North Cardiff school leads the way with enrichment activities

A North Cardiff secondary school is leading the way with activities designed to broaden horizons, develop new skills and strengthen wellbeing, identity and belonging.

Llanishen High School launched its curriculum enrichment programme last September, giving nearly 1,750 students the chance to take part in 52 experiences spanning creative, active and reflective activities.

The school has long been recognised for its extensive extra‑curricular provision and was celebrated by Estyn, featuring the school as a case study to showcase its strong culture of participation and inclusion.

But not all students were able to access extra‑curricular activities beyond the school day. So, the new programme includes the activities in the school timetable, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, ability, or outside commitments can take part.

The programme aims to promote creativity, curiosity, and enjoyment and through mixed‑year group participation helps to build confidence, friendships and cross‑school connections.

Headteacher Sarah Parry said: “By embedding these activities within the school day, every student is able to participate fully, ensuring equity of access and opportunity. The vertical groupings have fostered exceptionally positive relationships, with genuine bonds forming across year groups and contributing to a strong sense of identity, belonging, and overall wellbeing.

“Our staff bring their own passions and expertise to the programme, enabling students to explore new interests and develop emerging talents.

"Each term, students are empowered to select a new activity, and it has been inspiring to see them step beyond their comfort zones to embrace unfamiliar skills and experiences".

Activities include:

• Sports and outdoor activities: girls’ rugby, football, cricket, HIIT, trampolining, water sports, cycling, hyrox, couch to 5k;

• Science, technology, engineering. and maths (STEM) and innovation: STEM, computer game creation & coding, stocks & shares, desmos art;

• Creative & performing arts: samba band, creative writing, portrait club, theatrical makeup, 3D paper sculpting, radio & podcast;

• Lifestyle & skill‑building: pottery, nail art, hair styling, Lego, knitting, Scrabble, board games;

• Health & wellbeing: yoga, mindfulness, fun fitness;

• Community & environment: eco committee, reservoir rangers, the rubbish mob;

• Leadership & society: politics, profit with purpose, display squad.

A dedicated enrichment session takes place every fortnight with pupils choosing one activity per term, allowing them to engage with up to 14 different opportunities from Year 7 – 11. All but four of the 52 activities are free, with a small charge for four off-site activities.