I can wholeheartedly say that the Saturday morning Hobbies programme at The Downs Malvern is truly exceptional and epitomises the ethos of the school. We offer a wide range of fun activities that allow our pupils to explore their passions, develop new skills and challenge themselves in ways that simply would not be possible in the classroom alone.
Crafts, Printmaking, Drama, Outdoor Explorer, Cross-Country Running, Orchestra, Mountain Biking and Sphero Robotics are just some of the Hobbies offered throughout the year. Parents appreciate the thoughtful design of the programme which would prove challenging for families to replicate outside of school.
As well as being tremendous fun, the skills and experiences our pupils gain through these activities extend far beyond just recreation
and, for many, the benefits can be truly lifechanging. For example, Art, Music and Drama activities help develop creativity, self-expression and confidence; whilst Young Entrepreneur encourages problem-solving, tenacity and an awareness of the environment around them; skills that will serve them well in the future. The Hobbies change every year, and, whilst the examples listed on the following pages illustrate the breadth of what we offer, they are by no means exhaustive, and are subject to change.
One of the wonderful elements of the programme is that it is, in part, a response to the suggestions of children and parents, and, as such, is ever-evolving. Throughout the Hobbies programme, children have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of TDM’s seven SkillsToThrive; personal growth and development are at the heart of all that we do.
Phill Griffiths
Teacher Year 8, Enrichment Coordinator
EXAMPLE TIMETABLE
Hobby 1
9:35 – 10:45
Cross Country (Y6-8) The Hills
Cyanotype Printing (Y3-8) Q10
Musical Theatre Skills (Y3-8) Memo Hall
Mountain Biking (Y6-8)* Meet on the tennis courts
Orchestra (Y4-8) Music School
Outdoor Explorer (Y3-8) Brock Forest
Pottery (Y3-8) Q2
Senior Art (Y6-8) Art Studio
Squash (Y6-8)*
Tales of Adventure and Myth: The Odyssey (Y3-8) SC1
Touch Typing (Y3-8) IT Suite
Young Naturalists (Y3-8) SC2
* Hobbies have an additional cost
Hobby 2 11:15 -12:30
Creative Writing Club (Y3-8) SC2
Farming & Gardening (Y3-8) Brock Smallholding
Ink Masters (Y3-8) SC1
Junior Cross Country (Y3-5) School and Malvern Hills
Mixed Media Fun (Y3-5) Art Studio
Outdoor Explorer (Y3-8) Brock Forest
Pinhole Photography (Y6-8)* Q10
Senior Production (Y7-8) Memo
Sphero Robotics (3-8) SC4
TinkerLab (Y3-8) DT Lab
Yoga (Y3-8) Boarding House
Young Fitness Leaders (Y3-8) Sport Hall
Not all classrooms have four walls
Art
Whether building a portfolio for scholarship consideration or just enjoying the many creative benefits of studying art, this activity allows pupils to enjoy creating artwork on a larger scale. Drawing, printing, 3-D and mixed media, are just a few of the exciting mediums they can access on a weekly basis.
Badminton
For those looking to improve stamina, handeye coordination and all-around fitness, or just enjoying a fun, challenging sport with friends, badminton provides an excellent outlet for everyone. Held in our Sports Hall, continuous development is at the heart of each session. Players will be introduced to new skills and strategies that they can use to improve their abilities in competitive matches.
Cookery
Cookery provides children with practical, working knowledge of culinary techniques and cooking methods in addition to an understanding of how to prepare food properly. As the weeks roll by, they will learn to master a range of delicious recipes, building a valuable life skill along the way.
Code Club
The pupils will code Arcade gamepads to create computer games. The children can work at their own pace, with the challenges increasing in complexity as the term progresses. They will improve their programming skills as well as using their imagination.
Crafts
Inspiring and practical, the Crafts Hobby utilises a range of exciting design techniques, as pupils explore clay modelling, button art, seasonal projects and much more.
Creative Writing
The pupils will be given a visual stimulus to allow them to produce some expressive creative writing. They will be guided with techniques to enhance and improve their independent creativity.
Cross-Country Running
Cross-country running is a staple of schoolbased physical activity that has truly stood the test of time. As invigorating as it is challenging, cross-country running is a fantastic way for children to build resilience and physical stamina whilst exploring the beautiful, varied and challenging landscape near the school.
Cyanotype Printing
This fascinating 19th century photographic process combines science and art to create striking blue prints on both paper and fabric. Pupils will experiment with light-sensitive solutions and natural sunlight, producing unique designs while exploring the links between creativity and chemistry. No prior experience is required, only curiosity, imagination and a willingness to see what develops.
Deduction Games
A long-standing Downs Malvern favourite. Three exciting and different games, played in one 10-player group, that develop skills of deduction, imagination, bluffing, teamwork, reasoning, and a little skulduggery!
Downs TV
Children learn to appraise the aesthetics of a variety of film content including black-and-white comedy films, live-action, stop motion and spoofs. Framing, setting up shots and editing techniques including effects and transitions, are just some of the essential technical skills covered as children learn to produce their own short videos in this exciting and creative Hobby.
Farming & Gardening
Working alongside Mr Nuttall on the school’s smallholding, pupils will help care for the animals and play an active role in developing the Market Garden. Along the way they gain practical experience of food production and sustainability, while also developing a strong sense of care and connection with the environment.
Horse Riding
Whether a complete beginner or an accomplished rider with many years in the saddle, horse riding is an exhilarating and emotive experience that often ignites a life-long passion for these amazing animals. It is also an excellent way for pupils to build their confidence and learn responsibility. Taken from school at break time to the Guinness Stables in Leigh Sinton by minibus, they are welcome to bring their own protective kit, however, the stables can also supply the protective equipment required. Instructors cater for all abilities from beginner to advanced.
Ink Masters
This creative Hobby turns handwriting into an art form through calligraphy and decorative lettering. Pupils will design personalised artwork such as posters and cards, experimenting with different styles to make their writing distinctive and expressive. It is an ideal activity for those who enjoy art and design and want to develop a new creative skill.
Maths Problem Solving
Aimed at children in Years 5 to 8, who love to be challenged and enjoy complex problem-solving, the club offers ageappropriate activities set by the UK Mathematics Trust, including Cross Number, Logic, Make a Number, Speed, Test, Open-ended and Group & Relay.
Mixed Media
Pupils will explore the exciting world of mixed media, combining different materials and techniques to create imaginative works of art. This Hobby encourages experimentation and helps young artists develop their skills while discovering new ways to express their creativity.
Mountain Biking
Available for pupils in Years 7 and 8 who will learn how to safely tackle the tricky trails and devilish downhills in addition to how to perform essential maintenance. Sessions are taught by external coach, Gareth Richards. Gareth has built a wealth of experience in mountain biking; not only is he an accomplished mountain biker and highly experienced coach himself, but he is also the father of current Commonwealth Games gold medallist rider, Evie Richards. Pupils must come appropriately dressed and their bikes will be expertly inspected for malfunctions and suitability before each ride.
Musical Theatre Skills
Through singing, acting and movement, pupils will explore the world of musical theatre in a lively and supportive environment. Sessions focus on developing vocal technique, stage confidence and ensemble performance, making this an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys music, drama or working as part of a team.
Orchestra
Not only does Orchestra provide a platform for pupils to bond by creating music together, but it is also excellent preparation for the many musical performances scheduled throughout the year. Brass, string, woodwind and percussion are all represented, and many pupils enjoy the opportunity to build upon the techniques and concepts they have been studying in their instrumental lessons.
Outdoor Explorer
Each week, pupils learn a new outdoor skill using knives, saws, knots, flint and steel, as they are introduced to the exciting world of bushcraft. This Hobby is based in the fields and woods around The Downs, therefore warm clothing and waterproof footwear are essential.
Pinhole Photography
This Hobby introduces pupils to one of the earliest forms of photography, using simple pinhole cameras to capture and develop black-and-white images. They will learn how to estimate long exposures and gain hands-on experience of traditional photographic processes.
Pottery
Working with air-dried clay, children can create both decorative and functional pieces without the need for a kiln. They will be introduced to hand-building techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab work, while exploring texture, shape and design to bring their ideas to life.
Pupil Newspaper
A fantastic opportunity for budding journalists to contribute to our newspaper. School events, current affairs, interviews, fun facts and quizzes are just a few of the many forms of content covered.
Rackets
First recognised as a sport in the 18th century, rackets is similar to squash, where players strike a hardball against a wall and try to score points over their opponent. Malvern College has provided the opportunity for pupils in Years 7 and 8 to learn how to play and will also be offering expert coaching and equipment.
Robotics
Pupils will be taught how to use the Micro:Bits; an exciting introduction to the world of robotics. Each week they will undertake a fun coding challenge using block-based coding and different electronic components as they begin to become familiar with the concepts behind LEDs, Morse Code transmitters, digital compasses and more.
We are justly proud to boast the oldest privately owned light railway in the world: ‘The Downs Light Railway’. Introduced in 1925 as an educational tool, the railway not only runs around the school grounds, but also has its very own railway station on site. Aside from the eccentric joy of riding the train, pupils acquire a wealth of engineering skills from examining the inner workings of this miniature marvel.
School Production /Drama
From grand-scale productions at Malvern College’s Rogers Theatre to smaller-scale plays held at the school, our pupils are involved in a new production each term. There are opportunities throughout the Saturday Hobbies programme for them to rehearse for upcoming productions and hone their talents.
Sphero Robotics
This hands-on Hobby introduces coding and robotics using Sphero programmable robots. Through guided challenges and creative tasks, they will learn to control movement and light while developing problemsolving skills and computational thinking.
Squash
Pupils will have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in this fast-paced racket sport, with expert coaching available for all abilities.
Tales of Adventure and Myth: The Odyssey
Pupils will journey into the world of heroes, monsters and epic battles inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. Through storytelling, art and drama, they will bring ancient adventures to life while exploring themes of courage, imagination and discovery.
Tennis
An incredibly fun and rewarding Hobby for children. Through learning to serve, volley, and rally, they will develop skills such as coordination, agility, and strategic thinking. Playing tennis is a fantastic way for children to learn valuable life skills like discipline and sportsmanship, whilst also staying active and enjoying the game.
Textile Upcycling
This engaging activity not only promotes environmental responsibility but also encourages creativity and innovation while teaching children valuable skills, such as sewing, upcycling, and repurposing. We will acquire material from around the school and fabricate an array of items. This Hobby is a fantastic way for children to learn sewing and textile skills while having fun and making a positive impact on the planet.
TinkerLab
An exciting opportunity for pupils with a keen interest in Design Technology to bring their own ideas to life. Based in the DT workshop, this Hobby gives children the chance to develop individual projects, with younger pupils receiving guidance and support to help their creativity flourish.
Touch Typing
This practical Hobby helps pupils develop accurate and efficient typing skills using all ten fingers without looking at the keyboard. Through regular practice and structured activities, they will build speed, confidence and fluency, providing a valuable foundation for study and everyday life.
Yoga
Yoga is more than just a physical activity; regular yoga practice can help children develop skills that will help them through adolescence and later in life, and it is also effective in helping deal with stress and anxiety. Yoga works on memory skills and focus, which can translate into better concentration, memory and academic performance in the classroom too.
Young Entrepreneur
Collaboration is at the heart of this activity, as pupils work together in groups to set up and run a small business. With a budget of just £20, they are challenged to create a profitable product or service, with any earnings donated to the School Council. Young Entrepreneur instils a number of important skills including problem-solving, innovation and resilience, which they will carry with them throughout school and beyond.
Young Fitness Leaders
Pupils will be introduced to the key skills needed to lead others in fitness and exercise. They will learn how to plan and deliver simple coaching sessions, explore how different muscles work and gain an understanding of strength and conditioning. This Hobby builds confidence, leadership and communication while deepening knowledge of how the body moves and performs.
Young Naturalists
Each week pupils will explore local wildlife, habitats and seasonal changes through hands-on activities and outdoor observation. From identifying birds and insects to studying trees and weather patterns, this Hobby helps children build curiosity and a deeper understanding of the environment around them.
