Beyond the Classroom

The morning before school is a perfect time to play badminton in the sports hall, run a mile outside, perfect a stroke in the pool, or work on a poetry recital. Lunchtime brings the choir together, chess partners to the table, and ballet shoes out of the locker. Even at the end of a busy school day we see girls keen to stay and take part in all sorts of pursuits, many originating from their own ideas and requests. The list is always changing. And our girls are always willing to try new things. Please click here to view our current Clubs & Activities list.

Our girls regularly visit a wide range of interesting places and take part in exciting, adventurous activities. Our local community is full of history and scenic geographical features, and we host regular events that inspire our girls in their learning. Our girls thrive outside of their comfort zone, as seen when Nursery travel on the mini bus for the first time, when Year 3 spend their first night away from home, and when older girls join a group of 150 other GDST girls on the ski slopes of France. We believe that residential trips play an important part in emotional development – so we provide annual opportunities from Year 3 that enhance confidence and personal responsibility as well as teamwork.

Many of our girls are confident performers – but this doesn’t always happen without considerable preparation and effort. Girls will start their acting ‘careers’ in the Nursery, where the ‘home corner’ becomes a shop or a doctor’s surgery and they perform to their friends. Soon afterwards, they will start delivering their own assembly pieces to bigger audiences, including children they don’t know. Finally, when ready, and following much practice, they will sing, they will dance and they will blossom as actors, musicians, lighting experts… but, equally importantly, as collaborators within a team.

From an early age, we introduce our girls to the wonders of sport. Our girls are all encouraged to find an activity they enjoy and to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Our motivated, highly qualified staff, alongside enthusiastic older pupils as role models, encourage a desire to take part, a willingness to try hard, and an understanding of competitive etiquette. Whether in our swimming pool or on our cricket square, there are so many different kinds of sports to enjoy and we strongly believe that girls should maintain a broad focus rather than concentrate on a single activity. Competitive opportunities are provided to every girl, not just those at an elite level. And we recognise the importance of knowing how to both win and lose with grace.

Whatever the weather, you’ll find an excited class visiting our Forest School. The girls explore the wild area, climb, scramble, use tools, make dens, build homes for animals, mix up magic potions and investigate the mini-beasts! The girls learn at their own pace and revisit activities whenever they wish. By helping each other and managing risks, they gain more independence and self-confidence every day. To take a look at the fun our girls enjoy at Forest School (set on our 27-acre campus), please click here.