2. Kirk Balk Academy
Pledges Program

3. MY PLEDGES PASSPORT: How to track your pledges

4. Pledge 1: Regularly attend an after-Academy activity
Ideas: sports clubs (football, netball, badminton, basketball, dance, rugby, table tennis, cross-country), drama group, STEM club, music, The Creative Corner, subject enrichments
How will you benefit from completing this pledge?
After school clubs and activities offer the opportunity to develop your skills and meet new people. Sport takes teamwork, leadership and communication whilst music enrichments demonstrate patience and discipline (as well as offering UCAS points beyond grade 6). Subject enrichments, such as After School Progress Clubs (ASP), support academic attainment and allow you to develop a deep interest in a particular subject. By completing this pledge, you demonstrate your drive and commitment to potential employers, colleges or universities at the same time as learning new skills and having fun.

5. Pledge 2: Represent the Academy in a sporting, cultural or academic event
Ideas: sporting competitions, music or drama productions, UK Maths Challenge, Discover US programme, Languages Live competition, enterprise events, Remembrance Day parade
How will you benefit from completing this pledge?
Having represented the Academy in any way, from sport to academic competitions, can make a CV or application stand out. Being one of the best students in the Academy in your chosen area is a real accomplishment; it takes resilience, perseverance and dedication and you will feel great pride when representing your school. On completion of this pledge you will have enhanced numerous transferable skills, which can be applied throughout life, and your confidence will by sky-high!

6. Pledge 3: Take part in an ‘outward bound’ residential programme
Ideas: Scouts/Guides/Cadets camp, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Maths revision camp, PE residential
How will you benefit from completing this pledge?
Residential programmes involve staying away from home overnight. They test your resilience by removing you from your comfort zone. You will make new friends, try new things and gain independence: a vital part of growing up. Outdoor activities are often mentally and physically demanding and require good teamwork, communication and perseverance. These are all skills that will serve you well throughout your school and working life.

7. Pledge 4: Attend an academic, cultural or national sporting event
Ideas: attending a national-level sporting event, going to the theatre, attending an event at an historical site such as a castle or cathedral, watching a live debate, speech or academic talk, visiting an exhibit at a museum, art gallery or sculpture park
How will you benefit from completing this pledge?
Exposing yourself to new places and different experiences is fundamental in developing into an engaging, well-rounded individual. It broadens your horizons and encourages you try something new. Whether it’s a local talk or watching an international sporting event, attending a significant event deepens your understanding of the world around you and strengthens your appreciation of other people and cultures. Not only does this pledge provide entertainment but it could spark a new hobby or even a life-long career.

8. Pledge 5: Take part in a production or event
Ideas: Academy drama production, volunteering at matches or games over a period of time, extra-curricular music/drama/dance performances, helping to organise an open evening or celebrations event, supporting the running of an awards ceremony, assisting with a charity event
How will you benefit from completing this pledge?
Whether working on-stage or volunteering behind the scenes, taking part in a production or event takes maturity, responsibility and dedication. This pledge provides the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people, build your confidence and demonstrate your ability to collaborate – all whilst having fun!