Exploring, experiencing, excelling: Learning outside the classroom
With an abundance of excellent facilities, historic landmarks, top attractions and beautiful surroundings right on our doorstep, Senior School pupils regularly step beyond the classroom to enrich their learning.
Here are just a few highlights.
Physics STEM Trip
Twelve Physics pupils from Second Year attended a STEM Challenge Day at the University of Manchester.
They took part in tasks covering robotics, medicine, and forensics, working in teams of two with a pair from another school. The pupils were assessed on their performance in the challenges, along with their teamwork skills.
Pupils Charlotte and Norah Lill were in the winning group for the medical challenge. Meanwhile, Zoe and Emmy were in the overall winning team and are going to represent the school in the regional final in January!
Faith Visits
First and Third Year pupils enjoyed visits to places of worship in the local community, helping to bring their learning about world religions to life.
First Years visited the Gurdwara in Chorlton, where they were warmly welcomed and introduced to the key beliefs and values of Sikhism. A highlight was experiencing langar, as students were kindly served rice with peas and squash, giving them a clear insight into Sikh hospitality and the importance of equality and service.
Third Years visited the nearby Hindu Temple, where they explored a vibrant shrine and learned about Hindu beliefs and practices. Pupils showed great curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and engaging fully with the experience. Many were especially interested in drawing parallels with both British and Christian traditions. As they left, they were each offered a piece of fruit, a simple but meaningful gesture of welcome.
Our school’s Faith and Spirituality Lead, Mrs Maria Oates said: “It is so important for our pupils to learn about the diversity within our wider community, particularly in terms of cultures and faiths. Visits like these provide valuable opportunities to ask questions, make connections and develop a deeper understanding of others.”
Pupils across both year groups reflected positively on their visits, with many commenting on how much they had learned about faiths they had not previously encountered in such depth.
Lower Sixth Psychology Trip
A group of over 20 Lower Sixth psychology pupils visited Chester Zoo to explore themes they have been working on in the classroom.
The trip involved a talk on primate behaviour to consider evolutionary explanations of attachment and aggression, amongst other behaviours.
Pupils were also able to explore the zoo to take in the full range of animal behaviours on show.
Second Year Geography Trip
Second Year pupils visited Brockholes Nature Reserve as part of their geography studies. Led by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the trip provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to put their learning about rivers into practice.
The visit began with an engaging talk on the River Ribble where pupils explored the processes that shape the river and its impact on the surrounding nature reserve. They then headed into a woodland area to apply their understanding by creating their own drainage basins using natural materials they collected.
Pupils were also introduced to the diverse ecosystems at Brockholes, taking part in birdwatching and insect sweeping activities. They were delighted to catch dragonflies, damselflies, and even a frog in their nets, and were equally excited to spot deer in the grasslands.
