Personal Development in the Junior Department

Personal development is central to our ethos. We aim to nurture confident, curious and well rounded young people by providing opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through a rich programme of clubs, sports, music and wider activities, pupils develop character, resilience, teamwork and creativity. These experiences support their academic progress and their wider growth as individuals, helping them build the skills and qualities they need for future success.

After School Clubs Programme

Our Junior Department offers a varied and engaging programme of after school clubs throughout the year. Lower School clubs take place from 3.35 to 4.10pm, and Upper Junior clubs run from 3.50 to 4.30pm. Each child may select one free club, with the possibility of an additional place if spaces remain. A range of external paid clubs is also available and can be booked directly with the organiser.

Across the week, pupils can explore a wide selection of creative, academic and active pursuits. Our offer includes art, craft, drama, music, origami, sewing, computing, problem solving, science, gardening, cultural board games, film making and yoga. These clubs encourage children to try new experiences, develop practical skills and enjoy learning in different ways.

External providers further enrich the programme with clubs such as Spanish Academy, Dib Dab Art Club and street dance, offering additional opportunities across languages, sport and the arts.

Sport and Physical Development

Sport plays an important role in personal development, helping pupils build confidence, teamwork, determination and healthy habits. Pupils can take part in netball, football, running, ball skills, tag rugby and fitness activities, with opportunities available for both Lower School and Upper Juniors. Specialist external providers also offer additional sports options, including Champion Pro Soccer, Jiu Jitsu and street dance, giving families further choice and supporting pupils in building healthy, active routines.

Pupils regularly represent the school as part of a team in sports fixtures, often achieving winning results across a range of competitions.

Music and Instrumental Learning

Music is a distinctive strength of the school, and pupils benefit from an exceptionally rich programme. All pupils have access to private music lessons across a wide range of instruments, taught by specialist peripatetic teachers. In addition, the school runs a group instrumental scheme, offering lessons at a lower cost to families and enabling more pupils to experience high quality music tuition.

Throughout the year, all pupils have regular opportunities to develop their singing skills. A Big Sing session is held in both the lower and upper junior departments once a week, where pupils learn a range of songs from different genres. There are flourishing school choirs in both sections of the junior department, with members regularly representing the school at celebrations, seasonal events and whole school performances. All pupils take part in numerous musical events, including concerts, productions and assemblies.

The instrumental music programme is a central innovation for the school, with all pupils offered the opportunity to learn a range of orchestral instruments and develop band skills. Pupils from Year 3 through to Year 6 have the option to participate in the scheme, offering violin or cello for a small charge.