Westholme School - Extra Curricular Activities

Extra Curricular Activities

Visitors, Trips and Events

Staff are always looking for different activities to bring the curriculum to life. We have had many visitors to school over the years, including The Bug Lady (and her bugs!), Tapestry of Music, the Fire Service, Mr Eatough (from the Mary Rose Trust), charity representatives and Vikings! Various parents in their professional roles such as dentists, doctors, surgeons and opticians also come to school to talk to the pupils.

We also love going out and each class will have several trips each year. In the past these have included visits to the Liverpool World Museum, Ewood Park, Witton Park, Chester, Chester Zoo, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Tatton Old Hall, Clapham, Quarry Bank Mill, Lancaster Butterfly House, Stockport Air Raid Shelter and Formby.

It is also traditional for the whole school to go to the theatre at Christmas. Year 6 girls are even more adventurous and spend a long weekend away each year at an outdoor activity centre. In recent years, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have also enjoyed a trip to France.

Within our busy school calendar we have many special events spread throughout the year. In the autumn term these include our Harvest Festival at St Silas' Church, Open Day and the Carol Service, which is held at Blackburn Cathedral. We also have a Christmas Assembly in the Westholme Theatre and enjoy festive parties and a traditional Christmas lunch. In the spring we hold a Book Fair at Beardwood Bank and a House Music Concert in the Westholme Theatre. Year 5 and Year 6 pupils also entertain their parents and peers with Reading and Public Speaking competitions. Two of our major school events take place in the summer term, our Musical Evening and our Prizegiving, both held in the Westholme Theatre. The final sporting event of the school year is our Sports Day, held on the fields at Wilmar Lodge.

Clubs and Sports

All pupils gain experience in a variety of areas of PE during class lessons. These include athletics, basketball, dance, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rounders, sportshall and volleyball. They also have regular swimming lessons in the school pool.

In addition, clubs are run at lunchtimes and after school for those pupils who are keen to do more. Wherever possible these activities are open to all, irrespective of ability.

The school has many teams and these compete regularly in netball, hockey, cross country, swimming, rounders, sportshall and athletics events. Competitions range from local tournaments to regional and occasionally national events.

Ballet lessons and street jazz lessons are available after school, led by professional dance teachers.

Performing Arts

Within class music lessons all pupils work on their singing and improve their general musical knowledge. Everyone learns to play the recorder as well as experiencing a variety of other instruments. There are opportunities for all pupils to perform in front of their peers.

Outside of the classroom individual lessons are available in brass and string instruments and also the harp. The school has two recorder groups, a string group, a brass band and an orchestra. In addition all Year 5 and 6 pupils are members of the school choir.

Musical groups take part in a range of activities throughout the year, including the Carol Service, held at Blackburn Cathedral, and the Christmas Assembly, Musical Evening and Prizegiving Ceremony held in the Westholme Theatre. There are also informal concerts held at Beardwood Bank and pupils sometimes perform during school assemblies.

Year 4 pupils are given the opportunity to join WISPA (Westholme Inter Schools Performing Arts). Girls and boys join together in this drama club to produce a play or musical, which is staged in the Westholme Theatre.

Other Activities

In addition to sport and music there are several other activities for the children to enjoy. These change from year to year but in the past have included French, Spanish, photography, drama, chess, animation, scrabble club, jewellery-making, gardening and first aid.

May 8, 2012

AJIS Sings!

A selection of Junior School pupils take part in AJIS Sings