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Academic Enrichment

Enrichment is a term that encapsulates anything that goes above and beyond ‘normal’ classroom learning.

Co-curricular – activities that support/enhance the academic learning eg in school trips and speakers – probably in class time and organised by your class teachers

Extra-curricular – activities that extend the learning of a subject, eg afterschool clubs – probably after school and arranged by lots of different staffOur aims at Parkside Academy include a commitment to providing a rich and varied curriculum for all of our pupils so that they will feel challenged by their work and rewarded by their results. This commitment extends to ensuring that our pupils are stimulated and fulfilled in their work.

Pupils are closely monitored to ensure the right level of challenge in their work, encouraging self-confidence and independence in learning. A variety of differentiated classwork and home learning tasks promote the acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding and foster critical and creative thought.

All students at Parkside Academy benefit from the special events and classes provided through the support programme for targeted groups.

Activities offered include:

Future-Me
A huge variety of Sports Clubs
Speakers for schools event
Durham University Multi intervention programme
North east raising aspiration partnership
Campus tours
Resilient Me

Parkside Academy is one of only a handful of secondary schools in the North East to hold the prestigious “Challenge Award” recognising our excellent provision for high ability children.

We work in collaboration with Future-Me and NERAP to deliver careers information and teach students life-long skills to help them succeed both in the classroom and the wider world.

In Year 8 and 10, we run the Brilliant Club which allows students to experience the demands of higher education. They work independently – but with guidance from a mentor – to complete a project. This is supported by Durham University and the Scholars Programme and gives students a wonderful opportunity to experience how their academic journey will progress should they attend college/university.

In all year groups, we are pioneering a new academic mentor program in conjunction with Durham University. Students will be supported by Durham University in order to offer guidance and support during their years at school, GCSEs and beyond.

Please see the websites below for further information:

Clubs & Additional Opportunities

Clubs are subject to change, please keep updated with changes on the school social media accounts.

Each day we have a breakfast club for all students, where they have the opportunity to enjoy a free healthy bagel.

In addition to our traditionally curriculum offer we are also proud to offer a wide range of additional opportunities to all students. This includes our Gifted and Talented program. We also have a very successful STEAM club that allows students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics. Click the links below to find out more information.

Gifted and Talented
Educational Visits
Student Leadership
Durham Youth Council
Valued Voice
Maths Club
Small Group and 1:1 Intervention sessions
Representing Parkside in PE – Football, Cricket, Athletics etc
Student Wellbeing
ALP Competitions including – The Great European Bake Off