Enrichment

ODA Charter

At Ormiston Denes Academy, we strive for excellence in all we do, creating a warm, inclusive and orderly environment where ‘The Denes Way’—aspiration, integrity, respect, and kindness—is lived daily. Our high expectations reflect our belief in doing the everyday things well. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to support students in becoming confident, happy learners with a passion for growth. Through a rich and varied curriculum, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in education, training, or employment.

We believe that curriculum enrichment enhances this journey by broadening horizons, nurturing ambition, and helping each student discover their unique path. Enrichment focuses on learning and experience that extends beyond the standard curriculum, helping young people cultivate broader interests, passions, and character that will serve them throughout adulthood. 

The wide range of knowledge and skills gained through our curriculum, is a gateway for students to progress to the next phase of their education, training or employment and we believe that enriching this curriculum is key to unlocking students’ future potential. Not only will we ensure your child has the foundations of knowledge and understanding required to engage with, and pursue, their learning to whatever level they may wish, but we will encourage our students to be ambitious for themselves, their family and their community and aim high in the classroom, in enrichment activities and in life beyond school.  

At Ormiston Denes Academy, our core values—aspiration, integrity, and respect—shape a culture where students and staff thrive both personally and professionally. We place the child at the heart of every decision, uphold high standards in all we do, and prioritise strong relationships built on care, support, and challenge. 

Curriculum enrichment plays a vital role in bringing our ethos to life. It fosters confidence, resilience, and ambition, helping students connect learning to real-world experiences. By working in partnership with families and the wider community, we ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and discover their full potential.

We will work tirelessly to ensure your child is safe, happy and successful. Enrichment at Ormiston Denes Academy is about enhancing opportunities for our students to develop themselves beyond what is required of them by the national curriculum and motivate them to enjoy new forms of learning.

Through the wealth of activities on offer we ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover and develop existing and new talents and interests as well as reminding them that learning can be fun.

Enrichment is about balancing the learning experience of the ‘whole child’, ensuring that our students not only perform well academically but that they improve their independent learning skills so that when they leave the academy they do so with the ability to enjoy and continue their learning journey.

Enrichment is about equipping our students for the future.

What is the ODA Enrichment Charter? 

Enrichment lies at the heart of everything we do across the Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) family. At Ormiston Denes Academy, one of our core aims is to provide life-enhancing experiences for all pupils. This Enrichment Charter outlines the entitlement that every student at Ormiston Denes Academy can expect—and deserves—as a valued member of our school community. 

What do we mean by ‘Curriculum Entitlement’?  

At Ormiston Denes, enrichment is far more than just our clubs, sports, or adventure activities. Students are entitled to enriching experiences delivered through lessons across the academic year and throughout each student’s journey at the academy. Enrichment empowers students to achieve a deeper mastery of knowledge and skills, going beyond the standard curriculum to foster a richer and more meaningful learning experience. 

Enrichment plays a vital role in shaping the present and future wellbeing, health, and life chances of our young people. It offers students opportunities to engage in learning at a different—and often higher—level. Through this curriculum entitlement, set out in the ODA Enrichment Charter, we affirm our commitment to ensuring that our high-quality curriculum is complemented by a high-quality enrichment programme, provided as standard for all students. 

Will my child still be able to choose additional enrichment opportunities? 

In short yes, the ODA Enrichment Charter sets out the minimum entitlement students at ODA can expect. This is not a limit, and students will be offered a range of wider opportunities, such as clubs, sporting teams and experiences that they may choose to participate in.  

Your child’s education, though important, is not just grades and exams — it’s about nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The ODA Enrichment Charter is the key to unlocking these qualities. It goes beyond the standard curriculum to offer experiences that inspire deeper learning, critical thinking, and real-world skills. 

What are the 6 Pillars of Enrichment? 

Across Ormiston Academy Trust, enrichment activities are set out against 6 pillars as the basis for their Enrichment Charters. No two enrichment charter will be the same, but what holds them together is the steadfast commitment to provide a high-quality programme of enrichment to all students across the OAT family. 

Enrichment Coordinator

Enrichment is coordinated by Mr M Armstrong and run collectively by both staff and students. To contact us at Ormiston Denes Academy about our enrichment programme please email [email protected].

Lunchtime and after school clubs and activities

We run an extensive range of lunchtime and after-school enrichment activities for students to choose from. Students can just turn up to clubs – no need to book. 

Ormiston Denes Academy students are encouraged to participate in as many clubs and activities as possible. This is both to broaden experiences – providing students with additional opportunities to discover something new, and to strengthen understanding – spending additional time on a subject they are interested in or need extra support with.

We are always reviewing and updating our clubs and activities offer, so please feedback to us with any further opportunities you would like to be considered.

Enrichment Coordinator

Enrichment is coordinated by Mr M Armstrong and run collectively by both staff and students. To contact us at Ormiston Denes Academy about our enrichment programme please email [email protected].

Lunchtime and after school clubs and activities

We run an extensive range of lunchtime and after-school enrichment activities for students to choose from. Students can just turn up to clubs – no need to book. 

Ormiston Denes Academy students are encouraged to participate in as many clubs and activities as possible. This is both to broaden experiences – providing students with additional opportunities to discover something new, and to strengthen understanding – spending additional time on a subject they are interested in or need extra support with.

We are always reviewing and updating our clubs and activities offer, so please feedback to us with any further opportunities you would like to be considered.

ODA Charter – Year 7Download
ODA Charter – Year 8Download
ODA Charter – Year 9Download
ODA Charter – Year 10Download
ODA Charter – Year 11Download

Enrichment Days at Ormiston Denes Academy

At Ormiston Denes Academy, enrichment is central to the educational experience we provide. As part of the wider Ormiston Academy Trust, we are committed to offering every student life‑enhancing opportunity that extends learning beyond the classroom. One of the ways we do this is through our Enrichment Days, designed to inspire, challenge, and broaden the horizons of our students.

What Are Enrichment Days?

Enrichment Days are specially organised curriculum experiences that allow students to explore new ideas, develop essential skills, and engage in meaningful activities that support their academic and personal growth. These days form a planned and formal part of your child’s learning journey.

Many of the activities also incorporate Careers Education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning, reflecting our commitment to preparing students for future education, training, and employment.

Attendance and Expectations

Enrichment Days are normal school days, and all students are required to attend. Usual expectations regarding uniform, equipment, behaviour, and participation apply. Non-attendance will be recorded as unauthorised absence.

To ensure the highest quality of experiences, the academy tries to cover all costs, allowing every student to take part without financial barriers. Any exceptions to this will be communicated to parents prior to the enrichment event.

Our Enrichment Values

Enrichment days at Ormiston Denes Academy reflects our core values and the ethos of “The Denes Way”:

  • Striving for excellence in all aspects of school life.
  • Creating a warm, inclusive, and orderly environment.
  • Living by aspiration, integrity, respect, and kindness.
  • Maintaining high expectations and doing everyday things well.
  • Providing dedicated staff who support confident, happy learners.

The Enrichment Days also reflect our Curriculum Beliefs

We believe that:

  • A rich, varied curriculum builds knowledge and skills for future success
  • Enrichment broadens horizons and nurtures ambition.
  • Learning experiences should extend beyond the standard classroom curriculum.
  • Every opportunity helps students grow their interests, passions, and character as they prepare for adulthood.

Supporting Students Through Change

We understand that changes to routine can be challenging for some students. To support this:

  • Enrichment Day timetables and activity details will be shared during assemblies.
  • Year teams and form tutors will be on hand all day to provide additional reassurance and guidance.
  • Staff will be available to answer questions and help students feel prepared.

If you have any concerns or would like further information about Enrichment Days, please contact your child’s Head of Year in the first instance.

The Spring Activities Programme 2026 is below.

There are various activities available throughout the school holidays, who also give students enrichment opportunities and experiences. Listed below are some links and information about opportunities and availability.

Holiday Activities and Food programme The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) offers a range of free holiday activities and clubs across East Suffolk.

The local programme is for children (5-16) who are eligible for benefits-related school meals, vulnerable or who may have additional needs and would benefit from accessing the programme. The programme also provides a meal for participants.

HAF runs over Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays and funding currently expires in March 2025. To find out what programmes are running in your area, please go to booking platform Eequ to view different activities available and to book. There is an interactive map and a search function on Eequ. The booking process asks about eligibility i.e. Free School Meals or other qualifying factors.

Are you eligible for Free School Meals? Check here: Apply for free school meals – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Programmes will also try and provide information about other things that may be helpful – e.g. food pantries nearby.

HAF – Parents explainer – with Eequ infoDownload