We’ve reached the end of another great activities week! It’s been a privilege to visit activities and take in the huge range on offer to our students, from the creative to the technical, practical, theoretical and physical, here at the Academy, out in the local community, or further afield. Our Year 10 students have been completing their week-long work experience placements, whilst residential trips this year have included the surf trip to Cornwall, a stay in London, the History trip to Belgium, the Gospel Choir Tour to Austria, the Spanish trip to Barcelona, and the Geography trip to the Azores. The Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition went to Dartmoor, and the Gold expedition left today for Snowdonia!

The aim of Activities Week is to provide students with experiences beyond the classroom which enrich and extend their education. We know that the taught curriculum – the lessons the students have day in day out through the year – is the core of our work, but we also know that this broader offer is a vital part of our mission as a school. The activities build skills such as teamwork, problem solving, creativity, leadership, confidence and positivity. Past students often tell us that the memories made on Activities Week are those that stay with them the longest, and we’re proud to provide these opportunities for students.

Below are just a few pictures from Activities Week 2018. We don’t have all the pictures back from the foreign trips yet – they will be added to the gallery on the Academy website when we get them!

Of course, the week wouldn’t happen without the dedication and commitment of all the staff, and the students who also commit themselves fully to their experience. Special mention must go to Miss Thorne in the finance office, and to Mrs Cadman who coordinates the whole week. Thank you!