Beyond The Curriculum
‘‘The calendar of activities & traditions is excellent- from Odd Socks day to Stories by Starlight all add to children’s love of school.’’ - Parent Survey 2023
At Brackenwood Infant School we believe that it is vital to provide all of our children with the opportunities to understand the world around them and how to make a positive contribution to it as active citizens. This page is designed to show our families our children’s experiences beyond the national curriculum.
Science Week
At Brackenwood, we inspire a love for science beyond the curriculum through hands-on, engaging activities and real-world experiences. We proudly hold a Gold Woodland Trust Award and are working towards a Wild Award, showcasing our commitment to outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. We celebrate diverse scientists to broaden horizons and we spark curiosity by making links with parents and local universities who have scientific connections.
Our use of our school grounds and Forest School area enriches learning, while events like Science Week and participation in initiatives such as the Big Bird Watch connect our children with the natural world and demonstrates to them science in use, in real life.
We also make the most of our local environment to inspire opportunities for questioning and enhance real-life scientific enquiry, taking learning beyond the classroom. Visitors, such as Gautby Reptiles, Mad Science after school club and workshops with Hi-Impact provide exciting, interactive opportunities for children to explore and deepen their understanding of what it means to be a scientist beyond the curriculum.
Children’s Mental Health Day
#Hello Yellow
On Monday 7th October 2024 our school took part in the World’s Mental Health Day showing young people that they’re not alone with their mental health. Throughout the school, the children and staff wore something yellow, raising vital funds for Young Minds.
On the day, Wirral’s Mental Health Support Team delivered a workshop to the children, where they learnt about the five ways to wellbeing. They also took part in a range of activities in their classes to promote healthy minds and emotional wellbeing.
Mrs Lamprou
How does Mental Health link with literacy?
We’ve long known that a love of reading and writing can help children flourish at school and go on to succeed at work. But we now know that reading and writing for enjoyment can also play a vital role in helping children lead happy and healthy lives. A research from National Literacy Trust about Mental well-being, reading and writing, found that children who enjoy reading and writing in their free time have significantly better mental well-being than their peers who don’t.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration which takes place in the UK during the month of October. This is a special time where we recognise and promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage.
Alongside our core British Values, we will encourage children to reflect on previous work, and explore ideas that promote respect and understanding of one another. We will also consider important historical events as we learn about Black History whilst taking the opportunity to celebrate the lives of positive black role models and the positive contribution they have made and continue to make.
The Woodland Trust Award
This year, our Eco Team have achieved a gold Woodland Trust Award. As part of the award, schools are rewarded for completing environmental projects such as tree planting, recycling and raising awareness. As well as improving our school grounds and helping the environment, we hope to inspire our children about trees, woods and wildlife.
Anti-Bullying Week
Children in Need
BBC Children in Need is a charity which raises money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The end goal for Children in Need is to make sure that every child has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to flourish.
We had a non-uniform day and children took part in lots of activities and learning. Charity plays an important part in our school life and we view Children in Need as a great opportunity to teach children the importance of helping others, being kind, developing empathy, having a broader sense of social responsibility and empowering them to be change agents to make a difference to the lives of others.
This year we raised £272.63. Thank you.
Inclusive Sport at Brackenwood
At Brackenwood Infant School, we are an inclusive school and ensure that our children understand the importance of being inclusive in PE and sport, in preparation for entering the wider world of sport outside of school.
Over the past few years, we have had VIP visits from former GB Paralympians, held disability sports festivals and had training from inclusive and disability sport specialists in order to incorporate models of inclusivity into our PE lessons.
