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Extra Curricular Activities
In essence, the ECA programme aims to deliver a wide range of fun and stimulating pursuits to any child who wishes to take part. It is a purely voluntary programme of activities that has been created in order to offer an opportunity to enjoy and participate in an interest beyond the normal school day.
The ECA programme has been an integral part of the Danes Hill day for many years. It is an important feature of the school, providing pupils with an opportunity to expand their horizons or harness an existing skill or talent.
The vast majority of pupils at Danes Hill currently take part in at least one of a number of available activities. If your child is new to the main school or has not yet made the most of what the school has to offer, perhaps now is the time to consider something new.
The activities loosely fall into one of three categories: music, sport or crafts. From Year 2 through to Year 8 there is a diverse range of activities. Take a look at the daily schedule to see what is on offer or browse through the activities listings.
There are variations in the times of specific activities but the activities run as follows:
The Year 2 and 3 from 3.40pm to 4.20pm (Lower School)
The Year 4 and 5 from 4.15pm to 5.00pm (Middle School)
Year 6 to 8 from 4.35pm to 5.30pm (Upper School)
Please note that there are some activities that occur during the course of the normal school day.
An activity is sometimes created during the course of the year so keep an eye out for letters and slips coming home informing you about any developments to the existing programme. Some of the activities are provided by professionals from outside the school but on the whole it is the teachers of Danes Hill who run the activities. You can browse the school website to view picture galleries of existing and past activities (coming soon). Whilst we endeavour to keep the programme running at all times there are occasions when an activity may have to be cancelled. In this eventuality, communication regarding the details will be sent to you either by Clarion Call or in writing.
Below is a brief description of the current activities. This will stay more or less the same during the year but some changes, particularly regarding the sports, will occur, according to the season.
Athletics Academy (Yr 2 to 8)
Nick Buckfield runs an athletic club for children of all ages. All abilities are welcome. To sign up to this activity contact the organisers directly via e-mail: nick@fitnessclub.co.uk or by telephone on 03336 000121
Sessions run:
Yr 2 & 3 Tuesday 3.40-4.25
Yrs 4 & 5 Monday 4.15-5.15
Yr 6 Wednesday 4.30-5.30
Yr 7 & 8 Tuesday 4.40-5.40
Ballet (Yr 2 to 8)
Classes are based on the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. Generally, children have classes in their year groups but sometimes, once children have taken an exam, they may work with the children in the next year group. Exams are not compulsory but if a child is interested in taking an exam, then regular attendance is necessary.
Chess (Yr 2 to 7)
Children will be introduced to the basics of the game and the strategies that can help them win matches.
Chamber Choir
Conducted by Miss Beynon, the Chamber Choir has long been held in high regard at Danes Hill. Over the years, they have gained a reputation for excellent choral singing; whether in concerts at school, or in such prestigious venues as the churches of St Martin-in-the-Fields and St Paul’s, Knightsbridge. The Chamber Choir also have great fun on their annual European concert tour. Rehearsals take place twice a week on Monday lunchtimes and Thursday mornings. Membership for Chamber Choir is by audition for all children in the Upper School.
Lower School Choir (Yr 2 & 3)
Lower School Choir is open to all the children in Year 2 and 3. During the year we take part in a number of events including the Leith Hill Music Competition. There is also the opportunity to perform in concerts over the year. We choose songs from a wide repertoire with an emphasis on enjoying singing together.
Card Games (Yr 2 & 3)
An introduction to basic card games that younger children can play-patience and competitive games.
Comic Strip and cartoon Club (Yr 2 & 3)
A fun way to explore the world of cartoon drawings.
Craft (Yr 2 & 3)
The children explore a range of craft activities and techniques.
Ensembles
Music has a high profile at Danes Hill, not least because of the wealth of opportunities we provide for young instrumentalists to develop their skills and potential through playing in an ensemble. Playing in an ensemble can greatly improve sight-reading skills, rhythm and independent playing, and is also a lot of fun! Once children reach a suitable standard, they will be encouraged to join an ensemble. For instrumentalists learning with a teacher outside of school, please contact Mrs Marr, Mr Falshaw or Mrs Steele for further information. Currently, the following ensembles rehearse on a weekly basis:
Saxophone Ensemble, Junior String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Double-Reed Ensemble.
Extended Games (Yr 4 to 8)
This extra lesson is for boys and girls. It is open to pupils of all abilities. The sessions consist of drills to improve individual skills and fitness. Small-sided games will also be played.
Football (Yr 2 & 3)
Coaches from Chelsea Football club will encourage boys and girls to develop their ball skills and their understanding of the game.
Gardening (Yr 2 & 3)
Children will learn the basics of gardening and be encouraged to grow a range of vegetables and flowers.
Golf (Yr 2 to 8)
This is run by the Number 1 Junior Golf Academy. All information or questions can be answered by contacting the company directly: Paul Doherty 07990 720854 or info@no1jga.co.uk
ICT (Yr 2 & 3 and Yr 6)
Using the facilities of one of the IT suites children will explore a range of programmes and improve their ICT skills.
For Year 6 children, this will be an opportunity to learn and develop ideas such as web design, photo editing and advanced power point presentations.
Japanese (Yr 4 and 5)
Children have opportunities to learn vocabulary for everyday situations in Japanese and to experience elements of Japanese culture, highlighting events in the Japanese calendar. These include songs, origami, instruments (taiko) and calligraphy.
Jazz Band
Woodwind and brass players of a minimum of Grade 3 standard are welcome to contact Mr May to be considered for a place in the Jazz Band. Rehearsals are every Monday afternoon at 5.15-5.45pm. For the majority of musicians, this follows on from the Orchestra rehearsal. The Jazz Band is a very popular ensemble in which instrumentalists learn a large repertoire of jazz standards and also gain valuable experience in the art of melodic improvisation. They regularly perform in the Talent Show and the Summer Concert.
Judo (Yr 2 & 8)
If you would like your child to begin or continue Judo lessons at Danes Hill then please contact Peter Gould directly (the Judo instructor) to confirm their place and class time.
Novice Year 2 & 3 3.40pm - 4.20pm
Intermediate Year 4 & 5 4.20pm - 5.00pm
Advanced Year 6, 7 & 8 5.00pm - 5.40pm
Please keep in mind that this is a rough guide; please speak to Mr Gould for confirmation of your child's place and details of timings for your child’s judo session. Priority will be given to existing students. If you do not contact Mr Gould your child's place will be given to the next child on the waiting list. Spaces are limited. If you have any questions please contact Mr Gould directly.
Tora-kai Judo Instructor
Mobile: 07846151564
peter25jan@hotmail.com
These sessions will encourage children’s physical awareness as well as introducing the language and traditions of the sport.
Juggling (Yr 5)
Mr. Cater’s jugglers have already entertained many of the pupils in assemblies. If you would like to pick up a new talent, and you are in Year 5, speak to Mr. Cater.
Lego (Yr 2 and 6 to 8)
Technics Lego Club is a fun way for pupils to learn about following instructions and applying a practical approach to construction. Each pupil is given their own set to construct before having time to play with it.
Maths Clinic (Yr 6 to 8)
This is designed to provide an opportunity for pupils to receive extra support in mathematics on the recommendation of their teacher. If a pupil fells that they would like to attend the Clinic they should approach their mathematics teacher with their concern. The teacher will then make the necessary arrangements.
Middle School Choir
All children in Year 4 and 5 have a short singing audition with Mrs Marr in September for a place in the popular Middle School Choir, which currently boasts 96 singers. Rehearsals are on a weekly basis: Year 4s, 12.55-1.30pm on Thursdays, and Year 5s, 12.55-1.30pm on Mondays. The repertoire ranges from contemporary, well-known popular songs to traditional Christmas carols. Annual performances include the carol service and the Summer Concert.
Orchestra
Danes Hill is proud to have a large orchestra – currently 45 musicians. Rehearsals are every Monday afternoon at 4.45-5.15pm. To join the orchestra, instrumentalists should contact Mr Falshaw - as a guide, the minimum standard required is Grade 2. The orchestra rehearses a large amount of repertoire each year, and performs in the Guildford Cathedral carol service, the Summer Concert and the St John’s School Orchestral Play Day.
Rock Hoppers (Yr 5 to 8)
This is open to children who like to get out into the wild, who enjoy the outdoors and who seek adventure. The children will go kayaking, learn camp craft, climb and learn orienteering amongst other activities depending on the time of year.
Science Club (Yr 2 and 5)
The Lower School club has an emphasis on a fun approach to science. Simple yet enjoyable activities for the young scientist.
This is a lunchtime activity for budding scientists in Year 5. There is opportunity to try out many varied scientific experiments some of which can be repeated at home. Pupils learn more about experiment design and explore their world through the eyes of a scientist.
School Council Yr 6 to 8)
Representatives from every tutor group in the Upper School meet fortnightly to discuss ideas suggested by pupils in their tutor groups. These are then presented to the Headmaster.
Sewing and Beading (Yr 3)
Basic techniques and skills will be taught for children to explore and enjoy.
Skiing (Yr 2 to 8)
Mr Oliver runs this popular activity. It is by invitation only; trials are held in the summer term. If you are new or have been keeping a talent hidden, contact JOO (Mr Oliver) if you are interested in joining this elite club. Competitions are entered at county and national level.
Squash (Yr 4 to 8)
Sessions are run at the Oxshott Village Sports Club. The children are collected at school and then walk down to the club. The sessions cater for all abilities. Squash is an exciting, energetic sport suitable for boys and girls. Inquiries should be made to Jeremy Coulton: j.colton@sky.com
Swimming (Yr 3 to 8)
Mrs Larkin takes various training sessions with selected children. These are chosen according to the times taken during their timetabled lesson. Turns, strokes, relays, starts and finishes are covered.
Tennis (Yr 2 to 8)
This will take place at the Oxshott Village Sports Club.
The course is for all abilities. For all information contact: Karl Stowell on 07976 547239 or karl@oxshottsports.com
Charges will be £70/90 per term.
Sketching & Drawing (Yr 2)
Exploring line, tone and technique, looking at detail and perspective.
Wildlife club (Yr 2 & 3)
Fun activities to inspire children about wildlife and the environment
