JUNIOR SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
A child’s imagination is the cornerstone of the boundless creative energy we encourage at Clifton High School.
Mrs Alice Taylor, Head of Infant & Junior School
Co-Curricular Clubs
The variety of clubs available in the Junior School is wide-ranging, with options for their child to attend based on their interests as well as the skills and attributes they wish them to develop. Clubs take place either before or after School to enrich and complement our Enrichment Programme.
Clubs are selected each term on a preference basis by parents, using our dedicated online platform SOCS.
A sample of our current Junior Clubs is shown below:
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Junior School Adventure Programme
In the Junior School, Adventure is delivered by specialist staff alongside class teachers, in weekly or fortnightly timetabled sessions, tailored to suit the age and development of pupils. In Years 3 to 6, pupils progress to more specific and adventurous activities in a variety of off-site locations: The Downs Preparatory School, Mendip Activity Centre, Forestry England and All Aboard Watersports. These are organised across the year, as follows:
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The development of individual and team skills is a fundamental outcome of participating in our Adventure Programme. Pupils develop respect, responsibility and a love of the natural world.
The Pembroke Award
Pupils are also encouraged to achieve the bronze, silver and gold sections of the Pembroke Award, our own Pembroke Education certificate in outdoor learning. This progressive, goal-oriented programme recognises the varied skills and competencies that children develop through adventure and outdoor education.
Educational Trips
Educational Trips form an important part of life in the Junior School, enriching learning beyond the classroom and bringing the academic curriculum to life. Carefully planned, these experiences encourage curiosity, independence and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
From local visits to curriculum-linked trips, pupils enjoy a wide variety of enriching experiences throughout their time in the Junior School.
Recent visits have included the SS Great Britain, the Roman Baths, M Shed, Aerospace Bristol, Court Farm and The Wild Place, providing valuable opportunities to explore history, science, geography and the natural world first-hand.
Residential Experiences
As pupils progress through the School, residential experiences become an increasingly important part of their educational journey. Year 3 and 4 pupils take part in a residential visit to Deanfield Outdoor Centre, while Years 5 and 6 enjoy a residential stay at Mill on the Brue. These experiences help develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence, while creating lasting memories and strengthening friendships.
Performing Arts
Pupil confidence is an important part of them becoming self-aware and self-advocating individuals. We actively instil this through curriculum participation in performance, which allows them to share their learning with families, while instrumental concerts, dance showcases and Junior Choir performances encourage musical and creative talents to shine. Families are invited to join children for the parent assemblies, Junior Christmas performances, a much-loved showcase of songs, poetry and readings.
Speech and Drama
We introduce Infant School children to how speech and drama can play a vital role in developing them as confident, articulate and expressive communicators. Lessons take place in the Rose Theatre and other School spaces, providing the foundation of holistic skills that include:
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In Year 6, pupils delve into studying, interpreting and performing Shakespeare, deepening their understanding of literature through immersive, curriculum-linked experiences. They learn to collaborate on opinions and develop a creative-critical mindset.
Year 6’s participation in The Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival is vital to their learning journey. Not only is their knowledge of Shakespeare enhanced, so too are their imaginations and creativity as they translate the chosen play in the classroom to the stage.
Mrs Helen Tabb, Head of Curriculum – Infants & Juniors
In 2024, our Year 6 pupils performed an abridged version of The Tempest at The Coram Shakespeare Festival. The children were awarded with an introduction as well as a backstage tour to showcase the management and lighting of Bristol’s Tobacco Factory, before they took to the stage for their much-anticipated performance.
Music
Music is embedded into both the curriculum and co-curricular life in the Junior School, encouraging creativity, confidence and collaboration.
Through engaging classroom lessons and performance opportunities, children enjoy making music while developing the skills in listening, performing and composing. With access to an industry-standard recording studio, pupils are introduced to music technology and its role within the creative industries.
Pupils perform in a wide variety of musical events throughout the year, including festive productions, carol service, assemblies, instrumental showcases and end-of-year performances. Featuring soloists, ensembles and bands, these occasions celebrate the breadth of musical talent within the School while providing valuable opportunities for our Junior School pupils to perform alongside and learn from older year groups.
Introducing music lessons in the Infant & Junior School fosters a lifelong passion in the beauty of melodies whilst igniting the fun and spirit of the subject.
Mr Andrew Cleaver, Head of Junior School Music
Creative Arts
Art in Junior School encourages pupils to explore, experiment and express themselves through a wide range of media. From drawing, painting and sculpture to ceramics, digital media and animation, children develop practical artistic skills while deepening their understanding of both contemporary and traditional artists and designers. Specialist Art teaching is introduced in Year 6, helping pupils build confidence in working with dedicated subject teachers as they prepare for the transition to Senior School.
Clifton High School also takes an active role in West Bristol’s Annual Arts Trail, proudly showcasing pupils’ work to the wider community. Through exhibiting their artwork and engaging with local artists and visitors, children gain valuable opportunities to celebrate their creativity and develop an appreciation of the wider world of art and design.
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Technology Carousel
Our Junior School children are fortunate to experience a range of technology-based subjects through their timetabled ‘Technology Carousel’ lessons. Consisting of coding, woodwork, product design, food and nutrition, Year 3 to 6 pupils are exposed to hands-on learning in specialist suites, preparing them for an increased engagement in the Senior School.
Conclusion
We are incredibly proud of what we cultivate in our younger years' Creative Arts curriculum. From the stage to the technology, our Infant and Junior School teachers are adept at encouraging pupils to explore, experiment and excel in their selected artistic pursuits.
We hope you continue to enjoy the threads of creativity woven throughout the Infant and Junior School as we, in turn, endeavour to inspire and ignite imaginations.
