CREATE week

 Intent 

All our pupils have a SEMH need and some pupils may have co-occurring needs in one or more of the following areas: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; sensory and/or physical needs. Our vision and core purpose is to improve the immediate quality of life for our pupils and nurture their potential by utilising a strength-based approach to achievement alongside a commitment to a growth mindset. We are focused on celebrating and developing positive character traits within our pupils through a shared commitment to our ‘CREATE’ values. 

At SBS one of the ways in which we celebrate and develop our values and traits is through our end of term programme called CREATE week. Held in the final week of each half term, it both recognises pupils’ efforts and achievements with a structured reward system that celebrates the behavioural achievements of every pupil and provides dedicated time each term for pupils to participate in activities to strength their understanding and application of our character traits and values. 

Our CREATE values and character traits: 

• Engage and grow together as part of an inclusive Community, rooted in fairness.  

• Develop secure and lasting Relationships, fostered by kindness.   

• Share experiences that provide Enrichment, enhanced by teamwork.   

• Foster ambitious Aspirations, through a commitment to learning.   

• Build a culture of Trust, by displaying honesty in their actions.   

• Achieve their potential, supported by a personalised Education and a curiosity for learning. 

 

Implementation 

Throughout the term pupils are awarded CREATE points for displaying any of our CREATE values or traits. Each week a whole school assembly is held to recognise those pupils that have achieved gold, silver or bronze certificates, as well as recognition of those pupils that have achieved a celebratory amount (generally 100 points). 

CREATE Week culminates in a series of reward trips designed to motivate and celebrate pupils' achievements. These trips are tiered—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—based on the number of CREATE points earned throughout the term. Each trip is carefully selected to provide enriching, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate experiences. 

CREATE Week Trips 

Gold Tier – High Achievement & Leadership 

Reserved for the top 10 pupils, these trips offer high-adrenaline, premium experiences that reward consistent excellence and leadership in behaviour and engagement. 

• Thorpe Park – A full day at one of the UK’s top theme parks, featuring world-class roller coasters and thrill rides. 

• Southend Adventure Island – Unlimited ride wristbands, beach games, and seaside treats. 

• Top Golf – A fun, competitive golfing experience with food and team challenges. 

• Indoor Skiing – A session at a snow centre, introducing pupils to skiing or snowboarding in a safe, supervised environment. 

Silver Tier – Strong Progress & Positive Engagement 

Awarded to the next 10 pupils, these trips focus on fun, creativity, and social interaction in dynamic settings. 

• Bubble Planet – An immersive sensory experience with interactive bubble-themed installations. 

• Laser Tag – Team-based strategy games that promote communication and cooperation. 

• Inflata Nation – A giant indoor inflatable park encouraging physical activity and teamwork. 

• Babylon Park – A futuristic indoor amusement park with arcade games and rides. 

Bronze Tier – Consistent Participation & Improvement 

Open to all remaining pupils who meet the behaviour criteria, these trips are inclusive and designed to build confidence, curiosity, and social skills. 

• African Drumming Workshop – A hands-on cultural experience that promotes rhythm, coordination, and group collaboration. 

• Gaming Bus – A mobile gaming lounge offering a safe, supervised space for social play. 

• Exotic Animal Encounter – An educational session with reptiles and exotic animals, encouraging curiosity and respect for nature. 

• Wave Pool Swimming – A fun and active session in a wave pool, promoting water confidence and physical wellbeing. 

Alongside our trips we have a curriculum designed to accentuate our CREATE values with explicit lessons and activities encouraged to facilitate the personal development of our pupils. 

These have included: 

• Dancercise 

• Mindfulness 

• Drama/Music workshops 

• Competitions (Beyblade. Blackjack, Badminton) 

Impact 

Our CREATE weeks are designed to be inclusive and enriching, particularly for pupils with SEMH/SEN needs. By providing a whole school structure towards rewards and celebration we can be holistic in our support of both the Pastoral and Wellbeing needs of our pupils alongside recognising their academic and social achievement. We aim to foster the belief that achievement and progress bring tangible rewards, whilst also providing pupils with targets for self-improvement. 

Some of the outcomes: 

• Offering access to new and enriching experiences 

• Building confidence in unfamiliar settings 

• Promoting teamwork and social learning 

• Reinforcing a sense of achievement and belonging 

• Delivering a personalised, therapeutic learning experience 

• Encouraging diversity and community cohesion 

During CREATE week we endeavour to design programmes that will extend the learning of our pupils beyond the standard curriculum, fostering a broader range of skills and experiences that contribute to their well-rounded growth. At Salmons Brook we use this week to build confidence, self-awareness and personal development helping pupils to better understand their strengths and aspirations; alongside nurturing creativity and critical thinking, which are essential for success in both academic and real-world contexts. 

Pupils are encouraged to collaborate with peers from different classes, enhancing their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. These interactions support their emotional intelligence, personal development and resilience, equipping students to navigate challenges more effectively. Participation and celebration in CREATE week also improves motivation and engagement with school life. When our pupils feel inspired and valued, their overall attitude towards learning improves, often leading to better academic outcomes. 

In essence, our CREATE programme plays a vital role in shaping confident, capable, and compassionate individuals as they prepare for life beyond the classroom.