Extra-curricular and enrichment programme
At Ridgeway Academy, students have access to extra-curricular clubs from across many subjects as well as through the House System and other whole school enrichment programmes. The school runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze Level, and has offered expeditions overseas through Camps International.
The PE Department has an extensive enrichment programme offered to ALL students across the school. During the week there is a regular programme of well supported clubs and activities competing in a variety of inter-school sport competitions ranging from local, regional and national competitions. The PE department supports this with inter-house competitions in a range of activities.
The department also offers clubs to encourage a greater number of students to just simply enjoy taking part in physical activity in order to improve their individual performance and understanding of the importance of physical activity. The PE Department has been recognised for their commitment to school sport through achieving the Gold School Games Mark.
The department organises a Mental Health week offering activities to encourage and promote mental health in young people. The week will culminate in a whole school Charity ‘Ridgeway Run’ challenging students to participate in a 5K multi-terrain run around the local area while also raising money for worthy causes.
The PE Department also takes part in many enriching sporting experiences, for example, trips to watch sporting events and sports tours abroad. At Ridgeway Academy we feel strongly that these trips are a valuable part of the students’ whole school experience and entitlement. Aside from encouraging positive and rewarding relationships with other students and staff, these experiences make students feel a part of our school and it develops their sense of belonging and pride. There is also an annual gym and dance display and sports presentation evening.
In addition, the department raises money for several national charity initiatives. Most recently they organised Sport Relief Week 2020, raising £4,332.33. Over the past 6 years (remembering that Sports Relief takes place every other year; 3 Sport Relief weeks, ONLY 15 days) Ridgeway has raised an incredible £8,222.28.
Finally, the PE Department runs a very successful Sports Leadership Academy, striving to give all students the following opportunities:
- Year 12 Sports Leaders– working towards gaining a Sports Leaders Qualification.
- Year 10 Gold Ambassadors– focus on in-house leadership and developing their leadership skills, following a scheme of work across the academic year.
- Year 9 Silver Ambassadors– work in the local primary schools and introduction to leadership skills, following a scheme of work across the academic year.
- Year 9 Emerald Ambassadors– focus on improving behaviour and confidence within school and introduction to leadership skills, leading inter-form competitions for Years 7 and 8.
- Year 8 & 9 Inclusion Champions – Hertfordshire are developing a new strand of leadership to support and develop opportunities for more students of varying abilities. This is a brand-new opportunity which is a county approach to promote and engage mainstream leadership using additional needs and disabilities as the delivery mechanism – to develop physical activities for pupils who do not normally take part or have additional needs themselves.
- Sports Leaders– Across Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 a variety of students assist events with our primary schools and Level 2 Secondary Competitions.
If you have any queries or questions relating to Sports Leadership, please contact Mr S Cooper, Head of the Sports Leadership Academy.
