11th - 15th January 2027
Welcome
Enrichment Week will take place next term, from Monday January 11th – Friday January 15th for all students in Years 7-9
During this week, Year 10 are on work experience and Year 11 will sit their mock examinations The normal school timetable is collapsed and students in Years 7-9 are offered a range of alternative learning experiences and activities outside of the usual curriculum. Please read this booklet together with your child, and examine the details of the activity carefully. This will help ensure your child selects an option that is appropriate for their interests and that their Enrichment Week is enjoyable and successful.
Enrichment Week offers our students exciting opportunities to grow in confidence, develop leadership skills, and nurture self-motivation. Through engaging activities, they are encouraged to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, and build the foundations for lifelong success These experiences also foster a strong sense of belonging, promote inclusivity, and inspire a love of learning that lasts well beyond the classroom
The week is divided into two Students will make one option from Monday – Wednesday and a second option for Thursday Friday will be a JESS House Day with competitions and activities.
In the booklet, you will find details of all the activities being offered, along with any costs and equipment needed by the students. These include short residential and non-residential opportunities. Please also note that some activities are limited to specific year groups, some are invite only due to the focus of the activity. You will be notified in an email on September 11th if your child has been invited to take part in an activity Finally, all other activities are open to anyone
Selections for Enrichment Week will be open from Friday September 11th – Friday September 18th
Please note that these are not allocated on a first come first served basis Some activities have a maximum number of students These details are included in the booklet If an activity is oversubscribed a random selection will be made via a name generator
Selections will be confirmed with parents and students on September 25th. If your child wishes to change their selection after receiving the confirmation, this must be done by Tuesday September 29th by the parent emailing academicsec@jess.sch.ae. No changes are able to be made after Tuesday September 29th.
Notification for payment will come through Halpay from the accounts team, with deadline for payments being October 28th If a payment is not received by this date your child will be moved to a free activity
Please note that any leave of absence during Enrichment Week will not be approved for Years 7-9 It is expected that everyone gets involved in the activities offered
The selection form will be shared at the start of the new academic school year.
Year 7 Residential Khorfakkan
Students will be staying for 2 nights at the Oceanic Hotel, Khorfakkan Monday 13thWednesday 15th January. The students are split into 8 groups and will complete different activities each day on a rotation basis.
The activities include: Snorkelling, Beach Games, Raft Building and Rafting, Hiking and Wilderness and survival skills
Activity: Year 7 Residential
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 1800AED
Year 8 Residential Al Ain
The Al Ain Adventure residential will take place from Monday 12th January – Wednesday 14th January.
Students will be taking part in a whole host of activities and will have the opportunity to work as a team and cement relationships with their peers and tutors.
They will have the opportunity to overcome fears by testing themselves in unfamiliar situations while having fun at the same time Accommodation is provided by Green Mubazzarah Chalets. Chalet style blocks that accommodate 6 people each. This is a short 5 min walk to Wadi Adventure grounds.
Activities will include:
Rock Climbing
White Water Rafting
White Water Kayaking
Body Boarding
Adventure Island Obstacle Course
Pool Games
Activity
Year 8 Residential
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 2150AED
Year 9 Residential Desert Reserve
The Sandsherpa will be hosting Year 9 for 2 nights and 3 days in the pristine desert reserve, gifted to the organisation by the government of Dubai. There students will experience the Bedouin lifestyle of the forefathers of the UAE.
Accommodation will be in Bedouin tents, and students will undertake activities like cooking on open fires, a Falconry experience, desert survival, nighttime star navigation and a sunrise trek. There will be a visit to a bespoke Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve center, where students will look in detail at the history and life of the Dubai desert All this, as well as time to relax and spend time with your friends away from civilization and technology.
Activity
Year 9 Residential
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 1800AED
PADI Qualification
Jebel Ali Resorts - Chloe Blue Scuba Diving Club
Students will be off site at JA resort Jebel Ali to complete their PADI scuba diving qualification The course takes 6 hours per day for 4 days.
Dive In, Dive Deep, Dive Responsibly
As the resort states, every dive is not just an adventure; it's a call to action Students will discover the delicate balance of life below the surface and learn why we must protect it. The hope of the qualification is to inspire confidence, love, and a sense of responsibility for the underwater world.
The resort are confident that students will go on a journey to explore, appreciate, and safeguard the treasures beneath the waves. Together, we'll be the change our oceans deserve Are you ready to dive with purpose?
Days: Monday - Thursday
Cost: Approximately 2000 AED
Maximum number: 20
Multisport
Our Multisports Enrichment Week offers students an exciting opportunity to step beyond the classroom and enjoy a week packed with adventure, teamwork and personal growth. Carefully designed to challenge, inspire and engage, each day combines fun with valuable life skills in safe, fully supervised environments. Students will get to experience the following...
Outdoor Adventure & Ziplining Experience - Students will spend the day immersed in an outdoor adventure setting within a natural forest environment. Through circuit-style challenges, ziplining courses and team-based activities, students will develop confidence, resilience, coordination and teamwork. The experience encourages problem-solving and perseverance, while promoting an active lifestyle and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Surf Lifesaving & Beach Skills Day - Students will take part in a full-day beach experience focused on surf lifesaving, water confidence and ocean safety, led by qualified professional instructors. Activities include wading, surf swimming, board paddling, beach flags, first aid and rescue techniques. Alongside learning essential personal safety skills, students will strengthen resilience, sportsmanship, teamwork and mental wellbeing, with values of kindness, effort and fun embedded throughout the day.
Multisports & Team Building Day - Students will also enjoy a dynamic day of team building and multisport activities, designed to foster communication, leadership and collaboration Activities may include: padel, team-building games and problem-solving tasks, cooperative fitness and leadership activities
These sessions encourage students to work together, support one another and step outside their comfort zones in an inclusive and energetic environment
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 400 AED
Maximum number: Unlimited
Robotics
JESS, Ranches
Focus: Computer-Aided Design (CAD), CNC Manufacturing, Teamwork, and Engineering
Students will work in teams to design, manufacture, and race their own miniature F1 cars using Computer Aided Design, CNC routing, and 3D printing. The experience mirrors the realworld F1 in Schools competition, with a strong emphasis on CAD, digital manufacturing, and engineering thinking
Day 1: Design & Identity
· Introduction to F1 in Schools principles
CAD Workshop: Students learn Fusion 360 and begin designing their car chassis.
Team Branding: Develop a team name, logo, and basic portfolio.
Day 2: Manufacture & Assembly
Track Testing: Cars are tested and refined.
Race Day: Timed runs on the F1 track.
Team Presentations: Each team presents their design process and branding.
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: 24
Sewing and Crafting JESS, Ranches
Sewing
Students learn to sew at the beginning of the week and then complete a set number of pads/bags for the Period Empowerment Project. We finish the week by students creating their own item - a bag/scarf/skirt etc
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Cost: No cost
Maximum number: 30
Mindful crafting
Imagine transforming everyday materials into extraordinary creations, all while expressing your unique style and having loads of fun! Whether you're knitting a bear or a gift bag, designing your own tote bags to carry your essentials, or crafting intricate dream catchers to capture your sweetest dreams, the possibilities are endless. Dive into the world of diamond art for a bit of sparkle, design personalised masks to add flair to your outfits, or unleash your creativity with woolly hats that showcase your favourite colours.
Crafting not only lets you make one-of-a-kind treasures but also gives you the chance to share your masterpieces with friends. So, grab your tools and let your imagination soar it's time to start crafting
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 100AED
Maximum number: 30
Dragon’s Den JESS, Ranches
Dragon’s Den & Chocolate Factory Tour
Day 1: Students will be introduced to the concept of Dragon’s Den and the different aspects of creating and making a new good or service.
Teams will learn about finance, operations and marketing requirements to create a successful product.
Day 2: Teams work together to create their good or service and prepare a presentation for the panel of judges – our own JESS Dragons.
A winning team will be picked and prizes will be presented culminating in a pizza party for all teams in the afternoon.
Day 3: Farm to Bar Chocolate Factory Tour
Students will get to see operations in a real life setting with a visit to Co Chocolat Factory. Here, students will learn about :
History and nutritional benefits of cacao.
Overview of how chocolates are made from the cacao seeds
Tastings of various forms of cacao and chocolates – 100% cacao, hot chocolate, gianduja spreads and chocolate bars.
Moulding and packaging of two Chocolate Bars in a flavour and toppings of your choice
Tasting of fresh cacao fruit
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Cost: Approximately 230 AED
Maximum number: 24
Broadway Performing Arts
Breeze Through Broadway’ is an exciting, auditioned musical opportunity designed especially for our KS3 musical theatre lovers. This production places young performers on stage, giving them the chance to develop and refine their skills in singing, dancing and acting within a supportive and inspiring rehearsal environment.
Serving as a foundation for our secondary school musical, Breeze Through Broadway helps students build confidence, fine-tune technique and understand the expectations of large-scale productions Launched last year following the success of our whole-school 'Walk Through The West End', where secondary students collaborated with primary performers across both schools; this show is now firmly established in the Performing Arts calendar.
As an annual feature, Breeze Through Broadway will play a key role in developing future performers and marks the beginning of a growing JESS Performing Arts legacy, celebrating collaboration, excellence and a love of musical theatre.
Day: Monday - Wednesday Invite only
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: 50
Teen Mental Health Aid
Teen to Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Learn how to support your peers Look after yourself Make a Difference! This programme will be run by Dubai based Lighthouse clinic. It recognises that students often prefer sharing their problems with other teens This training empowers teens to support others while keeping themselves safe.
This course will help:
Understaning of mental health vs mental illness
The relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Recognising the sign of mental health probklems or mental health crisis
Building self-care
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 650 AED
Maximum number: 25
6 New Life Skills
JESS, Ranches
Master 6 Essential Life Skills in Just One Day!
Ready to tackle real-world challenges and level up your independence? Join us for a hands-on learning experience where you’ll gain six practical life skills that will set you up for success!
Change a bike tire no more waiting for help
Sew a button fix that favorite shirt in minutes
Cook the perfect omelette because instant noodles aren’t the only option
Plus, three more must-have skills to make life easier!
Whether you're looking to impress your friends, help out at home, or just learn something useful, this is your chance to gain practical skills that you'll use forever.
Day: Thursday Cost: Free Maximum number:
Cultural Tour
Cultural Day is an exciting, immersive journey through the heart of old Dubai, perfect for students keen to experience the city’s heritage up close The day begins with an early walk along the Dubai Creek waterfront, following the embankment where traditional life meets modern energy, before diving into the sights, sounds, and colours of the bustling souk, where students can practise the art of bartering for unique souvenirs.
From there, the walk continues to Al Fahidi stopping for lunch at a heritage restaurant or one of the many Instagram able picture-perfect cafés overlooking the water in Al Seef. After lunch we will board a traditional abra ride across the Creek that adds a true Dubai moment, transporting the group into Deira’s old town, home to the dazzling Gold Souk and the aromatic Spice Souk. The day finishes with a street food adventure sipping sweet tea, sampling samosas, and snacking through the narrow lanes a vibrant, unforgettable celebration of the UAE’s culture, history, and everyday life in Dubai.
Days: Thursday
Cost:
Approximately 100AED Cost of lunch and refreshments will be additional cost
Maximum number: 30
Desert Conservation
Adventure awaits with Sandsherpa
Itinerary:
09:00 – Arrival at DDCR and transfer into Sand Sherpa Land Rover 101, 6x6 Pinzgauer, and other vehicles for an educational wilderness safari
11:00 – Tour of the DDCR Visitor Centre, incorporating activities that will inspire learning of Dubai’s natural and original environment, followed by a quiz and Shemagh tying activity
13:00 – Lunch (students to bring their own packed lunch)
14:00 – Falconry display and interaction
15:00 – Departure
Sandsherpa Link
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 250 AED
Maximum number: 40
Hike in Wadi Naqb, RAK
The Wadi Naqb hike in RAK is an unforgettable adventure that looks straight out of a Star Wars movie! In this 4-hour moderate hike, you wind through dramatic rock formations, narrow mountain paths, and vast, rugged scenery that makes you feel truly immersed in nature
As you climb higher, the views become increasingly spectacular, until you reach the remote mountain village perched at the top, a hidden reward that feels worlds away from everyday life. Challenging enough to be exhilarating but accessible with steady pacing, Wadi Naqb is the perfect blend of adventure, awe, and other-worldly beauty It is the jewel of RAK
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 100 AED
Maximum number: 30
Drama Day
The Drama Department is delighted to host a ‘Drama Day’ during Enrichment Week The day will provide students with a fun, practical, and inspiring experience of theatre-making.
Morning (off-site): Students will take part in a professionally led drama workshop focusing on building confidence, collaboration, creativity, and ensemble skills.
Afternoon (on-site): A range of theatre-based activities including drama games and improvisation, creative prop-making, and devising original scenes
The day will conclude with a practical sharing of work, allowing students to present what they have created to their peers This enrichment is designed to be highly active, engaging, and confidence-building, nurturing students’ creativity and love of drama.
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 200 AED
Maximum number: 30
Day of Dance
The Dance Department is delighted to host a ‘Dance Day’ during Enrichment Week The day will provide students with a fun, practical, and inspiring experience.
Morning (off-site): Students will take part in a professionally led dance workshop, focusing on building confidence, musicality, coordination, and performance skills through a range of movement styles Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, creativity, and expressive movement.
Afternoon (on-site): Students will return to school for a series of creative dance activities, including technique drills, choreographic tasks, and group routines.
The day will conclude with a practical sharing, allowing students to perform their work for their peers This enrichment is designed to be highly active, engaging, and confidencebuilding, nurturing students’ creativity, teamwork, and love of dance
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 200 AED
Maximum number: 30
Singing Masterclass
A collaborative and inspiring day of music-making
Professionally led singing workshops focusing on choral finesse, harmony, blend, and ensemble technique.
The day concludes with a performance sharing Ensemble Singing Masterclass (Invite-Only, No Charge)
Selected students will take part in an intensive ensemble singing masterclass, culminating in a performance.
Day: Thursday
Cost: Free Invite Only - Students will be informed in September
Maximum number:
Warner Bros. World
Abu Dhabi
Get ready to step into the magic at Warner Bros World™ Abu Dhabi, where iconic stories and characters come to life. Students will enter through Warner Bros. plaza before exploring immersive themed lands including Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis. With over 60 state-of-the-art rides, attractions and live entertainment, there is something for everyone, from thrilling adventures to fun experiences.
Students will have the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most famous characters, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as much-loved favourites such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones. The park also offers a variety of themed restaurants and retail stores, making it a vibrant and exciting destination for a memorable and immersive day out
If your child already has an annual pass, please select this option on the selection form Please note that there will still be a charge to cover transport and food costs.
This trip promises a fantastic blend of fun, imagination and unforgettable experiences. We will travel there and back by school bus.
Day:
Thursday
Leaving at 8:00am - 7:00pm
Cost: Approximately 450 AED (Includes Ticket, Food & Transport)
Maximum number: 150
Ju Jitsu
Studio 100 BJJ, Motorcity
Girls and boys Spend a morning training at Studio100 developing your confidence, feeling more empowered and learning bully-proof techniques sure to help you feel better about yourself and your abilities defending yourself in a sticky situation! Learn from specialized Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Professors. No experience needed, come, have fun and learn something new!
For everyone, girls especially encouraged to come along!
Day: Thursday
Cost: Approximately 150 AED
Maximum number: 30
Ranches
Chess Challenge JESS,
Think Fast Play Smart Rule the Board!
Ready to outsmart your friends in the ultimate battle of brains? Join us for a fun and competitive chess challenge, where you'll learn clever new moves and strategies to level up your game. Whether you're a total beginner or a future grandmaster, this session is all about thinking ahead, making bold moves, and having a blast while doing it
Let the games begin who will be crowned the JESS chess champ?
Day: Thursday
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: 16
Multisport Challenge JESS, Ranches
Join us at JESS for a relaxed and fun Multisports Day, where you’ll get the chance to try out a variety of sports that aren’t part of your regular Games lessons. Activities may include volleyball, yoga, badminton, rugby, netball, and more, perfect for discovering something new or enjoying a different way to stay active.
Whether you're looking to learn a new skill or simply have fun with friends, this is a great opportunity to get moving and try something different.
Day: Thursday
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: Unlimited
Creative Arts
JESS, Ranches
Get ready for a fun-filled Creative Art Day!
This exciting day will be packed with hands-on activities where you’ll get to build imaginative models, splash into vibrant painting sessions, and explore a wide range of art materials from textured papers to mixed media and more. Whether you're sculpting a fantasy creature or experimenting with color and form, you'll have the chance to express your creativity and create truly original masterpieces.
It’s a day to play, invent, and let your artistic side shine!
Day: Thursday
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: Unlimited
JESS House Day JESS, Ranches
The Ultimate House Challenge Is On!
Get ready for an epic Friday as Enrichment Week ends with a bang! It’s time for the Whole House Challenge a wild mix of Taskmaster-style games, Krypton Factor brainbusters, and It’s a Knockout chaos.
You’ll team up with your House and rotate through a series of fun, fast-paced challenges that test your brains, brawn, creativity, and teamwork From physical showdowns to musical madness and dramatic twists, every task is a chance to score points and outsmart the competition.
Only one House will lift the House Challenge Cup… but every student plays a part in the battle for glory Are you ready to bring it home?
No sign up needed.
Day:
Friday January 16th will be the first JESS House Day
Cost: FREE
Maximum number: Everyone
Rugby & Netball Training JESS, Ranches
All Year 7–9 students selected in the A and B teams will take part in a dedicated team training day to prepare for the start of Term 2 fixtures.
Students will be informed in September if they are selected. All selected students are required to attend this training day.
Day: Friday
Maximum number: A and B Teams Only
Guided by our values
