Afternoon Programme
Sport
Development of sporting skills and good attitudes towards sport and physical activity is a key curriculum aim for the school. Each week, two afternoons will be set aside for sports and health events for every student.
During that time, parents are able to withdraw their children for specialised coaching (at their own expense). The school will compete in inter-school sports events where the numbers required allow it. The school also has links with high-quality coaches and sporting providers.
Where it is a stated interest for a child, sporting development will be included as a part of a student’s I.P.B. and will be seen as an area to emphasise.
Part of our learning philosophy is that learning can happen anywhere, with that in mind, the uniform is designed for outdoor use as well as for the students to look good. All students require appropriate sports gear (PE kit is provided) and also a hat and sunscreen for the hotter months and a jacket for the cooler weather.
Music
Students are able to incorporate aspects of music into their project-based learning. There is also a designated afternoon set aside each week (for every student) to study music. This is a practical in-class music programme involving Guitar and Keyboard Skills.
This time can also be an opportunity for students to attend private music tuition and we welcome private music teachers at the school (by prior arrangement). As in a normal school situation, this tutoring is at the parent’s expense – the difference is that the child is not having to be withdrawn from normal classroom time. Speech and foreign language extension could also be an option that parents seek to take up during this time.
Art
Like all subject areas, the students are able to incorporate aspects of art into their project-based learning, including the opportunity to present their material in varied and creative ways. This includes the study of artists and their work in their historial and social context, and always involves practical art projects where students can explore a variety of art techniques, including painting, printing, sculpting, photography, and ceramics; creating works that link back to the theme of their current project in other subjects. There is also a designated afternoon each week for each year group for art and a specialist teacher is employed to oversee that time and give guidance.
Community Learning
The Community Learning afternoons are for involvement in the community and include visits to museums, art galleries, businesses, libraries, and more. Guest speakers are also invited to the school to speak to groups and bring expert information to the projects the students are studying.
