All good schools aim to find and nurture the talents in every child, and at Chandlings we feel that the best way to do this is to cast our net wide and provide the most diverse and rich curriculum possible.

We work hard to deliver breadth in what we provide, whilst never compromising on quality and always encouraging dedication and commitment from our pupils.

Children have the opportunity to join Chandlings as soon as they turn two years-old. In our nursery pre-school class they are offered the chance to take part in yoga and ballet. The range of activities on offer in Reception is expanded to include golf, riding, tap dancing and ballet.

One of our most popular Reception activities is ‘Lil Dragons’ which is an introduction to the fundamentals of karate and is led by our Sensei, who recently won the veteran British Open karate title.

As children move up through the school the number and range of activities rapidly increase. Pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 have a one hour timetabled slot during the week known as Enrichment. This is a chance for teachers, coaches and experts to offer an activity for which they have a passion.

Their enthusiasm for the activity is quickly picked up by pupils as they have the chance to sample something new alongside children from other year groups.

Enrichment activities currently on offer to pupils include snorkelling, gardening, making bird-boxes, kitchen science, drama and cycling proficiency (pictured above).

After school there is a wide range of clubs for children to choose from.

Some clubs such as ballet work towards public examinations, others extend the range of sports on offer and the rest, just as importantly, are for the experience and fun.

Currently we have clubs for those interested in gymnastics, camping, golf, jazz dance, drama and many others.

Now and again, an additional club is requested and usually an enthusiastic member of staff will happily give up their time to help out.

A recent request has led to the formation of a War Hammer club for boys and girls in Years 5 and 6.

This academic year has seen the expansion of our riding lessons. Our stables and paddocks have never been so busy. We now have 78 pupils aged four to 11 enjoying riding lessons at Chandlings during the week. A floodlit arena has enabled lessons to continue after school throughout this winter.

Our Reception children are now confidently steering their ponies, while our most able riders are learning to jump and take part in competitions.

The House system at Chandlings is an area that gives pupils a platform to express themselves. When pupils reach the prep department they are assigned to one of our three Houses — Astley, Poltimore and Richardson.

These House families provide an umbrella for healthy competition, a reward system, and many inclusive activities and contests. Staff and pupils are all encouraged to take part and to do their best for their House.

Recent events have included a swimming gala, a pancake race (held on Shrove Tuesday this week), a cross-country competition, hockey and rugby matches, a spring photographic exhibition and even a Masterchef-style cooking competition.

Parents are invited to support as many events as they can. The school community is brought together by the shared encouragement and cheering from the sidelines. It is an important aspect of children’s education that they see their teachers sharing their passion and expertise with them. This shared experience transfers most positively into the class environment.

Undoubtedly, part of the appeal of our wide and varied extra-curricular programme is that families can enjoy their weekends together, without the pressure of ferrying children to and from out-of-school activities.

Family time can be enjoyed with parents happy in the knowledge that their child has already had their weekly riding lesson, played in a hockey match, enjoyed their individual music lesson and has even learnt an important survival skill during their camping club!

For more information about Chandlings please contact our registrar Mrs Anna Poole, e-mail annapoole@chandlings.org.uk to arrange a visit to the school.

Alternatively, our next open morning is on Thursday, May 26, from 9.30am to noon. No appointment is necessary.