ENRICHMENT AND CO-CURRICULAR HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
Getting involved in enrichment activities is incredibly important for students as it provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development and social engagement beyond the classroom.
Enrichment clubs allow you to explore interests, discover new passions and develop talents in areas such as the Arts, Sciences, Leadership and Community Service. Participation in these clubs also fosters teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. Additionally, being part of a club will allow you to connect with peers who share similar interests, encouraging friendships and enhancing your overall school experience.
At Pipers, we offer an extensive set of enrichment activities throughout the year, some physical, some intellectual, some creative and many just as an opportunity to unwind and spend some time focusing on your wellbeing. Many of the teachers and staff will be contributing to our co-curricular offering so please do speak to your teachers to ask what they are doing each term to see if it captures your interest.
This booklet is designed to give you an indication of the kind of enrichment opportunities available to you throughout your time here. Be sure to get involved with clubs and activities that capture your interest, but equally do not panic, you will have many opportunities presented to you as you progress through the School and it is important to find a balance around all the wonderful things you will be doing.
If you have any ideas for clubs or activities, please do let me know as this is a constantly evolving and developing aspect of the School community.
Mr P Macken Head of Co-Curricular
Miss E Dean Assistant Head of Co-Curricular
Pre-Prep
Art Club
An opportunity to enjoy a range of creative art activities in drawing, painting, sculpture and more!
Animation Club
Create animated sequences using a range of programs!
Country Dancing
Learn some basic country dancing steps and have fun moving in time to the music!
Eco Club
In Eco Club we hope to inspire a love of our world and look at ways we can protect it for future generations. We will set up a democratically elected Eco Committee who will apply for the prestigious Green Flag award.
Gardening Club
In Gardening club we investigate all things to do with growing flowers and vegetables. We harvest our apples to make apple juice and enjoy tasting our seasonal crops. Children do not need to sign up for this club.
Gymnastics Club (Gymtastic Kidz)
Run by High Performance Level 5 coach, Sarah Fiander.
Lego Club
Lego building challenges each week.
Mindfulness Club
Mindfulness Club offers children different ways to practise using their senses to focus on one thing at a time. Some of the activities involve focusing our attention, feeling calm and how to care for ourselves and others.
Mini-Movers
The club includes learning dance routines in the styles of Musical Theatre and Street Dance.
Music Explorers
A fun club for students to explore music and rhythms.
News Club
We will report the news and goings on in Pre-Prep.
Origami Club
Have fun creating a range of animals and objects with paper. We will explore the main paper folding techniques.
Tennis Club
With external Tennis coach Caroline Neildwyer.
Prep
Arts Award Explore
Arts Award Explore encourages children and young people to experience different art forms and artists and develop their own creativity. Along the way they record what they’ve achieved and enjoyed and share it with others. This gains students an entry level 3 qualification in the Arts.
Board Games Club
Relax, unwind and play some board games.
Chicken Club
We will be caring for the department chickens by feeding them, giving them water, changing their bedding and ordering supplies. The club will run come rain or shine!
Drama Lab Jr
An opportunity for drama enthusiasts in Years 4-6 to take part in script work, improvisations and drama games.
DT Workshops
Getting to know the workshop and tools making a blockhead or clipboard.
Forest Club
Forest Club is an activity to encourage environmental activity in a woodland setting.
German Club
Learn the basics of German. Learn about German-speaking countries and their diverse cultures.
Glee Club
A great chance to sing, dance and have a lot of fun at Pipers’ very own Glee Club.
Gymnastics Club (Gymtastic Kidz)
Prep Gymnastics Club, run by High Performance Level 5 coach, Sarah Fiander.
Improve it!
A club for independent learners who want to improve their skills in all subjects, for example, writing, handwriting, typing, tables or a Maths topic that you want to practise.
Junior Contemporary
Contemporary dance, created as an ‘anti-ballet’ in the 20th Century, is a completely different way of moving. Students will explore this different style of dance by learning different contemporary techniques at a foundational level.
Junior Lyrical
Students train in Grade 2/3 Ballet of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and have the opportunity to work towards an external examination.
Junior Street
Open to Prep Dance students by invitation.
Maths in Motion
A mix of Maths and F1 racing. A chance to develop your Maths skills whilst also competing in virtual car racing, with the possibility of competing against other schools.
Mini Crafters
An opportunity to extend and develop your art making skills through a series of short projects with a seasonal theme. Activities will include pottery, papier-mache, printmaking and painting.
Prep Choir
An opportunity for girls who enjoy singing to be part of a choir.
Prep Dance Company
Prep Dance Company is a fun dance class to come and learn new skills and dance with your friends. You will be working towards choreography for the Junior Dance Show and other performances within the school, as well as improving your dance technique.
Prep Debating Club
An opportunity to learn key skills involved in debating, learning the importance of creating views and opinions, presenting them, whilst also listening and reflecting on the viewpoints of others.
Prep Gardening Club
In our RHS 5-star gardening club, we grow flowers and vegetables in our beautiful school garden and greenhouse. In the process we learn about making compost, germinating seeds, potting on, companion planting, using helpful insects and bugs and tasting different seasonal vegetables.
Years 5 and 6 Spanish Club
Learn the basics of Spanish. Learn about Spanishspeaking countries and their diverse cultures.
Wildlife Watchers
We will learn about British wildlife and plants and how we can protect them by taking part in citizen scientist projects, identifying and surveying them.
Prep Sports Clubs
Athletics
Basketball
Cricket Hockey
Netball
Tennis
Senior and Sixth Form
Acoustic Vibe Song-writing
A practical mixture of increasing aural awareness and sight singing. Informal but vital
Arabic Calligraphy
Would you like to be able to write your name using Arabic script? Come and have a go - no experience needed. We will look at Arabic script and how the letters are joined.
Architectural Modelling and Interior Design
3D Architectural Modelling: Visualise your designs with stunning 3D models that provide a realistic preview of your project.
Art Club
Time to have fun, be arty and take part in exciting creative projects.
Art Skills and Techniques
Art Drop in is essentially aimed at GCSE and A Level Art students as a time when they can continue with their coursework and gain extra teaching and support. However, students in Years 7 and 8 are welcome to attend to catch up with any artwork missed from lessons or to consolidate the art skills they are learning in class.
Artistic (Synchronised) Swimming
Synchro swimming is suitable for those who can swim to a good standard (at least 50m non-stop in backstroke and breaststroke) and wish to try a different style of swimming.
Athena Society
The Athena Society will be a place where we can discuss relevant issues that impact young people of today. We will learn more about these issues, have debates, invite speakers to come in and try to make sense of the wider world. Students will be free to suggest issues that they are interested in and lead sessions.
BA Bronze CREST Award (Chemistry)
The students will be supported to work in groups or on their own if they wish on a BA Bronze CREST Award.
Ballet Club
Students train in Grade 4 and Grade 5 ballet of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and have the opportunity to work towards an external examination. During their studies, students will have the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in their graded classes through performances for school dance shows and demonstrations.
Barbershop and Harmony Choir
Small group for confident and ambitious singers who enjoy close harmony and challenging singers.
Boules Club
A taste of French Culture - using authentic French metal boules.
Bronze Arts Award
Working towards achieving the Bronze Arts Award. Creating a portfolio, the students will increase their understanding and experience of the arts as well as their leadership skills. Students will achieve a qualification on completing their award.
CanSat
The CanSat competition provides students with the opportunity to have practical experience working on a small-scale space project. They are tasked with designing and building their own simulation of a real satellite, integrated within the volume and shape of a soft drink can.
Chemistry Club
Each week we will carry out a fun experimental activity and these will become more investigative in nature to lead into a potential Bronze CREST Award.
Chess Club
An opportunity to play some chess. All levels of experience welcome!
Choir for All
As the name suggests, follow your passion.
Christian Union
Open to all, CU is a space where any student or staff member can come and chat, over squash and cookies, about the big questions in life. Explore the Christian Faith in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Classic Board Games
Come and have a chit-chat whilst playing a Classic Board Game: games include Monopoly, Game of Life, Cluedo, Snakes & Ladders and Frustration.
Computer Logic
Learning to build logic circuits with physical computers using Turing Tumble.
Creative Writing Competition Team
Our Creative Writing Competition Team will meet weekly and challenge themselves to enter prestigious national and international writing competitions.
Crochet Club
You will be taught the basics of crochet, including chain, double crochet etc. The club is open to all.
DT Workshops
A chance to add to your workshop skills. Time in the workshop to make a project out of wood or plastic, come in with ideas.
Dungeons and Dragons
Roll play game where they create a character they play in a fantasy world. Great for building self-esteem and social skills!
English Society
Meetings feature academic university style lectures (and Q&A sessions) by internal or external speakers.
Enigma
A club designed to stretch students beyond the scope of the curriculum. By invitation only.
Equestrian Team
Open to students that are already part of the Pipers Corner Equestrian Team. Students will be able to take part in competitions representing Pipers Corner. Students will also be contacted about the possibility of external training sessions that they can take part in.
Fashion and Textiles Club
Come along to learn new Textiles skills that you won’t cover in class and build on the ones that you will. You will make an item that you can take home with you.
Fashion Illustration
For students studying Textiles or Art to boost their confidence with fashion illustration skills. You will learn how to create proportions correctly, learn about mapping the face, collage and adding colour to your work.
Food Club
Come and cook some scrummy dishes. Learn how to create sweet and savoury recipes, building on and consolidating skills learnt in lessons.
Fusion (Jazz/Lyrical)
Students train in Grade 6 Modern of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance syllabus and have the opportunity to work towards an external examination.
GAIN Investment Challenge
Girls’ School Association Investment Challenge.
Glee Club
Spin-off from Six The Musical, which is Glee Club. Where we do a variety of Musical Theatre and Pop song numbers working on choreography, the singing and acting parts of it.
Gospel and Contemporary Choir
Close harmonies and singing.
Gymnastics Club (Gymnastic Kidz)
Year 7 Gymnastics Club, run by High Performance Level 5 coach, Sarah Fiander.
Hispanic Culture and Creativity Club
We will explore different authentic Spanish materials to discuss and use creatively, such as: film, news articles, songs, plays, poetry, novels.
History Film Club
History Film club will be screening all the films related to your area of study. Drop in to catch a viewing when they are announced on your Google Classrooms.
HOPE
Working with our passionate environmental team on projects to develop our environment and also the wider world.
Instrumental Group and Wind Band
For intermediate and advanced Instrumentalists and wind musicians. Enquire to Miss Faith for more information/to be invited!
Jazz Dance Club
This club is for students who wish to strengthen their physical ability and dance technique. It is recommended for students who are taking GCSE and A Level Dance, as well as students who dance outside of school and wish to improve their skills.
Juggling and Circus Skills
Learning to juggle for beginners ranging to tricks and other circus skills for those who can already juggle and wish to improve or try different equipment.
Knitting Club
Learn how to knit or develop skills and techniques.
Latin Club
Learn Latin in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere using the Cambridge Latin Course and other resources. Years 8-11 by invitation only.
Learn British Sign Language
An opportunity to learn British Sign Language and complete externally awarded qualifications should you choose to.
Learn to Code
Have fun with scratch/python. Opportunites to play with BBC microbits/raspberry pi and more.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical dance is a variety of jazz and modern dance styles. Students learn and practise different dance steps and movements of the Lyrical dance genre, linking them together to perform sequences and routines. Lyrical dance enables students to develop technical, musical and performance skills.
Making Stuff
DT Making Stuff - Fast 2-3 week Focused Practical Tasks. Working towards competition entry
Middle School Dance Company
An activity for those who enjoy dance and want to spend more time in a challenging dance environment. Classes aim to increase performance skills including dance technique and flexibility as well as confidence and creativity when choreographing.
Mock Trial Competition
A Club for students wishing to prepare for and participate in the Independent Schools Bar Mock Trial Competition. The Mock Trial Competition immerses students in the thrill of a criminal trial and takes place in real crown courts in front of real judges. The Competition not only gives budding lawyers a chance to experience life inside a courtroom, but provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the justice system straight from professionals.
Music Theory Club
Gradually work towards Grade 5 Theory or just boost your knowledge to help you with GCSE and A Level grades.
Origami Club
You do not have to attend this club every week, just drop in when you feel like it and unwind with some origami!
Philosophy and Ethics Club
A fun P4C (Philosophy for Children) club where all participants work together in a ‘community of enquiry’ using games, films, and stories to explore mind blowing questions.
Pipers Bio Blitz
Come and help work out what biodiversity we have at our school! We’ll be going out into the grounds and surveying trees, insects, mammals and more.
Pipers Radio
Students learn how to single-handedly plan and execute their own radio shows, producing and editing them using state-of-the-art, industry-standard technology
Pipers Technical Theatre Academy
An opportunity for students interested in Technical Theatre and working backstage.
Podcast Masterclass
A chance for students to learn how to create their own podcasts in the Radio Studio.
Pointe
This pointe class is for Grade 5 ballet students and upwards, who have experience of dancing on pointe. This class focuses on developing the correct technique and strength required for pointe work through free exercises.
Senior Contemporary
Contemporary dance, created as an ‘anti-ballet’ in the 20th century, is a completely different way of moving. Students will explore this different style of dance by learning different contemporary techniques.
Senior Dance Company
This activity runs as a professional dance class with both technique and performance skills being developed. Participants will learn advanced choreography to perform in events both in and out of school as well as competing in national competitions and showcases.
Senior Debating Society
Everyone is very much encouraged to join in. You are welcome to come along and watch, and develop your skills over the years, right up to those who now are ready to lead the school in representing Pipers in National Competitions. It is such a vital skill: critical thinking, spotting logical flaws in others’ arguments, gaining confidence, even if slowly, in speaking and questioning, and learning to change your views on topics, and learning about other topics, becoming a mature thinker and speaker.
Senior School Production Rehearsals
Open to all cast members in the Autumn Term.
Silver and Gold Arts Award
Working towards achieving the Arts Award at either Gold or Silver Levels. Students will put on arts projects and complete a variety of tasks to build up their portfolio. These will help them to build their leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to have a career in the arts.
Sinfonia
This is the school Orchestra for players of grade 3 standard and above. It is open to Senior School members. Attendance by Advanced (grade 3 +) Prep girls is by invitation from Miss Hulbert.
STEAM Club
Fun Activities to do with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics
Street Dance
Students learn and practise different dance steps and movements of the Street Dance genre, linking them together to perform sequences and routines. Street Dance enables students to develop technical, musical and performance skills.
Supporting the Local Community
Be part of a volunteering group working on projects to support the local community.
This club is all about sustainable fashion and upcycling. You will need to bring in an old item of clothing (anyone’s) to decorate and change into something new!
Tu as d’la tchatche!
To develop the ability and confidence at speaking in
Vets, Medics and Scientists Club
This club offers the opportunity to look at and discuss current topics in science and medicine as well as to carry out activities and experiments that fall outside the core
Virgin Money - Make 5 Grow
‘Make £5 Grow’ builds students’ business knowledge and skills, giving them an insight into how business works, while supporting Maths, English and PSHE.
What’s in the Physics Cupboard?
There are many items in the Physics Cupboard that are only used by older students. This is a chance to find out what they are and how they work.
YE Young Money
Financial Education for students in Years 9 –11.
Drama Lab
An opportunity for Year 7 and 8 drama enthusiasts to workon their skills.
Year 9 Games Club
A student-led club with the opportunity to play games such as Uno, Dobble, Cards and Board Games.
Yoga and Mindfulness
An opportunity to practice and learn how yoga can be used for mindfulness and wellbeing.
Senior and Sixth Form Sports Clubs
Athletics
Badminton
Cricket
Football
Hockey
Netball
Rounders
Swim Squad
Social/Recreational
Badminton
Football
Tennis
Volleyball
Specialist Sixth Form Enrichment
The 40:31 Club: Oxbridge and Early Entry Support
Guiding students applying for Oxbridge and Early Entry courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science - demands a holistic approach due to the intensely competitive admission procedures. To address this, we’ve established the 40:31 club support group tailored specifically for these students, meeting regularly to cover:
• Introduction to Oxbridge and Early Applications
• Subject Selection
• College Selection
• Academic Excellence and the importance of critical thinking
• Super-Curricular
• Personal Statement Support
• Admissions Tests
• Interview Preparation
Aquila: Magazine
Sixth Form students lead the creation and production of the entire magazine.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
A springboard for refining transferable skills such as organisation, effective communication and advanced research methodologies. It empowers students to venture beyond the prescribed curriculum, showcasing dedicated immersion in a chosen subject, fostering a spirit of scholarly commitment which is widely regarded by Russell Group Universities and offers invaluable UCAS points.
Gold Arts Award
A nationally-recognised qualification offering 16 UCAS points at Gold Level.
Level 3 Mathematical Studies (known as Core Maths)
Centres on applying familiar mathematical concepts across various contexts. Its focus lies on equipping students with the confidence and competence to employ mathematical principles in their academic pursuits, careers and daily lives. Particularly beneficial for students engaging with subjects like A Level Business, Psychology, Sciences, Geography, as well as technical and vocational qualifications, Core Maths imparts essential skills and versatility.
Pipers Radio
Students learn how to single-handedly plan and execute their own radio shows, producing and editing them using state-of-the-art, industrystandard technology
Sociology Film Club
Students will be able to watch a variety of different documentaries and films around topics in Sociology. Ranging from Stacey Dooley, Reggie Yates, Louis Theroux and more looking at themes around family life, crime and deviance and beliefs in society.
World Challenge
International travel to empower students and afford life-altering experiences.
Yoga
Yoga to relax the mind and body. Suitable for all abilities no prior experience needed.
Young Enterprise
A National competition in which you will compete in teams to launch your own product.
