Extracurricular Activities
A comprehensive programme designed to ignite curiosity, develop talents, and foster independence across arts, sports, technology, and outdoor pursuits.
The Extracurricular Activities Programme open to our pupils is very broad and we consider it to be a key part of an all-round education. Many activities are organised on-site taking full advantage of the School’s large estate. Unlike many schools, the timetable is constructed to ensure they are not restricted by it in their choices.
Pupils are encouraged to try lots of different activities and to develop as broad a range of interests as possible. The activities programme helps them learn to socialise and become independent. Their sense of wonder and enquiry is stimulated and their enthusiasm and confidence in having a go at new things is fostered. Having a broad range of interests also helps children in gaining entry to Senior schools.
Activities
Categories
Weekly Hours
‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire’
Sewing & Textiles
Develop your sewing skills and creativity in this progressive club. You'll master the use of sewing machines and learn techniques such as applique, pattern cutting, and decorative finishing to enhance your work.
Throughout the year, you'll build your abilities step by step, progressing from foundational skills to more ambitious projects, including stuffed toys, cushions, bags, and even garments.
This club is ideal for pupils considering design or textiles for their next school application, as well as anyone passionate about craft who wants to advance their practical skills.
Watercolours
Discover the art of watercolour painting and explore the unique beauty of this luminous medium. Watercolour is prized for its transparency, allowing light to pass through the paint and reflect off the white paper beneath, creating a distinctive, glowing effect. You'll learn essential techniques including wet-in-wet, washes, and layering, before progressing to create a variety of finished paintings. Throughout the club, you'll develop your skills and confidence, building from foundational methods to more complex compositions. This club is perfect for those who enjoy painting and want to master a new medium, as well as students looking to strengthen their art portfolio.
Ceramics
Led by professional sculptor Diana Pattenden, this ceramics course introduces students to the versatile world of clay. You'll learn essential sculpting techniques, hand-building methods for creating pots and vessels, and how to apply glazes and textures to bring your designs to life. Clay offers endless possibilities for creative expression, allowing you to transform imaginative ideas into three-dimensional forms. Through hands-on experience with specialist tools and techniques, you'll develop practical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and confidence in your artistic voice. This club is ideal for students who enjoy working with their hands, those interested in exploring 3D art forms, and anyone looking to add ceramics experience to their creative portfolio.
Abstract Expressions
Ballet
Classical ballet forms the foundation for all dance styles, and we are delighted to offer syllabus classes in the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet. Classes are organised predominantly by year group, with adjustments made based on individual ability where appropriate. Nursery & Reception pupils are introduced to ballet through creative, exploratory classes, while a more structured syllabus begins in Form 1. We operate a bi-annual cycle, alternating between performance years and examination years. During exam years, dancers are prepared for ISTD Class or Graded examinations as appropriate. Whilst examinations are not compulsory, all students are encouraged to work towards them. In performance years, all dancers are invited to participate in our Summer Term ballet production.
LAMDA (VERSE & PROSE)
Our LAMDA programme helps pupils develop confidence and essential communication skills through the study of Speech & Drama. Even the most reluctant students flourish, achieving excellent examination results and gaining qualifications that enhance their academic profile. Pupils develop fluent reading with excellent comprehension, and expand their vocabulary
LAMDA (ACTING)
GROOVY MOVERS
STREET DANCE
CREATIVE MEDIA
Creative Media is an exciting and challenging club that introduces pupils to the diverse world of digital media production. Students will explore how various elements and disciplines combine to create contemporary digital content.
Through hands-on projects, pupils will develop technical skills and creative thinking, learning how different media formats work together to communicate ideas effectively. This club provides a broad foundation in digital media, encouraging experimentation and innovation across multiple platforms.
This club is ideal for pupils interested in the intersection of technology and creativity, those considering media-related subjects for their future studies, or anyone who enjoys working with digital tools to bring their ideas to life.
Through hands-on projects, pupils will develop technical skills and creative thinking, learning how different media formats work together to communicate ideas effectively. This club provides a broad foundation in digital media, encouraging experimentation and innovation across multiple platforms.
This club is ideal for pupils interested in the intersection of technology and creativity, those considering media-related subjects for their future studies, or anyone who enjoys working with digital tools to bring their ideas to life.
GRAPHICS
FILM
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROBOTICS
DT EXTENSION
Brockhurst and Marlston House pupils benefit from excellent facilities for Design and Technology. Our well-equipped workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, fostering independent creativity and practical learning.
Students work with wood, metal, and plastics to design and manufacture products that bring their ideas to life. Through hands-on projects, pupils develop problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and the satisfaction of creating high-quality finished pieces.
Projects range from functional items such as cutting boards, key holders, and desk organisers to more ambitious makes including go-karts, chess boards, and bird boxes. Each project allows pupils to personalise their work and take pride in their creations whilst developing essential design and making skills.
Students work with wood, metal, and plastics to design and manufacture products that bring their ideas to life. Through hands-on projects, pupils develop problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and the satisfaction of creating high-quality finished pieces.
Projects range from functional items such as cutting boards, key holders, and desk organisers to more ambitious makes including go-karts, chess boards, and bird boxes. Each project allows pupils to personalise their work and take pride in their creations whilst developing essential design and making skills.
MODEL BUILDING
CLASSICAL GREEK
ITALIAN
Learning a foreign language brings numerous benefits, including improved communication skills, increased confidence, and a broader understanding of the world and different cultures. Italian is a beautiful and expressive language that opens doors to one of Europe's richest cultural heritages.
In Italian Club, pupils will learn the fundamentals of this wonderful language through fun and engaging activities. Sessions will explore not only language skills but also Italian culture, cuisine, geography, and traditions using a variety of interactive media and resources.
This club is perfect for pupils who enjoy languages, are curious about different cultures, or simply want to try something new and develop their linguistic abilities in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
In Italian Club, pupils will learn the fundamentals of this wonderful language through fun and engaging activities. Sessions will explore not only language skills but also Italian culture, cuisine, geography, and traditions using a variety of interactive media and resources.
This club is perfect for pupils who enjoy languages, are curious about different cultures, or simply want to try something new and develop their linguistic abilities in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
RUSSIAN
SPANISH
FENCING
Art & Design
| Sewing & Textiles | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Watercolours | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Ceramics | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Abstract Expressions | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Oil & Contemporary Painting & Drawing | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Art Scholarship Sessions (by invitation) |
Performing Arts
| Ballet | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Reception & Nursery |
| LAMDA (Verse & Prose) | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| LAMDA (Acting) | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Imagination Station Drama | Form 8 |
| Groovy Moovers | Nursery |
| Street Dance | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & Reception |
IT & Technology
| Creative Media | Forms 4, 5 & 6 |
| Graphics | Forms 1, 2 & 3 |
| Film | Forms 1, 2 & 3 |
| Photography | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Robotics | Forms 5 & 6 |
| DT Extension | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 |
| Model Building | Forms 5 & 6 |
Languages
| Classical Greek | By invitation |
| Italian | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Russian | By private arrangement |
| Spanish | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
Sport
| Fencing | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Golf | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
| Gymnastics | Forms 5, 6, 7, 8 & Reception |
| Gymnastics & Parkour | Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
| Judo Tots | Nursery & Reception |
| Judo | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Senior & Junior Swim Squad | By invitation only |
| Extra Swimming | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 |
| Hi5 Tennis | Nursery & Reception |
| Tennis | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 |
| Mountain Biking | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Yoga | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Reception & Nursery |
Academies
| Cricket | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Football | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Hockey | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Netball | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Rugby | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
Outdoor Pursuits
| Claypigeon Shooting | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 |
| Fly Fishing (Summer Term Only) | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 |
| Riding (Summer Term Only) | Form 7 |
| Riding - Beginners | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Riding - Intermediate | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| Riding - Advanced | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
Other Activities
| Chess | Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8 |
| Cooking | Forms 1, 2 & 3 |
