Enrichment

At Leeds West Academy, we are committed to offering a rich and diverse extra-curricular programme that broadens students’ horizons and encourages exploration beyond the classroom.
From Year 7 through to Year 11, students have access to a wide range of clubs and activities through our regularly updated extra-curricular timetable. This includes our lunchtime programme, which offers opportunities in sport, fitness, and chess.

Below is the current timetable of clubs available to students. Some activities are sign-up only and will be promoted during form time. While certain clubs are specific to particular year groups, all students will have the chance to participate in a variety of opportunities throughout their time at Leeds West Academy.

Extra-Curricular Timetable 2025/26

HALF TERM 1

Trips

At Leeds West Academy, we are proud to offer a growing and diverse programme of educational and enrichment trips that run throughout the academic year.
These trips are carefully planned to enhance students’ learning experiences, reward their efforts, and broaden their cultural, social, and academic horizons. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of trips, some linked to outstanding performance and behaviour as part of our rewards system, and others organised through subject areas to complement and extend classroom learning.

Some of the trips your child may have the chance to participate in include:

Sporting Tours
Live Sport Matches
Theme Park Reward Trip
Geography Residential
Empower Trips
Leeds Grand Theatre
Leeds City Varieties Pantomime
London Residential

Student Leadership

Alongside our Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Timetable, Leeds West Academy is proud to have a dedicated Student Leadership Group made up of representatives from a variety of year groups. This group plays a vital role in ensuring that the student voice is heard and valued, driving positive change within the academy. Meeting once every fortnight, members collaborate to identify issues, share ideas, and work together on initiatives that enhance the school experience for all students.

If your child is part of the Student Leadership Group, they will have the opportunity to be involved in:

Making positive change to school life
Meeting with Senior Leaders
Meeting once a fortnight to discuss policies
Creating Form Time Resources
Supporting Application Processes and Job Roles
Supporting Engage and Enrichment Events

Empower

The Empower programme at Leeds West Academy is offered to female students in Year 10 interested in developing their leadership skills, and confidence in challenging gender discrimination. Through weekly meetings, the group discuss topical issues such as gender stereotyping, the pay gap and the influence of social media and politics on equality. Students also attend half termly trips linked with female entrepreneurship and leadership from a range of career sectors, culminating with the opportunity to lead an interactive STEM workshop for primary pupils.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Leeds West Academy is now entering its 6th successful year, offering students an incredible opportunity to develop valuable life skills, build resilience, and experience adventure outside the classroom.

Students currently in Year 9 and Year 10 are invited to register their interest and sign up, during half term 1, for a place in the 2025/2026 cohort. This nationally recognised award provides a unique chance for young people to challenge themselves through a range of activities, including volunteering, physical challenges, skill development, and the memorable expedition experience.

What is The Duke of Edinburgh Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised youth development programme designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills through a series of challenging and rewarding activities.

Participants choose their own activities for each section, allowing them to explore personal interests while developing teamwork, leadership, and independence. The DofE Award is highly regarded by colleges, universities, and employers, as it demonstrates commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

At Leeds West Academy, we currently offer the Bronze and Silver levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to students in Years 9 and 10. This provides a fantastic foundation in personal development and achievement. Students who wish to continue their DofE journey can progress to the prestigious Gold Award once they move into their post-16 studies, where they can further build on their skills and experiences.

How does it work?

Students enrol onto The Duke of Edinburgh Award through LWA and receive an introductory pack that will guide you through the process of completing tasks and recording evidence. Students then attend weekly optional meetings where they will receive support and advice about their award. Students can currently achieve their Bronze and Silver award at LWA.

Starting with the Bronze Award you will spend at least three months engaging in the following activities:

Volunteering in your community
Learning a new skill or pursuing a new hobby
Taking part in physical recreation

Students own their DofE and create their own personal programme of activities: helping others, pushing themselves physically, gaining skills and in the future months, going on a residential/expedition.

Parents and carers can play an important role in supporting them. If you are new to DofE, check out the basic info and FAQs on the Duke of Edinburgh website.

For further information or to express interest in joining the programme, please speak to Mr Hulbert - hulbert.e@whiteroseacademies.org

You will then receive your log-in details. There are more details on how to set up your Duke of Edinburgh account here.

Useful Links

Duke of Edinburgh Photographs

Duke of Edinburgh 2023

Duke of Edinburgh 2022

LWA Staff Quotes

Here at Leeds West Academy, staff are super excited about the launch of The Duke of Edinburgh Award and are keen to be involved and supporting of the students -

‘DofE is your time to stand out from the crowd on your CV and develop life skills. You will have an experience like no other, you will learn survival skills, improve your physical skills, give something back to the community. It's your time to work on your independence skills, explore and work as a team. My favourite part though is that you get to make life long friends and have an adventure at the same time. Not to mention the expedition where you get to cook on a Trangia and camp. It's lots of fun so get involved.’ Mrs Harrison

''Duke of Edinburgh for me was my first opportunity to be truly independent and do something I had complete control over. From deciding what I would do for my skill, physical and volunteering sections to planning what I would cook on expedition. I created lifelong friendships and memories on the Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions whilst contributing to my local community by volunteering for the Scouts organisation for three years. The awards are a chance to test yourself and overcome challenges you never thought possible.'' Mr Appleby

‘For me, the Duke of Edinburgh’s award really built my confidence. The different sections were all challenging and rewarding in their own way, but the real highlight was the expedition. To be expected to travel through beautiful scenery, be completely self-sufficient, navigate, cook, camp and work as a team was an awesome experience for a 14 year old. After progressing all the way to Gold award standard, travelling to St James Palace in London to receive my award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself was the culmination of years of enjoyable, rewarding hard work.’ Mr Stalford