At Northlands Primary School, we don't just aim to provide our children with an ambitious curriculum, we also aim to provide all children with a rounded, culturally rich education through activities that enhance their learning: we call this 'Enrichment'. 

Enrichment allows children opportunities to try new and varied activities that may not fit into the curriculum, but that develop their character, resilience and motivation, and encourage them to pursue wider goals and possible careers in later life. It helps to teach life skills that benefit children beyond the classroom, and can develop an appreciation for cultural and community issues, teamwork and social responsibility. Research conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation has also found a link between enrichment and higher attainment in reading and maths.

Although there’s no statutory requirement for schools to provide enrichment opportunities, it’s encouraged by the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

Ofsted’s inspection framework emphasises the importance of personal development and extending the curriculum beyond academic achievement.

It assesses schools on whether they:

• Help children develop their interests and talents
• Enable children to develop their character, including resilience, confidence and independence
• Teach children how to keep physically and mentally healthy
• Prepare them for future success
• Equip children to be responsible, respectful and active citizens

Some of this is covered in the National Curriculum, but a lot of it falls under the banner of enrichment.

Please see our 'Enrichment Offer' below.

Our ‘Northlands Character’ offers children the opportunity to explore and express their character and build the skills they need for resilience, empathy and employability.

Research from the EEF suggest that character traits such as self-belief is associated with better performance and good self-control (the ability to regulate) is associated with greater attainment levels. One aspect of the concept of character outlined by the DfE was to see a link between effort in the present and long term pay-off in the longer-term alongside overcoming and persevering through setbacks when encountered.

Based on this research, and tailored to our children, the 'Northlands Character' was created to support pupils to live a fulfilled and successful life whilst contributing positively to society both at our setting and beyond to further education and their future lives and careers.