Enrichment

“There is an exceptionally high participation rate in the outstanding range of clubs and out of school activities.” Ofsted - 2023

Expeditions and Enrichment Days

We have six enrichment days on three occasions throughout the academic year. Each year group has their own bespoke provision to ensure they experience opportunities linked to the curriculum. Every student is expected to engage in this provision, which reinforces our aims and ethos. We are committed to ensure all our students have a universal offer that includes visits to places of worship, first aid training in Year 8 and 11, outdoor education visits, careers days and visits to universities, art galleries and the theatre.

Enrichment Days 2026/27

We are proud to include a range of enrichment opportunities as part of our curriculum. At The Castle School each student participates in two enrichment days per term as part of their school journey; usually, one day is spent in school participating in off-timetable activities, and the other entails an external visit. 

These visits are planned very carefully. We want students to learn, have fun and gain important life experiences. Our values are at the core of the programme; together, these activities encourage students to achieve their true potential, participate fully, and enjoy a strong sense of belonging. 

Below is the planned enrichment schedule for 2026/27. This is subject to confirmation but is a typical example of the enrichment programme that a student may experience in their time at the school: 

We ask for termly parent donations to these trips, to cover costs such as coach hire and entrance fees. Unfortunately, the enrichment programme would not be sustainable without these contributions. Please be assured that we always ask for the bare minimum to cover the direct costs of the trip. 

Students in receipt of the Pupil Premium have the costs of their enrichment days paid for from school funds. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible for the Pupil Premium, please email office@castle.bep.ac and we will be able to advise. 

From parent feedback we have received, advance notice of the trips and costs is appreciated. If you would like to discuss a payment plan to spread the cost of enrichment days, please contact the office and we will try to accommodate whatever arrangement suits you. We are able to easily set up a monthly payment for parents within the Arbor shop, which some people may find convenient. 

We would also like to let you know that we will not be asking for donations towards any subjects in 2026/27; we are eager to avoid asking for donations whenever possible; thankfully for the upcoming year we will be able to cover the costs of teaching materials from our school budget.