More Than Just Lessons
The most important reason for going to school is to learn. However, we know that there is more to school than just lessons, and we provide an extensive range of clubs and activities for the children to try.
We take all our children, in their year groups, to a wide range of places of interest and fun which are related to the topic work that they do.
We also encourage our children to consider others less fortunate than themselves by raising money for charity.
The timetable shows how our extensive range of clubs and activities fit into the school week.
Charities
The children are encouraged to think of others less fortunate than themselves, and each House organises a Cake Sale during the term, the proceeds of which are donated to the school’s charity of the year.
The children also help in a practical way by making donations of goods for older people at Harvest Festival and toys for disadvantaged children at Christmas.
Some of the charities we support are:-
Local Care Homes and Charities – Harvest Festival and Christmas
RSPCA in Shenley
World Book Day
Comic Relief week
These are some of our efforts this year:-
Harvest Festival
Paper Planet
Red Nose Day
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Chargeable Activities
As well as formal lessons, we encourage our children to learn other skills, in sessions taken by specialist teachers. These sessions are charged for in the termly invoice – details will be found in Fees.
Available activities are:-
CHESS which is open to Years 4, 5 and 6 and takes place 3.30pm – 4.30pm on Fridays. Children must know the basic game and how to move the pieces – but do not need to be Grandmaster standard.
The school enters a team into the National Primary Schools Championships, culminating in the eagerly-anticipated semis and finals and a fun weekend away in June.
Starter sessions for Years 2 and 3 are held at lunchtime and 3.00pm – 3.30pm on Fridays, where the basic skills and techniques are mastered.
DRAMA is available for children in Years 1 – 5 inclusive during lunchtimes and after school, depending on the Year group. The club follows the LAMDA examination syllabus and offers a mix of games and group work. Introductory and full examinations which combine choral speaking and acting are taken by groups of children from age 7. The children will be able to work towardsa LAMDA certificate, the preparation for which starts at the beginning of the Spring term.
JU-JITSU
We have our own very successful Ju-Jitsu club for children from Years 1 – 6 inclusive. The children are taught in a safe, friendly yet highly discliplined environment encouraging self-confidence, discipline and fitness.
The children work towards regular gradings, and are rewarded with their new belt at a presentation ceremony.
SPECIALIST MUSIC
We have six peripatetic music teachers offering tuition, either individually or in groups, in the following instruments:-
Piano, Violin, Viola, Flute, Clarinet, French Horn, Saxophone, Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar and Percussion.
Children are entered for external examinations in the Associated Board, Trinity College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music syllabuses.
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Other Clubs and Activities
We encourage our pupils to enjoy themselves in times outside lessons. These are some of the clubs and activities children may take part in, for which no additional charges are made:-
ART CLUB is open to selected year groups of infants. The children gain experience of artistic techniques, building on what they have learnt during art lessons and helping them develop their skills in drawing and painting.
BOARD GAMES CLUB gives the children an opportunity to participate with others in ‘good old fashioned’ board games and jig-saw puzzles.
CALLIGRAPHY CLUB is available to Year 3 children who enjoy ‘joining-up’ their handwriting and wish to move on to writing in pen.
COUNTRY DANCE & MODERN DANCE CLUBS
give children the chance to develop their sense of rhythm and expression in a fun environment.
GAMES CLUBS include football (boys & girls), rugby, athletics, cricket (boys & girls) – both indoor in the Winter months and outdoor in the Summer – summer games, tennis (according to season).
GERMAN CLUB introducing basic conversational German through song, role play and games for Year 6 pupils.
KNITTING CLUB is enjoyed by both boys and girls. The emphasis is on enjoyment and meetings are relaxed, chatty, sociable and productive
MATHS CLUB We challenge your mind with a variety of puzzles and games, all with a mathematical basis.
MUSIC CLUBS There are a number of musical activities that take place outside normal school hours (some by invitation only): String Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra and choirs for Infants, Juniors and Seniors.
NETBALL CLUB gives pupils the opportunity to develop their social and team skills in a sporting environment. Team members represent the school at inter-school matches.
NEWSPAPER CLUB A small group of Year 6 children research and write articles on school events and items of interest for the annual school newspaper.
RECORDER CLUBS include descant and treble recorders giving those children interested in music the chance to develop their interest further.
SPANISH CLUB introducing basic conversational Spanish through song, role play and games for Year 5 pupils.
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Outings and Visits
Each year group makes several visits during the year, giving first-hand experience of topics studied during lessons.
Reception
Woburn Abbey Safari Park
Visit from St Albans Museum
London Butterfly House
Year 1
St. Albans Abbey Education Centre
Windsor Castle
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Year 2
Roald Dahl & Bucks. County Museum
Gullivers Theme Park
Year 3
Celtic Harmony Camp
Radlett Centre – Dr Flu & The Romans
Verulamium Theatre & Hypocaust
Whipsnade
Year 4
Radlett Centre – Shakespeare 4 Kidz
Wyldcourt Living Rainforest
Hatfield House
Year 5
Aldenham Parish Church – organist
Radlett Centre – Shakespeare 4 Kidz
British Schools Museum, Hitchin
Imperial War Museum
Flatford Mill Field Centre (residential)
Year 6
Adventure Day – Tolmers Scout Camp
Isle of Wight – residential trip
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