At St Bernadette’s, enrichment is an important part of bringing our school motto, “Learn to Love, Love to Learn,” to life.
We want every child to have opportunities to discover their gifts and talents, explore new interests and experience the joy of learning beyond the classroom. Through a rich variety of experiences, children are encouraged to try something new, be curious, develop confidence and find activities that inspire and excite them.
Enrichment helps our children to grow as individuals. Whether they are discovering a new talent, performing in front of others, working as part of a team, exploring the outdoors or simply trying something for the first time, these experiences help children develop confidence, resilience, creativity and a love of learning.
Above all, we want our children to leave St Bernadette’s with happy memories, wider experiences and the confidence to recognise that everyone has unique gifts to discover, develop and share with others.
Our Three Enrichment Days
Throughout the year, our three special enrichment days — October Unplugged, Joy in January and Play in May — give children opportunities to step away from the usual school routine, try something different and enjoy learning in new ways. Each day has its own focus, but all three are designed to promote wellbeing, creativity, curiosity, friendship and fun, while giving children experiences and memories to share.
🍂 October Unplugged
October Unplugged encourages children to switch off from screens and rediscover the enjoyment that comes from creating, talking, playing, exploring and spending time together. Children take part in a range of hands-on activities, encouraging them to use their imaginations, cooperate with others and discover new interests. It reminds us that some of the best learning happens when we are actively involved, exploring and connecting with the people and world around us.
🌈 Joy in January
January can sometimes feel like a long and challenging month, so Joy in January is dedicated to promoting happiness, positive mental health, wellbeing and togetherness across our school community. Children enjoy a wide variety of experiences, including dance and music, creative and sensory activities, active play, imaginative play, cosy movie moments and special surprise activities. Importantly, children themselves help to shape the day, making Joy in January something that is created with our pupils, not simply for them.
☀️ Play in May
Play in May celebrates something that is fundamental to childhood: the freedom and joy of play. Through active, imaginative, creative, outdoor and collaborative experiences, children have opportunities to make choices, solve problems, take appropriate risks and learn alongside friends. Play helps children develop much more than practical skills. It builds communication, independence, resilience, teamwork and confidence, while giving children the freedom to follow their interests and simply enjoy being together.
Together, October Unplugged, Joy in January and Play in May ensure that enrichment is not an ‘extra’ at St Bernadette’s. These special days are part of our commitment to nurturing the whole child and ensuring that every pupil has opportunities to discover what brings them joy, what they are good at and what they might love to explore next. During these days, very child is also offered a free school dinner, helping to ensure the day is inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone.
The response from our families has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents describing children coming home excited to talk about their experiences and highlighting the positive impact of the days on friendships, happiness and mental health.