The Dickens Heath Dozen

Throughout their time at Dickens Heath, we ensure that all children experience the Dickens Heath Dozen as part of their ‘life ready opportunities’ which act as both a mirror and window on the world.  These are a set of experiences and memory-building activities that broaden pupils’ horizons, promote high aspirations and allow them to positively contribute to the community to which they belong.  

Our intentions:

1. Experience outdoor learning

Pupils experience outdoor learning that inspires curiosity and wonder, helping them grow in confidence, resilience, and a love of exploration. 

2. Learn to place an instrument

Pupils learn to play an instrument, nurturing creativity, perseverance, and a lifelong love of music.

3. Experience live music/theatre

Pupils develop appreciation for the arts, diverse voices and viewpoints, enriching cultural understanding.

4. Perform on stage

Pupils share work, stories, music or drama with classmates, parents or a wider audience to develop confidence, communication and respect for others’ voices.

5. Visit an historical site

Pupils develop respect for history, culture and diversity while broadening aspirations and curiosity about the wider world.

6. Participate in a sports festival

Pupils take part in team events and healthy competition, learning fair play, teamwork, resilience, and how to win or lose with integrity. 

7. Work with an author or illustrator

Pupils work with an author or illustrator, developing creativity, confidence, and communication skills while bringing ideas to life and gaining inspiration from experienced storytellers and artists.

8. Publish a book

Pupils publish a book, developing creativity, perseverance, and confidence as they turn their ideas into something lasting and share their voices with others.

9. Create artwork for an exhibition

Pupils create artwork for an exhibition that celebrates imagination and self-expression, inspiring confidence, pride, and a lasting appreciation of the arts.

10. Visit a place of worship

Pupils visit a place of worship, developing respect, curiosity, and understanding while exploring different beliefs and traditions and reflecting on their own values.

11. Do charitable work

Pupils plan/take part in fundraising and charitable acts for a cause of importance to the school community

12. Leave a legacy

Pupils leave a legacy by taking on leadership and nurturing roles, developing responsibility, confidence, and empathy while making a positive, lasting impact on their school community.

Dickens Heath Primary School – Wider curriculum Offer

Dickens Heath Primary provides a rich, varied and inclusive enrichment programme to nurture talents, interests, wellbeing and personal development for all pupils.

1. Educational Visits & Residentials

• Frequent class trips and visits that bring learning to life.
• Year 5 and 6 residentials focused on creative arts, outdoor adventure, sport and teamwork.
• Visits support cultural, historical and environmental learning.

2. Volunteering & Leadership Roles

Children are encouraged to volunteer and take responsibility within the school, building trust and cooperation.
Opportunities include:

• School Council representatives
• Digital Leaders
• Playground Leaders
• Librarians
• FS2 buddies
• Eco-buddies

3. Music, Art & Drama

• A wide range of musical opportunities including singing, composing and performing.
• Choir performances, including participation in regional events such as Young Voices.
• Drama performances, including Christmas nativities and end of Year 6 productions.
• Links with local schools with theatre facilities for larger performances.
• Art Exhibitions displayed in local galleries including the National Trust.

4. PE, Sport & Competitions

• A wide array of sporting opportunities and inter‑school competitions throughout the year.
• Inclusive festivals plus specific sport team matches (football, netball, athletics, rowing etc.).
• Intra‑school competitions and house events that build teamwork and resilience.

5. Extra‑Curricular Clubs

• A regular programme of lunchtime and after‑school clubs that develops specialist interests.
• Offerings include: sport, music, creative arts, science, chess and more.
• Clubs extend learning and provide fun, skill‑building experiences beyond academic hours.

6. Wednesday Enrichment Afternoons

• A weekly enrichment session built into the timetable for all pupils.
• Parents can choose school‑led options, such as cookery, art, music, sport or science — or opt for off‑site activities during this time.

7. Outdoor & Nature‑Based Learning

• The school uses outdoor spaces including a farm and forest school to enrich learning with real‑world, hands‑on experiences.
• Outdoor learning activities such as Bushcraft skills support resilience, independence and creative thinking.
• An onsite farm with animals fosters empathy, responsibility and wellbeing.

8. Visiting Professionals & Workshops

• External visitors — such as authors, artists, musicians, and professionals — lead workshops, talks and themed days.
• These broaden pupils’ perspectives and connect learning with real‑world contexts.

9. Inclusive Participation

• Enrichment is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND, with adjustments to ensure participation in clubs and trips (including 1:1 support where needed).

Why This Matters

Dickens Heath’s enrichment offer:

• Extends learning beyond the classroom through visits, arts, sport, clubs and special events.
• Builds personal attributes such as confidence, teamwork and resilience.
• Reflects the school values of respect, trust, honesty, co‑operation and positivity.
• Promotes healthy, balanced development with regular outdoor, creative and social opportunities.

Wednesday Enrichment Afternoons 

The Wednesday Enrichment Afternoon at Dickens Heath is a structured, inclusive, and flexible opportunity for all pupils to explore interests, develop life skills, and embody the school’s values and commitment to the DHREACH drivers.

Overview

Every Wednesday from 2:00 pm, Dickens Heath Primary School provides a dedicated enrichment session for all pupils. This time is flexible for parents:

• Children may participate in school-based enrichment (chess, cookery, art, music, sport, science)
• Children may attend off-site enrichment activities with parental supervision

This ensures that all pupils access at least one high-quality enrichment opportunity weekly, supporting personal development, social-emotional learning, and our school values.