At Dunalley, we believe that education is about much more than academic achievement. We are committed to providing a rich and varied programme of enrichment opportunities that helps every child discover their interests, develop new talents and build the confidence, skills and character needed for lifelong success. 

Our enrichment offer is carefully planned to support our school values and curriculum, ensuring that children have meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. This reflects the Department for Education's vision that enrichment should be a central part of every child's educational experience. 

A Broad and Balanced Range of Opportunities 

Children at Dunalley School have access to a wide range of enriching experiences throughout the school year and over the duration of their time at Dunalley. These opportunities are designed to promote personal development, wellbeing and a sense of belonging while encouraging children to explore new interests and challenge themselves. 

Our enrichment programme includes opportunities in: 

• Arts and Culture through music, drama, dance, art and creative projects. 

We participate in a range of activities to support this. Our choirs regularly perform at events in the local community such as singing at community centres and are very well received. Our ‘Summer music concert’ allows those children who sing or play musical instruments to show case their talents and to perform to an audience. A regular feature of our calendar is participating in Cheltenham schools dance festival which is always a delight to watch. Our drama club allows aspiring actors to develop their talents. We regularly run art clubs and hold an art exhibition each year based on theme that is open to children, parents and families. Our winter themed art exhibition is always filled with wonderful creations. We attend Cheltenham Literature festival as well as holding our very own Dunalley Literature Festival, each year, with a range of authors delivering workshops across the school to inspire reading and writing. 

• Sport and Physical Activity through PE, competitions, clubs and active play. 

We are an OPAL play platinum award winning school and OPAL play is a highlight of the school day. Using our fantastic outdoor spaces – den building area, massive sand pit, mud kitchen, music area and a wonderful selection of toys and games our children love their lunchtimes. We take an active part in Cheltenham sporting events through our Move More partnership. Children are able to access a wide range of sporting events and competitions. This includes for example – rugby, football, tennis, athletics, dance, cricket, cross country. Our health week also introduces us to new sports and fitness activities each year, for example this year we bounced our time away with trampolining. During this week we also participate in our internal sports days.  

• Nature and the Outdoors through outdoor learning, environmental projects and educational visits. 

Our ’50 things to do at Dunalley’ initiative includes a wide range of activities that support nature and the outdoors. Our extensive grounds and easy access to Pittville Park ensure that we are able to engage with nature and the great outdoors as we use these facilities to support the science and geography curriculum. 

• Civic Engagement through pupil leadership, charitable work and activities that support the local and wider community. 

Our School Council organises community events that support local charities for example last year an art fayre raised money for Cheltenham Animal Shelter as well as supporting regular events in the calendar such as Children in Need. We also respond to local need supporting causes which are relevant to our school cohort. Our ‘Positive Play Partners’ support our OPAL play initiative as children engage in helping to ensure OPAL lunchtime is a success. 

• Life Skills through teamwork, resilience, communication, problem-solving and independence-building experiences. 

Our highlights are our two residentials . In Year 4 a one night stay away at a local outdoor centre – Croft Farm - prepares pupils for one of the highlights of their time at Dunalley our Year 6 residential at Call of the Wild in Wales. This week is full of activities – caving in real caves, rock climbing up a real rock face, gorge walking, raft building, canoeing and kayaking, team building challenges and sleeping in a tent. In addition, our Commando Joes programme delivered in PE lessons also develops our RESPECT characteristics. 

Our planned programme of visitors and visits ensures that our children experience a range of experiences from museums to art galleries to farm parks to the seaside to visitors that bring history learning to life. 

We regularly work with our feeder secondary schools who provide opportunities for our children to participate in science and physical education activities as well as with the University of Gloucestershire maths department who provide a hands-on outdoor maths learning experience each year. 

Inclusive and Accessible for All 

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities regardless of background, need or circumstance. We work hard to ensure that our enrichment programme is inclusive, accessible and responsive to the interests of our pupils and families. 

We encourage all children to take part, celebrate participation and achievement, and support pupils in discovering activities that help them flourish. 

Working Together 

Our enrichment offer is strengthened through partnerships with families, specialist providers, other schools and local partners and organisations. These partnerships help us provide memorable experiences that broaden horizons and deepen children's understanding of the world around them. 

By listening to our pupils, families and wider community, we continually review and develop our enrichment provision to ensure it meets the needs and interests of all learners. 

Preparing Children for the Future 

Through enrichment, children develop confidence, creativity, resilience, teamwork, leadership and social responsibility. These experiences complement academic learning and help prepare pupils for the next stage of their education and for life beyond school. 

At Dunalley School, we are proud to offer a rich enrichment programme that inspires curiosity, nurtures talents and creates memorable experiences that children will carry with them throughout their lives.