Within The GORSE Academies Trust we are passionate about, what we call, Enrichment++.
Enrichment++ is the experience that students have outside of the classroom; these enrichment opportunities allow students to socialise with students and create new friendships, whilst also having a positive influence on self-esteem, well-being and confidence.
At John Smeaton Academy we offer a rich and varied Enrichment++ programme including students having the opportunity to participate in the trust’s BIG 3, The Trinidad Legacy and GORSE debating in addition to the more ‘traditional’ activities such as Art, charity and community work, Debating, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport and Technology.
We encourage all students to participate in a minimum of one extra-curricular club per week in order to support their progress and engagement with learning.
The gorse academies trust’s big 3
On 25 May 2000 Nelson Mandela said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
Sir John Townsley and the professionals within The GORSE Academies Trust believe that sport plays an integral role in the development of all young people. It leads to improved fitness, health and well-being, concentration span, attitude and academic achievement. Most importantly, however, we believe sport can give our young people experiences they would not otherwise have.
In order to enable our young people to experience the most wide-ranging opportunities possible, we run the “BIG 3” programme. These are three sports – Rowing, Volleyball and Karate – which we believe contribute to this trust wide focus on improving the lives of the students in our care. These sports offer students with different skills and natural abilities, the opportunity to try something completely different and to rise to the very top of their sport as young athletes.
The Trinidad Legacy
Embedded across all Academies within the GORSE Academies Trust, The Trinidad Legacy aims to establish an understanding of the environment, climate change and our impact on the world amongst students and colleagues. In 2017, students from The Ruth Gorse Academy took 40 students on a once in a lifetime trip to Trinidad. This expedition has inspired projects across the GORSE academies trust, including new and exciting expeditions for students at the John Smeaton Academy and others to visit the country. Here they will learn about the environment, climate change, different cultures as well as local wildlife and plants.
Music Development Plan 2024-25
At John Smeaton Academy we are dedicated to growing our music department and the musical opportunities that are offered to our students. Please click on the link below to read our new Music Development Plan 2024-25 which outlines how we will continue to grow the department over the course of this academic year to provide your child with an excellent music education.
