Curricular is what pupils learn in school.

Extracurricular activities are what pupils learn and do outside of the school curriculum.

Super-curricular is what pupils learn beyond the curriculum – it is how we support learners to follow their academic interests and skills in more depth. At Coedcae School, we believe every pupil should have the opportunity to explore their studies in more depth and in authentic, real-world contexts. We also want to support our learners to make informed choices about the future and link our super-curricular work to universities and employers. In this way, we ensure our pupils are ready for the world beyond compulsory education and have the knowledge and skills to pursue their passions into adulthood.

 

University visits

Pupils across the school have visited Swansea University and UWTSD for a variety of activities. Years 7 and 8 have participated in ‘Future Me’ workshops at Swansea University, where they think about their plans and aspirations. Pupils explore their skills and interests in order to identify possible career paths, as well as thinking about what jobs may exist in the future. All pupils will have the opportunity to visit Swansea University at least once during Key Stage 3!

Our KS4 pupils have also taken part in subject-specific taster days at the universities. Pupils attended a Biology Day at Swansea University, where they explored anatomy and conducted their own research into human physiology. Business and Computing students attended a careers conference with UWTSD and met representatives from a range of companies. These activities have helped our pupils think about the future and gain a better idea of what they can do with their qualifications after they leave school.

 

Team Building and Communication Workshops

Our pupils have also had opportunities to develop ‘soft skills’ – these are the non-academic skills that employers look for. A key skill is communication and the ability to work effectively with others. To support the development of these skills, UWTSD have visited the school to hold a Marble Run Challenge – pupils worked in groups to create the slowest marble run. This challenge required pupils to discuss ideas, compromise over disagreements and communicate effectively and professionally – all whilst working under the pressure of time and a competition!

A group of pupils also participated in a critical thinking workshop. This was an opportunity to hone their speaking and thinking skills. Pupils were provided with a range of scenarios and had to make decisions about how to respond, using evidence to justify their opinions. These activities help pupils develop valuable skills in communication which will make them ready for their future education and careers.

Mentoring and Advice

At Coedcae School, we recognise the importance of pupils making informed choices and decisions about their future. To support this, we work with organisations such as Reaching Wider and the Mullany Fund to offer mentoring schemes. This allows pupils to connect with individuals studying and working in a range of STEM and healthcare roles. Pupils can communicate safely with their mentors in order to obtain advice, guidance and insight into the careers they are interested in. Reaching Wider has complemented their mentoring programme with visits to STEM workplaces and careers talks from experts. As a result, our pupils are able to aim high and know what they need to do to achieve their goals.

In-school workshops

Pupils have benefitted from a range of in-school workshops delivered by our partner organisations. Pupils worked with Reaching Wider at Swansea University to develop their STEM knowledge and skills through an interactive, hands-on workshop where they learnt about the forces affecting flight. Pupils strengthened the knowledge obtained in their Science lessons and applied it in practice.

Reaching Wider at Swansea University also ran a Saturday Revision Club for our Year 11 pupils in the lead-up to their GCSE exams in the summer. Pupils were provided a dedicated revision space at the university’s Singleton Campus, complete with revision resources and healthy snacks, as well as free transport. Pupils were able to focus on their revision in a quiet, focused environment with everything they needed to hand. Reaching Wider staff were also available to offer additional study skills support. The Saturday Revision Club will be running again this year to ensure our pupils have the support needed to ace their exams.

 

Academic Resilience Groups

A number of pupils have also received support from Swansea University through academic resilience groups. These support groups have worked with target groups to provide academic support, develop study skills and build confidence and resilience. Pupils have access to one-to-one or small group mentoring and learn valuable skills for success. The resilience groups have also had the opportunity to visit Swansea University and build their aspirations for the future.

 

Rockets For All

Coedcae School was selected as the only school in Wales to pilot a joint project between the RAF and Big Ideas, called Rockets For All. GCSE pupils learned about space science and took part in practical experiments to launch rockets and analyse flight data, using a range of specialist equipment. Pupils also had the opportunity to participate in a masterclass with space scientists, learning more about careers in the sector. A group of pupils also completed the RAF Leadership Programme, delivering practical workshops on flight science to younger pupils. As well as being a truly unique opportunity, our pupils have developed specialist knowledge and skills that will support them in achieving higher grades in their final exams. Pupils also developed their leadership abilities, which is a key skill that colleges, universities and employers look for.

 

Renewable Horizons

KS3 pupils have participated in an innovative project to learn about sustainability and careers in renewable energy. The Renewable Horizons project explores ‘green’ careers through creating a model town that uses renewable energy sources and considering the factors that affect town planning and sustainable energy use. Pupils created working models of green towns and then created sales pitches for careers in the renewable energy sector.

Creative Cymru

To celebrate St David’s Day, a group of pupils worked with a filmmaker and musician to create artistic works based on Welsh history and heritage. Pupils directed their own short film, using special effects, based on Welsh myths and monsters. They also wrote, produced and performed a short song about Wales and their Welsh identity. Pupils were able to explore their creative skills and understand the technology used in these industries, as well as celebrate what it means to be Welsh.

Seren Academy

Coedcae School is proud to participate in the Seren Academy, the Welsh Government’s programme to support more able learners across Wales. Seren pupils in Years 8-11 have access to additional support to develop their aspirations, academic skills and knowledge. This has included activities such as a debate camp and a workshop on managing stress. We have also hosted a biomedical science workshop delivered by students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the top universities in the world. Pupils learned about the use of AI in biomedical research and identified how machines are taught to conduct medical research. This is one of the many unique opportunities offered at Coedcae School to support our learners.