Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that simple word - extra”
Extra Curricular Activities
‘The range of activities on offer, and the way in which the school encourages participation
in these, help pupils to become active and responsible citizens.’ – Ofsted Sept 2016
There is a wealth of opportunity for learning experiences beyond the normal curriculum. Here
are some examples of the different activities that we provide.
Showtime! – a chance for singers, musicians, dancers and actors to showcase their talent.
PE sports activities a range of activities each year including football, netball, swimming,
table tennis, basketball
Read it, watch it – compare the film to the book
Debating – opportunity to improve communication and debating skills and work towards
regional and national competitions.
Art – develop your artistic skills
Craft Club – Get creative and learn how to use different craft skills which to make fabulous
products.
Chess Club
Prayer - opportunity for all students and staff to take part in the Catholic life of the school.
To come together in prayer three times a week and get ready for the day ahead
Geography Club and History Workshops
Science Club - experiments, science skills and a bit of gardening too!
Computing Club
Please click here for an updated list of activities that are on offer this term
“Performing Arts is a great way for students to gain confidence and try new things e.g.
Showtime is an event where students can shocase their dance, drama and musical
talents.” – Year 8 pupil
Reasons why pupils should get involved in extra-curricular activities?
Improve your academic performance
Make new friends with people who have a similar interest
Improve your social skills
Learn new skills
Extend your knowledge and understanding
When applying to schools and colleges it shows that you are an interesting person – they
like to know how you spend your free time.
“Being part of the school football team is amazing because I like to develop my skills,
improve my teamwork and get the opportunity to represent my school whilst doing
something I love”. Year 7 pupil
Birmingham Catholic Secondary Schools Events
Pupils at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School get to represent their school at a range of different
events and competitions throughout the year alongside other secondary schools from
Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry. These events are great opportunities for our pupils to
perform and compete against the best students from 12 secondary schools. This helps to improve
their performance and inspires them to aim higher.
Here are some of the events that pupils will be taking part in this academic year:
Performing Arts Event
KS3 and KS4 Maths Challenge
KS3 and KS4 Public Speaking Competition
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Event
Swimming Gala
Chess Competition
PE Events (a range of competitions throughout the year)
A wide range of enrichment activities support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural
development of pupils effectively. These activities include trips and visits, including
visits to science museums, a retreat in France and a visit to Oxford University for the
most able. Pupils can also enter inter-school sporting as well as debating competitions
or musical and drama performances. Ofsted Sept 2016
We promote healthy competition across the school with our House System. All pupils represent
their house group which helps to develop a team spirit e.g. Sports Day.
Educational Visits and Trips
Many educational visits take place every year at various times, to a diverse range of locations.
These specialist trips are aimed to educate, inspire and provide new experiences for our pupils
including:
Paris – ‘Maths is Everywhere’ – visit one of the world’s greatest capital cities whilst
improving your understanding of Maths.
London – be inspired by the world of Science
Retreats to numerous pastoral centres including Savio House and Alton Castle
Trips to Oxford University for the most able pupils
Theatre visits to gain a better understanding of set texts in English and Drama
Shakespearience – a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon.
a visit to the British Science Festival at Birmingham University for the most able Scientists
Birmingham Through the Ages – understand the history of the city that you live in.
as part of the Arts Across the City trip, Year 7 students attend a concert at Symphony Hall
in the International Convention Centre
“Having the opportunity to perform a duet during Mass gave me an immense confidence
boost. I loved that I got to exhibit my talent infront of the whole school at such a sacred
time” – Year 7 pupil
The Pupil Pledge
We feel so strongly that all pupils deserve the opportunity to have their lives enriched with a
variety of different opportunities and activities that we have designed with our pupils a Pupil
Pledge consisting of 15 things that pupils should do before leaving the school.
Pupil Pledge
Things you should do before leaving school …
1. Take part in a residential trip.
2. Take part in charity work or a fundraising activity.
3. Take on a leadership role.
4. Help to make a change in your community.
5. Visit an art gallery/museum.
6. See a production at a theatre or attend a concert.
7. Attend a regional/national sporting event.
8. Take part in a performance.
9. Take part in a liturgy.
10. See the sea.
11. Climb a mountain.
12. Represent your house.
13. Represent your school.
14. Visit a place of non-Christian worship.
15. Visit a place of further or higher education.
When pupils start school, staff give them a ‘pupil pledge’ that lists 15 ‘things you
should do before leaving school’. This pledge includes activities such as ‘take part in
a residential trip’, ‘help to make a change in your community’, and ‘visit a place of
non-Christian worship’. – Ofsted Sept 2016