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South East Essex Academy Trust (SEEAT)

The Deanes

Challenger Details - Autumn 2026

 Alternative Games (including Paralympic sports)

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Boccai Ultimate Frisby Goalball (Blind Football)
To participate in a game of BocciA, understanding and implementing the rules correctly. To be able to understand different abilities and enhance physical and mental well-being. To participate in a game of Ultimate Frisby, understanding and implementing the rules correctly. To participate in a game of Goalball, understanding and implementing the rules correctly. To be able to understand different abilities and enhance physical and mental well-being.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Capture the Flag Sitting Volleyball French Cricket
To participate in a game of Capture the Flag, understanding and implementing the rules correctly. To participate in a game of Seated Volleyball, understanding and implementing the rules correctly. To be able to understand different abilities and enhance physical and mental well-being. To participate in a game of French Cricket, understanding and implementing the rules correctly.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health, Attainment, Respect, Curiosity, Teamwork, Empathy Education and Childcare, Sport

 

 Around the world project (114914)

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Where in the World? What is the physical landscape of your country? What is the culture of your country?
Students will recall the different continents of the world and choose which country they will be studying. Students will investigate the physical landscape of their chosen country including key landmarks and tourist attractions. Students will investigate the population, culture, beliefs and language of their chosen country.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
What famous people come from your country? Presenting your research Sharing your country
Students will investigate historical or modern day famous people from their country and what they have achieved. Students to complete a booklet about their country, collating all the information they have researched and collected. Students will share their booklet and teach others about their chosen country
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Ambition, Curiosity Media and Creative, IT

 

 Boxercise Training

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Intro to Different shots in Boxing The three defensive Techniques in Boxing Combination techniques
To understand the Four main techniques and movements within Boxing and be able to perform with confidence and sound technique. Understand and be able to perform the 3 defensive techniques with confidence. Be able to combine the offensive and defensive techniques when working with a partner safely.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Group Pad work Boxercise Circuit Training Lead a small Boxercise Class
Be able to work with different partners successfully on the Boxing pads. Be able to follow instructions and perform the appropriate techniques under pressure.

Plan and perform a boxing style circuit.

Perform appropriate exercises to improve fitness for Boxing.		 Students lead a small boxercise session based on all knowledge they have learnt over the 6 weeks.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Health, Attainment, Respect, Teamwork, Responsibility Education and Childcare, Sport

 

 Caring & Exercising a dog

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Approaching a dog. What sort of exercise do dogs need? Basic equipment for walking a dog.
Learn safe, polite, and appropriate ways to approach a dog. Understand the different types of exercise dogs need and the best time to walk them. Learn how to put a collar or harness on a dog calmly and safely, and how to hold the lead correctly.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Walk alongside a dog on several occasions. Allowing the dog safe freedom. Allowing a dog freedom for part of the walk.
Learn how to walk a dog on a lead and the benefits of doing so regularly. Identify safe places on a walk to let the dog run free and understand the importance of clearing up after the dog. To bring together all the learnt knowledge from the previous 5 sessions. To be able to let the dog run free for part of a walk in an identified safe place. To be able to recall and catch the dog and put her back on a lead.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health, Respect, Ambition, Teamwork, Empathy, Responsibility Agriculture

 

 Creative construction with LEGO

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Tiny Worlds Structural Engineering Vehicles and Motion
Design and build the smallest possible scene that tells a story. Design and build the tallest freestanding structure that will survive the shake test. Design and build the fastest and most creative vehicle.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Structural Engineering - Part 2 Portraits The LEGO Olympics
Design and build a hanging structure with the largest mass that will survive being lifted by a loop. Design and build a portrait for others to guess. Work out how to build an animal portrait from a final image. Work in a team to complete micro challenges.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Curiosity, Teamwork Media and Creative, Engineering, Science, Construction

 

 Dance for Fun

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Warming Up and Cooling Down Choreography 1 Choreography 2
Students learn how to prepare their bodies to dance safely with an awareness of space. Students consider different styles they might want to perform and start to choreograph and learn a routine. Students continue to choreograph and learn a routine.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Choreography 3 Choreography 4 Performance
Students continue to choreograph and learn a routine. Students continue to choreograph and learn a routine. Students perform the final dance.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Health, Ambition, Teamwork Performing Arts

 

 Discover the National Archives

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Introduction to the National Archives The Gunpowder Plot The Great Plague 1665-66
Students will discover different types of documents in the archives that tell us stories from the past. Students will use archives to investigate the Gunpowder Plot 1605 and discover the key roles individuals played. Students will use archives to understand the impact of the plague across Europe and also locally in Essex.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Factory Act 1833 Victorian prisons Research your own event
Students will research the impact of the Factory Act on children in Victorian England, showing empathy and comparing their lives. Students will use archives to research the what prisons were like in the Victorian period and how they began to develop into our prison system today. Students will use the National Archives website to research a historical event of their choice.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Curiosity, Teamwork, Empathy Law, Education and Childcare, Public Services

 

 Discover the National Archives

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Introduction to the National Archives The Gunpowder Plot The Great Plague 1665-66
Students will discover different types of documents in the archives that tell us stories from the past. Students will use archives to investigate the Gunpowder Plot 1605 and discover the key roles individuals played. Students will use archives to understand the impact of the plague across Europe and also locally in Essex.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Factory Act 1833 Victorian prisons Research your own event
Students will research the impact of the Factory Act on children in Victorian England, showing empathy and comparing their lives. Students will use archives to research the what prisons were like in the Victorian period and how they began to develop into our prison system today. Students will use the National Archives website to research a historical event of their choice.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Curiosity, Teamwork, Empathy Law, Education and Childcare, Public Services

 

 Environmental School and School Site Improvement Project

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Protecting Our Environment – Understanding Our Impact Exploring Our School Site – Nature & Seasonal Produce Taking Action – School Site Improvement
Aim: Understand how our actions affect wildlife, habitats and the environment.
Activities:
* Learn about environmental issues including litter, pollution and waste.
* Explore how litter harms wildlife and how long different materials take to decompose.
* Discuss ways we can make our school environment cleaner and greener.
* Design powerful environmental awareness posters to display around school encouraging others to reduce litter and respect our environment.
Skills: Environmental awareness, creativity, communication.		 Aim: Discover the natural resources around our school and understand the importance of supporting them.
Activities:
* Complete an environmental walk around the school grounds.
* Identify trees, plants, wildlife habitats and growing areas.
* Pick seasonal fruit available on the school site.
* Learn about seasonal eating, reducing food miles and using natural resources responsibly.
* Discuss how the produce collected could be used rather than wasted (e.g. jam, chutney, baking).
* Where times allows clean and preserve fruit for a future session e.g clean and freeze.
Skills: Observation, sustainability, respect for nature, teamwork.		 Aim: Work together to improve our school environment.
Activities:
* Carry out a supervised litter pick around the school site.
* Identify areas that need improvement
* Discuss why keeping green spaces clean protects wildlife.
* Display environmental awareness posters created by students.
Skills: Responsibility, teamwork, community action.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
From Tree to Table – Reducing Food Waste Encouraging Wildlife & Biodiversity Improving Biodiversity
Aim: Understand how natural produce can be preserved and transformed rather than wasted.
Activities:
* Use fruit collected from the school site to create a product.
* Learn traditional preservation skills such as:
o Jam making
o Fruit compote
o Chutney making
o Baking with seasonal fruit
* Explore how previous generations reduced waste through preserving food.
Skills: Food preparation, sustainability, independence, problem solving.		 Aim: Explore how we can make our school environment better for wildlife.
Activities:
* Learn why bees, insects and birds are important.
* Explore habitats around the school site.
* Create ideas to improve biodiversity (bug hotels, planting areas, wildlife spaces).
* Develop suggestions for future improvements.
Skills: Creativity, care for living things, environmental responsibility.		 Aim: Take positive action to improve biodiversity and create safe habitats for wildlife within our school environment.
Activities:
* Learn why biodiversity is important and how small habitats support insects, birds and other wildlife.
* Explore the role of bees, insects and birds in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
* Identify suitable areas around the school site to encourage wildlife.
* Work together to create a bug hotel using natural and recycled materials.
* Install bird boxes/feeders to provide safe spaces for birds around the school grounds.
* Reflect on how our actions will continue to support wildlife in the future.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health, Respect, Teamwork, Responsibility Marketing, Manufacturing, Agriculture

 

 French Language & Culture - BegiNners (EPI Enrichment sessions)

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Greetings & Classroom French (EPI Intro) Name & Age in French Talking About Birthdays
Learn essential French greetings and classroom phrases. Practise simple dialogues using EPI speaking routines. Build confidence with pronunciation and pair work. Learn to say your name and age in French. Use a sentence builder to create short conversations. Practise with speaking games and mini whiteboard questions. Learn months, numbers and how to say when your birthday is. Take part in fun activities like vocabulary races, matching tasks and speaking challenges.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Where I Live School Subjects: Likes & Dislikes Free Time Activities
Learn to say where you live and describe your area using simple French structures. Practise “j’habite à…” and “il y a / il n’y a pas…”. Create a short EPI-style description. Learn French school subjects and give likes/dislikes with reasons. Build short opinions using sentence builders. Play listening and speaking games to practise. Learn how to talk about free-time activities in French. Practise key verbs like jouer, regarder, écouter, faire. Finish with a mini project: “Mon temps libre”.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Ambition, Curiosity, Teamwork, Responsibility Media and Creative, Education and Childcare, Marketing, Hospitality and Retail, Public Services

 

 Girls Football

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Ball Mastery & Movement Foundations Passing, Receiving & Support Play Attacking Skills & Finishing
Focus:

Introductions, confidence building, and warming up to training structure

Basic ball control: dribbling with both feet, close control, shielding

Simple agility movements: quick feet, change of direction

Outcome:
Players feel comfortable, learn to move with the ball, and build core coordination.		 Short passing technique (inside foot), receiving and turning

Movement off the ball: finding space, giving support options

2v1 and 3v1 rondos or pressure situations

Outcome:
Players improve teamwork and learn how to keep possession under light pressure.		 Shooting technique: accuracy before power

Attacking moves: step-over, feints, and change of pace

1v1 attacking scenarios

Outcome:
Players gain confidence taking defenders on and learn how to create and finish scoring chances.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Defending Principles Game Awareness & Tactical Understanding Competition Week & Skills Showcase
Focus:

Individual defending: stance, timing, jockeying

Tackling safely and effectively

Small-group defending (2v2): communication, covering angles

Outcome:
Players understand how to delay attackers, win the ball cleanly, and defend as a unit.		 Basic positions and roles (defender, midfielder, forward)

Transition moments: winning or losing the ball

Small-sided games with guided challenges (e.g., wide play, switching sides)

Outcome:
Players begin making smarter decisions and understanding how the whole team works together.		 Review of all skills learned

Mini-tournament or team challenge events

Teamwork, communication, and leadership activities

Outcome:
Players demonstrate progress, celebrate improvement, and finish the season with confidence and excitement for the next stage.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health, Ambition, Teamwork, Responsibility Sport

 

 Mental Health Mosaicing

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Pieces of Me Emotions in Colour Challenges and Resilience
Objectives

Establish group safety and expectations.
Introduce the mosaic metaphor: many pieces forming a whole person.

Activities

Group agreement (respect, confidentiality, participation).
Discussion: "What is mental wellbeing?"
Students create small mosaic design representing aspects of themselves (interests, strengths, values).		 Objectives

Increase emotional literacy.
Explore how emotions change over time.

Activities

Emotion check-in.
Discuss colours, shapes, and emotions.
Create mosaic design incorporate colour.
Pair-share about chosen colours and symbols.		 Objectives

Identify personal challenges and coping strengths.
Reframe difficulties as part of growth.

Activities

Discussion on resilience.
Students design mosaic representing obstacles and supports.
Add these designs into a larger personal mosaic.
Reflection on coping strategies.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Connections and Support Networks Hope,Goals, and Future Self Bringing it Together
Objectives

Recognise sources of support.
Promote help-seeking behaviours.

Activities

Mapping supportive people and places.
Begin making mosaic tile using design plan.
Incorporate support-network pieces into mosaics.		 Objectives

Build optimism and future orientation.
Identify realistic goals.

Activities

Guided visualisation of the future.
Continue mosaic tile representing hopes, goals, and aspirations.
Add goal pieces to the mosaic.		 Objectives

Celebrate growth and reflection.
Consolidate learning.

Activities

Complete mosaics.
Gallery walk
Written reflection:
What have I learned about myself?
What supports my wellbeing?
What will I take forward?
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Health, Curiosity Media and Creative

 

 Online Uniform Shop: Supporting Our School Community

Help us develop and run an online school uniform shop to support families within The Deanes community.

Students taking part will help organise donated uniform, catalogue and photograph items, manage stock and think about how the online shop can be clear, welcoming and easy for families to use.

Through this Challenger session, students will develop:

  • Active citizenship – making a practical contribution to our school community

  • Organisational skills – sorting, recording and managing stock

  • Digital skills – helping to create and maintain an online shop

  • Teamwork and communication – working together to provide a useful service

  • Responsibility and initiative – helping to shape how the shop operates

  • Awareness of others – understanding how practical support can make a positive difference

This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy organising, problem-solving, digital tasks and helping others.

 

 Short Story Writing

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Short Story Tropes Introducing Characters Planning a Short Story
To understand the conventions and tropes of a short story by looking at a few different examples. To understand how to create engaging characters and their role within the story. To start planning the events of our short stories and how the characters will be involved.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Writing a Short Story Writing a Short Story Editing and Printing
To use the plans from previous challenger sessions to start writing our short stories. To be able to finish writing our short stories using the plans we have produced. To be able to finalise our short stories by reading and editing them.

To add illustrations to the short stories.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Ambition, Curiosity, Teamwork Media and Creative, Education and Childcare

 

 Short Story Writing

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Short Story Tropes Introducing Characters Planning a Short Story
To understand the conventions and tropes of a short story by looking at a few different examples. To understand how to create engaging characters and their role within the story. To start planning the events of our short stories and how the characters will be involved.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Writing a Short Story Writing a Short Story Editing and Printing
To use the plans from previous challenger sessions to start writing our short stories. To be able to finish writing our short stories using the plans we have produced. To be able to finalise our short stories by reading and editing them.

To add illustrations to the short stories.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Ambition, Curiosity, Teamwork Media and Creative, Education and Childcare

 

 table tennis

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Intro to table tennis rallying serving
introduce the rules and regs and basic techniques Introduce forehand and backhand push shots Introduce serving and how to gain an advantage from serving

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Singles play Doubles play match play
Match play- singles format Match play- doubles format Competitive games using all skills developed so far
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health, Teamwork Sport

 

 Tabletop Masters: Boardgames

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Game 1: Carcassone. Game 1: Carcassone. Game 2: Catan.
Tile placement and game piece placement for scoring:
Intro to the games set up and rules.
Students will play in teams and work together to strategize their game plan.
Focus on teamwork and collaboration to find the best possible move.		 Game 2 of Carcassone.
Mix up of the student teams.
Additional scoring rules added.		 Resource gain and placement game.
Introducing the concept of 'table politics' students will develop communication skills by making trades with other players to gain resources for their team.
Intro to the set up and rules of the game.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Game 2: Catan. Game 3: Smallworld. Game 3 Smallworld.
Catan game 2. Strategy combat and army placement game. Focus on gaining territory, defending occupied land and attacking other players land. Students will work in teams and develop their critical thinking, forward planning, and strategy skills. First playing focuses on how to set up the game and play the first few rounds. Smallworld game 2.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Respect, Curiosity, Teamwork, Responsibility Media and Creative

 

 The Chosen Challenge: Can we trust the story?

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Meet the Characters (Can you trust the source?) Living in First Century Palestine The Miracles Investigation
Watch introductions to Simon Peter, Matthew, Mary Magdalene.
Create "evidence files" on each character using the Gospels.
Challenge: Which facts are biblical and which are dramatic additions?		 Build a model village/map using paper and recycled materials.
Design routes Jesus might have travelled.		 Watch a miracle clip.
Become "historical detectives."
Present three explanations:

Miracle really happened.
Natural explanation.
Symbolic story.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
What would you do? Create Your Own Episode Film Festival
Ethical dilemmas based on situations faced by disciples.
Role-play and debate.		 Teams storyboard a missing scene from the Gospels.
Must stick to historical and biblical evidence.		 Perform or film scenes.
Awards for:

Most accurate
Most creative
Best acting
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Curiosity, Teamwork, Empathy, Responsibility Media and Creative

 

 The Magistrates Courtroom

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Inside the Magistrates’ Court Building the Case: Prosecution vs Defence Questioning Plans
Explore how a real magistrates’ court operates, learning about courtroom layout, key roles (magistrates, legal adviser, prosecution, defence, witnesses). The fictional case is introduced. Split into legal teams and develop case theories. Identify the strongest evidence, weaknesses, and the narrative you want the magistrates to believe. Practise writing examination‑in‑chief (open questions) and cross‑examination (closed, challenging questions), preparing the backbone of the trial.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Courtroom Skills Trial Rehearsal: Running the Case Final Mock Trial & Verdict
Practise questioning witnesses and learn how to maintain professionalism in a courtroom setting. The group conducts a full rehearsal of the trial from start to finish. Refine questioning, speeches, and timing. Magistrates practise note‑taking and deliberation skills, while legal teams strengthen their arguments. Perform the complete mock trial.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Attainment, Teamwork, Empathy, Responsibility Law, Public Services

 

 Using our local woodlands; Walking for Health benefits

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Wellbeing Awareness Supporting 10k steps - a- day Mindfulness
To help students recognise the positive impact of walking on their physical and emotional wellbeing by comparing how they feel before and after the session.

The class will walk around the school grounds.

Steps will be recorded		 To teach students the importance of regular movement and the health benefits associated with reaching recommended daily step counts (e.g., around 10,000 steps).

Ideally a walk through the woods next to the school; an additional adult would be required.

Steps will be recorded		 To encourage students to develop self-awareness of their energy levels, mood, and focus before and after walking.

Ideally a walk through the woods next to the school; an additional adult would be required.

Steps will be recorded

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Engagement With Environment Social & Communication Self Reflection
To broaden students’ experiences by exploring their surroundings, noticing nature, and appreciating the benefits of outdoor activity.

Ideally a walk through the woods next to the school; an additional adult would be required.

Steps will be recorded		 To strengthen relationships and communication skills by walking and talking with peers in a calm, low-pressure environment.

Ideally a walk through the woods next to the school; an additional adult would be required.

Steps will be recorded		 To help students recognise improvements in their walking fitness, increased pace, and enhanced emotional wellbeing—feeling calmer and more positive—through consistent walking using local areas.

Ideally a walk through the woods next to the school; an additional adult would be required.

Steps will be recorded and compared to previous sessions.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Health Healthcare, Education and Childcare, Sport

 

 WOODLAND WELLBEING & CRAFTS

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
Wellness in the Woods Wind Chimes & Mobiles Wind Chimes & Mobiles
Students will learn about the practices of mandala creation and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Students will then look for and collect their own natural materials to create a spring nature mandala. Students will participate in a forest bathing inspired meditation. Students will learn to forage for a range of materials to create nature-based art. Students will then use their forage materials and given tools to create a set of natural wind chimes and mobiles. This will take two sessions. Students will then use their previously-foraged materials and given tools to complete their set of natural wind chimes and mobiles.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
An Introduction to Hapa Zome Ojo De Dios Seasonal Star
Students will learn about the traditional Japanese art form of hapa zome and tataki zome. Students will then forage for their own natural materials and create a plant print. Students will learn about the traditions of Ojo de Dios. Students will then create their own Ojo de Dios using a mixture of man-made and naturally-collected materials. Students will create and decorate a seasonally-themed star from foraged materials.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Health, Curiosity Media and Creative, Healthcare, Education and Childcare

 

 Zoo Academy

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3
What is zoology? Animal behaviour Zoo or National park?
In this first session, we will explore the study of zoology by examining influential zoologists and investigating a range of interesting case studies. We will investigate the behaviour of insects in the lab and observe flamingos in a zoo using a live webcam. By comparing a modern zoo with Kruger National Park in South Africa, we will explore which is better: zoos or national parks.

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6
Animal care in a Zoo Informative zoo signs Informative zoo signs
In this session we will look at how a zoo can ensure the welfare and health of the animals in their care. Research and create an informative zoo sign for an animal of your choice. Continue with creating informative zoo signs for an animal of your choice.
This course will help build these CHARACTER attributes: This course will develop skills that would be useful in the following job sectors:
Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy Marketing, Science

 

 

 

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