Virtual Enrichment

Skip Navigation Links
One column layout

To ensure all students can continue with their AVP Diploma whilst they are not in school, we have adapted some of our enrichment activities.

We have also provided an additional list of School Challenges which can be done at home or whilst taking daily exercise. 
Each activity is supported by a member of staff who is available once a week to provide guidance. Pupils can use any of the time-slots shown in their timetables, as well as other times when they are not in lessons, to complete these activities throughout the week.

During this period of remote learning, pupils can join as many of the activities as they like via google classrooms. They are voluntary and designed to challenge pupils to try something different.

Pupils can track their progress using their AVP electronic log or student passport, explaining what they have been doing each week.

 

Accreditation

British Sign Language - Years 3 to 13 

British Sign Language is the sign language used in the United Kingdom, and is the first or preferred language of some deaf people in the UK.  Learn to  communicate  in a different  way and gain an insight into the challenges many people face around the world.

Mrs Bouwer provides a weekly video tutorial to learn the language with practice at home to earn the beginner's certificate.

CREST Award - Years 3 to 13 

CREST is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and gives you the chance to choose your own subject and methodology when completing their hands-on investigation.

Mrs Russell supports pupils through the CREST passport for their age to help them complete their chosen project to achieve their award.

Track your progress using your AVP electronic log, or the passport Mrs Russell provides you with, to explain what you have been doing each week.

First Aid - Years 3 to 13 

Evidence shows that as many as 2.7 million people per year visit A&E following an accident at home.

Pupils need to watch these short St Johns Ambulance clips that cover a range of medical response scenarios, or read through their advice topics.

Eco Schools At Home - Years 7 to 13

An ideal way for pupils to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environment in their local communities while at the same time having a life-long positive impact on others' lives.

Mr Westwood introduces an age appropriate weekly topic for pupils to research and complete about their local area and other communities around the work. 

Gardening Award - Years 3 to 13

Our Gardening Award allows pupils to work through the weekly projects to inspire and support them with gardening opportunities to enhance their skills.

Each week, Mrs Walsh provides pupils with some tasks to help improve their home garden, whether it's using rubbish they already have, planning a change to put in once school reopens or planting seeds of fruit and vegetables which they have just had for lunch.

 

Volunteering

Community Arts Project - Years 3 to 13

Brighten the community to which Sherfield belongs! Working on a mural to demonstrate that Sherfield School has fantastic artistic talent. Pupil's efforts will be displayed in our Nursery.

Ms Hight is helping pupils to develop their artwork with a different themes using a range of materials available at home. The final pieces will be displayed in Sherfield's Nursery. 

Global Citizenship - Years 7 to 13 

A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands  the wider  world - and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable.

Mr West is supporting pupils with researching and preparing a g-slides presentation on how they can become a global citizen by supporting 5 countries with different projects using this website as a starting point.

Applewood Care Home - Years 5 to 13

Contribute to enriching the lives of residents by supporting and befriending them whilst they are isolated from the rest of the community.

Pupils must write weekly letters to the residents in Applewood Care Home for 6 weeks, telling them about their activities for the week, either as a typed document, or a picture of a handwritten one.

Junior Rotary - Years 3 to 13

Rotary offers clubs and programs that help young people develop their leadership skills  and make a positive difference in their communities.

With Mr Macmillan's support, pupils are designing and planning three fundraising events to take place when school reopens - pupils must prepare a timeline for each event, including all stages of the events and taking account of location, costs, staffing, storage and preparation.

 

Practical

GEMS  X -  Years 7 to 13 

GEMS X specialises in the research, design, and prototyping of new educational ecologies and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Radical Personalisation Assistants and lmmersive Technologies such as AR, VR and MR working towards creating and prototyping radical solutions to open-ended systemic challenges in education and preparing them for the rapidly evolving and dynamic future.

Under Mr Marshall's guidance, pupils choose an area to develop their knowledge of new technology and produce a project to present at the end of the activity.

Current Affairs - Years 5 to 13 

If you could edit the planet to make it less vulnerable to pandemics, what would you change? Should social distancing in fact be the long-term global norm, to prevent unknown outbreaks that could be even deadlier than COVID-19? Should other long-term threats, such as climate change, be treated with this same disruptive level of urgency, or is it unwise to take such bold action on more distant dangers? And, in what ways will the world be a better place for our having survived this crisis together?

Under Mrs Ranchin-Meakin's guidance pupils have been asked to prepare a presentation to these questions, or other current global questions.

Cycling - Years 3 to 13

As we know cycling is a fantastic way to keep your body and mind fit and healthy. And it is something that you can do out in the fresh air, in your own personal space. Put your cycling skills to practice and fit a bit of cycling into your routine. Keep Calm and Carry On Cycling!

Using their knowledge of their local area, pupils must plan and take part in a weekly ride to increase their physical and mental health and improve their road safety knowledge and experience as well as the maintenance of their bike. The Bikeability Programme have provided some useful links to assist with route planning.

Fitness At Home - Years 3 to 13 

Being active has been shown to have many health benefits, both physically and mentally. It may even help you live longer. Whilst we are staying at home, it's important to understand how all benefits can help us whilst we are staying at home.

Pupils can join Miss Martinez for her Fitness at Home sessions and work with her to put together some personalised sessions which will help them with an area of fitness they have been trying to improve.

Geocaching & Scavenger Hunt - Years 3 to 13

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers. A scavenger hunt is a game in which participants have to collect a number of selected objects.

Mrs Taylor has been setting weekly challenges which allows pupils to take part whilst they undertake their daily exercise in their local area.

Introduction to German - Years 3 to 8 

Learning a new language is mentally beneficial for all of us and improves our cognitive function, memory and even decision making skill. German is the most widely spoken language in Europe with more people speaking this as their native language than those who speak English.

Mr Adams provides weekly challenges to help pupils learn some basic German language phrases and words.

Nature Detectives - Years 3 to 8 

Keep in touch with the nature you love. Learn about the trees, woods and wildlife in your own garden and local area.

Mr Downer provides pupils with worksheets to help increase their knowledge of the natural environment in their local area.

Model UN - Years 3 to 13 

Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and academic activity in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations.

Miss Kirkland has been providing guidance to simulate a virtual Model UN to discuss and learn about the diplomacy, international relations and current affairs from around the United Nations.

Music Technology - Years 5 to 13

Starting from scratch, research and develop the concept and learn the skills to produce a virtual music piece as well as analysing and editing other pieces.

Mr Rampton provides weekly tasks and guidance to allow pupils to research and learn new skills in the ever-changing world of music technology.

Robotics - Years 3 to 8

STEAM elements combine to design, manufacture and operate robots to attempt to replicate lifting, walking, speech, basically anything a human can do.....

Weekly challenges are set by Mr Anagho for pupils to learn and develop a new area of robotics.

Physics Problem Solving - Years 3 to 13

One area of learning how to solve a problem is to know what approach to use. You will need to outline the concepts and principles you think will be useful in solving the problem.

Mr Paganuzzi provides weekly challenges to solve which require some physics to complete.

Theatre and Film Production - Years 5 to 13

Working with industry professionals, explore the design, construction and operation of the technical aspects of theatre such as lighting, sound, set, props, costume, front of house and marketing.

Weekly challenges with a difference are set by Mr Reynolds to develop pupil's knowledge of various aspects of theatre production for them to complete and demonstrate.

Young Writers - Years 3 to 13 

The Young Writers Activity encompasses competitions in creative writing and poetry as well as author interviews, book reviews, games and more.

Mrs Younger-Murray provides weekly challenges for pupils to choose from to keep their imagination growing.

 

School Challenges

  • Using large paper, trace round another person and try to include as many body parts and organs as you can
  • Make a small bowl, plate, egg cup or statue from air dry clay
  • Make Origami animals or paper ninja stars
  • Shadow drawing, leaf rubbings, painting bark or stones
  • Make 3 pieces of jewellery with food or garden items.
  • Use a mirror to draw a self-portrait
  • Make greeting cards for the stationery cupboard to be used for birthdays and other occasions
  • Paint a family portrait to be framed and hung
  • Choose an inspirational quote and create a poster for your room, explain why it's inspirational to you.
  • Take some artistic photos in black and white. Play around with filters and see what you can create. You could use a phone or learn how to use the proper camera (if you have one)
  • Take some garden clippings and grow some new plants
  • Press a flower arrangement
  • Learn to finger knit, French knit or braid wool into friendship bracelets
  • Sketch your dream red carpet look!
  • Recreate living copies of 3 famous paintings
  • Using Lego characters or other small toys, make a stop motion movie
  • Learn to tie hair in a braid/French plait
  • Make a time capsule of this time to be opened in 10 years
  • Find three toys to give to charity
  • Research your family tree - see how far back you can go
  • Work together as a family to create a family emblem, motto or song. Include elements that are important to you and your family
  • Learn how to bake bread
  • Bake a cake and decorate it so it shows your favourite story
  • Learn a new instrument
  • Read a book about your favourite writer, composer or performer and write a 500-word biography about them
  • Write a new piece of music
  • Clear out your wardrobe of the things that no longer fit you
  • Using offcuts or seeds from fruit, vegetables or plants, grow a new plant in your house or garden
  • Make a toilet roll bird feeder
  • Write a story inspired by woods and trees
  • Keep a spring and summer diary - recording the dates and what you notice a change in the season when on your daily walk or bike ride
  • Draw and label five types of trees or flowers you have seen on your daily walk or bike ride

If our pupils are still struggling for things to do during the lockdown they can click here to have a look at this website for more ideas.

 

To read about the phases of our Virtual School please click on the buttons below.

Junior Prep (Reception to Year 4)

Senior Prep (Year 5 to Year 8)

Senior School (Year 9 to Year 11)

Sixth Form (Year 12 and Year 13)

 

Praise for our Virtual School

Two column auto layout

I cannot thank you enough for all the support you give our children. We could not ask for more. You are all amazing. 5 January 2021

My boys very first day at Sherfield today- not the start I’d have hoped for... but I’ve been so impressed with how smoothly it is all going. The support and care we have been shown... and how welcoming the other students have been (despite being virtual)- during break out groups etc- THANK YOU. We feel fortunate to have been able to join this wonderful school. 5 January 2021

 Many thanks for the arrangements you have put in place to continue the children's learning during this difficult time. We both feel that the system is working well and it gives structure to the day for the children 

 Thank you for continuing to strive to provide the children with a happy and enriching environment, despite the challenging times we’re facing. I appreciate that you all have your own families to be thinking of and we’re very grateful that you’re able and willing to continue providing stability for our children when they need it the most.

 Thank everyone for all your effort.  The new system is working fantastically well and my son is really enjoying it.  I'm amazed as to what has been achieved in such a short length of time and the engagement of both the students and staff.  My son is bouncing out of bed keen to work (thankfully this time not for games!) and has needed no parent motivation at all - which is amazing and has really helped.  Many of my son's friends from other schools are commenting about their systems - generally not positive and their parents are struggling to support them - so we feel very lucky in the circumstances.  None of his friends have got anything in place even remotely comparable.

 Overall, I have been really impressed with how you and your team have managed the current situation and, aside from the few suspected and understandable teething problems, my boys have managed to login to their online classes and both have had productive lessons. 

 So impressed with the work at the moment, you are all doing an amazing job. 

 Well done to you and all the team! 

 I just wanted to pass my thanks to everyone at the school for how you are responding to the current situation, be it the timetable, the continued focus on supporting the children in their education and development or the prompt communication and updates to parents.  All of it so very impressive.  Thank you all.

 I would like to thank you and all your staff at Sherfield School for their dedication and hard work during this difficult time. I appreciate how challenging the situation is and the amount of work required to provide good quality lessons for all the students. Miss Moore’s morning motivation is fantastic, and even I have joined in!

 Thank you very much and for all the staff for everything you are doing.

 I just wanted to say thank you to the leadership team and all the staff, for all your support, for our children, for their continued learning, for their emotional needs and thus supporting parents in keeping some semblance of normality.

 I just wanted to pass on our appreciation for the excellent information and decisions that the school has made during an extremely difficult time.

 The start of the calls are really good as it sets out the work so thank you for that.

 It’s working well. Great job by the teachers.

 I think it’s all working really well, well done Sherfield!

 It's working very well.  Given the circumstances, this is great and very much appreciated.

 I think it works well with the younger ones doing seesaw and the older on zoom - it makes life easier for the parents!

 Working well for us too.  A few early teething probs but it's a good opportunity for us all to learn together.  Everyone is doing a great job. 

 I like how it's working, it has allowed me to continue to work, so thanks.

 Working well for us - really good balance of work, access to teachers and flexibility.  It has helped to provide us with a structure for the day too.  Well done all. 

 Seesaw for little ones is great for them and Zoom for older ones, I personally think they work great for the years

 A amazing job by the school. Seems to be working out really well for Year 8 at the moment.

 I would like to thank all the Sherfield staff. This is great exposure for the students of what to expect from remote working.

 Great job with the online learning setup! It's good to have real time lessons because it helps kids to structure the day and not postponing the watching of the lessons to other days. 

 Morning motivation is fantastic. 

 Morning motivation is great.  The energy Miss Moore brings makes a huge difference.

 Sherfield has done a fantastic job in continuing the learning/support for the children and your comms to us parents has been really useful - thank you. 

 We are getting good e-mail response from the teachers – thanks. 

 A big thank you to all the staff. 

 Thank you all for effort! 

 Massive thank you! 

 Thank you - keep going 

 Brilliant job all… Well done 

 I love when the children have a small challenge that can then be shared with others - small video challenges like Mr. Reynolds has done. It helps them stay connected I feel. 

 Very good start. Very good planning and execution. 

 I’m really impressed at how well things have run. The girls have been quite relaxed so far. 

 I think you're all doing an amazing job. It's a great opportunity for students to experience remote working which is the way employers are going. Thank you all. 

I have a child at a different school and although his education is continuing, Sherfield is very impressive with what it is delivering.  thank you.

 Overall, I think everyone is doing a brilliant job under difficult circumstances.

 I think the structure and timetable you have put in place to keep our children learning through this difficult period is outstanding and I do believe it will put them ahead of the curve.  Thank you! 

 Thank you to everyone for your amazing efforts! 

 Our daughter seems to be really enjoying the online learning - thank you. 

 Thanks for keeping the Year 11’s focused and motivated! 

 Really enjoying the online learning.  Amazing job - thank you! 

 Thank you - really appreciate the open communication from the school. 

 The balance and support has been very good from our perspective. 

 We are grateful for how well it is organised. 

 We have two other schools supporting our other kids and no doubt you are the best prepared and organised. 

 Thanks very much... and we have to say a really great job being done here by Sherfield! 

 Thank you. You guys are doing a great job.  Very grateful. 

 Thank you, it is brilliant! 

You have done such an amazing job, can’t thank you enough. 

 This week was fantastic, amazing work done by the teachers! 

 Please thank them from us for all the amazing support. 

 You are the real unsung heroes. 

 Teachers are doing a great job thank you. 

 A massive thank you to all the teaching staff & leadership team at Sherfield.

 Absolutely, a massive thank you to all the teaching staff & leadership team at Sherfield! Well done. Mrs Warmerdam is Star of a Week! Superb work. She works 24/7. 

 Thank you very much for all your hard work. 

 Just a massive thank you. 

 I have three happier kids at home.  Good structured day. Well done all. 

 I have to say that the learning package has been prepared very well. It helps greatly. Thank you! 

 Well done to the team at Sherfield. Thank you! 

Two column layout
Home About Sherfield School Admissions Your Journey Well-Being Contact Us Parent Portal