Teaching | 20th March 2024

The value of extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities can play an incredibly important role in a pupil’s educational journey. They give children the chance to explore beyond their classrooms, providing them with the opportunities to discover new interests and learn new skills. 

The benefits of extracurricular activities

A study published in the Economics of Education Review by Stephen Lipscombe found that when it came to extracurricular activities, athletic participation is associated with a 2 percent increase in maths and science test scores. Club participation is associated with a 1 percent increase in maths test scores, and involvement in either type of activity is associated with a five percent increase in Bachelor’s degree attainment expectations.  

It’s crucial however, to avoid thinking extracurricular activities are only good for supporting subjects on the mainstream curriculum. Each one has its own intrinsic value and can spark an interest or uncover a passion which pupils carry with them for years to come, either simply as a pastime, or something that influences their choice of a profession in later life. 

Paradigm’s core principle is that our curriculum prepares pupils to lead fulfilling lives and to play an active, positive and productive role in our democratic society. In essence, the value of extracurricular activities lies in the holistic development they offer, contributing to well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

Extracurricular activities often improve social skills and teamwork. Whether through sports teams, games clubs, music ensembles or other activities, pupils learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and appreciate the importance of collective effort. These experiences can contribute to personal growth and prepare pupils for the collaborative nature of the world of work.

Taking part in extracurricular activities is also a positive way for children and young people to build cultural capital. Participation exposes pupils to a variety of new experiences and environments, and this exposure can help them develop a broader understanding of different cultures, perspectives and ways of life. Participating in arts, music, drama and other creative activities can allow pupils to express themselves and develop an appreciation for various forms of cultural expression. This exposure enhances their cultural capital by growing creativity and aesthetic awareness.

Finally, clubs can also encourage pupils’ attendance, as they provide something additional they may look forward to coming to at school. 

By having a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, before and after school, and at lunchtimes, we can give children access to learning and experiences they may not receive otherwise, helping them become more rounded individuals for the future. 

Letters to parents/carers | 28th February 2024

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Teaching | 11th January 2024

The benefits of regular attendance

Regular school attendance is a key focus at Murrayfield because of the many ways it benefits our pupils.

One of the advantages of regular school attendance is academic success. Research shows pupils who attend school consistently are more likely to stay on track with their studies, grasp key concepts, and excel in examinations. Consistent attendance allows continuity of learning which is fundamental for academic achievement.

In 2019, 84% of UK pupils in Key Stage 2 who had 100% attendance achieved the expected standard, while only 40% of pupils who were persistently absent managed to hit their target.

The pattern continues through school. Pupils who didn’t achieve a grade of 4 to 9 in GCSE maths and English on average had missed 10 more days over the key stage compared to students who achieved grade 9 to 5 in the subject. It’s estimated just 17 missed school days per year will result in a drop in GCSE grade.

School is also crucial for developing social and emotional skills. Regular attendance allows students to form lasting friendships, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop essential interpersonal skills they’ll need in adult life. 

Attendance also instils discipline and a sense of responsibility in students, and employers often look for people with these traits who can demonstrate reliability and commitment.

To help children who struggle with attendance requires a comprehensive whole-school approach that addresses the root causes. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – we treat each case individually. As a Trust, some of the strategies we use are:

Focusing on Success

If pupils find lessons unengaging and irrelevant, they’re less likely to attend school, so we teach in a way that results in children feeling they are doing something worthwhile, but also secure enough that they feel safe. This feeling of achievement then helps them become more engaged in lessons. We continually review what we do to find ways we can refine and improve, then share them across the Trust.

Parental Involvement

Parents have a crucial role in ensuring their children attend school regularly. We promote parental involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher meetings, and highlighting the importance of attendance for their child’s future.

 Early Intervention and Support

Identifying attendance issues early on is essential for effective intervention. By establishing a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing their challenges we can implement early intervention and prevent prolonged absences. 

Positive Reinforcement

Recognising and rewarding good attendance can motivate students to attend school regularly. We run weekly Attendance Stars, with prizes for classes with the best attendance.

By focusing on attendance, we can help more pupils spend more time at school, so they are better educated and better prepared to succeed in their adult lives.

Letters to parents/carers | 19th October 2023

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News | 23rd June 2023

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News | 23rd June 2023

Key Stage 1 Results Information

Teaching | 23rd May 2023

Teacher Training

So they’re able to give pupils the best education possible, we aim to give all our teachers the best training possible, whether they’re at the start of their career or established members of the leadership team

Why train to be a teacher with Paradigm?

Paradigm Trust has a significant track record of delivering high-quality initial teaching training (ITT). 

At Paradigm Trust, one of our mottos is “Teach the right things, efficiently.”

We know every minute we have with our learners is important so we never waste time. We take the essentials of every subject and make sure we teach them in the most effective way. We know what works in the classroom and we want to share that.

To deliver our high quality teacher training, we’ve built strong partnerships with several ITT providers. And as the national ITT framework aligns closely with the Paradigm framework, it allows trainees to fit in with our approach to education and have a good grasp of our pedagogy from the start.

The course combines personal learning sessions with vital time in the classroom, observing and working with established teachers to deliver a range of lessons to children. These practical sessions will account for around 80% of course time and give students the essential skills and experience they need to become a professional teacher.

Most of these practical sessions will be at Murrayfield, however we will make sure learners have time at another school to expand their range of experiences. 

Career Progression at Paradigm

After their first year, teachers can look to move into a subject lead position at Paradigm. This builds experience and confidence as a middle leader. They get the benefit of working with more experienced colleagues and as a team across the wider Trust. It improves their understanding of the curriculum, of how Paradigm works as an organisation and how to develop teacher resources, all with peer support from across the Trust.

As teachers progress further in their careers, they can take advantage of training opportunities funded and delivered by us for middle, senior and principal level training.

If you’re interested starting your teaching career at a Trust that has a strong emphasis on quality training and your career progression then contact Ben Rogers (Ipswich Academy) to find out more. We would be very pleased to meet with you at any of our schools.

News | 20th March 2023

Parent Director (Suffolk) Vacancy

Paradigm Trust are looking for a Parent Director to join in Suffolk. For full information please click here.

News | 3rd March 2023

World Book Day 2023

The children at Murrayfield Primary Academy had a great day celebrating World Book Day yesterday – we loved seeing all of the fabulous costumes!  Here are a selection of photographs for you to enjoy!

Last updated March 3, 2023