CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Art and Design Technology
Art is taught throughout the School, both as a specialist subject and within other areas of the curriculum. Pupils are regularly invited to enter local and national Art competitions and have their work shown at exhibitions. Art clubs are also on offer during the year and visiting artists and art days are an additional feature of the curriculum. A strong emphasis is placed on display in the School and displays often include children’s work. Displays are vibrant, interesting and interactive.
Dance
Dance classes start in Year 1 at the Prep School and all classes are half an hour long. Each half term, they look at a new topic, many in relation to their curriculum lessons. For example, when studying rivers in Year 5, they incorporate their knowledge into movement in dance. All lessons are based around developing movement memory, choreographic creativity and confidence in performing. There are many opportunities for the children to perform in annual Dance productions.
Drama
Drama is a fun way to build self-confidence and communication skills whilst allowing the children to use their imagination in a safe environment. Our pupils develop the confidence to speak in public and the ability to work collaboratively. There are weekly timetabled Drama lessons from specialist teachers in Key Stage 2, whilst Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 incorporate Drama skills and role play within the classroom.
The children experience a range of opportunities in Drama, including class assemblies, Trinity Board exams and plays. Every year group will have the chance to perform to parents. In the Autumn Term, EYFS perform an annual Nativity and Year 2 a play. Year 4 develop their Music, Drama and Dance skills through rehearsing and performing a musical production during the Spring Term. There is a magnificent musical finale when Year 6 pupils perform their leavers’ play, which is highly regarded by the pupils and parents alike.
Drama clubs are available for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 where they can develop their skills further. Pupils from Year 3 upwards also have the opportunity to receive individual, duo or group peripatetic Speech and Drama lessons and the option to take Trinity College London exams.
Music
The Prep School has a thriving Music Department. Many pupils choose to have individual instrument lessons and these are timetabled on rotation during the school day, avoiding English and Maths lessons where possible. This is available in Key Stage 2 although some pupils in Year 2 may also be able to start instrumental lessons if appropriate. There is a breadth of expertise amongst our peripatetic teachers, teaching a range of instruments including Piano, Harp, Cello, Violin and Flute.
Opportunities for pupils to join an ensemble and contribute to the School’s musical community are plentiful. While this is not compulsory, it is expected and encouraged as it greatly improves their musical awareness. The differences between playing with others and as a soloist are enormous – challenges are confronted, the rewards are endless and, above all, it is fun!
A large number of instrumental ensembles are currently available in the Prep School, from woodwind to pop and jazz. There is also a Chamber Choir (by invitation only), a Junior Choir (Year 1 – Year 3) and Mini Soul Train (Year 4 – Year 6). Additional time is made for aural practice, giving children time to prepare for their music exams.
Sport and Sports Days
A broad and balanced programme of physical education is offered that is tailored to meet each pupil's needs. Our goal is for every child to find enjoyment through physical activity gaining a good level of fitness and a real sense of achievement. In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, children develop confidence and co-ordination through dance, gymnastics, ball skills, cricket, athletic activities and games. Swimming lessons begin in Year 1. Key Stage 2 lessons consist of Netball, Hockey, Football, Tennis, Cricket, Athletics, Swimming, Dance and Gymnastics.
All KS2 pupils also take part in house matches in Netball, Hockey, Football, Swimming and Cricket.
For weekly games and swimming lessons pupils have access to the extensive facilities on offer across both sites. We also draw on the skills of Senior School staff who enhance the Prep School curriculum with their expertise.
Pupils are encouraged to represent the School from Year 3. In Year 3 and 4 they may represent the School in Cross Country, Athletics, Biathlon or Swimming. In Year 5 and 6 they also take part in team sports of Hockey, Netball, Football and Cricket. The opportunity for excellence is achieved by entering national competitions in Netball, Hockey, Football, Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country and Biathlon. Our pupils have representative honours at county, regional and national level. School matches normally take place after school and occasionally at the weekend.
Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 all have separate Sports Days which are held towards the end of the Summer Term.
