Aims and Objectives
Our offer of trips and activities is designed to enhance WALK where wisdom, aspirations, learning well together and kindness can be developed and realised.
Year 7 ‘Kindness’
In Year 7, students are new to the school, and we aim our focus on kindness and diversity. We welcome each and every one and introduce them to the origins of St. Aidan and the school’s Church Foundation with a visit to Northumberland and Holy Island. Students will work well with others in their new form and the trip is designed to help with transition; they can get to know staff, build relationships, and begin to develop the skills necessary for success at their new secondary school.
Year 8 ‘Learning well together’
Year 8 is an opportunity for students to put good relationships at the heart of our community. WALK days are organised so that students can take part in charity events, sporting activities and other themes based around their social development and PSHE studies. On one of their WALK days, they go together as a year group to watch and support the school show. Year 8 students can also take part in the Junior Band and String Ensemble Junior Music residential in York. There is also the Marrick Priory visit and Great Yorkshire Show.
Year 9 ‘Aspiration’
In Year 9, we offer students an opportunity to further their experiences. There are a variety of opportunities to suit different interests including a UK based sports trip where boys and girls can train at professional clubs and compete against opposition from different areas of the country. Students are also able to attend a trip to London to experience the culture, history and sites of our capital city. For those students who prefer a more active outdoor experience, we also offer the choice of attending an outdoor education centre led by PGL to take part in a variety of exciting and challenging experiences. For those students who choose not to go on one of these trips, a range of fun activities will be organised in and around school at this time.
Year 10 ‘Wisdom’
Students start their GCSE studies in Year 10 and have a focus on learning all that they can about the world and how to live well in it. Year 10 is an opportunity to discover new interests, talents and enthusiasms. Many of our students choose to take part in the bronze Duke of Edinburgh Scheme involving leadership, volunteering and expedition.
Year 11 ‘Celebration’
By Year 11, our students will be working hard responding well to challenges and achieving the best they can. The year group celebrate the culmination of a rich and varied journey in school by attending Year 11 Prom based in Constance Green Hall. This is followed by a final iconic visit to canoe the Ardeche gorge in southern France where our Year 11 students can enjoy and reflect on five years of friendship in our St. Aidan’s community under the Mediterranean sun.