Horizons Programme

At The UCL Academy, our ambition is that all of our students leave with knowledge and know-how to benefit them throughout their lives.

By giving our students life experiences at the Academy, they will develop into cultured, qualified, internationally minded, proactive and ethical citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

The Self Directed Curriculum (SDL) is part of these experiences, but it doesn’t stop there. There is an enormous range of opportunities the Academy offers, as well as support for opportunities that interest our students.

Core principles of Horizons:

• Skill Development – Foster creativity, curiosity,  collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
• Personal Growth – Build self-esteem, resilience, mental and physical resilience, leadership skills.
• Equity and Inclusion – Ensure all activities are accessible regardless of background – activities are designed to be delivered at school (lessons and SDL), in the community, or independently, with little or no cost to families.
• Community Engagement – Connect young people with their local communities and wider society, develop empathy and civic responsibility, nurture a connection to nature.

What activities do students participate in?

They undertake experiences on different ‘journeys’ throughout their time at the Academy, at least one each half-term.
These journeys are:

How are students recognised and rewarded?

Bronze, Silver, and Gold award recipients will receive a certificate.

Students also receive a pin badge for each Gold award they achieve.

For more detailed information about the journey experiences and how students record them, please click here.