Expeditions

At Dixons McMillan Academy, we believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Outdoor education is vital for life experiences, resilience, and determination, and we are committed to providing all students with opportunities to build character, confidence, and teamwork through a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities.

Educational visits and curriculum-linked trips
Students in Years 8 and 10 take part in educational day visits across different subjects to broaden their knowledge and experiences. These visits include university tours, attendance at educational conferences, Geography and History field trips, and a variety of sporting opportunities throughout the year.

Subject areas regularly take learning beyond the classroom to deepen understanding and engagement:

• Year 11 humanities students visit sites such as Fountains Abbey to support GCSE content and bring history and RE to life.
• Geography fieldwork is embedded in the curriculum, giving students hands-on experience with data collection and real-world analysis.
• College and university visits raise aspirations and provide insight into future pathways.

Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)
All Year 9 students complete the bronze Duke of Endinburgh Award, with the option to progress to silver in Year 10. This nationally recognised programme develops resilience, independence, and teamwork through outdoor challenges and volunteering. Students attend weekly lessons to support award completion and participate in a two-day self-sufficient expedition, navigating from start to finish under supervision. The volunteering component encourages students to give back to the community, supporting both personal growth and future college and university applications.

Enrichment days
Each cycle includes a whole-school enrichment day, where every student takes part in either a trip or an in-school experience. These days are designed to broaden horizons, expose students to new ideas and environments, and create meaningful learning opportunities.

Guest speakers and external workshops
Students benefit from a wide range of visitors and workshops, including:

• Bradford Bulls promoting teamwork and healthy lifestyles
• Professional artists and designers leading creative sessions
• Industry experts and alumni delivering careers talks and Q&A panels

Inclusive and purposeful opportunities
All expeditions, trips, and activities are designed to be inclusive and purposeful, ensuring that every student gains the cultural capital needed to thrive in education and beyond. Families are always given reasonable advance notice of visits and informed about which are compulsory and which are optional, ensuring transparency and engagement.

At Dixons McMillan Academy, outdoor education and enrichment are at the heart of our approach, helping students grow academically, socially, and personally through meaningful experiences inside and outside the classroom.