Enrichment

Drama is at the heart of life at Clarendon and plays an important role in developing confidence, communication, creativity and teamwork.

Every pupil from ages 3–11 takes part in two productions each year. Early Years and Infant pupils perform at Christmas and Easter, while Junior pupils take to the stage at Christmas and in the Summer Term. Through these productions, children develop an understanding of stagecraft, acting techniques and a variety of theatrical genres while gaining valuable experience of performing before an audience.

A highlight of the school year is the Junior Summer Production, often a full-scale musical that brings together pupils from across the Junior School. For our Prep 8 pupils, securing a lead role represents the culmination of years of dedication, growth and performance experience. Alongside developing performance skills, pupils learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, demonstrate commitment and deliver polished productions of which they can be immensely proud.

Drama at Clarendon is about far more than performance; it equips children with the confidence, creativity and self-belief that will serve them throughout their lives.

Forest School is a much-loved part of the Clarendon experience and provides pupils with regular opportunities to learn, explore and thrive in the natural environment.

From Prep 1 to Prep 8, all children participate in three Forest School blocks throughout the academic year, allowing them to experience the changing seasons while developing practical skills, resilience and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Through child-led exploration and hands-on experiences, Forest School supports physical development, emotional wellbeing, teamwork, problem-solving and creativity. Children learn to assess risk, work collaboratively and embrace challenge, while developing confidence and independence in an outdoor setting.

Rain or shine, pupils are encouraged to explore, discover and get involved. In an increasingly digital world, Forest School provides valuable opportunities to slow down, connect with nature and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

Sport is a fundamental part of life at Clarendon, promoting physical wellbeing, confidence, teamwork and resilience. Our aim is for every child to discover a love of physical activity and experience the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes from personal achievement and team success.

We provide an extensive sporting programme that goes well beyond National Curriculum requirements. Pupils enjoy 2.5 hours of Physical Education each week, delivered by specialist teachers whose expertise and enthusiasm inspire children to develop skills, challenge themselves and achieve their best.

Children participate in a wide variety of sports throughout the year, including football, netball, hockey, tag rugby, cricket, rounders, athletics, basketball, handball, dodgeball, swimming, water polo and cross-country running. Swimming forms a key part of the curriculum from Prep 5 through to Prep 8.

Clarendon regularly competes against both independent and local schools, while Sports Day and House competitions ensure every child experiences the excitement of representing a team and participating in healthy competition.

Beyond the curriculum, pupils have access to a range of after-school sports clubs and unique sporting experiences, including climbing, skiing, horse riding, water sports and outdoor adventure activities. These opportunities encourage children to step outside their comfort zones, develop resilience and build confidence through challenge.

Educational visits and residential experiences are an integral part of a Clarendon education. Carefully planned to enrich learning and bring the curriculum to life, these experiences provide valuable opportunities for children to deepen their understanding, broaden their perspectives and develop social confidence beyond the classroom.

Each year group enjoys a programme of visits linked to their learning, including museums, galleries, theatres, outdoor education centres, farms, zoos and places of historical and scientific interest. Recent destinations have included Jodrell Bank, Manchester Museum, Chester, The Lowry, Blue Planet Aquarium, Liverpool World Museum, Blackpool Zoo, Styal Mill and Eureka.

Junior pupils also participate in residential visits, including the highly anticipated Robinwood residential, where they develop independence, teamwork, resilience and leadership skills through a range of outdoor pursuits and adventure activities.

In addition, our dedicated Enrichment Days provide opportunities for pupils to experience activities that may be entirely new to them. Recent experiences have included horse riding, skiing, bouldering and climbing, ensuring children leave Clarendon with a wealth of memorable experiences and the confidence to embrace new challenges.

Our enrichment programme reflects our belief that outstanding education is about more than academic success alone. Through exceptional opportunities in the arts, sport, outdoor learning and experiential education, we nurture confident, curious and capable young people who are ready to embrace every opportunity the future holds.