Enrichment - Print version

Pupil voice

Why your voice matters

At Coventry Virtual School, we believe that you are the expert in your own life. That means your voice, your ideas, and your dreams are really important to us.

You have a unique perspective on what school feels like, what you want to achieve, and what kind of support helps you best. Sometimes it can feel like professionals are making decisions about you—but we want to make sure you are included in decisions that are for you.

Your input helps us shape better support and better plans for your future. We want you to be in control of your journey, to tell us what matters most to you, and to feel heard, respected and understood.

How you can share your voice

There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts and ideas with us:

• through your PEP: Every term, you will have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) meeting. This is a chance for you to talk about how school is going—what’s going well, what could be better, and what you want for the future
• the PEP meeting is all about your education and making sure your views are included. You don’t have to speak in front of everyone if that feels hard—there are different ways to share how you’re feeling
• through your Social Worker or Carers: You can ask your social worker or carer to share your thoughts with the Virtual School or with your school. They’re part of your team, and they can help make sure your voice is heard
• by joining in with our activities: Our Enrichment and Engagement Officer, Katy, is here to give you opportunities to get involved in fun events, activities and projects where you can meet others and share your views

Help us get your PEP right

Right now, we’re working on making the ‘Pupil View’ section of the PEP even better. We want to make sure we are asking the right questions - the ones that you think are important.

This is something we want to co-create with young people like you. If you’d like to help shape the kinds of questions that are asked in the PEP, or if you’ve got ideas about how we can make this part better, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact Katy Dolden at katy.dolden@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:katy.dolden@coventry.gov.uk] and she will get in touch with you about how to be involved.

Please also complete our ‘PEP Pupil Voice’ survey. [https://forms.office.com/e/E7nb6g3Hbd]

You deserve to be heard

Your views are never too small, and your ideas can make a big difference. We’re here to listen, to support, and to help you take steps towards the future you want.

Because your voice isn’t just important - it’s powerful.

Katy Dolden – Enrichment and Engagement Coordinator

As the Enrichment and Engagement Coordinator for Coventry Virtual School, I plan and lead educational and cultural experiences for young people in care, both in and beyond the classroom. My focus is to boost engagement, raise aspirations, and help young people feel more connected to their learning. A key part of my role is building strong relationships with young people, foster carers, and the professionals around them, ensuring they receive support that’s both meaningful and consistent.

Enrichment at Coventry Virtual School

At Coventry Virtual School, enrichment means unlocking the potential in every young person. Through purposeful projects and trusted partnerships, we create opportunities for care-experienced children and young people that build confidence, nurture ambition, and inspire learning. By increasing participation in enrichment activities, we ensure every experience is meaningful, impactful, and tailored to support each young person’s journey.

Your Future, Your Path (Y10 to Y13)

A new initiative offering termly sessions to support care-experienced young people in Years 10–13 with their post-16 journey. Through engaging events, guest speakers from diverse sectors, and tailored guidance, we help them build confidence, explore options, and make informed decisions about their future

Partnerships with Purpose

In collaboration with WMVS CiC Foundation, Performing Perfectly, and Think Active, we provide engaging art, sport and cultural activities across the Coventry Warwickshire and Solihull. These termly experiences encourage self-expression, foster connection, and open minds to new possibilities.

Higher Education & Universities

We support young people in exploring their next steps by encouraging attendance at university sessions locally and within the West Midlands opening up access to higher education opportunities. Through personalised guidance and engaging initiatives, we help them make informed choices and build confidence in their futures.

Virtual School Mentoring

Our new framework is designed to support young people who feel disconnected from school, helping them rebuild trust and find motivation through consistent, relationship-based mentoring. The Virtual School Mentoring Programme encourages pupils to stay engaged with learning, improve their attendance, and make progress. Led by our Engagement Officer, each session is shaped around the pupil’s individual needs and connects directly to their Personal Education Plan (PEP).

Plas Dol-y-Moch Residentials

Coventry Virtual School offers enriching residentials to Plas Dol-y-Moch throughout the year, supporting care-experienced young people to grow, connect and thrive through outdoor adventure and learning beyond the classroom. These shared experiences nurture confidence, relationships and personal development, helping young people feel a stronger sense of belonging.

KS4 (Years 10 and 11): Creative Writing Residential

Supports young people on their GCSE journey by building exam confidence and enhancing writing skills through focused workshops in a supportive environment.

KS3 (Year 9): Humanities Residential

Combines geography and history with outdoor learning to bring subjects to life.

KS3 (Years 7 and 8): Outdoor Adventure Residential

Builds teamwork, resilience and new skills through hands-on exploration.

Upcoming enrichment opportunities for children and young people in care

Your Future, Your Path

Coventry and Warwickshire Virtual Schools will be holding their second Your Future, Your Path, a raising aspirations event on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

These sessions are designed to equip young people in care from Year 10 to Year 13 with the knowledge and confidence to explore their post-16 options. Each term, we will host engaging events featuring guest speakers from Apprenticeships, Higher Education, the Armed Forces, and various employment sectors, alongside tailored support services designed to meet their needs. Our goal is to ensure every young person has access to valuable insights and the guidance they deserve, equipping them to make informed decisions about their future.

We will be excited to welcome guest speakers Jen Emeny-Green, from Think Active CSW, Coach Core, and The Outdoor Partnership Coventry. They will lead a lively and interactive session exploring the wide range of career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities available across the leisure, sports, and outdoor sectors.

Venue: The Council House, Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR
Time: 5pm to 7:30pm

If you have a young person(s) who would like to attend the session, please use the following link to register your young persons attendance - Y10 to Y13 Your Future, Your Path

WMVS Podcast Workshop for 11–18s

Available to Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Virtual Schools

Want to create your own show? Join our hands-on workshop and learn everything from idea generation and scripting to recording, editing, and sharing your voice. Whether you're into music, gaming, sports, or chatting—no experience needed, just bring your creativity and energy!

Wednesday 29 October 2025, 11.00am to 1.00pm

Venue: The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End Car Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1QJ

If you have a young person who would be interested in attending, please visit WMVS CiC Foundation Podcast Workshop - Coventry, Warwickshire & Solihull VS Tickets, Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 11:00 | Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wmvs-cic-foundation-podcast-workshop-coventry-warwickshire-solihull-vs-tickets-1541319701719?aff=oddtdtcreator] to register their attendance.

Educational performance: Hamilton

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025
An educational performance of 'Hamilton' in London, including a special technical demonstration and a Q&A session with cast and crew members. This is a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insights into theatre production, storytelling, and stagecraft.

Virtual School Residentials to Plas Dol-y-Moch 2026

• January 2026 - KS4 (Y10 and Y11) GCSE Creative Writing Workshops - A unique opportunity for young people to engage in writing activities, develop their creative writing skills and potentially help them to feel more confident as they approach the GCSE exams. 
• March 2026 - KS3 (Year 9) Humanities - A curriculum-linked geography and history residential blending outdoor adventure with real-world learning. Through fieldwork and team activities in a natural setting, students will deepen subject knowledge and broaden their understanding of landscapes, human impact, and historical narratives.
• May 2026 - KS3 (Y7 and Y8) Outdoor Adventure - Designed to inspire exploration, growth, resilience, and teamwork, this Outdoor Adventure Residential gives young people the chance to discover new outdoor pursuits, build confidence, and broaden their horizons, all while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Plas Dol-y-Moch.

If you have a young person who may be interested in any of the residentials, please email Katy Dolden at katy.dolden@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:katy.dolden@coventry.gov.uk], including the young person’s name and the name of the school they attend.

Virtual School engagement and enrichment 2024 to 2025

What we've been up to

This academic year, the Virtual School has proudly organised, supported, and participated in 22 events, engaging a total of 189 young people in care.

Our enrichment programme has offered a diverse range of inspiring and inclusive experiences, including:

• Theatre trips to see Les Misérables and Mary Poppins
• Kayaking and paddleboarding adventures
• Laser Tag and Combat Archery sessions
• School of Rock musical theatre workshop
• University aspiration events – Aim Higher and Uni-Explorers
• Trash to Treasure: Recycled art workshop
• Your Future, Your Path – Post-16 options event
• Circus skills experience
• 3 residentials to Plas Dol-y-Moch (February, April, and May 2025)

With even more events planned for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, be sure to visit our upcoming activities and events page for diary dates and how to book onto the events. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going and build even more unforgettable experiences.

What young people and foster carers are saying

“It’s a fun, educational, exciting opportunity that not many young people are lucky to have, and it would be beneficial for many more to have this opportunity as it gives them the chance to explore the wider world, socialise with others and have fun.”

“Today’s visit to the Sondheim Theatre was amazing and a great experience. I am very grateful that I got to see Les Misérables — thank you!”

“Thank you so much for all the time and support you've given to both of my young people — it meant they could enjoy such a brilliant residential experience. They've come back absolutely buzzing! I'm so grateful for the positive memories you've helped create for them.” — Foster Carer