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Join our A LEVEL INSIGHT EVENT!
Saturday, 17th January 9-11 AM - For students joining Year 12 in September 2026.
Enrichment has always been part of a good education, but the way it supports children today feels more important than ever. School life is busy, and pupils need moments in theirday where they can follow an interest, try something new or simply take a breath. This is where enrichment sits for us: it gives children space to grow in ways that do not always appear in a lesson plan.
Different stages, different needs
Children approach enrichment differently as they move through school. In Early Years, the focus is on routine and feeling safe. Some pupils enjoy joining a quiet or creativesession at the end of the day, while others are ready to go home and reset. Both responses are completely normal.
In Primary, pupils begin to explore more widely. They dip into sports, performing arts, science or languages, and often surprise us with what they enjoy most. This is usuallythe stage where confidence starts to build as they try things without worrying about whether they will be good at them.
By Secondary and Sixth Form, choices tend to be more focused. Teenagers start to understand what matters to them and pick activities that reflect their identity or future plans.A pupil might stay with a sport because it gives them a strong sense of belonging, or continue with music because it helps them unwind. Others take on leadership roles or join community projects. This shift from exploring to committing happens naturally.
Wellbeing at the centre
Enrichment also plays a quiet but important role in wellbeing. A child who has had a full day of learning may need something active to reset, while another may need a calm, creativespace. Having that choice can make a noticeable difference to how they leave school at the end of the day.
Many families also value flexibility. A morning session can offer a calmer start, while afternoon activities can support working parents without feeling like childcare. Whateverthe reason, the focus is the same: the experience must feel purposeful and positive for the child.
Enrichment in real life
At NAS Abu Dhabi, pupils take part in a wide range of activities, from chess and cultural dance to sport, science, construction and music. Some clubs are lively and energetic,while others are more reflective. We also see a growing number of student-led ideas, which shows how confident our pupils are becoming in shaping their own school experience.
These activities sit alongside our wider learner ambitions, helping pupils develop curiosity, creativity, collaboration and resilience in a natural way.
Looking ahead
Universities and selective schools often look for more than strong academics. They want to understand the person behind the grades. Long-term involvement in an activity, whetherit is sport, performance or service, can help pupils tell that story.
But the real value of enrichment goes beyond future applications. It helps pupils feel known, confident and proud of themselves. When they finish the day with something theyenjoy, it shapes how they experience school as a whole.