How does extra-curricular provision work at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys?

At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our extra-curricular and enrichment programme offers students access to a wide variety of choice which is vital to their overall growth and development. Broad extra-curricular choices nurture well-rounded, adaptable individuals by allowing every student—regardless of their starting point—to discover new passions, develop key practical and social skills, build confidence and resilience, and enhance both their physical and mental well-being. It also prepares them for life beyond school by fostering leadership, teamwork, and active citizenship.

Our provision is organised around five broad areas:

1. Civic Engagement
2. Arts and Culture
3. Nature, Outdoor and Adventure
4. Sport and Physical Activity
5. Life and Future Skills

Alongside these, we offer co-curricular opportunities that complement and extend students' academic learning. Additionally, throughout the year, departments run subject weeks where students can take part in learning and development opportunities outside the formal curriculum. The include, Humanities Week, Numeracy Week, Literacy Week and Health and Fitness Week.

We aim to provide a broad and inclusive programme that enables students of all backgrounds, abilities and starting points to develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and leadership.

Activities may include sports, creative and academic clubs, competitions, leadership opportunities, cultural experiences, educational visits, careers activities and opportunities to contribute to the school and wider community.

Our offer develops throughout the year in response to student interest, staff expertise and available opportunities. Students and families are regularly informed about what is available, and student voice helps us shape and develop future provision.

Attendance at extra-curricular activities is recorded for safeguarding purposes and to help us understand who is accessing our enrichment offer and who may be missing out.

We review participation across year groups and different student groups, including disadvantaged students and students with SEND. This helps us identify gaps in engagement and consider how barriers to participation can be addressed.

How do we encourage participation?

Students are regularly made aware of opportunities through tutor time, assemblies, departments and encouragement from staff.

We recognise and celebrate participation and achievement, including representing the school, taking part in competitions and performances, and developing leadership skills.

Where students or groups are less likely to participate, staff can provide additional encouragement and support to help them access suitable opportunities.

How do we ensure enrichment is inclusive?

We want every student to benefit from enrichment opportunities. We therefore consider students' different needs and circumstances and pay particular attention to groups who may experience barriers to participation.

Where possible, activities are provided without additional cost to families. Where costs are involved, we consider how financial barriers can be minimised.

Our aim is to ensure that enrichment is inclusive, accessible and representative of our whole school community.

How do we support students who want to go further?

Departments provide opportunities for students to explore their academic interests beyond the taught curriculum. These may include subject-specific clubs, competitions, projects, lectures, visits and other supra-curricular opportunities. Some students take up the opportunity to study Astronomy GCSE or the Level 2 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

As students progress through the school and into Sixth Form, enrichment increasingly supports future aspirations and preparation for further education, higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Our ambition is for students to leave Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys with not only strong academic outcomes, but also the confidence, character, skills and experiences to take advantage of future opportunities.

How do we know our enrichment offer is effective?

We regularly review our enrichment provision to ensure it is broad, inclusive and accessible.

Participation is monitored across year groups and different student groups to identify gaps or barriers to engagement. Student feedback also helps us understand what students value and what additional opportunities they would like.

We use this information to review and adapt our provision, ensuring that students have meaningful opportunities to develop new interests, skills and experiences beyond the classroom.