Mr Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan's Schools, Newcastle.
In my role as Principal at a leading Newcastle independent school, one of the things that I am most proud to offer our pupils is opportunity. In an increasingly challenging marketplace, we recognise that choosing to invest in education for your child is a significant decision for a family. So, we look at what we can offer to make sure that families are getting the best possible educational experience from us, and the extra opportunities we can provide to the young person entrusted into our care.
As a respected independent school, it is expected by parents that our pupils will achieve stellar academic success. It’s true that our students do make us proud each year with fantastic grades, (we’re currently thinking a lot about our current cohort, who are sure to be anxious with GCSE and A Level results days on the horizon), but it is much more than that for a lot of families.
This is where our leading co-curricular programme comes in, with more than 200 clubs and societies weekly for pupils of all ages to get involved in. From Reception onwards, pupils can participate in additional activities before school, during lunch, and after school to enrich their school experience. These include everything from hip hop dance, to Model UN, Origami Club, fencing, table tennis, rowing, gardening, Politics Club, and the Combined Cadet Force. We really do pride ourselves on having something for everyone.
So, why is this particularly beneficial? At Dame Allan’s, we very much look at the ‘whole child’ when it comes to education, and this includes helping them to embrace their individuality through their passions and hobbies, whether that is something brand new, or something they have discovered and honed for years. Thanks to this inclusive approach, we’re lucky enough to include championship dancers, badminton pros, up-and-coming footballers, passionate debaters, and talented Choristers amongst our community. We believe that allowing them to embrace these opportunities and many others during their schooling will help them become well-rounded and confident adults, as well as having a marked impact on their enjoyment of their time in education.
All of this comes from providing opportunities. It takes a lot of work and organisation to ensure so many clubs can run successfully each week, but this work means that each of our pupils knows they can find something to suit them. They can try something new, build confidence, and make friends, elevating their school experience beyond the classroom and giving them skills for life. We are very lucky to have dedicated staff who give their time and expertise to run these clubs, often leaning into their own passions to provide a first-class experience for our pupils.
This opportunity-led approach is also reflected in other facets of Dame Allan’s life. We have a robust volunteering programme, where Sixth Formers can give back to the community and work to support a cause of their choosing, the largest Duke of Edinburgh programme in the region, where pupils can push themselves and learn to thrive in nature, and additional events such as our award-nominated speaker series, The Lectures, where high-profile individuals from the worlds of sport, science, business, and media, come to inspire pupils with their real life learnings.
Music, dance, and drama are also popular choices. Pupils can learn an instrument and take part in regular concerts, for example, our newly launched Endangered Instruments Scheme allows pupils to learn an instrument that is in danger of dying out within orchestras, such as the bassoon or French horn. Pupils can also join one of our hardworking dance companies and perform in both school and external events – last year pupils performed in the stunning surroundings of The Alnwick Garden at a corporate charity dinner – or take part in one of our very popular drama performances; everything from High School Musical to A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Is there an extra opportunity that you have been too afraid to grasp? I’d encourage you to take that leap. Much like a Year 7 pupil who nervously turns up to their first after-school club, it will likely benefit you in ways you have not even imagined.
Find out more at dameallans.co.uk