An invitation from Clifton College
Clifton College offers an exciting yearround programme of workshops, lectures and events for preparatory schools. In this brochure, you will find a selection of enrichment options, which use the College’s fantastic facilities and staff experience.
We would be delighted to welcome you and your pupils to the College whether for the first time or for a return visit.
In addition to the on-site programme, we also have staff who can visit your school on a regular basis to provide support, workshops and lectures.
Dr Chris Stevens Executive Head
Classics
WORKSHOP
Greek Theatre Day
Running workshops and delivering scratch performances.
English Shakespeare’s Villains
WORKSHOP
An immersive and engaging workshop to decide which of Shakespeare’s villainous characters is the most ruthless and cruel. Will it be Macbeth, Iago or maybe Shylock who wins the dubious title of the worst villain in Shakespeare’s plays? There are more than these notorious villains to discover as this lively acting workshop unfolds.
History
WORKSHOP
Henry VIII v Elizabeth I
Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were both colourful monarchs, but which can be considered the most successful head of state? This lively and engaging workshop examines their policies at home and abroad, encouraging pupils to investigate and decide.
Modern Languages
LECTURE
Native Languages - Chinese
For native speakers of Chinese only
Would you like to join us for a conversation about the cultural differences between the UK and Chinese speaking countries and regions? We will explore a variety of interesting topics with the goal of appreciating our different perspectives and broadening our mindset.
WORKSHOP
French Café Experience
Step into our French café and bring the language to life through a fun and interactive workshop. Pupils will discover how much French they already know as they explore familiar foods and expressions, before learning key phrases to order and communicate with confidence. Through engaging modelling and guided practice, including interaction with older students, pupils will create and perform their own café role-plays in an authentic setting. This lively session develops speaking skills, builds confidence, and offers a memorable taste of French culture — with a few delicious surprises along the way.
WORKSHOP
Spanish: “Learning An Easier Way To Communicate”
By interacting with others and playing games, learn how easy it is to pick up sounds and expressions that enable you to communicate and understand other people, or even ask for simple things. Feeling comfortable in the language will not make you bilingual immediately, but it might help you discover a new language while you enjoy learning and making sense of it.
WORKSHOP
German, The Secret Language You Already Speak
Step into the world of German and discover the “secret language” you already speak through high-energy games and linguistic Lego. Students will master the “Golden Rules” of pronunciation and invent their own compound-word monsters, proving that German is as logical as it is fun.
Science
LECTURE
‘The Ever Wondered Why Show!’
An enthralling 60-minute science show which covers everything from the very small to the very large and from the very hot to the very cold. Pupils will be ‘wowed’ by the power of science demonstrated through real life experiences and film as they are encouraged to consider our place in the universe.
Computing
WORKSHOP
VEX Robotics Day
Students will take part in handson coding workshops, building and programming VEX robots. There will be fun and friendly competitions to test their skills and teamwork.
Mathematics
WORKSHOP
Mobius Strips With Love
This is a practical mathematical workshop with a difference. Groups of pupils will be encouraged to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge and dexterity in a paper cutting and folding inventive hour of fun.
WORKSHOP
Dragon Fractals Workshop
An interactive workshop where pupils work together using paper and folding to create their own dragon fractals.
Design Technology
Workshop sessions introducing students to woodworking skills, metal work skills or CAD and 3D printing. WORKSHOP
Art
WORKSHOP
A series of art workshops offered to students from Year 6 to Year 8. Some are specific to students who may be interested in applying for an art scholarship. They are run with a view to offering an activity or technique which might not be part of the curriculum.
Centre Stage at Clifton College
The Performing Arts faculty is a vibrant, driving force at Clifton College. Each year, our cross-college drama departments produce four large-scale productions, collaborating with full technical and creative teams to deliver high-quality performance experiences, alongside a host of showcases and theatre events. Complementing this, our Music department curates a vast suite of concerts, showcases, and musical experiences. These range in scale from intimate recitals in our own beautiful Chapel to energetic touring soul band performances.
The college also has its own fully equipped, on-site professional theatre, the Redgrave Theatre. As a commercial, 320-seat professional venue on site, it provides our students with an authentic, industrystandard environment to hone their craft, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Bespoke Workshops
Beyond our main calendar, we are passionate about outreach and partnership. We would welcome the chance to curate and deliver bespoke workshops utilising the expertise of both our drama and music departments. Whether you are looking to explore technical theatre, musical performance, or acting technique, we would be happy to work with you to create a tailored, hands-on experience.
Come Along
We love sharing our passion with the wider community. We regularly host open dress rehearsals and warmly welcome local prep schools to experience the magic of live theatre or music proudly created by the talented young people from across our Prep and Upper schools.
WORKSHOP
Puppetry Workshop
Bring pupils for a creative day of storytelling through the art of puppetry. Guided by experienced practitioners, students will explore character creation, movement and performance techniques in an engaging and hands-on environment. These sessions inspire imagination and build confidence.
Available for all key stages.
MASTERCLASS
Devising Theatre Masterclass
Bring pupils for an inspiring day of collaborative theatre-making in a dynamic masterclass environment. Working with expert facilitators, students will generate original material, develop performance ideas and explore creative processes used in contemporary theatre. A highly engaging and empowering experience.
Suitable for all ability levels.
MASTERCLASS Classical Script Exploration
Bring pupils for an enriching day of exploring classical texts in a supportive masterclass environment. Students will work closely with professional practitioners to unlock language, character and context, deepening understanding and performance skills. These sessions bring classical work to life.
MASTERCLASS
Monologue and Scholarship Application Masterclass
Bring pupils for a focused day of developing monologues and preparing for scholarship applications in a professional masterclass setting. Students will receive expert coaching on performance technique, interpretation and audition skills, helping them to present their best work with confidence. Ideal for students preparing for scholarship applications.
MASTERCLASS
Instrument Masterclass
Bring pupils for a fun day of learning with expert tutors in a masterclass environment. With opportunities to be coached on pieces currently being studied, these are rewarding sessions that add real value.
Available for any instrument on request.
WORKSHOP
Woodwind Day
Led by the Head of Woodwind, all wind instruments are welcome. The day provides the opportunity for instrument-specific coaching as well as ensemble playing.
WORKSHOP
Music Scholarship Training
The session is aimed at staff and led by James Drinkwater, Director of Music. It offers tips on how best to prepare pupils for 13+ music scholarships auditions.
WORKSHOP
Composition Day
This activity is led by James Drinkwater, composition tutor at Clifton College. The session is ideally suited for small groups.
WORKSHOP
Jazz Day
Clifton College’s Music Department tutors can provide a session for pupils and staff. Participants are invited to bring instruments and explore new repertoire and techniques.
WORKSHOP
Studio Recording Session
Pupils bring a song prepared with their pop or rock band and record it in a day, learning how to mix and make their own CD to take home.
WORKSHOP
Choral Experience
Bring pupils for an enjoyable day rehearsing the music before singing evensong in Clifton College’s beautiful Chapel.
Coaching Sessions
Clifton College’s professional and ex-professional sports coaches are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons to visit schools and lead coaching sessions. This can happen in all three terms in all major sports, for boys and girls.
Coaching days
Clifton College’s superb games facilities are available for coaching days, these include three astroturfs, an indoor netball/tennis centre and a full sized 3G rugby and football pitch. Bring whole year groups for a morning of coaching.
Officiating
Vastly experienced teaching staff from Clifton College can help with officiating matches at any level in all sports, from U8 to U13 age ranges.
Staff Inset
Use Clifton College’s Directors of Sports to help your staff create great coaching sessions, learn new ideas and introduce new learning techniques for pupils.
Outdoor Activities
Clifton College has its own designated Outdoor Activity Centre in Leigh Woods with qualified instructors and purpose-built facilities. Half or whole days are available.
Archery
A great way to try this increasingly popular Olympic sport, target archery is great fun at our outdoor range.
All equipment is provided and pupils will improve in no time under expert guidance and find this a very rewarding experience.
Bushcraft
Learn the essentials of survival in the natural environment. The session includes how to build a shelter, fire lighting, cooking on an open fire, and animal tracking.
Low Ropes
Taking pupils outside of their normal comfort zone, this is an exciting series of balance-related challenges that can be used for fun or to identify development areas such as teamwork, communication, trust and leadership.
Orienteering
Forget the satnav or smartphone, this activity teaches the skills of map reading and navigation.
This session is ideal for developing independence, self-reliance or just learning the essential skills required to find your way around a new place.
Problem Solving
Pupils can enjoy a series of problemsolving challenges that will test them physically, mentally and emotionally and help develop their teamwork skills.
Mountain Biking
Thanks to our unique location, we can offer groups some of the finest purpose-built trails. Options are available for everyone from beginners to those who want adrenaline-pumping tracks and climbs.
Forest School
We have a forest and woodland area where we run a range of activities aimed at building pupils’ independence and selfesteem. Activities include exploring the forest, finding wood to build dens, using tools to make items from fallen trees, and always finishing by the fire with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Sensory Trail
Developing teamwork, trust, communication and encouragement, blindfolded pupils will follow a rope around our private woodland, negotiating a series of obstacles and discovering how the other senses heighten when another is lost or reduced.