Compass, our bespoke curriculum is designed to offer pupils an engaging and hands-on approach to learning, and one of the standout features is our Focus Days. Held every half term, these days allow pupils to immerse themselves in a subject, often completing up to half a term’s worth of work in just one day. This approach helps pupils see tasks through from start to finish, making learning more meaningful and rewarding.

Trips play a key role in these Focus Days, providing real-world connections to abstract concepts and allowing pupils to engage in experiential learning. Research shows that trips have a profound impact on education, deepening understanding and making learning more tangible. Whether it’s exploring local history or studying the environment, these excursions offer pupils a chance to discover and create in ways that traditional classroom lessons cannot.

Here are just a few highlights from recent Focus Days:

Art and DT
Year 3 ventured to Mark Cross Garden Centre to sketch koi carp, then returned to school to create willow fish in the woods. Year 4 used natural materials at Wilderness Wood to make their own artistic creations, while Year 5 built charcoal burners in the woods, using the charcoal to create art. Years 7 & 8 explored creativity with wool, visiting a local sheep farm to create felt landscapes.

Geography
Year 3 took part in workshops about rainforest adaptations, while Year 4 improved their mapping skills with a walk around Tunbridge Wells. Year 5 studied river formations during a trip to Cuckmere Haven, and Year 6 learned about ecosystems and contributed to the school’s vegetable plot. Years 7 & 8 participated in an exciting workshop on world trade and global poverty.

Religious Studies
Focus Days also help pupils explore global traditions. Year 3 explored multi-faith prayer traditions, while Year 5 visited Canterbury Cathedral. Year 6 learned about Hinduism during a visit to a Hindu temple, and Year 7 & 8 delved into how religion is expressed through music and art.

English and Drama
In English, Year 3 wrote and illustrated their own rainforest stories, while Year 4 created instruction writing pieces based on Egyptian themes. Year 5 studied Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and made pop-up books, while Year 6 enjoyed a special effects make-up workshop. Years 7 & 8 participated in a Dragon’s Den-style competition, using their innovation skills to pitch new products.

History
From Celtic hill forts to woad-making in Year 3 to a fascinating World War 2 workshop in Year 6, Focus Days bring history to life. Year 4 took part in an archaeology workshop on Ancient Egypt, and Year 7 & 8 explored history at Battle Abbey.

Science
Year 3 explored magnets and magnetic forces, while Year 4 conducted water-based investigations with a Titanic theme. Year 5 took on the egg drop challenge and made UV bracelets, learning valuable lessons in materials science.

French and International Relations
Year 6 had a “holiday” in French, learning through workshops on holiday themes, and Year 7 & 8 experienced a day as international delegates during Model United Nations Day.

Every Focus Day is a celebration of exploration, creativity, and learning beyond the classroom. These days offer our pupils the opportunity to build deeper connections to what they’re studying, strengthen teamwork, and experience the joy of hands-on learning. We look forward to many more days of discovery and growth ahead!