Learning Beyond The Classroom
Independent evaluations funded by the Education Endowment Foundation show that well-supported enrichment activities — including trips, clubs, arts and sports participation — are linked with improvements in pupils’ academic progress, teamwork and social responsibility, as well as increased motivation and engagement in learning
At Cullercoats Primary School, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom walls. We are committed to ensuring every child benefits from rich, meaningful experiences that enhance learning, broaden horizons and build cultural capital.
Our extensive programme of visits, visitors, residentials, competitions and enrichment opportunities is rooted firmly in our school values:
Achieve. Believe. Create. Dream.
These values underpin every experience we provide and shape the personal growth of our pupils.
Enriching the Curriculum Through Real-Life Experiences
We carefully link visits, visitors and residentials directly to curriculum units so that learning is purposeful, memorable and progressive.
Through these experiences, pupils achieve academically by applying knowledge in real contexts, believe in their own capabilities as they tackle new challenges, create through enquiry and exploration, and dream about future possibilities.
Educational Visits & Visitors
Early Years & Key Stage 1
· Northumberland Park (Reception)
· Cullercoats Post Office (Reception)
· Local area quarry studies including Marden Quarry (KS1)
· Rockpooling at Cullercoats Bay (Y1)
· Zoolab visit (Y2)
· Visit from the Robert “Scraper” Smith family to enrich local history studies (Y2)
· Great North Museum: Hancock (Y2)
· KS1 Christmas and Easter celebrations at St George's Church
Key Stage 2
· Dove Marine Laboratory (Y5)
· Discovery Museum (Y5)
· Oriental Museum (Y3)
· Segedunum Roman Fort (Y3)
· Jarrow Hall (Y5)
· Rising Sun Country Park (Y3)
· Whitehouse Farm Centre (Y3)
· Cullercoats Library (All year groups)
· Apple Store Eldon Square (Y6)
· Sunderland Climbing Wall (Y6), directly linked to their writing unit to inspire descriptive and reflective work
We also work in partnership with Cullercoats Watch House to strengthen local area studies and deepen pupils’ understanding of coastal heritage.
Residential Experiences
· High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre (Y4)
· PGL Dalguise, Scotland (Y6) Will be Ford Castle as of summer 2026
Residential visits build independence, teamwork and resilience, giving pupils the confidence to step outside their comfort zones and truly believe in themselves.
The Arts at Cullercoats
The arts enable children to create confidently, believe in their talents and dream without limits.
Choir & Performance
· Singing at the Cullercoats Heritage Festival
· Performing at the North Shields Christmas Market
· Concert performances at Whitley Bay Playhouse
Instrumental, Opera & Visiting Musicians
· Samba Band performance at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival
· Year 4 Opera Project with Tête à Tête Opera and Royal Northern Sinfonia
· A range of professional musicians delivering workshops and live performances in school
Whole-School Arts Experiences
· Cullercoats Heritage-Themed Arts Week
· BBC Ten Pieces Classical Music Week inspired by BBC Ten Pieces
· Annual in-school pantomime performances
These opportunities raise aspirations and ensure that all children experience high-quality cultural provision.
Sport, Health & Wellbeing
Sporting opportunities enable pupils to achieve through perseverance and believe in their physical capabilities.
· Swimming lessons (Y6)
· BetteronBikes (Y4)
· Sunderland Climbing Wall (Y6)
· Semi-Finals at the Vertu Motors Arena (Y5)
· In2Hockey, Cross Country and Athletics competitions
· North Tyneside Gymnastics Open
· Football matches and Dance Festival participation
· Yoga Club for KS1 to promote mindfulness, balance and emotional wellbeing
We are proud to have been awarded the Healthy School Award and the Schools Games Platinum Award, recognising our commitment to health, physical activity and inclusive sport.
OPAL Play – Outdoor Play and Learning
Through our OPAL approach, playtimes have been transformed into rich, creative and inclusive learning experiences.
Children engage with open-ended resources, take managed risks, collaborate across year groups and develop independence. High-quality play allows pupils to create, believe in their ideas, achieve socially and emotionally, and dream through imaginative exploration.
Innovation, Technology & Achievement
· Yearly LEGO Robotics League (Y6 team) – developing problem-solving, coding and teamwork skills; winners of trophies in recent competitions
· Apple Store visit (Y6)
· Opportunities to showcase coding, robotics and design thinking
Leaf Education – Farm to Fork
Cullercoats Primary is proud to be awarded the LEAF Award for our Farm to Fork programme. This initiative develops children’s understanding of:
· Sustainable farming and local food production
· Nutrition, healthy eating and food preparation
· Environmental stewardship and the impact of farming practices
Pupils engage in hands-on activities, from planting and harvesting to cooking and tasting, fostering responsibility, curiosity and an appreciation for the food they eat.
Community, Culture & Citizenship
We nurture respect, empathy and responsibility through:
· Visits to Whitley Bay Islamic Centre
· Assemblies with Whitley Bay Baptist Church
· Celebrations at St George's Church
· Participation in the Whitley Bay Carnival
· Fundraising for Children in Need, Comic Relief, Poppy Appeal and The Bay Foodbank
· PTA-led events that strengthen our school community
Through these experiences, children learn that they can make a difference.
Our Commitment
Enrichment at Cullercoats Primary School is integral to learning.
By the time our pupils leave us, they have experienced challenge, creativity, culture, technology, competition, collaboration, play and community. They leave ready to achieve, confident to believe, inspired to create, and encouraged to dream.