Activities & Enrichment

The Holmwood House Enrichment Experience

At Holmwood House, education extends far beyond the classroom. Our Enrichment Experiences offer pupils a diverse range of opportunities to explore new interests, develop essential life skills, and ignite a lifelong passion for learning. From creative arts and sporting challenges to outdoor adventures and community engagement, our carefully curated programme, which runs both during the school day and through an extensive after-school programme, encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and nurtures well-rounded individuals.

Whether they’re taking to the skies in a glider during an activity week, navigating the countryside on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, leading collections for the local food bank, or honing their public speaking skills in the World Scholar’s Cup debating competition, there’s an opportunity for every pupil to discover their potential and make the most of every experience.

The World Scholars Cup

At Holmwood House, pupils have the exciting opportunity to participate in the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) with our 2024 and 2025 team making the global finals. This is a global academic competition designed to celebrate learning, foster collaboration, and develop critical thinking skills. With participants from over 60 countries, the WSC encourages students to explore a wide-ranging curriculum that includes literature, science, history, social studies, and the arts, all centred around a thought-provoking annual theme.

The competition involves four main events: Team Debate, Collaborative Writing, the Scholar’s Challenge, and the Scholar’s Bowl. These challenges test pupils’ ability to think deeply, communicate effectively, and work as a team. What sets the WSC apart is its focus on enjoyment, inclusivity, and the discovery of new strengths—making it accessible and rewarding for all participants, regardless of experience.

At Holmwood House, pupils prepare through enrichment sessions that strengthen their public speaking, writing, and analytical skills. Our pupils have consistently performed with distinction at regional rounds, earning praise for their maturity, teamwork, and academic success. Beyond the competition, the WSC builds global awareness, boosts confidence, and provides a truly enriching experience that stays with pupils for life.

Trips and Residentials

Learning outside the classroom is integral to our pupils’ wider development and experience. We ensure that our pupils have at least one off site visit per term to supplement and enhance the curriculum. School trips and fieldwork opportunities punctuate the academic year. Examples of which include maths and science trips to Bletchley Park, the National Space Centre and Essex University Sports and Performance Centre. English trips to the Globe Theatre to take part in workshops and visit to London theatres such as The Old Vic. Art and DT trips to art galleries, Henry Moore Museum and a factory to understand design and production processes

Our comprehensive holiday courses include a five week multi-activity holiday camp, courses in art and a range of sports, as well as our long-established Les Ambassadeurs links with a bi-lingual school in France offering enjoyable opportunities both at home and abroad.

Pupils from Year 5 onwards will also enjoy the opportunity to go on residential trips, including Bushcraft and Outdoor Activity trips. As well as providing pupils with learning experiences outside of the classroom, these trips develop interpersonal skills, including leadership, teamwork, trust and respect, whilst fostering independence among the pupils.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

In Year 9, pupils can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award, which fosters a wide range of essential life skills and personal growth. The ward challenges participants to step out of their comfort zones and develop new abilities through four distinct sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and the Expedition.

Through their efforts, pupils learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and planning while giving back to their community, improving their fitness, and developing a new skill. The award culminates in a two-day, one-night expedition where they work together to navigate and camp, building confidence, resilience, and independence. These experiences not only enrich their time in school but also provide them with valuable qualities and a recognized qualification that will be highly beneficial for their future education and career paths. It is a fantastic foundation for them to build on as they progress to the Silver and Gold awards.

Charity

Charity involvement is a vibrant part of the enrichment experience at Holmwood House. Each of our three Elements takes the lead in organising their own charity day, raising money in fun and engaging ways for local causes. Year 10 pupils take responsibility for leading regular food bank collections, encouraging the whole school community to support those in need. A standout initiative this year was the Holmwood House and OddBalls Bobble Hat collaboration – a creative project designed by our Year 9 pupils during enrichment lessons. This initiative not only showcased their entrepreneurial flair and design skills but also reflected our commitment to community engagement and mental health awareness.

Sports

Through our Activities Programme and dedicated Activities Weeks, pupils have the opportunity to explore an exciting and diverse range of sports beyond the traditional curriculum. From endurance challenges like aquathlon and marathon running to precision sports such as clay pigeon shooting and archery, there is something to inspire every interest and ability. Pupils can also develop teamwork and tactical thinking through basketball, experience the thrill of white water rafting, or take to the skies with the exhilarating sport of gliding. Whether part of the regular programme or a focused week of enrichment, these opportunities encourage pupils to step out of their comfort zones, discover new passions, and build confidence through unique and memorable experiences.

Music and Drama

Music and Drama play a vibrant and valued role in school life, both within the curriculum and through a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. One of the highlights of the year is SongFest, an exciting and high-energy event for Years 4–8. Each Element is given just an hour and a half to rehearse a previously unknown song, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and performance under pressure. Alongside the Element competition, each year group prepares a song in their music lessons, creating a true celebration of musical talent.

Pupils also have the chance to perform in bands through our popular iRock programme, while a rich array of choirs, bands, and instrumental ensembles allows musicians of all levels to shine. In Drama, pupils can take part in LAMDA lessons to develop their confidence and communication, join our musical theatre after-school club, participate in school plays, or enjoy ballet classes. These creative outlets help pupils express themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of the performing arts.