What participating schools said about their involvement in QE Connect events last academic year:
Year 1 and Year 2 greatly enjoyed their trip to Queen Ethelburga’s to see the Snow White pantomime. A huge thank you to Queen Ethelburga’s for the invitation
Ahuge thank you for inviting us, and putting together a fabulous day for my class of year 5s and 6s. The children were gushing about the day, and struggled to decide which was their favourite part, on account of them enjoying everything! As a teacher, I have taken some notes on fantastic coaching activities for cricket and tennis lessons, as a result of being able to watch experts! You have inspired my class
Iam hopeful that I can keep in touch with QE during the next academic year in order to plan some further outreach activities with you as we thoroughly enjoyed coming over for the Samba workshop
The enrichment trips are a fantastic opportunity for our pupils, so I am sure we will book some more throughout the year
We loved being mixed in with some QE children and some of us made friends. Everyone was very kind and caring
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Iam writing to express my thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable day. As we are a small village school, it is hard to go on trips because they are expensive, so this was a real treat… and your minibuses were really nice!
It was a fantastic experience, especially, as we are a small rural school, from the moment we were collected by your helpful drivers and throughout the whole day
When we got to your school, we were thrilled by the kindness of your students and staff
I t was one of the best school trips that we have ever experienced!
At Queen Ethelburga’s, our QE Connect Programme is incredibly important to us. We take pride in organising and hosting a wide range of activities, events and pilot projects to establish and develop important relationships, instigate learning and provide exciting opportunities for the benefit of our local community. By connecting with numerous schools, our aim is to enable all participating children to collaborate and develop their leadership and interpersonal skills through memorable and shared experiences. Over the past four years, we have welcomed approximately 1,200 external children to participate in our QE Connect Programme, and we are excited to re-connect with local schools this academic year!
What are the aims of the QE Connect Programme?
Our QE Connect events aim to… ENRICH the experience of children and young people beyond the classroom, whilst encouraging a deeper understanding of each other and the world in which they live. ENHANCE the physical, mental, social well-being and holistic development of children and young people by inspiring empathy, collaboration, resilience, and leadership, motivating them to problem solve in different environments and make a difference to the lives of others.
DEVELOP the aptitude and talent of children and young people by providing access to specialist facilities and coaching.
NURTURE a caring, compassionate ethos and drive to support others, so children and young people can make a positive impact in their community and wider society. What events can my school get involved in?
Our QE Connect Programme provides opportunities for children and young people in Year 1-6. We are proud to offer a comprehensive programme of events themed in Wellbeing, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), English, Coding, Sport, Performing Arts and more!
If there is an event subject or theme you would particularly like to see offered in a future programme, please do not hesitate to email QEConnect@ qe.org. How do I book a QE Connect Event?
• To book, please click the link/ scan the QR code at the bottom of each event page and complete the booking request form (please note, event places are allocated on a first come, first served basis).
• Subject to driver and vehicle availability and the routes requested, QE can provide transport free of charge to our on-site events. Should you wish to request this, please indicate this on the booking request form and see our FAQ on page 24 for more information.
• Please ensure you add events which you have submitted a booking request form for to your school calendar and our QE Connect Team will be in touch approximately 6-8 weeks before the scheduled event date, once bookings for the event have closed.
If you require any further information about our QE Connect Programme, please see the FAQ on page 24 or do not hesitate to get in touch via QEConnect@qe.org.
We hope to see you soon!
Yours sincerely,
Eleanor Morris Outreach Manager
QE Connect Events
Wellbeing Workshops
Year 1-6
Sessions available throughout the 2024-25 academic year
Two hour workshop (10:00-12:00 or 13:0015:00)
In your school, or at Queen Ethelburga’s!
Our Wellbeing Workshops encourage children to thrive by promoting the Five Ways to Well-Being. These are a set of evidence-based public health messages aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of the whole population.
Our highly experienced Student Wellbeing Team, accompanied by our Peer Mentors, will visit your school to deliver this session. Alternatively, if you would prefer, the session can be hosted here at Queen Ethelburga’s. Together, they will encourage children to use their imagination, focus and creativity, learn strategies for expressing their emotions and feelings,
establish connections with others and develop a practical ‘tool kit’ of ways to spread kindness amongst friends and family.
How to Book
Please complete the booking form at this link or by scanning the QR code below, stating some date options convenient for this session (at least one full term in advance). Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to liaise regarding the session date, venue and technical requirements.
We very much hope that your pupils can join us for a Wellbeing Workshop very soon!
Festive Window Artwork
Year 5-6
Wednesday 20 November 2024
10:00-15:00
To celebrate the arrival of the festive period, pupils will have the opportunity to create festive themed window artworks to be displayed in their school and at Queen Ethelburga’s. Our Art Department will guide pupils through a series of Art activities based on the theme to generate ideas to be used within their silhouette style design. Pupils will work collaboratively and be encouraged to use their imagination and whilst doing so, develop creative skills such as detailed drawing techniques and composition.
How to Book
To join us for our Festive Window Artwork Event, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Year 1-6
Wednesday 27 November 2024 13:30-15:30
Join us in our on-site professional venue, The King’s Theatre, for the open dress rehearsal of QE’s 2024 pantomime - ‘Dick Whittington’.
Following the success of last year’s show, we look forward to welcoming audiences back for some funfilled panto fun!
How to Book
Please complete the booking form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
KING’S THEATRE
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Bath Bomb DayFestive Themed!
Year 4-6
Monday 9 December 2024
10:00-15:00
With guidance from our Science Department, pupils will test their skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) to create their own bath bombs. Alongside a Chemistry Masterclass, pupils will discover the science behind their bath bombs, whilst getting into the festive spirit!
How to Book
To join us for our festive themed Bath Bomb Day, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Gym & Dance Workshop and Performance
Year 5-6
Dance workshops bookable throughout Spring Term 2025, culminating with the Gym and Dance Performance on the evening of Saturday 8 March 2025
Our specialist dance teachers will visit your school for an exciting dance workshop, where they will teach pupils a dance routine. Pupils will then come together with Queen Ethelburga’s students and other participating primary schools to perform the dance routine during our Annual Gym and Dance Showcase in March, joined by their families and friends.
Pupils, families and friends who book a ticket to the performance will have the opportunity to enjoy the full QE Gym and Dance Annual Showcase which includes routines from various genres including contemporary, street dance, cultural dance, trampolining and a surprise guest performer.
How to Book
Please complete the booking form at this link or by scanning the QR code below, stating some date options convenient for the dance workshop (submissions for these workshops will need to be received in the Autumn Term 2024 in preparation for Spring Term 2025). Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to liaise regarding the workshop date and timings, venue and technical requirements.
BUGSY MALONE
Year 1-6
Wednesday 29 January 2025
13:30-15:30
Join us in our on-site professional venue, The King’s Theatre, for an open dress rehearsal of our annual school musical. This year, we are excited to present Bugsy Malone The Musical! Bugsy Malone The Musical is a timeless musical comedy packed with glittering costumes, dynamic choreography and instantly recognisable songs!
How to Book
To join us for ‘Bugsy Malone the Musical’, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
KING’S THEATRE
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Primary Maths Teams Challenge
Year 6 (four pupils from each participating school)
Friday 28 February 2025 10:00-15:00
Does your school have a team of four Year 6 pupils who are keen to test their mathematical skills against other schools in the area? If so, please join us for the Primary Maths Challenge and compete in rounds testing logic, problem solving, and a bit of physical prowess too!
How to Book
To join us for this Primary Maths Teams Challenge, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Wellbeing Workshop and Sport Development
Year 1-4
Thursday 13 March 2025
10:00-15:00
In the morning, pupils will participate in teambuilding activities during a Wellbeing Workshop led by our dedicated Student Wellbeing Team, focusing on the Five Ways to Well-Being.
After lunch, pupils will participate in sport workshops led by our specialist sports coaches and student leaders. Through the sports workshops, it is hoped that pupils will increase their agility, balance and coordination, whilst developing key skills such as throwing, catching, skipping and jumping! In addition, they will develop communication and teamwork skills whilst working with their peers and children from Queen Ethelburga’s. Below are some key outcomes, with the ultimate aim being that each child leaves with increased confidence:
• Developed communication, teamwork and leadership skills through working with other children during teambuilding activities, skills sessions and games.
• Increased determination and resilience through learning and refining skills in sports and presenting their ideas in front of a group during our Wellbeing Workshop.
• Through tasks, mini games and match play participating pupils will be encouraged to understand, respect and support each other in competition/game situations, whether they win or lose.
How to Book
To join us for our Wellbeing Workshop and Sport Development event, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher to confirm details ahead of the event.
An Introduction to Shakespeare
Year 6
Week Commencing 31 March 2025 –date and timings (2hr workshop) to be announced soon!
The Sky Blue Theatre Company will be making their annual visit to Queen Ethelburga’s to lead an exciting and interactive performance-based workshop.
We invite your Year 6 pupils to join Year 6 pupils from King’s Magna (Queen Ethelburga’s) who will participate in an exciting general Introduction to Shakespeare and his plays.
The workshop will be led by Sky Blue facilitators who are all professional, classically trained actors with years of experience in both education and stage performance. Using skills they have acquired working for companies such as The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, The Globe and The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Sky Blue’s talented facilitators will guide pupils carefully through Shakespeare’s stories enabling
them to take an in depth look at themes, language and key scenes throughout a range of his plays.
How to Book
To express an interest in joining us for Sky Blue Theatre’s ‘An Introduction to Shakespeare’ workshop, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher to confirm details ahead of the event, including the confirmed date and workshop timings.
Bath Bomb DayEaster Themed!
Year 2-4
Tuesday 8 April 2025
10:00-15:00
With guidance from our Science Department, pupils will test their skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) to create their own bath bombs. Alongside a Chemistry Masterclass, pupils will discover the science behind their bath bombs, whilst getting into the Easter spirit!
How to Book
To join us for our Easter themed Bath Bomb Day, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Coding and Robotics at QE
Year 4-6
Wednesday 30 April 2025
10:00-15:00
Do your pupils like playing games? At Queen Ethelburga’s, we create them! At the Coding and Robotics QE Connect event, pupils will be challenged to create games using software and will use basic programming to control robots, with guidance from our Computing specialists. This event will encourage pupils to immerse themselves in program creation which will develop their coding, logical and analytical skills whilst they collaborate with others and ultimately, have lots of fun! There may even be prizes for the winners!
How to Book
To join us for our Coding and Robotics at QE event, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Wellbeing Workshop and Cricket Development
Year 5-6
Tuesday 13 May 2025
10:00-15:00
In the morning, pupils will participate in teambuilding activities during a Wellbeing Workshop led by our dedicated Student Wellbeing Team, focusing on the Five Ways to Well-Being.
After lunch, pupils will work through a carousel of skill-based cricket activities, including fielding, batting and bowling, with our specialist Cricket Coach and our experienced Key Stage 4-5 QE Cricketers. Dependant on the number of schools participating, the day may culminate in a mini Kwik Cricket Festival, where the games will be fast and furious to keep enjoyment levels high!
How to Book
To join us for this Wellbeing Workshop and Cricket Development event, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
The Big Draw Day
Year 3-6
Wednesday 21 May 2025
10:00-15:00
The Big Draw festival is a national event that encourages children to pick up their pencils and try something new! Our Art Department will guide pupils through a series of Art based activities based on a specific theme such as comic book characters and comic book strips. Through themed activities, pupils will be encouraged to use their imagination and whilst doing so, create characters, develop accompanying narratives and present their ideas using a range of comic book illustration techniques.
How to Book
To join us for The Big Draw Day, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Sport and Performing Arts Summer Fun Day
Year 5-6
Thursday 12 June 2025
10:00-15:30
Our Sport and Performing Arts Summer Fun Day will consist of summer sports (Tennis and Cricket) development workshops and games in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch and the opportunity to watch our middle school’s Open-Air Summer Production in our on-site sculpture garden.
How to Book
To join us for this Sport and Performing Arts Summer Fun Day, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Volcano Day
Year 4-6
Wednesday 18 June 2025
10:00-15:00
During this Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) activity day, pupils will be challenged to work in teams with children from other local primary schools to create their own volcano. The aim is to compete to design and create the ultimate volcano which creates the biggest, real explosion!
Guided by our Science Department, all teams will come together in the afternoon to find out which team has made the biggest BOOM! Prizes will be awarded for the most impressive explosion and the most creative volcano design!
How to Book
To join us for this Volcano Day, please submit a booking request form at this link or by scanning the QR code below. Our QE Connect Team will then be in touch with your lead teacher, to confirm details ahead of the event.
Where to find us:
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, YO26 9SS.
How much does it cost?
All opportunities featured in our QE Connect Outreach Programme are provided free of charge.
Is transport provided?
This academic year, subject to availability, we are delighted to offer a free of charge pick-up and drop-off service for schools attending our QE Connect events. If you require assistance with transport, please indicate this on the booking request form. Please note, transport cannot be guaranteed and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, via requests on the booking request form for each event, pending the routes requested and driver and vehicle availability. Our QE Connect Team will be in touch approximately 6-8 weeks before the event to confirm if we are able to provide transport for your booking.
Is lunch provided?
Some events will require visiting pupils and staff to bring a packed lunch, whilst other events we will provide lunch in our on-site dining halls; the arrangement for lunch will be confirmed by the QE Connect Team ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
of each event. Refreshments/snacks may be provided for breaks for most events, so we would kindly ask that you to declare any dietary/ allergy information for the participating children and accompanying staff when completing the booking request form. If any participating children qualify for free school meals and require a packed lunch to be provided (for full day events) please indicate this on the booking request form.
Can I make a change to my booking request form?
Should you need to make any changes to your booking, please email QEConnect@qe.org as soon as possible.
Are event places guaranteed?
Please kindly mark the date on your school calendar at the time of booking, and our QE Connect Team will contact you approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the event to check your booked details remain the same, confirm your place (places are allocated on a first come, first served basis at the point of booking) and transport arrangements (subject to availability).
Closer to the event date, comprehensive pre-event details including event risk assessments will be shared with all participating schools. We will endeavour to provide
pre-event details as in advance as possible, but for events which involve several schools, final information will be sent once all coordinating details are finalised with all visiting parties, to ensure a safe and compliant event.
How will my data from the booking request form be used?
Data Protection
• The information we hold about you is kept to a minimum.
• Your data is used by us to provide our QE Connect services to you.
• What we use your data for – To process the booking.
• Reasons for using this data – For the per formance of a contract or where you have taken steps, at your request, prior to entering into a contract.
• Your data is deleted when it is no longer necessary.
• We take the security of our systems seriously and respect your privacy rights.
Our Data Protection Officer (DPO), Richard Holdsworth, is happy to answer any questions you may have at DPO@qe.org or call on 01423 333483.
