Sir John Talbot's School - Crew Time

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Spring term 1 –Wednesday Crew enrichment

The aim of Period 5 Enrichment is to provide you with opportunities to broaden your learning beyond the core curriculum. It is designed to:

• Develop personal interests and talents.

• Build essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning.

• Support wellbeing by offering enjoyable and engaging activities.

• Prepare students for future pathways by fostering transferable skills.

• To build a sense of belonging with Harbor staff and students.

Mindfulness Origami Club

Aim:

To give students a fun, creative space to relax and recharge during the school week.

To introduce the calming power of mindfulness through hands-on origami activities.

To help students build focus, patience, and a sense of achievement through making paper creations

Skills you will develop

Creativity and design thinking

Fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination

Focus, patience, and attention to detail

Mindfulness techniques for stress reduction

Problem-solving and following multi-step instructions

Confidence and a sense of pride in creating something by hand

Program Outline

Week 1 – Welcome & Paper Magic Basics Learn simple folds, mindfulness breathing, and create your first origami animals.

Week 2 – Mindful Moments & Moving Models

Fold exciting action origami (like jumping frogs!) while practicing mindful focus.

Week 3 – Calm Creations: Flowers & Stars Make beautiful decorative pieces and explore how slow, steady folding builds calm.

Week 4 – Creative Challenge Week. Students choose from a range of models and work at their own pace with support.

Week 5 – Showcase & Take-Home Mindfulness

Kit Create a final project, share your work, and take home a mini set of mindfulness tips and origami paper.

The “Why” I’m passionate about running this enrichment because I know how important it is for students to have the chance to take part in fun and creative activities. It’s a simple activity that helps students slow down, focus, and feel proud of what they create—and I’m excited to share that experience with you!
Mrs. L Davies

Puzzle and Codebreaking Club

Aim:

Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging puzzles and challenges

Encourage teamwork and collaborating by solving riddles together Foster resilience and curiosity by tackling progressively harder and more complex tasks that require persistence.

Skills you will develop:

Critical thinking and reasoning

Analyzing patterns and logical sequences. Mathematical skills

Applying concepts like number theory and probability.

Pattern recognition and attention to detail

Spotting clues and hidden structures.

Collaboration and communication Sharing strategies and working as a team.

Creative problem-solving

Thinking outside the box to crack codes.

Program Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Codebreaking & Logic

Puzzles Understand what codebreaking is and why it’s important.

Week 2: Substitution Ciphers (Caesar & Monoalphabetic) Learn how letters can be shifted or substituted.

Week 3: Pattern Recognition & Number Puzzles

Spot patterns in numbers and sequences.

Week 4: Advanced Ciphers (Vigenère & Keyword

Ciphers) Explore polyalphabetic ciphers and keyword-based encryption.

Week 5: Codebreaking Challenge & Real-World Applications

Apply all learned skills in a final challenge.

The “Why” I believe puzzles and codebreaking are more than just games—they teach persistence, logical thinking, and creativity. In a world where problems rarely have obvious solutions, learning to decode patterns and think critically gives students confidence and resilience. This club is about sparking curiosity and showing that every challenge can be solved with the right mindset.

Engineering and Electronics Club

Aim:

Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills through engineering challenges

Encourage teamwork and collaborating by solving challenges together

Develop the scientific ideas learnt in lessons to tackle engineering challenges

Skills you will develop:

• Basic Engineering Principles: Understanding forces, energy, and simple machines.

• Introductory Electronics: Learning about circuits, batteries, and sensors (at a beginner level).

• Design & Building: Using everyday materials to create prototypes (bridges, towers).

• Teamwork: Sharing ideas and working together on projects.

• Working Under Constraints: Solving problems with limited time or materials.

Program Outline

Each week you will be given a problem to solve. You will be required to work in teams to design and build a solution to overcome the designated problem.

You will have to work to within set time limits, and to use limited materials to overcome the problem at hand.

You will be able to develop your solutions and improve your design ideas just like real world engineering.

The “Why” Learning engineering is important for pupils because it builds a strong foundation of practical skills, critical thinking, and creativity that are valuable in education and future careers. Engineering teaches pupils how to analyze problems, think logically, and design solutions. These skills apply not only to technical fields but to everyday life

Aim: promote health, fitness, and confidence through structured exercise, teamwork, and progressive goal-setting, fostering lifelong physical literacy, wellbeing, and positive attitudes toward active lifestyles in a supportive environment.

Skills you will develop

Cardiovascular Endurance

Muscular Strength

Muscular Endurance

Coordination & Balance

Flexibility & Mobility

Self-Management

Communication

Collaboration

Confidence

Motivation

Program Outline Week 1–2: Foundation introduce techniques find base level Week 3–4: Build Adding reps

Adding resistance

Week 5–6: Challenge adding reps

Adding resistance super-setting intermittent cardio

The “Why” Helps young people improve mental wellbeing, reducing stress and boosting confidence. Shape lifelong habits, encouraging positive attitudes toward fitness, resilience, and teamwork. Build a culture of belonging between our year 8s and 9s, by hopefully pairing kids form different year groups.

Mr. Crudden

Aim: promote health, fitness, and confidence through structured exercise, teamwork, and progressive goal-setting, fostering lifelong physical literacy, wellbeing, and positive attitudes toward active lifestyles in a supportive environment.

To realise fitness can be done anywhere any time for as little or as much as you can

Program Outline

Week 1–2: Foundation

Skills you will develop

Cardiovascular Endurance

Muscular Strength

Muscular Endurance

Coordination & Balance

Flexibility & Mobility

Self-Management

Communication

Collaboration

Confidence

Motivation

How to do basic calisthenic moves

Base line, how many sit ups, push up and squats can you do

Week 3–4: Beginner circuits

4 rounds of basic full body circuit

training e.g. push ups, sit ups, squats

Week 5–6: Advanced circuits

4 rounds of more advanced movements e.g. Planks, bear crawls

Improvements from baseline- how many can you do now.

The “Why” Helps young people improve mental wellbeing, reducing stress and boosting confidence. Shape lifelong habits, encouraging positive attitudes toward fitness, resilience, and teamwork.

Build a culture of belonging between our year 8s and 9s, by hopefully pairing kids form different year groups.

Mr. Goldsmith

Aim: To raise environmental awareness, promote sustainable practices, and involve students in activities that protect the environment and create a greener school community.

Skills you will develop Practical environmental skills. Leadership and team work to achieve an outcome. Problem solving and critical thinking. Project management.

Program Outline

Week 1

Introduction to Eco Schools program. Students decide an Eco topic to focus on.

Week 2

Start to plan school or community Eco project

Week 3

Research, plan and finalise project.

Week 4

Complete Eco project

Week 5

Showcase Eco Project.

The “Why” I am passionate about Eco Club because it gives students the chance to protect the environment, promote sustainability, and inspire others to make positive changes. It allows young people to take action on issues like waste reduction and energy conservation, while learning new skills and making a real difference in their school and community.

Aim:

“To create a welcoming space where members can learn, share, and enjoy the art of crochet, fostering creativity, skill development, and community through regular practice and collaboration.”

"To create a scarf to stay warm this winter"

Skills you will develop Core Crochet Skills

• Basic Stitches:

• Tension Control:

• Joining & Finishing: Creative & Design Skills

• Color Theory:

• Pattern Design:

• Customization: Practical Skills

• Project Planning:

• Problem-Solving:

• Time Management:

Program Outline

Week 1 – Welcome and design the scarf you want to create.

Week 2 – Learn stitches and practice techniques

Week 3 – Start to make your scarf and troubleshoot any missed stitches

Week 4 – Continue to make your scarf and trouble shoot and missed stitches

Week 5 – Finish your final design ready to wear in the end of term showcase!

The “Why” I love crafts that are versatile. Great to keep for yourself or great to give as presents. You can also make fun gifts fast. With Crochet you can also see results fast. Easy to do while sitting watching TV or bring with you on a long boring car journey! Looking forward to teaching you this skill.

Aim:

“To explore the art of gymnastics.”

"To create a gymnastics routine to music in a small group"

Skills you will develop

Core Gymnastics Skills

• Balances:

• Shapes:

• Travel:

• Rolls: Creative Skills

• Creating gymnastics sequences both in isolation/pairs:

• Creating a group performance to music

Practical Skills

• Teamwork:

• Leadership:

• Physical gymnastics skills:

Program Outline

Week 1 – basic shapes, balances, jumps & rolls

Week 2 – Learn how to link skills together in a paired routine

Week 3 – Select music to perform your routine to and start planning your sequence, what skills are going to be included/practically mapping this out

The “Why” I love the art of gymnastics and linking it together with music to create a performance, I used to perform in a competition group from the ages of 411 and would love to share my secret skills and talent for gymnastics! :)

Week 4 – Continue to work on your sequence

Week 5 – Finish your routines to showcase in assembly

Aim: To enable students to have an understanding in how to use Python to code and create a simple 1 player game.

Skills you will develop

Core Coding skills

• Basic program flow diagrams

• Selection

• Data types

• Loops

• Conditional statements

Program Outline

Week 1

Creating a program flow diagram for a simple video game.

Week 2

Accessing the Python game library and creating a game environment.

Week 3

Practical skills

• Project Planning:

• Problem-Solving:

• Time Management: Creative skills

• Creating a sprite on Python

• Game background design in Python

Using conditional statements to create the game rules and mechanics.

Week 4

Using variables and loops to create time limits and scores.

Week 5

Using selection coding for player inputs.

The “Why” Being able to use basic coding skills is becoming increasingly important in today's society. Being able to show an understanding of coding will really help people in the workplace in the future.

I really enjoy coding as the logic is interesting to work through. Furthermore, coding is an incredibly rewarding skill as you can see what you have made immediately.

Aim: To enable students to have an understanding in how to use Python to code and create a simple 1 player game.

Skills you will develop

Joining a student newspaper builds writing, research, and communication skills while teaching time management and teamwork. You gain experience in interviewing, editing, and using digital tools, alongside creativity in design and storytelling. These skills foster critical thinking and leadership, preparing you for careers in media, marketing, and beyond.

Program Outline

Week 1

Media training – how to write a press release, social media post and longer newspaper article.

Week 2 – 4

Cover what is going on in Crew time, uploading photos and reviews for social media and parent bulletins.

Week 5

Go to Press!!

The “Why” As a history teacher I love student newspapers because they bring stories to life! They help students think critically, research like historians, and share ideas in a fun, creative way. Writing about the talents and interests of students at SJT helps to connect us to our local community.

Aim:

“To create a welcoming space where members can learn, share, and enjoy the art of crochet, fostering creativity, skill development, and community through regular practice and collaboration.”

Skills you will develop

Core Crochet Skills

• Basic Stitches

• Tension Control

Creative & Design Skills

• Color Theory

• Pattern usage

• Customization

Practical Skills

• Project Planning

• Problem-Solving

• Time Management

Program Outline

Week 1 – Welcome and choose a design to create

Week 2 – Learn stitches and practice techniques

Week 3 – Start making your design and adapt to any mistakes made.

Week 4 – Continue to work on your

design

Week 5 – Finish your final design ready to present in the end of term showcase!

The “Why” I really enjoy crossstitch, it allows me a time to be creative and relax, taking my mind of the busyness of everyday life. I can create gifts for people that are just for them. I like to do it in front of the TV in the evenings, to help me wind down from the day. I look forward to teaching you a new skill and seeing your creations!

Aim: To develop students' ability to construct arguments on topics affecting them.

To develop student's ability to speak with confidence.

Skills you will develop

Research skills

Oracy

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Leadership

Program Outline

Week 1

Students decide the topic we will debate.

Week 2

What are the features of a formal debate? Deciding teams.

Week 3

Research and debate preparation.

Week 4

Research and debate preparation.

Week 5

Showcase debate.

The “Why” "Debate Club is one of the most exciting ways to build confidence and sharpen your thinking. It’s not just about winning arguments— it’s about learning to listen, challenge ideas, and express yourself clearly. Plus, it’s great fun!"

Aim: To help students learn how to start and run a business in a fun and practical way.

Let's see who will be the next Ben Francis or Ella Mills!

Skills you will develop

• Teamwork – Working together to achieve shared goals Communication –Presenting ideas clearly and listening effectively to others.

• Problem-Solving – Finding creative solutions to realworld challenges.

• Leadership – Taking initiative and guiding a team toward success.

• Financial Awareness –Understanding budgeting, pricing, and managing money in a business context.

Program Outline

You will have 4 weeks to research, develop, create, market and sell a product. The team that makes the most profit wins!!

Week 1 – Pick your Crew and decide on your product.

Week 2 – Market research and product design

Week 3 – Product development stage and marketing.

Week 4 – Sell, Sell, Sell !!

Week 5 – Dragons Den showcase pitch

The “Why” 'Young Enterprise is your chance to turn ideas into reality! It’s not just about business—it’s about discovering your creativity, building confidence, and learning skills that will help you in life. You’ll work as a team, solve real challenges, and create something you can be proud of' Mr. Oakes

Hand Embroidery Upcycling

Aim:

To give students a fun, creative space to relax and recharge during the school week.

To learn new skills and a variety of different hand stitching techniques

To learn how to upcycle clothing through embroidery

Skills you will develop

Creativity and design thinking

Fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination

Focus, patience, and attention to detail

A variety of hand stitches

Using different textile techniques such as paint and pens to add colour to work

An awareness of fast fashion and the need to reduce it

The opportunity to upcycle your own clothing

Confidence and a sense of pride in creating something by hand

Program Outline

Week 1 – Welcome, research fast fashion and textile art, mood boards

Week 2 – Learn stitches and practice techniques

Week 3 – Create sweet treat textile art

Week 4 – Design your own upcycle for a piece of your own clothing and begin upcycling

Week 5 – Finish your final design ready to wear in the end of term showcase!

The “Why” I love crafts! This is a really simple way to upcycle clothes and give them a new life. I am so excited to run this enrichment activity as it gives you the opportunity for you to be creative and design something for yourself from start to finish and you will have these skills for life. Embroidery can be very relaxing and

a perfect way to have a moment of calm at the end of the school day.

Miss Hayward I I am

A Taste of France

Aim: To explore French culture through food by learning, preparing, and enjoying a traditional three-course French meal together.

Skills you will develop

• Cooking Techniques –Learning how to prepare and present authentic French dishes.

• Time Management –Coordinating multiple courses and working to a schedule.

• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to create a complete dining experience.

• Cultural Awareness –Understanding French traditions, ingredients, and dining etiquette.

• Creativity & Presentation –Designing beautiful plates and menus that impress.

Program Outline

Week 1: An introduction to Frech cooking and menu design.

Week 2: Course 1 - starter

Week 3: Course 3 – Main meal

Week 4: Course 3 – Sweet and cheese course

Week 5: Showcase taster meal

The “Why” “I’m passionate about starting a French Cookery Club because food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience culture. Cooking a French food isn’t just about recipes—it’s about bringing language, history, and tradition to life. It helps students connect with French in a practical, hands-on way, builds confidence, and encourages teamwork. When students taste what they’ve created, they feel proud and see how learning a language can open doors to amazing experience"

'Empower Her'

Aim: A small group project that boosts girls’ self-esteem creates a safe, supportive space for confidence-building. Skills you will develop

Program Outline

•Creates a safe and supportive environment for girls.

Week 1: Building Trust and SelfAwareness

• Icebreaker activities to create a safe space.

• Group discussion on strengths and positive qualities.

•Builds confidence through positive activities and mentoring.

•Encourages self-expression and teamwork.

• Activity: “All About Me” posters.

Week 2: Positive Self-Talk

• Explore how thoughts affect feelings.

• Teach affirmations and practice daily positive statements.

Week 3: Goal Setting & Growth Mindset

• Discuss personal goals and overcoming challenges.

•Helps participants recognize strengths and develop resilience.

• Introduce growth mindset principles.

Week 4: Communication and Assertiveness

• Role-play scenarios for speaking up confidently.

• Teach active listening and respectful expression.

The “Why”

Boosting girls’ selfesteem is essential for confidence, resilience, and success. Low selfworth can limit opportunities and affect well-being. A supportive group helps girls recognize strengths, build positive relationships, and express themselves.

•Fosters empowerment, belonging, and belief in their potential.

Week 5: Celebrating Achievements

• Reflect on progress and share successes.

• Group celebration with certificates or positive notes.

Empowering them early creates confident individuals ready to thrive academically, socially, and in future careers. SYA team

Spring term 1 –

Wednesday Crew enrichment

The aim of Period 5 Enrichment is to provide you with opportunities to broaden your learning beyond the core curriculum.

What next?

Click on the link below and choose your top 3 choices. If you do not choose, an activity will be allocated to you.

DEADLINE is FRIDAY 12th DECEMBER

Please choose carefully on what you feel would benefit you not just what your friends are doing as you first choice cannot be guaranteed.

Year 8 & 9 Crew time Spring 1 – Fill out form

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