Enrichment means providing pupils with a range of opportunities in addition to the classroom-based curriculum offer. The purpose of enrichment is to provide children with experiences they might not otherwise have, expand their interests and horizons and give them opportunities to develop skills in other areas.
Due to our pupils’ learning needs, (and the need to make the curriculum multi-sensory and practical), our child-centered approach and the priority we give to promoting the personal and individual development of our pupils, enriching activities are an often an integral part of the curriculum offer.
The purpose of Art at Ormiston Queensmill is to provide an environment where self-confidence can grow. We encourage pupils to find enjoyment in self-expression, providing a space where their creativity is valued and nurtured. We also provide opportunities for cultural inclusion through trips to theatres, galleries and projects with professional artists.
The art sessions aim to provide pupils with the opportunity to explore and play with a wide variety of artistic techniques from different styles, cultures and periods. Sessions utilise both structured tasks and free exploration to encourage creativity and develop skills. During the sessions, there is also the opportunity for students to work on their fine motor skills, communication and social thinking when in a group art session.
Ormiston Queensmill is lucky enough to be part of the West London Inclusive Arts Festival (WLIAF), which is a unique partnership of seven Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools. The partnership also includes cultural partners, the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Academy of Arts, Graeae Theatre Company, ActionSpace and Tri-borough Music Hub.
With each organisation bringing its expertise to the table and the sharing of resources, knowledge and expertise, an innovative and special project for young people with SEND, which is tailor-made to the needs of the young people in each school,l has been developed.
The festival is kindly supported by the John Lyon’s Charity.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised programme that helps young people develop independence, resilience, and key life skills through a series of structured challenges. At Ormiston Queensmill Academy, we adapt the Award to ensure it is accessible, meaningful, and enriching for all our learners.
We enrol students in Year 11/12 and support them to complete the Skills, Volunteering, and Physical sections during their first year, tailoring each element to individual strengths and needs.
Activities are designed to promote communication, self-confidence, cooperation and self-regulation. In Year 14, students are offered to take part in a residential trip where they complete the final Expedition section of the Award. This carefully supported experience gives them the chance to put together the skills learn during the programme as well as work as a team, develop problem-solving skills, and enjoy the challenge of an overnight stay in a new environment.
For our students, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is not only an achievement but also a powerful tool for personal growth and preparation for adulthood.
At Ormiston Queensmill Academy, Physical Education (PE) plays a vital role in supporting the physical, emotional, and social development of our students. We deliver an inclusive, engaging, and well-rounded programme that caters to the diverse needs of all our pupils.
Our provision combines activities such as swimming, trampoline, and structured PE lessons. These are delivered both in groups and through one-to-one sessions, ensuring that each pupil can participate in a way that suits their individual needs and maximizes their engagement and progress.
Our offer is further enhanced by a range of activities. This includes climbing, now extended to include our primary pupils, and kayaking, which continues to build confidence. This year, we have also introduced tennis sessions within our school building. For our Early Years and primary pupils, we have also launched a session at Snakes and Ladders.
Beyond the curriculum, our pupils benefit from additional physical opportunities such as outdoor gyms, biking, and community gym sessions. These experiences are complemented by enriching off-site visits, including trips to Wimbledon, external galas, and tours of professional football stadiums.
Many celebrations take place throughout the school year, giving our students countless opportunities to engage, participate, and make lasting memories (and maybe sneak a treat or two). We kick off with traditional events like International Day, where parents are invited to join the fun. Staff and students proudly wear traditional attire, and in recent years, this event has been a huge success, thanks to the amazing parents who cook and bring in delicious homemade dishes to share. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate diversity together as a school community.
Next, things get spooky with our annual Halloween Sensory Walk. Each class transforms their room into a spooky sensory experience—think cobwebs, creepy sounds, and more googly eyes than we can count! Departments get time to mingle and explore each other’s spooky creations, all while having a (slightly eerie) good time.
Come December, it’s time for our big Christmas Celebration. Through the School Council, student representatives choose a theme that becomes the heart of the event. Parents join us for festive activities, and of course, a visit from Santa himself, who never misses the chance to read a story to the children. The celebration also includes a cheerful Christmas lunch in the canteen, and everyone dons their best (or most outrageous) Christmas jumper for the occasion!
In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. This event has grown over the years, with the School Council selecting two card designs for sale. Our Post-16 students turn into charming shopkeepers, opening their doors for the annual Valentine’s Card Sale—it’s all love and glitter!
March brings our biggest event of the year: World Book Day. Students and staff prepare for weeks, turning their classrooms into immersive storybook worlds. It’s a magical time where reading comes to life. The day ends with an award ceremony, judged by external guests, for the best class decorations and most creative costumes.
Then there’s the egg-cellent Easter Egg Hunt! Students craft fabulous bonnets in class, parade to music, and hunt for chocolate eggs with all the energy you’d expect from sugar-motivated explorers.
Finally, in the summer term, we end the year with two big celebrations. Maths Week brings several days of engaging, hands-on activities that show students maths can be just as fun as anything else (yes, really!). And last but not least, there’s Q-Glastonbury, our very own summer festival! With a new theme each year, live performances, activities, and parents in attendance, it’s the perfect way to wrap up the school year with music, joy, and a lot of sun (or at least, we hope!).
At Ormiston Queensmill Academy, we offer a structured and inclusive work experience programme tailored to our learners. Starting from Key Stage 3 and continuing through to Post-16, students take part in both in-house and community-based placements that help them build key skills for adulthood.
In-House Work Experience
Students participate in a range of school-based roles within a familiar environment, including working in our school café, supporting classroom activities, assisting in the library, helping with office admin, or contributing to site maintenance. These placements promote responsibility, routine, and confidence while developing core employability and communication skills.
Community-Based Work Experience
When appropriate, students also engage in work placements across the local community, where they are supported by school staff. Our current partnerships include:
These opportunities allow students to generalise their skills in real-world settings, interact with the public, and experience diverse work environments.
Our aim is to ensure every student has the chance to explore their interests, gain confidence, and develop the skills needed for future employment or further education.
At Ormiston Queensmill Academy, Computing is designed to support the individual needs of our pupils in a calm, structured, and engaging environment. Students develop important digital skills through hands-on activities using computers, tablets, VR headsets and other technology.
Lessons are carefully planned to be visual, predictable, and linked to students’ interests, helping them build confidence, creativity, and independence. We focus on practical skills such as using technology for communication, programming, creating digital content, and understanding how computers work.
E-Safety is an essential part of our curriculum. Pupils are taught how to use the internet safely and respectfully, recognise potential online risks, and know what to do if they feel unsure or uncomfortable online. Our goal is to prepare students to navigate the digital world in a safe, meaningful, and empowering way.