EXTRACURRICULAR COACHING 2023-24
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EXTRACURRICULAR TUITION AND ACTIVITIES
EXTRACURRICULAR TUITION AND COACHING
Individual and group coaching in a number of additional extracurricular activities, as listed below, is available at an additional charge. Further information and links to the sign-up forms can be found via the following pages.
Many of these subjects are taught by visiting staff, and thereforea full halfterm’s notice is required if an extra subject is to be discontinued. If an additional extra subject is required during the year, please request this within a week of the end of the previous term.
Music Lessons and Singing
Speech and Drama / Speech Improvement
Golf Coaching
Horse-riding
Polo
Tennis Coaching
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Tennis Coaching
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Tennis Coaching
Specialisttennis coachingis offered to all students atWestonbirt, all yearround.
What’s offered: Specialist teachingby full time LTA Qualified Licensed Coaches. We caterforall levels from beginners to International Juniorlevel. Programmes can be individually designed to incorporate specialiststrength and conditioning, nutrition and tournamentpreparation. Tennis coaches can also supportfilmingforthe practical elementof GCSEPE and BTEC Sport.
Facilities: 7 hard courts and 1 Indoorcourt in the sports hall.
Achievements: The SeniorGirls team reached the regionalsemi-finals of the Aberdare cup 2022, U13 and U15 girls teams made the semi-finals of the Gloucestershire county schools LTA team event2022.
Coaches:
Steve Johnson, LTA Licensed Level 4coach, full-timeteachingprofessional for26 years, Previously Head Coach at David Lloyd, Bristol for10 years, Head Coach at BridgwaterLTC for 6 years and Head Coach at Sodbury for8 years. He has coached several boys to top national level, has been on National trainingsquads and a Winnerof a European U14 girl's singles event.
Steve represented Lancashire and North-West of England as a juniorbefore playing professionally in Spain fora year. He then joined the RAF and became RAF champion and British Forces Tennis champion. Steve currently still plays Masters Tennis forGloucestershire, the RAF and British Forces Masters teams.
Kerry Marshal is an LTA Licensed Level 4coach with over20 years teachingexperience. She has coached Avon County LTA girls'teams and played national level as ajunior.
Julie Hatton is an LTA Licensed Level 4coach. She currently plays county veteran tennis.
Chris Butcher is an LTA Licensed Level 3coach. He currently plays forSodbury men’s 1st team.
To sign up fortennis coaching, pleasecomplete the form/s linked below: SeniorSchool Tennis Coaching Prep School Tennis Coaching
Bronze Package (Social Player)
Package comprisingone lesson perweek, to choose from:
IndividualCoachingLesson (30mins) £24
2 players sharingalesson £13.50 (perpupil perweek)
3 players sharingalesson £10
4 players sharingalesson £9
SilverPackage (CompetitivePlayer) £40 (perpupil perweek)
Setpackage of 4 sessions aweek comprising:
1 Individual CoachingLesson (30mins)
2 Group lessons (30mins)
1 Match Play Session (30mins)
GoldPackage (Elite Player)
Bespoke programme of coachingand match play sessions £POA (dependenton how many/the typeof sessions).
A full half term's notice is required if lessons are to be stopped.
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Golf Coaching
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Golf Coaching
Westonbirt is proud to offerprivate golf coachingto prep (7+) and seniorschool students.
Lessons are available individually orin groups of up to 4 students. Lessons take place duringlunch times, break time (prep and senior) orduringfree periods forseniorschool pupils.
Facilities: Westonbirt School has its own 9-hole golf course setwithin the parkland grounds surroundingthe school, offeringan enjoyable round forboth beginners and the more experienced golfer. There are also practice facilities both atthe school and the golf course.
Coach:
Wayne Hill has overthirty years'experiencein the golf industry and is a qualified PGA Golf Professional. Wayne has extensiveexperience coaching all levels of golfer, from beginnerto professional, and previously held managerial positions atgolf clubs includingHead Teaching Professional, General Managerand CEO.
Coachingis available atWestonbirtatan additionalcharge, as outlined below.
Price perpupil persession
Individual lessons
30 minute £25
45 minute £35
60 minute £45
Pair (2 pupil) sessions
30 minute £13.50
45 minute £12.50
60 minute £25
Small group (3-4 pupils)
30 minutes £10
45 minutes £12.50
60 minutes £15
To sign up for golf coaching, please complete the form/s linked below.
Senior School Golf Coaching Prep School Golf Coaching
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Horse-riding & Polo
Horse-riding
Riding sessions take place at Barton End Stables, a friendly riding centre a short distance from the school, on Wednesday and/or Friday lunch times (12:45).
30 minutes small group (maximum 4) lesson - £39/rider/lesson
A small additional fee is applicable to cover transport and consumables, and this is charged separately.
To sign up for riding (senior school only), please complete the riding registration form.
Lessons will be charged for unless a minimum of 24hrs notice is given for genuine illness/injury or obligatory school activity. Where possible, if numbers allow, days can be swapped to accommodate schedule clashes.
Please note that booked lessons will take place regardless of bad weather as the stables have covered arenas.
A full half term's notice is required if lessons are to be stopped. If additional lessons are required during the course of the year, please make your request at least a week before the end of the term before you wish lessons to begin.
For more information, or if you wish to discuss extra lessons and coaching, please contact Mrs Power: becks.power@westonbirtschool.uk
Polo
Polo sessions take place at Beaufort Polo Club in Westonbirt and are charged at approximately £67 per lesson (TBC by Beaufort).
A small additional fee is applicable to cover transport and consumables, and this is charged separately.
To sign up for polo (senior school only), please complete the polo registration form.
A full half term's notice is required if lessons are to be stopped. If additional lessons are required during the year, please make your request at least a week before the end of the term before you wish lessons to begin.
For more information, or if you wish to discuss extra lessons and coaching, please contact Mrs Johnson: lizanne.johnson@westonbirtschool.uk
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Music & Singing
MUSIC LESSONS
At Westonbirt, pupils are actively encouraged to learn an instrument or take up singing lessons, as we consider this a hugely important part of a child's musical development. The benefits of individual music lessons are considerable and will provide skills and engagement that can last a lifetime. Pupils are never too old to sign up for music lessons, so what better way to start a new academic year than to start learning a new instrument! Pupils gain further by being able to play in our many school ensembles.
Lessons & Teachers
Music Lessons are available on the following Instruments:
Piano Cello Bassoon
Classical Guitar
Musical Theatre Singing
Jazz Piano Viola
Clarinet
Bass Guitar
Classical Singing
Organ Violin
Flute
Electric Guitar Contemporary Singing
Double Bass Oboe Drums
Accordion
Trumpet Saxophone Percussion
If you would like your child to sign up for an instrument not on this list, please contact a member of the music department.
Applications for individual lessons are made to the music department via the online application form: Music Lessons Senior Music Lessons Prep Once an application has been made, pupils will then be allocated an appropriate instrumental teacher. In September, the noticeboards should be consulted for details of starting time and day and the peripatetic teacher will also inform parents and pupils when their lesson will be.
There is a general undertaking that approximately 30 lessons will be given during the academic year, which is split into three terms: 12 weeks in the Autumn, 9 weeks in the Spring and 9 weeks in the Summer. Sometimes the number of lessons for the term will not have been given e.g. through teacher or pupil absence/illness; in such cases, lessons will either be made up or not charged for.
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MUSIC LESSONS (cont.)
Lessons are taught in 30-minute blocks, and we recommend those studying above Grade 5 to have a 45 minute to 1-hour weekly lesson so that all examination content can be covered.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 will be put on a weekly rotation (lessons can be fixed depending on the teacher’s availability). In Key Stage 4/5, fixed slots will be timetabled, where possible.
Practice
The music practice rooms are available throughout the day for pupils to come and practice their instruments.
Students in Years 10 - 13 are considered responsible enough to make their own practice arrangements, but must inform a member of the music department staff in order for sessions to be added to their timetable.
Parents and pupils are expected to order their own music/sheet music as requested by the individual music teacher. Boarders can order their music books/sheet music through the music department which will then be charged onto the end of term bill.
As part of the instrumental and vocal provision at Westonbirt School, pupils will be allocated an appropriate school instrumental or vocal ensemble which they are expected to attend. Rehearsing and performing as part of a group supports progress and musical development.
Pupils are expected to catch up with any classwork they have missed to attend a music lesson and to hand homework in at the earliest possible opportunity. They are expected to practice weekly and prepare for music lessons just as they would a normal class lesson. Pupils are expected to respect the practice rooms and music facilities. Music should be tidied away and instruments should be stored neatly in the instrument store room. If pupils are unable to attend a music lesson it is their responsibility to contact their Peripatetic teacher who will, where possible, rearrange their lessons.
Fees, Absences & Discontinuation of Lessons
Music lessons are taught by a team of specialist musicians who teach on a self-employed basis. This means that parents have direct contact with the music teacher and bills are paid directly. Payment will be made in advance and will be billed either half-termly or termly. If your child is an international boarder, then payment can be added onto the school bill. Queries or matters arising should be addressed directly to the individual music teacher.
Peripatetic teachers require at least one week’s notice should a pupil have a clash or cannot attend their music lesson due to sports fixtures, trips or personal reasons. This lesson will be charged for unless a week’s notice has been given. If a pupil is absent and misses their lesson due to illness, this lesson will also be charged for. Music lessons can only be started or terminated with parental consent. A notice period of half a term is required in writing or by email, to the peripatetic teacher, should the pupil wish to cease lessons, otherwise fees for the remainder of the term will be due. 12
MUSIC LESSONS (cont.)
The fees for individual lessons are set out on the form. Fees are always charged in advance and will be charged termly or half-termly. Parents may request a double lesson, and these are highly recommended for pupils working towards the higher grades (5 - 8). Where a student is absent from a lesson and the teacher is present, the lesson is regarded as having taken place. If a lesson is missed for medical and dental appointments made by parents in school time, the lesson will be charged for as normal. Teachers will try to make up lessons missed for medical reasons, but this cannot be guaranteed. A student must give notice of absence when an event involving him/her appears on the school calendar, or when he/she is required for a specific assessment - it must not be assumed that the teacher is aware that he/she will be involved. If a student misses a lesson due to a clash with a pre-planned school event, parents are not charged for that lesson, providing one weeks’ notice has been given.
Examinations
Students are normally entered for practical examinations by mutual agreement between themselves, their teachers and parents when they have reached the appropriate level. The cost will appear on the end of term account. We reserve the right not to make an entry, even at parents’ or students’ request, if the teacher considers it ill-advised. Students learning instruments outside of school are also welcome to take their examinations at school.
Practical examination sessions are held towards the end of each term. If a student is unable to take an examination through illness or injury, a doctor’s certificate covering the day of the examination must be provided immediately. A portion of the examination fee might then be recoverable at the Board’s discretion. There is no refund for any other absence. If a pupil seems likely to fail the examination, the teacher will discuss with parents/guardians whether he/she should withdraw.
Beginner’s theory, Grade 5 theory and aural classes are provided by the school. Pupils are strongly encouraged to attend these well before the examination is taken. For instrumental and vocal examinations, accompanists are provided, plus rehearsals free of charge. It is not essential that a student takes music examinations; if he/she and their parents prefer learning without that pressure, this is quite acceptable.
If you need any further information or would like to discuss taking up an instrument or singing lessons, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the music department.
Mrs Nicola Atwell Director of Music nicola.atwell@westonbirtschool.uk
Miss Lucy Marsh Teacher of Music & Visiting Music Teacher Coordinator lucy.marsh@westonbirtschool.uk
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Speech & Drama
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SPEECH & DRAMA
Speech and Drama has always been a strong option at Westonbirt, and helps to give our pupils not only the enjoyment of plays, poetry and literature, but development of confidence and the effective communication so important in life today.
We offer the opportunity to enter LAMDA Speaking in Public in the Autumn term, where pupils present speeches on topics of their own choice and develop communication skills.
LAMDA Performance examinations are held in school twice a year in the Spring and Summer terms, and pupils can choose to enter for Speaking of Verse and Prose, Acting, Devising Drama, Speaking in Public, and Reading for Performance. High grades from this examination board are awarded UCAS points, which can strengthen university applications, as the points available are equal to GCSE and A-level examinations.
We encourage pupils to enter the Mid-Somerset festival in Verse Speaking, Acting and Prepared Readings to build confidence when performing in public. Westonbirt pupils have also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Bath & Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.
SPEECH IMPROVEMENT
Speech Improvement tuition is intended for students for whom English is a second or acquired language, or students for whom English is a first language, who would prefer to focus on Public Speaking rather than Speech & Drama. Lessons focus on learning how to use English expressively and effectively, improving diction and accent, and encouraging confidence when speaking in public.
In order to gain recognition of their skills, students have the opportunity to enter the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) Speaking in Public examinations. High grades from this examination board are awarded UCAS points, which can strengthen university applications, as the points available are equal to GCSE and A-level examinations. Pupils can take tuition as an individual learner, in a shared lesson (pair) or in small groups (subject to interest).
To register interest in lessons, please complete the online form: Speech & Drama / Improvement (Senior)
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs English: shirley.english@westonbirtschool.uk
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