Co-curricular and Enrichment at Freemen’s
Our shared vision is for all pupils at Freemen’s to learn, lead and make a difference. Through the co-curricular programme pupils can access a diverse range of opportunities to fulfil this vision.
The co-curricular programme combines all the activities outside of the academic curriculum. This ranges from the traditional programmes for performing arts, and sport to the enrichment, elective activities and house programmes. Our extensive co-curricular programme enables all pupils to take part in activities which challenge, inspire and provide opportunities to ‘learn, lead and make a difference’. There is no minimum, maximum or ideal number of activities for pupils; everyone is encouraged to develop interests, stretch their understanding and challenge themselves at a rate that is right for them.
There are around 150 different activities on offer each week at Freemen’s including sports team training sessions, ‘beyond the classroom’ academic enrichment, drama productions, music group rehearsals and opportunities to learn and develop new skills such as ballet, debating, fencing, sketching, cooking and watchmaking. Many of the activities also offer leadership opportunities, where pupils in the Senior School and Sixth Form will assist younger pupils in the School. Leadership of a School activity provides excellent evidence for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and many pupils work towards the Student Leader Accreditation Awards.
Freemen’s pupils are encouraged to make a difference in our own School community as well as the local community. On site, the Eco Group works across all areas of the school to ensure we respect and protect our environment as best we can. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contributes to many whole School events and our peer mentors and prefects meet regularly to support members of the School community.
Our enrichment programme, which takes place during curriculum time enables pupils to make a difference in the wider community, and these activities include visits to local care homes, helping children in the local primary school with reading, tea parties for the elderly and developing and growing produce in our own Bothy garden.
All pupils represent one of three houses (Gresham/Hale/Whittington) throughout their time at Freemen’s. They are given ample opportunity to compete and lead in their houses. House events are always keenly fought for, with house Cups awarded at the end of the academic year.
Pupils in every Key Stage will access their co-curricular activities through our online platform SOCS, which acts as their weekly academic and co-curricular schedule/timetable. Pupils will sign up for their activities each term, ensuring they have a full and balanced programme to support their academic curriculum. Activities occur before school, at lunchtimes, and after school, with most sports fixtures (plus CCF and DofE expedition/exercises) from Year 7 upwards occurring on Saturdays.
