Not only does The Abbey School provide all of our pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum but we also make sure that there are diverse and exciting extra-curricular opportunities available consistently throughout the academic year, providing activities that offer enrichment whilst enhancing their learning experience. The programme available changes throughout the year and is designed to allow every young person to access this area of school life.
Extracurricular activities provide adolescents with a number of positive personal and interpersonal developmental experiences. Studies have shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities had greater positive general self-worth and social self-concept than those that don't [Bloomfield and Barber, 2011]. Furthermore, other benefits of participating in extracurricular activities include better grades, improved attendance, improved leadership and teamwork, and increases students' connectedness with the school community [Wilson, 2009]. Finally, it permits students to apply the knowledge acquired in formal courses and to acquire concepts of democratic life.
At The Abbey School, we are aware of the benefits of promoting extracurricular activities and since the pandemic, this has been the first opportunity to relaunch our clubs and offer more students the tools so they can be the best they can be.
We will work hard to update and advise of any changes that might occur, however, there is a possibility that certain clubs may be formed in the middle of a term and, likewise, some may be postponed of cancelled mid-term.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award giving millions of 14 to 24 year olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be.
At The Abbey School we offer participation in the Awards to all students in Years 9, 10, 12 and 13. Students need to be 14+ to start the award at Bronze, 15+ for Silver and 16+ for Gold. We currently have 140 pupils and ex-pupils working towards their awards.
In order to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award four sections have to be completed: Physical, Skills, Volunteering and Expedition. For the Gold Award there is a residential section too. Expeditions take place during the Spring and Summer terms. Participants arrange to complete the other sections of the award themselves, following their interest areas or discovering new ones.
More information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award can be found by following the link to their website. http://www.dofe.org/