BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

What is Beyond the Classroom @ Southborough

Beyond The Classroom (BTC) is a Key Stage 3 personal development journey that supports every student to grow in confidence, character and independence through meaningful experiences beyond the classroom — developing the skills and values needed to succeed and thrive, not just in lessons, but in life.

Rooted in our core values of respect, resilience, responsibility and relationships, BTC encourages students to challenge themselves, discover their strengths and make a positive contribution to their school and wider community.

How BTC Works?

During Key Stage 3, every student completes all nine BTC Standards, with one standard focused on each term.

Each BTC Standard represents a different area of personal growth, such as leadership, wellbeing, culture or ambition, and is completed through real experiences beyond the classroom.

The 9 BTC Standards

With the 9 BTC standards, each focusing on a different area of personal development. Together, they ensure every student experiences a broad and balanced journey that supports their growth, wellbeing and future aspirations.

Click on each standard below to find a short explanation and examples of the types of activities students can complete.

1. Leadership & Service

Developing responsibility, leadership and a commitment to helping others through service to the school and wider community.

Examples include:

Student Parliament or leadership roles
Mentoring or supporting younger students
Helping at school events or charity projects

2. Adventure & Challenge

Building resilience, courage and teamwork by stepping outside comfort zones and taking on new challenges.

Examples include:

Duke of Edinburgh Award
Outdoor education or residential experiences
Sporting, physical or team challenges

3. Confidence & Purpose

Developing self-belief and a sense of direction by pursuing interests, talents and personal goals.

Examples include:

Performing or presenting to others
Leading a club or activity
Creating a personal project or campaign

4. Character & Values

Living out our core values of respect, resilience, responsibility and relationships through positive choices and behaviour.

Examples include:

Peer mentoring or ambassador roles
Wellbeing or anti-bullying initiatives
Demonstrating commitment and self-discipline

5. Culture & Enrichment

Broadening horizons through cultural, creative and educational experiences beyond the classroom.

Examples include:

Enrichment Days
Visits to museums, galleries or theatres
Creative, academic or themed enrichment activities

6. Health & Wellbeing

Supporting physical health, mental wellbeing and positive lifestyle choices.

Examples include:

Sports, fitness or wellbeing clubs
Mental Health Week activities
Mindfulness or stress-management practices

7. Aspirations & Ambitions

Encouraging students to think about their future, set goals and explore pathways.

Examples include:

Careers events or employer talks
Enterprise or leadership projects
Goal-setting or mentoring activities

8. Reading & Discovery

Developing curiosity and imagination through reading and exploration beyond lessons.

Examples include:

Reading challenges
Library visits or book clubs
Writing or World Book Day activities

9. Family & Community

Strengthening relationships and contributing positively to family life and the local community.

Examples include:

Helping at home
Volunteering or community fundraising
Representing the school in the community

Further examples of standards can be found here...

BTC Standards

The Core BTC Standards

While all nine BTC Standards are important, three core standards provide shared experiences for every student during Key Stage 3.

Standard 2: Adventure & Challenge
Every student takes part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience and develop teamwork and independence.
Standard 5: Culture & Enrichment
Every student experiences up to nine culturally enriching experiences across KS3, including visits to museums, galleries and theatres, ensuring all students can access learning beyond the classroom.
Standard 8: Reading & Discovery
Every student must borrow a book from the school library, read it at home and complete a short book review, encouraging reading for enjoyment and discovery.

BTC Challenge Levels

(You cannot submit the same task more than once for the same standard.)

Core Challenge - Complete all 9 BTC Standards once (9 tasks) ✨ BTC Award (ALL STUDENTS)
Extended Challenge - Complete all 9 BTC Standards twice (18 tasks) 🏅 BTC Gold Award
Advanced Challenge - Complete all 9 BTC Standards three times (27 tasks) 🏆 BTC Platinum Award
Elite Challenge - Complete all 9 BTC Standards four times (36 tasks) 💎 BTC Diamond Award

Personal Development Portfolio & Graduation

BTC is designed to help students build a Personal Development Portfolio that records their achievements, experiences and growth across Key Stage 3.

Each time a student completes a BTC Standard, they earn a certificate which forms part of their personal record of achievement. At the end of Year 9, students celebrate their journey at a special BTC Graduation, where portfolios are presented and achievements are recognised alongside parents and carers.

Additional awards and prizes are presented to students who choose to go beyond the core BTC challenge.

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