Wow Factors
‘You are the sum total of the people you meet and interact with in the world. Whether it's your family, peers, or co-workers, the opportunities you have and the things that you learn all come through doors that other people open for you.’
Wow Factors
Intent
We want to give our children superb experiences, both in school and using the outside environment. With this in mind, we have planned a number of varied ‘wow factors’ that are aimed to both support and enhance our children’s learning.
As a community, we decided upon a number of experiences that we want our children to have before they leave our school. Some of these examples include:
A trip to the cinema
Local and further-afield environment walks to Ashridge Estate, the Chiltern Hills etc.
A trip to the seaside
A theatre production
A visit to a national museum
The chance to experience a theme park
An overnight camping experience
Water experiences – Kayaking, raft building etc.
Residential trip opportunities to a contrasting UK Locality
Visits to the zoo and animal experiences
Implementation
We have devised a progressive set of ‘wow factors’. Our trips are expected to provide value for money and payment options are carefully considered to support inclusivity. Younger year group wow factors are typically local, and cheaper; older year groups visit locations/experiences further afield, of an increasing cost.
Our ‘wow factors’ are not set in stone. If we find a trip/experience that will be even better and have a better impact than the previous trip, this will be changed.
At the start of the new academic year, YTAMs (Year Leaders) will share the intentions of trips and experiences during a curriculum meeting with parents/carers.
Impact
Sometimes we can take for granted opportunities that we have and imagine that everyone has had these. Whilst some may, there are a good portion who will not. Because of these opportunities, we believe that our children are more confident and are beginning to shape their dreams and aspirations.
Our wow factors at school have also involved members of the local community sharing their stories and the messages that ‘our children can’ when it comes to achieving their dreams and aspirations.
We continue to endeavor to give our children the experiences pupils will benefit from so that they can thrive in 21st century Britain.
