At Race Leys we share a conviction that great schools are built on rich extra-curricular programmes and high quality pastoral care as well as an inspiring curriculum, expertly taught. We know there are no limits for pupils and staff where commitment and enjoyment go together.

As members of Griffin Schools Trust we share a belief in the three pillars of Proud Traditions, Wide Horizons and High Achievement and this is reflected in the opportunities that provide for our pupils.

Co-Curricular

Every Race Leys child is exposed to an extensive range of curriculum enrichment activities to broaden their experiences. Through academic excursions to museums, theatres, art galleries and sporting events, as well as inviting a number of workshops in to school, we aim to bring to life the subjects being taught in the classroom.

Extra-Curricular

We encourage pupils to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle, making the most of their existing talents as well as exploring new ideas and opportunities. To enable this we provide a rich variety of creative and sporting after school activities:

• music clubs to foster a love and enjoyment of music making
• drama to boost confidence and creativity
• art classes to develop a love and appreciation of the Arts
• sports to build better social interactions through positive team work

To see a full schedule of after school clubs on offer please ask at the school office. All clubs are offered free of charge.

Trust Engagement

Throughout the year there are a number of Trust-wide events that Race Leys takes part in:

There are a variety of exciting sports events throughout the year, fostering competition and teamwork. These include the Griffin Sports Festival held in October, where students compete in track and field, handball, and football showcasing their diverse abilities. Another highlight is the Griffin National Finals in June, where curling, basketball, infant agility take centre stage. The year culminates in the prestigious crowning of the Sports Personality of the Year. These events provide students with opportunities to excel, build friendships, and celebrate sporting achievements at a Trust-wide level.

Founders Day raises funds to support a cause chosen by students and connected with the theme of the year. In every school the day centres on community: what it means to be a citizen so that students experience the difference they can make individually and collectively. This often lights leadership sparks in our students.

The Griffin Science Symposium (GSS) addresses the Trust theme of the year. Eminent scientists come from the John Innes Centre and the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London to give lively talks, demonstrations and workshops to students in years 6 and 7 from all schools.

The Griffin Arts Festival (GAF) is two-fold; all schools run two weeks of events which include performances and activities open to their local communities, plus there is a four day residential for ten Year 5 students from each school. There are now two centres for the GAF residential experience: London and Birmingham, where the competition winners enjoy visits to national arts venues, and workshops with professional choreographers, poets and musicians. The festival ends with our very own Last Night of the Proms concert which itself is preceded by performances from our schools.

By the time they leave primary school, pupils have begun to discover their inner musician, artist, poet, scientist, philosopher, sportsperson or campaigner.

Partnerships

Artsmark

Race Leys is proud to have achieved the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award, which recognises and celebrates our school’s commitment to embedding arts and culture at its heart. The Artsmark Award has been created to help unlock the potential of children and young people, to develop their character and talent, and increase their knowledge and understanding. In short, Artsmark has been designed to bring the arts and culture to life in every classroom.

artsmark.org.uk

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation (Coram SSF)

Race Leys is recognised as a Silver Shakespeare School. We have been working alongside the Coram SSF for the last six years. Our Griffins have not only broadened their Shakespearian knowledge but also strengthened their confidence and self-belief.

The world’s largest youth drama festival lies at the heart of Coram SSF’s transformative process. Every year, they work with thousands of pupils from every community, background and school type across the UK. Months of preparation culminate in exhilarating performance evenings in professional theatres nationwide; a night which can give confidence and self-esteem to last a lifetime.

We believe Shakespeare is for everyone. Every year children from very different backgrounds come together to perform on the same stage. We have used the power of Shakespeare to improve the life chances of thousands of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK and with children with special educational needs.

shakespeareschools.org

Youth Sports Trust

We are proud to have been awarded the Silver award by the Youth Sports Trust and are now striving towards gold.

youthsporttrust.org

Student Voice

Documents