Inclusion Beyond the Classroom

Inclusion Beyond the Classroom

We believe that pupils should be provided with opportunities to enrich their learning beyond the classroom.  Whilst all learners have equal access to our educational visits, we recognise the value of experiential learning for pupils who face barriers to learning.  To support this, our B4 curriculum has clear opportunities to enhance learning through specifically designed educational visits.  These smaller cohorts have a more tailored visit, personalised to their learning and abilities to support the ability to access the curriculum. Some examples of these are:

• Blackpool Zoo – Pupils utilised this visit to enhance their knowledge of conservation when writing about zoos in English.  This also supported pupils’ understanding of Catholic Social Teaching through the fundamental principle of care for God’s creation (Stewardship) alongside themes of solidarity and the common good.
• Imperial War Museum Manchester – Pupils used this visit to understand what life was like for a soldier during the war to develop empathetic writing about Private Peaceful (Michael Morpurgo).  This interdisciplinary learning also supported learning about the World War in history.
• Eureka Museum (Academic Year 2024–2025) – As part of their learning about the human body, pupils visited Eureka to deepen and reinforce their understanding of body systems.  During the visit, they took part in an engaging, hands-on workshop led by Eureka staff, where they explored the structure and function of the digestive system.  Pupils also had the opportunity to explore a range of interactive exhibits, enabling them to apply and extend their classroom learning.  Through these activities, they developed a greater understanding of how different organ systems work together to keep the body functioning effectively.

Inclusion beyond the classroom isn’t just about academic learning.  At Holy Cross, we want our pupils to be well-rounded, positive members of society who have found their talents.  To do this, we engage with Chorley Sports Partnership and PAN Sporting Events to expose our pupils to the wide variety of sports accessible to them.  So far, we have competed in:

• TAG Rugby
• Curling
• Panathlon
• PAN Football
• Bowling
• Boccia
• Outdoor Activity Festival
• Girls Active Festival

As part of our commitment to equity and inclusion, every pupil is guaranteed a minimum educational visit entitlement.  This includes Warwick Castle and Lowe House Retreat in Year 7, Liverpool’s Metropolitan and Anglican Cathedrals in Year 8, a live theatre production in Year 9, post-16 college visits in Year 10 to support informed future choices and raise aspirations and Year 11 Prom.  For further information on our Educational Visits click here