We explore the vast range of after-school activities on offer across schools in the South East. From tug of war to mindfulness colouring, there’s no shortage of options.
Dulwich Prep Cranbrook
At Dulwich Prep Cranbrook we look to ignite each child’s curiosity, reveal hidden talents and make sure all our children fulfil their extraordinary potential so our extra-curricular programme is designed to do just that! It is broad and deep, and designed to widen horizons, inspire and offer stretch. Dulwich Prep Cranbrook has a vast array of clubs, both during and after the school day (all included in fees). We are continually reviewing what we offer and embracing children’s suggestions. All children are actively encouraged to set up their own clubs if we don’t already offer something they want to do. Clubs run every day after school until 5.30pm. As well as clubs in all the major sports, Art, Drama and Music all feature strongly with clubs ranging from Rock School to Advanced Artists. Some of our more quirky offerings include:
Little Stream (Years 1-4): New this year, Confidence Club, Mindfulness Colouring, Friendship Bracelet Club, Tug of War, Water Polo, Remote Control Cars, Lego, Glowfit – a Zumba-style class undertaken in the dark with glowsticks! Recent pop-up clubs have included – (child-led) Enid Blyton’s Enchanted Forest and the Harry Potter Play Club.
Popular clubs in Upper School (Years 5-8) are: Coding Club, Girls’ Cricket, Media Club, Yoga, Chess, Dulwich Entrepreneurs, Triathlon, Coding and Dulwich Outdoors.
Club of the moment for children of all ages is Eco Club: Our Eco Club was set up by the children in Upper School. We are currently working towards the Eco Schools Green Flag Award and are hoping to become a single use plastic-free school. (Achieved in Nash House, our Early Years). During the holidays we run Dulwich Prep Chef School which culminates in a Bake Off, where families are invited for tea.
dulwichprepcranbrook.org
Box hill School
What kind of after school clubs are on offer? A wide range of sport, including rugby, football, mountain biking, fencing, swimming, hockey and netball. Performing arts clubs include dance, choir, orchestra and musical theatre. We also run art clubs, language clubs – such as Spanish and Mandarin – and plenty more!
What time do they run to? Our clubs run from 4.45pm to 5.45pm (seniors).
Do any activities take place at the weekend or during school holidays? We run holiday camps during the school holidays, which include a range of different activities from cooking and arts and crafts to sport and woodland based challenges.
Is there an extra cost? For externally run, specialist clubs there is an additional cost, however, for those run by our own staff, there is no additional cost.
What are the benefits of taking part in extra-curricular activities? Increased personal confidence, social skills and self-esteem. The opportunity to develop new skills and interests alongside different children of different ages. Develop the capacity to challenge themselves in new areas. Physical and mental health benefits from physical activity and creativity. Encourages breadth of character and interests and above all, they are fun!
boxhillschool.com
Marlborough house school
What are the kind of clubs on offer? There is a wide range of extra curricular clubs at Marlborough House School. We offer clubs that are built in to the main part of the school day, including ballet, music and instrumental clubs, as well as shooting. Other clubs at the end of the school day are: cricket, football, tennis, badminton, table tennis, hockey, volleyball, design & technology, arts & crafts, drama, music, wellbeing and gardening.
What time do they run? Start times for clubs vary depending on what year the child is in. Pre-Prep clubs operate throughout the afternoon at various times during the day. Year 3 and 4 clubs start at 4pm and run for 30 minutes and the senior School children, years 5-8, start their clubs at 4.30pm and they run for 60 minutes.
Do any activities take place at the weekend or during the school holidays? The school does not run any clubs during the weekends or holidays, although we have a number of members of staff that run various courses throughout the holidays at an extra cost.
Is there an extra cost? Some of our clubs cost extra, but the majority of them are run by our amazing teachers at the school. Our teachers often have a passion for something outside of the subject they usually teach and so they enjoy spending time sharing their interest with the children in a club.
What are the benefits of taking part in extra-curricular activities? The benefits of taking part in extra-curricular activities are enormous. From spending time with friends and doing something you really enjoy, to trying something new and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Whatever the reason is for joining a club at Marlborough House School, pupils are sure to find something they enjoy. We want to offer a wide and varied clubs programme throughout the year and to give plenty of choice and opportunity for our children. The children’s wellbeing is at the centre of what we offer and we think it is important that the children do at least one of the clubs per week.
marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk
