At The Blue Coat School, the co-curricular programme is integrated into the School timetable as well as offering a wide range of opportunities beyond the curriculum including individual music lessons, schools performances, after school clubs, day trips, residential trips, leadership opportunities and community work.Â
After school clubs and activity sessions
Leadership roles for pupils
Individual music lessons per week
We aim to provide a wide range of co-curricular clubs and activities after school for the pupils. This supports children’s development into well-rounded individuals who are able to take advantage of everything that life has to offer, now, at senior school and beyond. The choice of clubs and activities available compliment the curriculum by expanding their knowledge and curiosity into subjects such as science or languages,Â
There are after school clubs available to all year groups, from Nursery to Year 6. Many of the clubs and activities are run by specialist external suppliers such as Complete Cricket, Aston Villa FC and Create Club. To find out which clubs are available for each year group, and how to book, visit the before and after school care pages for Pre-Prep and Prep.
Music is the heartbeat of The Blue Coat School. In addition to the timetabled music lessons, pupils can have individual instrumental tuition for a range of musical instruments and singing. There are also a number of ensembles and groups for children to learn to perform music together. Groups include: Fiddlesticks, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Flute Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Music Theory, Percussion Group, String Groups, Wind Band, and Year Group Choir. These music groups are by invitation for pupils who are already learning an instrument.
Identifying musicality at an early age is a key objective. We have a proven track record in helping children find the right instrument and in enabling parents to support their child’s musical development at home. Over 300 individual instrumental music lessons are given at school each week, delivered by our expert team of Visiting Music Teachers. It is not uncommon for pupils to achieve Grade 5 standard (or higher) before they leave Blue Coat.
At The Blue Coat School, we are blessed with a central location both in relation to Birmingham city centre, and the Midlands. This enables pupils to easily access locations on our doorstep such as the SeaLife Centre, ThinkTank Birmingham and Cadbury World. The rich cultural diversity of Birmingham also enables pupils to visit places such as the Serbian Orthodox Church to contextualise their learning on other religious, cultures and heritages. All day trips are designed to be immersive learning experiences, linked to the curriculum which they are studying in school.
The sense of adventure begins in Nursery and Reception with trips to Forest School. Nestled in the corner of the School grounds, to the tiny legs of our youngest pupils, the walk to Forest School feels like a mini-expedition each week. In Year 2, the children get their first experience of a major co-curricular trip with a visit to an outdoor pursuits centre. Then once children move into Prep, they can join a residential trip each year which increase in duration year-on-year. This builds up to their final residential trip in Year 6, which sees them go overseas to France.
Residentials provide pupils with timeless memories, new skills and experiences and a real opportunity to be independent.
My most special memory of Prep is the amazing trip to France in Year 6.
Year 6 pupil
In Pre-Prep children begin to develop their confidence through performances such as Nativity plays and class assemblies. For those learning an instrument, they will be often be invited to perform at recitals and concerts.
Once children progress into Prep, they will all have the opportunity to read in Chapel at least once. There are also two major school productions in Year 4 and Year 6. These are spectacular events which parents, family and friends are invited to. Past productions have included Sherlock and Cinders, Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies and Bugsy Malone.
My most special memory of Year 6 is rehearsing for Sherlock and Cinders.
We believe it is vital for pupils to gain leadership experience at an early age. Therefore, co-curricular School Community Groups such as School Council and Eco-Committee begin in Pre-Prep. In total, there are over 250 leadership opportunities throughout the year.
In Prep, pupils can become Science Ambassadors, Digital Leaders or Librarians, to find their voice in an area they have an interest in.
By Year 6, pupils can apply for roles such as Head of School and House Captain. The Year 6 pupils will also gain experience of peer leadership through being a buddy for a Year 3 pupil.Â
The Blue Coat School is a relatively large independent prep school, however, every child is given the opportunity to thrive and take a lead in an area they feel passionate about.
My favourite memory of my House is finding out I was Vice Captain and being appointed two Year 3 buddies. It gave me a chance to make friends in a younger year group and watch them experience the good times I had in Year 3.
Year 6 pupil
For children under the age of 5, BCS run a Holiday Club during Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. These Holiday Clubs run from 8.30am – 4pm. Hosted in the Pre-Prep Aftercare rooms and playgrounds, the children will take part in a range of activities from arts and crafts to story time and outdoor games.
For children aged 5 – 11, the School is a venue for Kings Camp.These camps provide over 30 different games and activities to keep children entertained during the School holidays. Kings Camp includes half term holidays too.
There are also special edition holiday clubs such as Chess, subject to demand.