Sandringham School
At Sandringham we believe there is no limit to what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.
World Class Initiatives at Sandringham
Staff are encouraged to pursue World Class Initiatives for the benefit of students at the school and we believe there is no limit to what can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Students have numerous opportunities to develop beyond the confines of the classroom through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
STEM
This has been a significant area of focus for many years. We have learnt that building momentum and aspiration is key to encouraging young people to consider future careers in STEM subjects. Each year we run a whole-school activity, usually during British Science Week, to provide a common learning activity whereby students have can share experiences and enjoy something collectively. Examples of these include making contact with Tim Peake on the ISS and shared across our network which allowed all students to enjoy the technical challenge of talking to an astronaut travelling at 27km/h, launching a high-altitude balloon into near space again followed by all students across the network and having every student and member of staff plant at least one sapling in the Heartwood Forest to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. We have another challenge lined up for 2019 which might result in a World Record being achieved. During British Science week we participate in the Big Bang Fair and run a Chemistry Show for junior school students. The school has an active amateur radio club who make contact with people from around the World. Other aspects of STEM include the Space education quality mark (https://www.stem.org.uk/esero/space-education-quality-mark), regular participation in the UKMT Maths Challenge and winning the Pearson Teaching award for STEM in 2017.
Sport
Sport is a key feature of the curriculum at Sandringham and all students follow PE as an examination subject to the end of KS4. This provides students with a greater understanding about health and fitness, how to look after themselves and also maximise enjoyment in sport. The sports department deliver an exceptional extra-curricular programme of games across a wide range of sports. Key emphasis is on providing opportunities for all to participate if they wish. As a result of this level of activity, the school has been awarded the School Games Platinum accreditation (https://www.yourschoolgames.com/impact/news/school-games-crowns-first-set-platinum-mark-winners/)
Arts
The arts provision at Sandringham School collaborates with many external agencies at a local, county, national and international level. Collaborations include curriculum enhancement opportunities, external experiences (workshops, performances, work experience), masterclasses and qualifications. The work of our Arts faculties has been recognised by The Stage (Finalist School of the Year 2018), National Teaching Awards (Silver Award for Team of the Year) and through our current Platinum Artsmark status. Typical student activities include the Gambia Memory Project, exhibiting in the Mall Gallery, and numerous music tours across Europe. The school runs a number of major shows each year including ‘Velocity’ which showcases the dance across the curriculum.
International
The school is involved in exchange visits with Spain, France, Germany, Singapore and the Gambia. We invest heavily in International Links and encourage students to develop a love for languages and international affairs. Each year the International Evening is a celebration of the variety of cultures across the school. Students perform in different languages and use this as a platform to educate the audience.
Wider opportunities
We run a High Starters Programme to challenge students a in range of activities. Examples of this include University Visits for all students, training a number of students as Youth Health Champions, running an annual Mental Health Conference for the community and delivering the Brilliant Club for less advantaged students.
