Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Education Links, we recognise that some of the most powerful learning experiences take place outside the classroom. School trips and enrichment activities are an essential part of our educational approach, allowing pupils to see their subjects in action, connect theory with practice, and discover new interests.

Student activities are carefully planned to tie in with the curriculum, but they also aim to broaden horizons and give pupils opportunities they might not otherwise have. Whether it is a short local visit or a residential trip further afield, these experiences support academic progress, personal growth, and social development.

Opportunities for Young People

Our young people are given access to a wide variety of inspiring, practical, and creative workshops that encourage both personal development and academic growth. These include:

Mental Health First Aid: Young people learn how to recognise the signs of poor mental health, provide initial support, and understand where to seek professional help. These sessions promote empathy, resilience, and the importance of wellbeing.
Drama Workshops: Participants are guided through the process of devising, performing, and recording their own original pieces. This nurtures creativity, confidence, and teamwork while giving learners a platform to express their voices.
Healthy Relationships Workshops: Through discussions and activities, pupils develop an understanding of respect, boundaries, consent, and communication -equipping them with skills for positive and safe relationships.
Music Production & Recording: Learners explore the full process of creating music, from composition and beat-making to recording and editing, using professional-standard equipment and software.
Football Coaching: Delivered by experienced coaches, these sessions encourage physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and sporting excellence.
Boxing Courses: Pupils build physical strength, coordination, and self-discipline while learning the values of respect, focus, and determination.
Home Cookery: Hands-on cooking lessons teach pupils how to prepare nutritious, affordable meals while developing independence and life skills.
Strength & Fitness Programmes: Structured sessions designed to improve health, stamina, and resilience, while encouraging positive attitudes towards physical wellbeing.

Student Interventions & Support Programs

At our school, we understand that every student’s journey is unique. We are committed to providing a wide range of intervention programs to support academic achievement, emotional resilience, personal development, and safety. These interventions are designed to remove barriers to learning and help each student reach their full potential.

English & Maths Academic Interventions

When: Differentiated timetabled sessions

These focused, small-group or individual sessions target students who may be struggling with core academic skills in literacy and numeracy. Using diagnostic assessment data, we tailor support to address specific learning gaps. Key outcomes include:

Improved understanding of foundational concepts
Increased confidence in the classroom
Greater participation in lessons
Improved academic attainment over time

These interventions are crucial in helping students meet age-related expectations and prepare for exams.

1:1 Mentoring

When: Tuesday – Friday, Periods 2 & 3

This personalised mentoring program offers students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with our mentors, an experienced mentor who supports young people facing personal, emotional, or behavioural challenges. Sessions are tailored to individual needs and focus on:

Building emotional resilience
Enhancing self-confidence
Encouraging a more positive attitude toward school, peers, and life
Developing coping strategies for difficult situations
Careers advice

These sessions create a trusted space for students to talk openly, reflect, and develop key life skills.

Girls’ Group & Mentoring

When: Timetabled sessions

A safe, empowering environment designed specifically for female students to explore personal issues and build strong support networks. The program includes:

Group discussions on self-esteem, identity, peer pressure, and future aspirations
One-to-one mentoring for more personalised support
Activities aimed at promoting emotional intelligence and healthy decision-making

It fosters a sense of belonging and helps participants grow into confident, self-assured individuals.

Creativity & Drama Workshops

When: Wellbeing days

Held mainly during our Mental Wellbeing Days, these workshops offer a creative and inclusive space for students to explore identity, communication, and collaboration through performance and visual storytelling. Students gain:

Confidence through public speaking and creative expression
Skills in teamwork and trust-building
A sense of achievement and pride in their creations

These workshops support mental well-being while encouraging creativity and reflection.

Art

When: Timetabled sessions

This unique in-timetable initiative gives students access to therapeutic art sessions led by a skilled visual artist and mentor. Through guided projects and free expression, students explore:

Emotional expression through visual mediums
Fine motor and creative skills development
Mindfulness and self-awareness
A safe outlet for difficult emotions and experiences

This program is particularly effective for students who benefit from reflective and non-verbal forms of expression.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

When: Timetabled sessions

We work closely with CAMHS to ensure timely, professional support for students experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. This may include:

Anxiety and depression
Trauma and bereavement
Behavioural or social challenges
Ongoing mental health needs

Through assessment, counselling, and treatment, CAMHS plays a key role in supporting student well-being and academic continuity.

Looked After Children (LAC) Support

When: Timetabled sessions

Led by our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), our LAC provision ensures that students in care receive:

Consistent emotional and academic support
A key adult to advocate for their needs
Close communication with carers and social workers
Additional mentoring and intervention as required

We are committed to creating stability, belonging, and opportunity for every child in our care.

Religious Studies (RS) Revision Support

When: Timetabled sessions

Part of our core curriculum offer, these sessions help students prepare for RS exams through:

Targeted content revision
Exam technique coaching
Group discussions to deepen understanding
Practice questions and feedback

This structured support is ideal for students aiming to improve attainment and confidence in this subject area.