In addition to the academic curriculum, at Erkenwald Campus we offer students the chance to take part in a range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities. These are a great way of building confidence, friendships and skills, and of fostering links with the wider community.
All of our students are actively encouraged to participate in all the activities listed below except for volunteering as a support in primary schools, which must be linked to a post-16 choice. End-of-term trips are a reward for the previous term and are linked to good attendance and our reward system.
During their initial meeting at Erkenwald Campus, we ask parents/carers to sign a consent form that covers most of these activities, and we keep them up-to-date about forthcoming trips and activities via termly newsletters and letters home. Most of our trips are free but where there is a small cost, we ask that parents/carers send the appropriate amount in an envelope (with their child’s name on the front) to the school office.
Outdoor pursuits – At the nearby Stubbers Activity and Adventure Centre, students can take part in: archery, rifle shooting, paintball, 4x4 driving, raft- and team-building exercises, climbing and other activities.
Trips – There are curriculum, end-of-term and reward trips throughout the school year. These have included: visits to the cinema and an adventure playground, the Sea Life Adventure Aquarium, Colchester and London Zoos, the London Dungeon, Jumping Giants trampoline park, as well as ten-pin bowling sessions. End-of-term trips are linked to good attendance in the previous term and the campus’ reward system.
School Council – Students are voted on to the school council and represent the student voice in Erkenwald Campus. The council votes on how funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation is spent and which sports activities to have on campus. Student council members also represent Erkenwald when guests visit us.
Art – KS3 students have an art session on a weekly basis at Mayesbrook Park Campus, and a small group are studying towards their Art GCSE there.
Flexible Learning vocational courses – These are offered to students where our GCSE offer is not appropriate, or a student wants to take a subject not offered at Erkenwald. There are also opportunities for students who have aspirations to work with animals to gain a qualification to take part in activities at Well Gate Farm or Capel Manor Farm.
Personal health and social education – Students can find out about a range of personal health and social education topics through this collaboration between the school nurse and Subwise, a free and confidential, local drug and alcohol service for young people aged six to 21 and their families.
Circus skills - These are delivered on site by a professional clown. The aim of the course is to encourage students to explore new hobbies and interests whilst at the same time developing their confidence.