What is Enrichment?

Enrichment in schools and colleges encompasses a wide range of activities and experiences that exist beyond the curriculum, either linked directly to the curriculum (co-curricular) or covering skills, knowledge and activities that work in addition to it (extra-curricular).

Enrichment can support children and young people with their personal development, allowing them to explore their interests, try new activities and have fun, alongside developing skills and knowledge that can help with transitions and future readiness.

Enrichment may include opportunities across:

• Civic Engagement, for example volunteering, debating, school democracy and community engagement.
• Arts and Culture, for example taking part in and experiencing music, art, dance, theatre and other expressive arts, as well as visits to museums and galleries.
• Nature, Outdoors and Adventure, for example outdoor learning, climate education and sustainability projects, gardening, residential visits and camps.
• Sport and Physical Activities, for example participating in individual and team sports, dance, fitness activities, cycling, representing the school and attending live events.
• Developing Wider Life and Future Skills, for example digital literacy, STEM opportunities, enterprise, cooking and financial education.

Enrichment may be delivered within timetabled lesson time or outside of it, such as at lunchtimes, before or after school, or through weekend events. Activities may be delivered by school staff, external providers or through pupil leadership opportunities supported by staff.

(DfE Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges, June 2026)

 

Our Vision for Enrichment

Through our enrichment programme, we aim to nurture confident, compassionate and ambitious young people who live out Gospel Values, serve others, embrace new opportunities and develop the knowledge, skills and qualities needed for the next stage of their education and for life beyond school.

By ensuring enrichment is accessible to all, we seek to enable every child to flourish, fulfil their God-given potential and become the person God calls them to be.

"For we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

This belief underpins our commitment to enrichment, ensuring that every child is given opportunities to discover, develop and share their God-given gifts for the good of others and the wider world.

Enrichment at English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School

At English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School, we are committed to providing all pupils with purposeful, high-quality enrichment experiences that broaden horizons and create opportunities beyond the taught curriculum. We believe that every child deserves access to enrichment that develops character, curiosity, resilience and cultural capital. Through a wide range of experiences, we encourage all pupils to embrace challenge, discover new interests and realise their full potential.

In line with our Catholic ethos and Mission Statement, we recognise that every child is uniquely created and loved by God. We firmly believe that no child should be disadvantaged in accessing enrichment opportunities due to economic or personal circumstances. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to discover and develop their God-given talents, use them in the service of others and contribute positively to their community and the wider world.

We provide a rich programme of enrichment opportunities through the five key areas identified within the DfE Enrichment Framework, alongside a distinctive strand of Faith and Service, reflecting our Catholic identity.

Our Enrichment Provision

 

Key Area	Examples of Provision
Faith & Service	Prayer and Liturgy at the heart of school life, shaping and sustaining our Catholic identity. Chaplaincy Team. Charity fundraising and outreach initiatives. Opportunities to learn about, celebrate and respect different faiths and cultures. Supporting one another in our faith journeys through shared worship while recognising and respecting individual experiences.
Civic Engagement	Chaplaincy Team. School Council. Eco-Council. Digital Leaders. Reading Buddies. Participation in the Lancashire Great Debate.
Arts & Culture	Dance Club. Museum visits. iRock music programme. Choir. Participation in annual Let’s Go Sing! Regular art focus days linked to wider curriculum learning. Long-term projects with local artists. Visits from published authors.
Nature, Outdoors & Adventure	Outdoor Learning Day. Regular outdoor learning opportunities. Gardening activities. Year 6 residential visit. Participation in environmental projects such as the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and Great Plastic Count. Promoting sustainable travel, including walking where appropriate. Eco Club. Astronomy Club CAFOD's Live Simply initiative.
Sport & Physical Activity	A variety of free sporting clubs including: Dance Club, Football Club, Fly Football Club, Girls’ Football, Running Club. Participation in local competitions and events, including the annual Dance Festival and Fairtrade Friendly Football events. Sports Days. Bikeability in Key Stage 2. Weekly yoga lessons for every pupil.
Developing Wider Life & Future Skills	Development of Catholic Social Teaching through serving others locally and globally. Digital literacy and online safety. Developing financial awareness and money management skills. Class fundraising to support educational visits. Fundraising for charities chosen by pupils. Experiences of cooking and food preparation. Practical experiences of shopping, budgeting and making informed purchasing decisions. Everyday life experiences, including road safety, posting letters and visiting the Post Office. Opportunities to use public transport and purchase tickets independently where appropriate.

Equality of Access

At English Martyrs', we believe enrichment should be accessible to all. Wherever possible, enrichment activities and extra-curricular clubs are provided free of charge or are significantly subsidised. We actively seek ways to remove barriers to participation so that all children can benefit from the opportunities offered, regardless of their circumstances.

Extra-curricular clubs at English Martyrs' are provided free of charge and are led by dedicated staff who generously give their time to support the children and families within our school community.

Enrichment for Pupils with SEND

At English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child is uniquely created and loved by God and should be able to participate fully in the life of our school community. We are committed to ensuring that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have equitable access to enrichment opportunities and are supported to achieve success alongside their peers.

We recognise that enrichment plays a vital role in developing confidence, independence, communication skills, resilience, friendships and a sense of belonging. Through carefully planned support and reasonable adaptations, we strive to remove barriers to participation and enable all pupils to experience the benefits of enrichment.

This may include:

• Adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Providing additional adult support where appropriate.
• Using visual, practical and sensory approaches to enhance participation.
• Offering opportunities for leadership, responsibility and pupil voice.
• Ensuring educational visits, residential experiences and extra-curricular activities are accessible to all pupils.
• Supporting the development of social communication, emotional wellbeing and independence through enrichment activities.
• Working closely with families to understand and meet individual needs.
• Celebrating the unique strengths, interests and talents of every child.
• Providing opportunities for success that build self-esteem, confidence and aspirations.
• Ensuring all pupils feel valued, included and able to contribute to school life.

Through our inclusive approach, we aim to ensure that all pupils, regardless of need or disability, can develop their God-given talents, build meaningful relationships, contribute to school life and flourish as valued members of God's family.