrs Richings are available for any advice and guidance to students.
If you have any queries regarding the academy’s work experience programme, please contact Mrs Julie Richings, Transition and Co-curriculum Projects Manager on [email protected] , 01502 574474 X110 or contact us here.
At Ormiston Denes Academy, all students follow a programme of careers education, information and guidance during their five years at the academy. Our careers provision ensures that students are exposed to the Gatsby Benchmarks (nationally recognised measures within careers education) which have been designed to give them the skills needed:
Gatsby Benchmark 6 focuses on ‘Experiences of the workplace’ and states the following:
Every pupil should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks.
By the age of 16, every pupil should have had at least one experience of a workplace, additional to any part-time jobs they may have.
Benefits of Work Experience
Process for Work Experience
Parental Support for Work Experience.
Parents play an important part in Work Experience. The areas you may be able to help in
are:
As a parent or carer, you will want to make sure that your son or daughter gets the most out of their work experience placement. The following tips will help you support them;
There are various activities available throughout the school holidays, who also give students enrichment opportunities and experiences. Listed below are some links and information about opportunities and availability.
Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF). This is funded through the department of education and enables children and young people to access enriching and fun activities, particularly those who receive free school meals, More information can be found here, and activities will be listed nearer to each school holiday.
Norfolk Hoopstars are offering a Lowestoft basketball camp here at the academy over the Easter holidays. As they’ve partnered up with Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Suffolk, they are thrilled to offer Free Spaces to children eligible for means-tested free school meals. Their aim is to increase basketball participation and provide a great chance to keep them active and make new friends during the Easter holiday.
2nd April – Year 1 – Year 6
4th April – Year 7 – Year 11
5th April – Year 1 – Year 6
8th April – Year 7 – Year 11
9th April – Year 1 – Year 6
12th April – Year 7 – Year 13
The camp will be at Ormiston Denes Academy, Yarmouth Rd, Lowestoft NR32 4AH and will run from 9am until 3.30pm. The camp is only available to children eligible for free school meals who live in Suffolk and will be a mixture of skills stations, mini competitions and always finish with match time.
Their club website link: https://www.norfolkhoopstars.com/camp-5
Their Camp sign up link: https://eequ.org/experience/7078/dates?next=%2Fexperience%2F7078%2Fdates%3Fhighlighted-block%3D75abf346-5325-465a-ac2f-047fa606eea5
Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures are delivering a Holiday Activity and Food program funded by Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council during Easter Holidays.
The sessions are free and will run Wednesday 3rd and 10th April 2023 10.30am-12.30pm (2 hours) at Ormiston Denes Academy. During the sessions young people will take part in activities including Rounders, dodgeball, Cricket and Football before being provided a Free healthy lunch.
Marina Theatre – Lowestoft
Further activities will be listed as and when details become available.
Seagull Theatre – Lowestoft
Musical Theatre Workshop – Monday 1st – Tuesday 2nd April, 1pm – 4pm, School Years 5-8, £5 per day. Two afternoons spent looking at new dance, singing, and acting techniques! Perfect for those interested in pursuing a career in Musical Theatre!
At the end of the two days there will be a small performance for families and friends to come and watch!
Please note – you will need to book for BOTH days to secure your place.
For more information and to book your place, please visit their website.