GREAT Fridays Talent and enrichment

GREAT Fridays go beyond academic subjects. They provide all pupils with opportunities to develop wider skills, explore personal interests and take part in enriching experiences that may not always be available within the core timetable.

Every Friday, pupils participate in a structured programme of Talent and Enrichment activities designed to promote independence, confidence, creativity, physical wellbeing and engagement with the wider world.

Purpose of GREAT Fridays

GREAT Fridays are designed to:

develop pupils’ individual talents and interests
build confidence, communication and teamwork
support physical and emotional wellbeing
promote independence and life skills
encourage community participation and real world learning
widen pupils’ experiences beyond the classroom

These sessions play a key role in supporting pupils’ personal development and preparation for adulthood.

Why We Run GREAT Fridays

Many Talent and Enrichment activities traditionally take place through after school clubs. Due to the wide geographical area from which our pupils are transported, offering extended day provision is not always possible.

GREAT Fridays ensure that all pupils can still access a rich and varied programme of extracurricular experiences within the school day, regardless of travel arrangements.

This approach guarantees equality of opportunity and enables every pupil to take part in activities that enhance their learning, wellbeing and future readiness.

What Pupils Take Part In

Across the year, pupils can access a wide range of carefully planned activities, including:

sport and fitness
outdoor learning and Forest School
creative arts and crafts
cooking and enterprise projects
computing and media
community visits and travel training
sensory development
school newspaper and leadership opportunities

Activities are adapted to meet individual needs and are matched to pupils’ interests, abilities and aspirations.

Progression Across Key Stages

Our GREAT Fridays programme is planned to ensure progression as pupils move through the school.

Younger pupils are supported to explore new interests, try different activities and develop confidence, while older pupils build on these experiences through increased independence, responsibility and preparation for life beyond school.