Don’t worry! The Extra Mile Opportunity isn’t all about running. Some of you will have heard about people who are prepared to go the extra mile. It doesn’t literally mean that they walk or run further than the rest of us, just that they are prepared to do a little bit more than they have to. Sometimes people do this to help other people and sometimes they go the extra mile to make sure that they do the best job or have the best skills that they possibly can. In Year 7 the Extra Mile Opportunity is your chance to get involved in a wide range of fun and educational experiences, develop new skills, help people less fortunate than yourself and to meet and work alongside different pupils and teachers and other staff than you would in a normal school day.
Every year 7 pupil has the chance to go the extra mile. Your form teacher will explain how, but here are the basics:
- You will record your extra mile activities electronically on the portal and teachers will authorise your involvement.
- You will need to look at Enrichment Opportunities on the school website to see all the different experiences that are on offer to you. You will be shown this in assembly and your teacher will show you how to find information during form time.
- Browse the enrichment pages of the website and talk to your teachers about which teams, clubs or opportunities you want to join. * Sometimes places are limited, so make sure you show your interest as soon as possible. ** Sometimes you will have to apply for a role. You might have to show that you are capable of doing a job. Ask your form teacher and parent/s for help if you are unsure. If you have no one to ask, see your Year Co-ordinators, they will point you in the right direction for help.
- Each opportunity that you take part in is worth a certain distance. Your target is to cover 26 miles. See the example chart below. Record your activities electronically and watch your extra miles clock up! You can try to do a mini-marathon, a half marathon or a Full Marathon (26 miles). Some students might even do multiple marathons in one year.
- When you have acquired 6, 13 or 26 miles, speak to your form teacher, so that you can collect your certificate.
FAQs What is in it for me?
Going the extra mile is a brilliant opportunity for you. It will help you to be more independent – you choose how much you get involved and it is up to you to find out about what is going on. It will help you to develop more confidence and to become and be seen as more mature because you are taking responsibility for yourself. You will learn about new skills whether they be sporting skills, communication skills or skills linked closely with the task you are doing. If you get involved in charity work, you will develop empathy skills and definitely feel good about yourself for helping others. As you progress through school, you will be able to apply for various positions in school like being a mentor for younger pupils or being a prefect and you will have to prove that you are up to the job. Students who have already gone the extra mile will have lots of evidence that they are more than capable of any role in school. … And it’s all free! The teachers who run the clubs and create the enrichment opportunities give up their free time to do it because they want to help you to develop and be the best student that you can be.
I’m a bit shy and scared about joining in. What should I do?
Don’t worry! I bet everyone will be a bit worried at first even if they don’t show it. Maybe see if one of your friends is interested in the same opportunity, so you’ll have company the first time that you go, or go and see the teacher running the group before the first night and ask them about any questions that you have – or tell them you’re a bit worried and they’ll keep an eye on you. Whatever you do, don’t opt out because you’ll be kicking yourself when you find out how much fun you’re missing out on!
I really enjoy sport. Can I just join in with sporting opportunities?
Yes, but try to do a range of things. Part of the idea behind going the extra mile is to do a bit more than you would ordinarily do, so if you play football as often as you can anyway, playing it at school isn’t quite going the extra mile. Maybe try a different sport like trampolining or volleyball, and it would be even better if you could earn one of your miles by reading at a mass or taking part in your form assembly.
I’m worried about getting lots of homework. Will I have time to go the extra mile as well?
Yes. You should have time to fit everything in, but always remember that homework has to come first. You might need to be extra organised, but it is part of growing up to have a busy schedule. If you use your planner properly and use the homework timetable on the portal to check what homework will be coming up, you should be able to manage your time. Make sure you leave time for family outings and for a rest as well. Don’t bite off more than you can chew!
One of my friends called me a swot for joining in. What should I do?
Part of me says that you should find a new friend, but that is a bit harsh! However, think carefully about why your friend said this. Is it because they are worried that you will go off and make new friends or develop new interests that will not involve him or her? Reassure your friend that you will still be mates and maybe tell him/her that you’d enjoy your activity even more if he/she came along. That way you will both broaden your horizons!
Example of how the miles will be awarded
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Per Term
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Per Half Term
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The Big Draw 3
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Faith in Action Award 3
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Chaplaincy Group 3
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Masses and Services 1
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Daily Morning Prayer in the Chapel 3
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Participation in Form Assembly 3
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Year 7 Microbit Coding Club 3
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Year 7 Drama Club 3
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BBC School Report 3
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The Spelling Bee 2
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Stan Lee Initiative (Comic Books) 2
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Library Quizzes and Competitions 1
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History Club 3
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Numeracy Club 3
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UKMT Challenges 3
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Choir 3
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Concert band 3
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String/woodwind/brass ensemble 3
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Sports Team 3
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Form Captain 2
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Year/Form Council Representative 3
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Recycling Monitor 3
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Librarian 3
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School Reporter 1 per report
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Daisy The Tortoise Keeper 2
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Geography Club 3
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Peer Mentoring 3
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Chatterbox Champion 3
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ROAR Project 3
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Film Club 3
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Sewing Club 3
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Craft Club 3
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Colouring Club 3
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Media Club 3
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Girls Rugby Team 3
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