KS3 Opportunities
This section details some of the many trips and visits on offer to our Key Stage 3 students.
These visits are part of the rich and extensive extra curricular programme which helps to broaden the mind and develop the notion of ourselves as global citizens.
In the past, our KS3 international visits have given students the opportunity to go white water rafting in the Ardeche, make gelato in Italy, visit the windmill fields of Holland and take part in cultural visits and exchanges to France and Spain.
In addition, there are many opportunities to visit places of local interest and to visit cities such as London, to go to the theatre in the West End or visit the capital’s museums or art galleries.
We also enjoy an exciting range of in school extra curricular opportunities. Our annual school production sees student actors, musicians, sound and lighting engineers, costume and set designers working together to produce an awe inspiring show. Our Greenpower team, Richard Lander Racing, gives our engineers and drivers the chance to compete at an international level. All Year 9 students are invited to do Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, giving them the opportunity to develop skills and work experience and take part in expeditions.
One off events such as charity bake offs, competitions, art, humanities, creative writing and science workshops, along with learning community sports events compliment our timetable of lunchtime and after school clubs
For more information on PE and Sports clubs and fixtures please follow this link.
For more information on Creative Arts extra curricular please follow this link
Sorrento Culinary Adventure: Curriculum Enrichment Week with the DT Food Department
Each year, students from Years 7, 8, and 9 embark on a culinary and cultural journey to the stunning town of Sorrento, Italy, as part of Curriculum Enrichment Week. Organized by the Food department, this week-long trip offers students an unforgettable opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian cuisine, history, and culture.
The adventure begins with a boat ride to the breath-taking island of Capri, where students explore the vibrant streets and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Marina Grande. This marks the start of a week filled with unique culinary experiences, where students get hands-on learning about Italy’s rich food traditions.
One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to a local pasta-making factory. Here, students witness the age-old art of crafting pasta, learning about the history and techniques behind one of Italy’s most beloved staples. The excitement continues with a visit to a buffalo mozzarella farm, where the buffalos are played classical music and can get a massage on demand!
Students are also given the chance to make their own pizzas from scratch, topping their creations with local ingredients before cooking them in a traditional wood-fired oven. All under the supervision of an Italian chef! A trip to an ice cream factory provides the sweetest experience, where students learn how to make traditional Italian gelato.
Beyond the culinary experiences, the trip includes a visit to the ancient city of Pompeii. Buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii offers a rare glimpse into life in Roman times, frozen at the moment of disaster.
The journey continues with a tour of the picturesque Amalfi Coast, where students visit the stunning towns of Ravello and Positano, taking in the spectacular scenery, bathing in the Mediterranean and capturing beautiful photographs overlooking the Bay of Naples.
The Magic of Venice
In 2024, students from Key Stage 3 embarked on an exciting adventure to the enchanting city of Venice. This unique trip allowed students to explore the vibrant culture, history, and cuisine of Italy’s famous floating city, all while engaging in a range of hands-on learning experiences.
The journey began with a boat trip to the island of Murano, where students witnessed the ancient Venetian art of glassblowing.
Back on the mainland, students explored the heart of Venice, visiting iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. They wandered through the bustling piazzas, marvelling at Venice’s stunning architecture and rich history. While taking in these beautiful sights, students had the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, choosing from traditional Venetian masks, Murano glass, and other local treasures.
A day trip to the picturesque Prosecco Valley added another dimension to the experience, with students visiting a local cheese-making facility. Here, they took part in a hands-on session where they learned how to make artisanal cheese, followed by a delicious tasting session.
The culinary adventures didn’t stop there. Under the guidance of a professional chef, students learned how to make traditional Italian gnocchi from scratch.
When not busy with workshops and sightseeing, students had time to explore the labyrinth of Venice’s narrow streets, discovering hidden gems in local cafés, bakeries, and shops. From trying authentic Italian gelato to tasting traditional Venetian dishes, they fully immersed themselves in the rich culinary and cultural landscape.
Barcelona Adventure: Key Stage 3 Students Explore the Heart of Catalonia
In the week leading up to October half-term, Key Stage 3 students embark on an unforgettable trip to the vibrant city of Barcelona. Staying in a youth hostel in the heart of the city, students are immersed in the culture, history, and energy of this beautiful Catalonian capital, experiencing art, architecture, sports, and adventure.
The trip involves a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece. Students can marvel at the towering spires and intricate designs, gaining insight into its history and ongoing construction that has spanned more than a century.
A stroll down Las Ramblas, gives students the chance to experience Barcelona’s bustling central boulevard, while the vibrant and lively atmosphere of La Boquería food market, provides a sense sensation of smells of fresh produce, traditional Spanish delicacies, and local street food. El Corte Inglés, Spain’s famous department store, givens students another opportunity to spend their euros!
Diving deeper into the work of Antoni Gaudí, students visit Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, two of Gaudí’s most iconic buildings, before arriving at Parc Güell where, as well as marvelling at vibrant mosaics, whimsical structures, and lush greenery, they are also treated to stunning panoramic views over Barcelona.
Sports enthusiasts are thrilled to follow in the footsteps of football legends Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Gerard Piqué with a guided tour of FC Barça’s famous Nou Camp stadium. Students explore the pitch, locker rooms, and museum, experiencing the excitement and history of one of the world’s most famous football clubs.
The adventure doesn’t stop there! The trip concludes with an adrenaline-packed day at PortAventura, Spain’s largest theme park. With thrilling roller coasters and attractions, it is an experience not for the faint-hearted!
Finally, students end the week taking a well-deserved break, relaxing at one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches and reflecting on an unforgettable week
Exciting Parisian Adventure
In the Spring term, the MFL Department organise a Year 8 trip to Paris, giving students the opportunity to experience French life and culture and practise their French speaking skills too!
Students stay at the majestic PGL Chateau, their home away from home for the duration of the trip, where the fabulous staff provide thrilling evening activities for our students, which may include a game of Ambush, a camp fire, crepe making, a quiz or a silent disco..
During the days, students visit famous Parisian landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, le Sacré Coeur and the artisan Montmartre and see many more on their boat and coach tours of Paris, including Notre Dame and l’Arc de Triompe.
Students practise French language skills in the market in Melun buying souvenirs for friends and family and immerse themselves in French culture and history at the royal palace of Fontainebleau which was the inspiration for Versailles.
A major highlight of the trip for sports enthusiasts, is a guided tour of the legendary Stade de France.
The trip culminates in a whole day at Eurodisney hanging out with Mickey and friends and a final quintessentially French experience: a visit to a French Hypermarché.
Ever thought about designing your own race car, then taking it to a race track like Silverstone or Goodwood and racing? Well, that is exactly what our students have done with their Greenpower race car.
The Greenpower competition encourages schools to build a race car, within a set design brief, using battery power as its energy source. It helps create designers and engineers of the future, who are already focusing their attention on sustainability issues.
Our Greenpower team are students from all year groups, who have worked with staff to design the Greenpower car. Students then race it in ‘Le Mans’ style events, complete with pit teams and driver changes.
The Richard Lander Racing Team are five-time world Greenpower champions having won the international final at Rockingham Motor Speedway in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and again in 2022 and 2023! Read about our 2023 victory here:
Photos above are from 2024, when Richard Lander Racing cars came a very respectable 2nd and 3rd in the International Final. In 2024, 3 RLS cars made it through to the Goodwood final, which gave the maximum number of students possible, the chance to experience this remarkable competition.
Starting in Year 9 students can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive. A DofE award enhances a CV or university/ job application and employers recognise the work-ready skills award holders bring to their business.
The last full week of the school term is set aside for a programme of activities for students in Years 7 to 9 known as Curriculum Enrichment Week (CEW). As a school, we find this week hugely beneficial for the whole school community in terms of providing opportunities and new experiences, forming relationships and broadening horizons.
For information on this year’s Curriculum Enrichment Week please follow the links below.