The Hub Experience

The distinctive change when pupils enter Key Stage Three is the growing expectation and opportunity for each student to independently develop their learning, personal characteristics and faith. Students have access to a Head of Year, Teaching Assistants and the School Chaplain to offer guidance and pastoral support. Within The Hub, to complement and enhance the Year 7 taught curriculum, we have planned a series of opportunities and experiences which stretch beyond the classroom. The commitments made cover the following areas: 

Catholic Life

As a Catholic MAC, we play a key role in the faith formation of every child. A student’s experience of the Catholic life of the school will undoubtedly influence their faith as an adult and so it is important we offer an experience which is truly outstanding. We recognise the importance of students maintaining strong links with our MAC Primary schools. For this reason, all Year 7 pupils will have the opportunity to plan, lead and deliver in groups a service to younger pupils.

Charities and Social Action

Our aim for every pupil is to ensure that they are compassionate young people who recognise and support the needs of those who are vulnerable. For this reason, we place great emphasis on charities and educating all pupils about their potential to make a positive contribution to society. Year 7 are given opportunities to engage with fundraising, chaplaincy and ecology projects, thus supporting the whole school Live Simply Award.

The Residential Experience

One of the greatest experiences a young person can have is the opportunity to take part in a residential trip. For many pupils, a residential school trip will be their first experience of being away from home and it is a memory which lasts a lifetime. Every pupil in Year 7 is enabled to experience a residential experience at Pioneer Outdoor Centre, which builds resilience and confidence. Additionally, this provides a fantastic opportunity for those entering Key Stage Three from a variety of settings to get to know each other, forming a clear identity as a new year group in our inclusive secondary school.

Sporting Opportunities

Whether pupils demonstrate a natural aptitude for sport or whether they just enjoy occasionally experiencing the enjoyment of competing against their peers, we believe that every student should have access to high quality sporting opportunities. Year 7 benefit from exclusive access to their own section of our extensive and beautiful grounds along with a purpose-built dance and fitness studio to sample boxercise, pilates and circuit sessions. Upon arrival, pupils are placed into our house system and encouraged to support each other in competitive events including our Winter and Summer Sports Days. In addition, Year 7 pupils can engage in a range of clubs that run both at lunchtime and after school. Pupils also compete against other schools in Warwickshire across a wide range of sports including rowing, football, netball, basketball, athletics, rounders, tennis and cricket.

Cultural and Creative Experiences

We place huge importance on providing numerous opportunities for our pupils to experience as many cultural and creative experiences as possible. Beyond school we aim to broaden pupils’ horizons by regular visits to art galleries, the theatre, museums, musical performances, historical sites and places of educational interest. Within school we are passionate about art, drama, music and physical education and have timetabled an afternoon every week for Year 7 pupils to pursue their individual interests and meet with external providers. These sessions are wide ranging and led by pupil interests such as: Warhammer, Task Master and Lego Masters. During this dedicated time, Year 7 pupils can work towards completing their Hub Enrichment Diploma which leads to a celebratory graduation day at the close of the academic year.

Vocations and Destinations

We want to ensure that every pupil in The Hub aspires to achieve their full potential. We encourage all pupils to recognise and develop their unique skills and talents and to know how they can make a positive difference in the world. For these reasons we have included a range of activities which support each pupil’s understanding of their personal vocation and the possible destinations and career paths available to them. Year 7 pupils are introduced to the world of work through a carefully planned programme that builds awareness, confidence and ambition. Students will take part in an in-house Careers Fair, giving them direct access to local employers and further education providers, alongside inspiring assemblies by external specialists, including participation in the BAE Systems STEM Roadshow. Our Careers lead ensures that all Year 7 students will benefit from a financial awareness workshop and a visit to a local employer, helping them to understand realworld applications of their learning.