I am delighted to share with you further information about the 60+ clubs we will run this year. We know how much clubs can enhance the experience of children at school. Attending clubs opens up new experiences, new friendships and new skills, as well as providing the opportunity to develop existing passions further
When thinking about their engagement with clubs at school, we ask students to consider the following questions:
- Are they keeping up and feeling confident with school work?
- Are they keeping fit and enjoying the outside?
- Are they learning new skills?
- Are they giving back to the school or wider community?
For this reason you will see that our clubs are sorted into academic, physical, skill and volunteering sections to make it easier for students to identify clubs that help them answer those questions above. They are also divided into College Clubs (pages 3-10), which are part of our core offer and free of charge apart from exceptional materials or expeditions, and Additional Clubs (pages 10-13) which rely on outside experts or facilities and are charged at cost Parents are always informed of costs in advance
All students should attend a minimum of three school clubs during the week. These can be either after or before school or at lunchtimes and break times. In doing so, students can become more involved with the school community and find more purpose in how they use their free and additional time
In the Fourth Form (Years 9 and 10) and the Middle Sixth (Year 12), this clubs programme will heavily support the completion of Duke of Edinburgh ‘sectional activities’, which are a key part of the award alongside the expedition Traditionally students find this part hardest to manage and pass, but using school clubs to complete it makes things much easier from an evidence and administration perspective
The list below is not complete, but is extensive. We will start the academic year with a Clubs Fair when students can sign up for their choice of clubs. Exact dates and times will be published in a separate schedule at the start of the year
Wishing you a wonderful year of exploration and adventure across our clubs programme!
Lloyd Durbin Director of School Operations
Cross-Curricular Clubs
GREENPOWER RACING TEAMS (SKILL)
We are delighted that students will be entering their own self built, self driven racing car The teams, led by a larger group of staff, will have near complete responsibility for the design, construction, testing and driving of a small single seater racing car. Like a professional team, students will also have to create a team image, secure sponsorship for their team, manage a budget and organise entries to competitions There will be two teams, each with 10 positions of responsibility These will be split into Clouds Hill and Wessex, Canterbury and Beaufort We expect high demand for the club, so there will potentially be an interview process!
Whilst this club is open to predominantly Year 7 to 11, two Year 12s will be invited on board to act as motorsport advisors
THE THOMAS’S-ZINE (VOLUNTEERING)
All students will be invited to lead elements of our bi-annual school ‘zine’, which contains event and trip reports, opinion pieces, interviews and puzzles. We will not just need writers for the magazine, but designers, photographers and project managers too!
SUBJECT SUPPORT SESSIONS (ACADEMIC)
Running throughout the year and across all subjects, academic support sessions will give students to complete homework, re-cap challenging content in class or complete general revision. These sessions are mostly open to all years at all times, but larger subjects may run separate sessions for separate years
FIRST AID CLUB (VOLUNTEERING)
Open to Year 9 and above, students will complete a paediatric first aid at work course, the same adults would complete in their workplace. This extremely important skill will empower your child to deliver potentially life saving care to those in need, across any situation
WELLBEING CLUB (VOLUNTEERING)
This club moves the focus from physical to mental health. Students will learn about what mental health is, what happens when ill mental health occurs and strategies to help others stay healthy and themselves Topics include sleep, diet, and hobbies As part of the programme students will be asked to look at their own lifestyle and make adjustments if necessary
Understanding the World
MODEL UN (VOLUNTEERING)
Model United Nations also known as Model UN or MUN is a popular extra-curricular activity in which students roleplay delegates to the United Nations, simulate UN committees, and learn about diplomacy, international relations, current world issues, and the UN itself There is an opportunity to volunteer at our own Model UN Conference and participate in conferences throughout the year
CREATIVE WRITING DISPLAYS (VOLUNTEERING)
Combining art and literature, we will be using this club for students to create original pieces of writing, and then using the same piece of paper to bring the story to life. Students will choose to have their work displayed around the Understanding the World department, or take it home to their own houses!
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD NEWSLETTER (VOLUNTEERING)
Supervised by a range of staff, you will be creating short pieces of writing which will be put together into the student Understanding the World Newsletter, of which paper copies will be circulated around school and digital copies sent to parents and the wider school community This will be a mix of factual, opinion based and your own ‘investigative’ journalism
THE LIBRARIANS (VOLUNTEERING)
A great opportunity for volunteers to come and learn organisational and sorting skills in the new library. You and a small group of others will be responsible for the labelling, sorting and distribution of borrowed books and new books for the entire school This is an especially good opportunity for Year 9’s looking to complete the volunteering section of their Duke of Edinburgh
BOOK CHAT (SKILL)
An informal book club, in which students can come and discuss an individual book or series of books with Mrs Speight and other readers A world away from high-brow analysis, this club intends to increase the fun of reading and improve discussion and debate skills
CREATIVE WRITING CLUB (SKILL)
A chance for all aspiring writers of all forms to come together to practice and improve their creative writing skills In a supportive environment, students will learn new skills and work together to develop interesting and individual works
YOTO CARNEGIE'S BOOK SHADOWING (VOLUNTEERING)
Starting later in the year, this allows young people to become part of the judging team for the Carnegie Medal, the oldest and most prestigious award for children's writing in the UK Children will read along during the judging process, and are required to cast votes and leave written comments on each book being judged It hopes to increase the love of literature and critical thinking.
Create, Invent, Perform
A-LEVEL SCRIPT WRITING (ACADEMIC)
Write and perform your own plays, or perform iconic scripts for older audiences of your choice An opportunity to have a go at monologues or scenes that will challenge you and your acting skills to engage new audiences.
WARHAMMER PAINTING CLUB (SKILL)
A relaxed creative environment where students make, customise, paint, and finish miniature figures (not necessarily Warhammer), that are provided or that they can bring in from home. Learn about different professional painting techniques, using high quality materials that are all provided
PROP MAKING (VOLUNTEERING)
Help create props and sets for school productions, including everything from backdrops to snow globes. Learn various crafts, such as woodworking, colour blending, and papier-mâché, to help bring plays to life.
CROCHET CLUB
Suitable for all levels of skill and experience, come to this relaxed club to learn how to crochet, or improve your skills and techniques with the guidance of an experienced teacher Students will be provided with key materials and tools, but may wish to bring their own later in the term to develop projects more.
SPOON CARVING (SKILL)
Working in small groups with specialist equipment, slowly take a lump of wood to a beautiful spoon, ornamental or practical. This club will teach you key techniques to work precisely and safely with hand tools, opening up many more opportunities in the world of whittling.
COMIC ILLUSTRATION (SKILL)
Run by our talented in-house illustrator this is an amazing opportunity for students to learn and create together in a relaxed environment. Students will aim to produce by the end of term a cartoonish version of Thomas’s College and the day to day goings on, which will then proudly be displayed in the corridors.
BEGINNERS POTTERY (SKILL)
Pupils will be taught various hand-building techniques and how to make pottery on the pottery wheels. They will then add decoration to their creations with a range of glazing methods and complete the term with a collaborative pottery project. Prior pottery experience is not required. The theme for the term is ‘Underwater’
ADVANCED POTTERY (SKILL)
For students who may have attended a pottery club recently and are familiar with key techniques and confident working more independently. This club will build and develop students skills allowing them the freedom to explore their own creativity, closely supervised by an experienced artist.
FINE ART (SKILL)
Focused on aesthetics and creative expression this will allow students to create freely using a variety of methods. There will be a great opportunity for collaboration, skills development and personal growth, with the opportunity to exhibit works later in the year
GCSE ART COURSEWORK CLUB (ACADEMIC)
A weekly drop-in club to support GCSE students in completing their Art coursework. Each session will correspond with current classwork and be tailored to each student to offer the best support.
INVITATIONAL ART DEVELOPMENT (SKILL)
Students who show significant ability in lessons will be asked to attend this club in which they have the chance to extend and develop their skills further. Additionally, they will work with visiting artists to the school to practice and ask questions regarding new and different techniques.
FASHION AND TEXTILES (SKILL)
Students from Thomas’s Battersea will be familiar with this club, and this is the next step up. Working with a variety of fabrics and methods, students will practice and design a variety of clothing and accessories for themselves or their friends and family. Students will be provided with the equipment they need, but may choose to bring in additional supplies or items from home to enhance their products!
TRINITY DRAMA (SKILL)
Drama Trinity is a qualification designed for candidates who want to focus on developing their vocal, physical and characterisation skills in dramatic performance as solo performers, or in pairs or groups Candidates perform a variety of plays from a range of periods, cultures and styles These exams present candidates with practical, creative tasks that prepare them for situations in both education and the workplace, enabling them to develop invaluable 21st-century skills in communication, creativity, and to build confidence. Exams will take place at Thomas’s Battersea towards the end of the academic year.
FILM STUDIES (SKILL)
Working with a member of staff who is also an experienced film critic, students will watch and study the techniques of top film directors across the world. They will learn how to write interesting and effective reviews to multiple audiences. The best work from this club will be used in The Thomas-zine
CHAPEL CHOIR (SKILL)
This is our sacred choir who perform at events across the school, most significantly at first the Remembrance Service and Carol Service during the Michaelmas Term. Students will sing the traditional choral repertoire Students are encouraged to audition for this choir regardless of their prior experience or ability
ROCK CHOIR (SKILL)
This is a secular choir. Students will sing a variety of ‘modern classics’ together. This club is not invitational and students of all abilities and experience are encouraged to join and take part.
SCHOOL ORCHESTRA (SKILL)
This invitational club will be a collection of all students who play an orchestral instrument above the Grade 2 Standard. Students will regularly come together to practice with the intention of performing during school events and in time, events in the community
MUSIC TECH (SKILL)
Focusing on the digital side of music, students will be taught how to use a musical software to create their own and alter already existing music to suit a variety of purposes.
BAND MACHINE (SKILL)
Students who play an instrument will be invited to come together with others to form an invitational band. This band will be taught and supervised by a member of the music team to deliver a mix of contemporary songs, with the aim of eventually playing at school and community events.
CONTEMPORARY GROUP DANCE (PHYSICAL)
Ideal for any students passionate about dance who are keen to develop their creativity, technique and choreography skills. The club will explore expressive movement in a supportive environment, and have the opportunity to gain formal grades working through the Rambert Syllabus if students choose to take the assessments as they progress This club is ideal for those who want to push their dance skills further and connect with others who want to do the same
VOCATIONAL BALLET (RAD SYLLABUS - PHYSICAL)
This class is ideal for students with some previous dance experience who are ready to take their ballet training further. Following the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) raided syllabus, the focus will be on vocational level work, including classical ballet technique, pointe work, repertoire and structured exercises that build strength, precision and artistry Students will deepen their understanding of ballet vocabulary and performance skills in a supportive environment and with the opportunity to progress through recognised RAD examinations and qualifications.
Science
NOT ROBOT WARS (SKILL)
This club involves building and solving problems using competition grade robots Building the robots is the easy part. The challenge (and fun!) comes when writing the code to enable the robot to autonomously solve challenges!
GAME DESIGN (SKILL)
Suitable for all students with an interest in coding, they will use a block based language to plan, design and build fun, creative platform style games that they can play themselves, with and against each other. This club is designed for all students, and no prior experience is necessary. The club will become progressively more complex, and by the end students will be creating complex and interesting games
ASTRONOMY CLUB (SKILL)
This club aims to spark an interest and curiosity in astronomy through hands-on activities, films and discussion In addition to this, this club will also introduce students to concepts from the GCSE Physics and Astronomy curriculums
FOURTH FORM SCIENCE CLUB (SKILL)
This club is focused on the delivery of practical experiments and enquiries that build and develop on scientific learning within the classroom It will help to develop scientific understanding and practical skills for the rest of the students' time in practical education
FIFTH FORM SCIENCE CLUB (SKILL)
This club will focus on the development of skills and understanding for the students to attempt to gain the Silver Crest Science Award. Students will have to design and deliver their own practical scientific study, demonstrating problem solving skills and in-depth research
Michaelmas Sport
All of the below are ‘Physical’ clubs. They will also be split into appropriate age groups.
BOYS RUGBY
Led by our experienced Rugby Coach, students will be led through a variety of different skills and practice games. Run in a safe environment, there will be a strong focus on safe technique and making the sessions challenging but enjoyable for all students. It is in this club where our teams compete in ISA tournaments across the country
BOYS FOOTBALL
Football has always been hugely popular at Thomas’s, and we hope this club is no different. Students of all abilities are welcome. Sessions will vary in focus, with some having a large focus on technique whilst others may be mostly practice matches Within these sessions, as with rugby we will hope to build a host of thriving teams to compete in local fixtures and national competitions
GIRLS FOOTBALL
Our girls football team has grown enormously in recent times, with a hugely committed group of girls who have fostered the ideal atmosphere of being welcoming but also strong desire to perform well and improve There will be fixtures with other schools arranged, and all year groups are welcome to join our team
GIRLS NETBALL
Always popular and full of enthusiastic and talented students, netball club will be a brilliant opportunity for students of all abilities to come together, learn new skills and meet new people in a friendly but competitive environment.
MIXED HOCKEY
Suitable for experienced players or those new to the game, this club will focus on developing key skills for playing the game to a good standard Led by an experienced hockey professional, all students will have the opportunity to develop at this club
BASKETBALL
Basketball has been a hugely popular sport amongst students already, and we have played and beaten schools from all over the South East We are excited for new students, of any ability, to join our supportive and friendly teams
BARRE FITNESS
This club combines elements of dance, pilates and yoga to using a ballet bar to build strength, flexibility and fitness No prior experience is required
BADMINTON
Led by a member of the school team who has played to a high level, this club will be a great introduction to one of the highest intensity racket sports around. Regardless if you have played or not, this club is ideal for getting fit, active and having fun.
ROAD CYCLING (ALL TERMS)
Being right next to Richmond Park, we couldn’t not have a cycling club! A fleet of swift, thin wheeled road bikes are available in a variety of sizes for students to speed (safely) around Richmond Park on, supervised by experienced teachers Great for fitness and fun, all students are welcome to use our bikes, and they are also permitted to bring their own Whilst all students are welcome, we ask they are confident riding a bike in a group independently. Separate ‘learn to ride’ sessions will be offered throughout the year.
RUN CLUB
Run Club will run twice a week for students of all abilities, ranging from interval practice, short runs, up to 10 kilometres. All students are welcome to attend the club, with paces and routes posted the day beforehand. We do ask students to self-select their club based on prior experience and ability. As part of this programme, students will also be provided with a training plan to improve towards a goal over time
MIXED GYM CLUB
This club will be a weekly gym training session taking place in the school gym. There will be a mixture of group and individual gym sessions. Time to use the gym by yourself and have opportunities to have tailored group sessions outside of lesson time.
SIXTH FORM MILITARY FITNESS
Run specifically for sixth formers, this ‘military’ style fitness sessions will have them flipping tyres, running shuttles, throwing ropes and carrying kettlebells across the school grounds This club can be easily altered to suit students of all abilities, and aims to keep our older students active during the school days
ROUNDNET
Also known as Spikeball, this is a rapidly growing team sport with similarities to volleyball but also completely different! In this club, students have the opportunity to play freely or receive coaching on how to play or how to improve Thomas’s are currently the U15 Boys Roundnet London Champions, a proud legacy we wish to continue!
Additional Clubs Overview 2025/2026
Beginning Week of Monday 22 September 2025
DEBATE MATE AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Tuesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Year 7 - Year 9
Cost? £425 (17 x 1 hour sessions - includes entry to competitions)
Debate Mate is a national provider of debating skills This club is a commitment to a 17 week programme in which a small group of students work closely with an experienced university student and competition debater to learn key skills, and practice debating. After this programme is complete, these students will lead our KS3 debating team going forward, in which we will compete in regional and national competitions Importantly, the fees from this club will be reinvested in charitable work, in which a similar programme is delivered to state schools in the most deprived areas of the United Kingdom.
BOXING AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Tuesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? All years
Cost? £115
Run by a professional boxer, students will have the opportunity to learn key boxing skills in a safe, controlled environment. This club is great for students looking to burn off energy and gain a new skill. Students will not be boxing against each other, but rather learn skills to do so if they wish to take the sport forward
Working in the world class tennis facilities at Dukes Meadows, students of all abilities are welcome to this friendly and welcoming environment in which they can play freely or undertake drills with an experienced tennis coach. Students of all abilities and year groups are welcome to both days, but depending on demand we may have to stream by age or ability to keep the afternoon engaging and purposeful for all
Supervised and taught by an experienced club professional, students will spend an hour and half in the floodlit bays of the Dukes Meadow driving range practising their swing! No previous experience is required, but experienced players are also welcome. Clubs are also available to borrow, although students may also wish to bring their own. In the hour session, students have 60 range balls included in the cost.
FENCING AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Available to all students (no prior experience required)
Cost? £250 (including all equipment hire)
Taught by an experienced tutor working across Thomas’s, students will gain physical fitness, dexterity and quick thinking during these fun, intense sessions. In the first term, students will learn key skills of the sport, and compete in a safe and secure environment. As students gain confidence, they will work through the British Fencing Achievement Awards
INDOOR CLIMBING AT PARTHIAN CLIMBING WANDSWORTH
When? Wednesday’s 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Who? Available to all students (no prior experience required)
Cost: £525 (covers the estimated 38 hours of sessions required + cost of official certification)
In this activity students will be led by our in-house climbing instructor to work towards their Level 3 NICAS Technical Climbing Qualification. This qualification focuses on developing technique and movement skills. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills to climb and belay safely at any climbing facility (whether or not under supervision or with back-up) and operate in a responsible manner Achievement at this level is broadly equivalent to a pass at GCSE Students can either travel with our climbing instructor from school via public transport, or make their own way there We have arranged for a room at Parthian Climbing that can be used to complete homework or revision before the session.
BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Year 10 - Year 12
Cost? £425 (17 x 1 hour sessions)
The next step up from Debate Mate, this is another 17 week course available only to students in the Upper 5th and 6th Form. Guided by an experienced mentor, students will be trained in the planning and delivery of the British Parliamentary Debating style This will again lead to these students representing the school in regional and national competitions
HORSE RIDING AT STAG LODGE
When? Wednesday 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Who? All years (but limited to 6 students in total and focused on beginners)
Cost? £600 (12 hours of small group lessons)
We are lucky to be working with this excellent stable just a short journey away from our school. This club will be a great introduction to horse riding for those who have never or are new. Students will complete around 45 minutes of riding practice before 15 minutes of horse care, so they can learn both elements of responsibility when working with these excellent animals
CHESS COACHING AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Year 7 - Year 9
Cost? £150
Delivered by Premier Chess Coaching, who have provided lessons in schools for over 10 years. In this club, students will learn and compete with each other, supervised closely by a Chess Master. Through this club, students will also compete in external and internal competitions. Regardless of experience, all students are welcome to attend
CINESCHOOLS FILMMAKING
When? Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Open to all (limited to 16 students)
Cost? £150
In this club, over the course of 10 weeks you will produce a short film for the school charity During this process, you will learn key filmmaking techniques, how to put them into action and create your own film set. At the end of the process, there will be screenings of your film at a student centred London film festival, where other schools from across London will also be. Whilst this initial programme is for the Michaelmas Term, if your child chooses to continue it across the year they will work towards gaining filmmaking certification from the National Film and Television School and the Children’s International Film Festival
JUDO AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Available to all students
Cost? £200 (including all equipment hire)
Throw yourself into Judo! This club will provide you with training regardless if you are at novice or dan grade, and is an amazing opportunity to build fitness, confidence, make friends and learn self-defence skills. The provider, Ippon Judo London has experience delivering sessions to children of all ages across London and the south east They are backed by years of technical and competitive experience and will deliver a great experience for all children involved
FASHION AND TEXTILES AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Available to all students
Cost? £215 (10 sessions)
Working with a variety of fabrics and methods, students will practice and design a variety of clothing and accessories for themselves or their friends and family. Students will be provided with the equipment they need, but may choose to bring in additional supplies or items from home to enhance their products!
STREET DANCE AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
When? Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Available to all students
Cost? £115
Street Dance is an energetic, and expressive dance style that combines elements of hip hop, breaking, popping, and freestyle. These classes focus on rhythm, creativity, and confidence. Open to all levels, Street Dance encourages individuality while building fitness, coordination, and performance skills Whether you're a total beginner or have experience, come and enjoy moving in a vibrant, supportive environment.
ROWING AT BARN ELMS BOATHOUSE
When? Friday 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Who? Year 9 - Year 12
Cost? £250
Run down at Barn Elms Boathouse, students will be on the water with an experienced coach either learning or improving how to row This club is open to all students in Year 9 or above and there is no need to have prior experience on the water We have 10 spaces available (3 boats) and if more people sign up we will collect further details on experience to stream students as appropriate, and then allocate places randomly into separate boats
