Mr Mark Brotherton
Headmaster of Junior King’s
Co-curricular as a foundation.
Nurturing each child’s creativity is our main focus at Junior King’s, and the creative arts are a constant presence throughout the school – both as part of the curriculum and, just as important, in our vast co-curricular programme. This allows pupils to experience as many activities as possible: from ballet to basketball, horticulture to History Club, and cooking to coding.
Educational studies demonstrate that a balance of the academic and the co-curricular is vital; helping pupils develop new skills, identify strengths, connect learning to fun, and understand themselves as people – which is especially powerful while they’re still little people.
Music
Music has always been an essential part of life at Junior King’s, and we’re lucky to have our own purpose-built Music School.
Over 350 instrumental lessons take place there every week, led by 28 specialist teachers. We are also home to more than twenty instrumental groups, choirs, and bands – our Chapel Choir regularly sings in Canterbury Cathedral and tours Europe every two years.
Art
Young children have a natural enthusiasm for art, and we nourish this at Junior King’s – opening their minds to new directions and influences and helping to instil the confidence that comes with self-expression.
We encourage pupils to explore art in all its forms, such as drawing, painting, printing, textiles, photography and three-dimensional work. They collaborate with established artists to create the large art pieces that are seen around school, and we offer many opportunities to visit art galleries and enter art competitions.
Sport
Sport for all.
With 22 acres devoted to sports, including eleven tennis courts, an AstroTurf pitch, athletics track and state-of-the-art sports hall; there are many opportunities for pupils to discover the sports they love at Junior King’s.
It could be rugby, fencing, rowing, cricket, netball, swimming – and that is just the start.
Drama
Drama is not only important as an art form, but also in helping develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, empathy, and confidence.
All pupils in Junior House and Middle School are involved in productions, and pupils in Upper School can develop their skills in weekly workshops and sessions, theatre visits, and after-school clubs. These are often led by visiting artists and culminate with performances in our school-wide King’s Week festival at the end of the school year.
Our well-equipped performance space means we can achieve ambitious production values, with pupils having the opportunity to work with theatre technicians or stage managers and to attend a technical theatre club. LAMDA qualifications (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) are also offered throughout the school.
DT
Design and Technology is a fascinating subject that rewards imagination, teamwork, and persistence – essentially preparing pupils to be creative problem solvers.
It is a combination of practical skills and an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, and industrial practices.
Co-curricular activity groups on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons explore business initiatives and scientific solutions; all linked to STEM challenges and the British Science Association Crest Awards. In addition, two evening groups look at engineering and product design skills. This includes a Young Engineer group that uses the Galileo Technic problem-solving programme to test theories.
Our DT department has a practical workshop and a design studio, and pupils can use a range of media like timber, metal, electronics, polymers, and textiles. We also encourage the use of traditional craft skills and modern technology, like digital manufacturing and CAD (Computer Aided Design).
Activities
Our dynamic activity programme showcases the diverse expertise of our staff, with external coaches brought in as needed to offer pupils exceptional experiences. It provides opportunities for pupils to discover new interests or deepen existing passions.
Previous activities have included technical theatre, coding club, ballet, crafts, yoga, fencing, animation, basketball, cookery, film club, golf, horse riding, rowing, sailing, dance, orchestra, LAMDA, squash, chess, table tennis, and more.
The activity programme also serves as after-school care, running every weekday until 6:00 pm, and is organised into two main categories:
- Afternoon Activity Programme for Years 5 to 8
Held on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, this programme offers a variety of alternative activities for pupils who choose not to participate in team sports scheduled during these times. - Evening Activity Programme for the Prep School (Year 3 and up)
This programme runs from 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm for Junior House and from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm for Middle and Upper School. A “Late Club” is available from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm for children in Years 3 and 4, while pupils in Years 5 to 8 can stay until 6:00 pm to complete homework.
All year groups enjoy access to a broad selection of activities, and the Pre-Prep offers its own exciting and tailored provision.
Day & Boarding
“Boarding is about being a team and being friendly.” – Antony, Year 6 boarding pupil
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Visit King’s
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family to visit and to get a genuine feel for the school.
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