Prep Co-Curricular
Co-Curricular Provision At Arnold House Prep School
Co-Curricular
Prep Programme
Our co-curricular programme is designed to complement our academic offering and ignite passions beyond the classroom. With a broad range of clubs, sports, drama and music available every boy has the opportunity to discover new interests, build confidence, and develop valuable life skills.
Music
In Years 2-4 music is taught using the Kodaly Method in all lessons. Musical expression and notation learnt in the Pre-Prep is now formalized. Pitch work and reading are included as well as extension of the singing voice as boys develop physically. Singing plays a large part in the curriculum and drama and music work together to put on musicals in Years 2,3, and 4.
In Years 5&6 boys start exploring more complicated musical concepts such as compound time, dotted rhythms and using music technology.
In years 7 & 8 the curriculum aims to bridge the gap between primary and secondary music education, with a ‘learn by doing’ philosophy. Students actively engage with music through listening tasks, composition, and performing. The content is carefully structured to introduce key musical elements and historical context in a progressive way, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of GCSE music.
In addition to class music lessons, there is a busy extra-curricular programme in the department with a variety of different groups and ensembles rehearsing each week, including chapel choir, senior orchestra, cello group, string ensembles, wind band, string quartet, rock group and jazz band – to name but a few!
Instrumental tuition is offered on a one-to-one basis in all the major instruments, and boys have the opportunity to perform regularly in assemblies, informal concerts and major musical events such as the Winter and Summer Concerts each year at Canons Park.
Drama
Drama is central to life at Arnold House. Boys in Years 2–8 enjoy timetabled Drama lessons, with a focus on:
- Performance skills
- Storytelling and characterisation
- Collaboration and creativity
- Production tech including sound and lighting
Each year group participates in annual plays and performances including musicals, plays, comedy nights and opportunities to work with playwrights to create their very own productions.
Art & Design
In Art and Design, we nurture creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Boys are encouraged to take creative risks, explore the work of artists and designers from diverse cultures and traditions, and develop confidence in expressing their own unique artistic voice.
Through practical exploration and critical engagement, boys learn to experiment with a wide range of materials, processes, and techniques, building both skill and independence. We aim to provide an environment where imagination is valued, ideas are shared, and artistic expression is celebrated.
Games & PE
Playing With Purpose & Pride
Physical activity is a vital part of life at Arnold House. Boys enjoy regular Games and PE lessons, including training sessions and interschool matches in football, rugby, and cricket. All boys have the opportunity to represent the school, with team selection based on commitment and sportsmanship.
Our dedicated sports site at Canons Park supports a diverse Games curriculum and fosters a strong team spirit. Boys at all levels of ability are able to represent Arnold House with a pact schedule of weekly fixtures against other schools. Parents are warmly invited to attend matches and support their sons in action.
Clubs & Activities
The Curiosity To Try Something New
Our extensive range of optional clubs caters to every interest and age group, from traditional hobbies like cricket, chess, and photography, to creative ventures such as poetry, Lego animation, and Roman model building. Practical skills are equally valued, with clubs in carpentry, cookery, and language learning.
These activities run before school, during break-times, and after school, allowing flexibility and access for all. From Year 5 onwards, boys can even propose and run their own clubs (with staff support and approval), encouraging leadership and initiative.
Many of these clubs are led by our talented staff, who bring their own passions and creativity into sessions. We also partner with trusted external providers, offering specialist clubs, often after school or at weekends, aligned with our school ethos.
For boys eager to pursue sport more intensively, our after-school offerings include:
- Chess
- Photography
- Poetry
- Lego animation
- Model building
- Carpentry
- Cookery
- Languages
- Gymnastics
- Football
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Running
- Taekwondo
Admissions
His Journey Starts Here
Every boy is encouraged to explore, experiment, and embrace new challenges, developing the confidence, creativity, and curiosity that will serve him for life.
Our admissions assessment is designed to identify potential — not just academic ability, but also curiosity, character, and enthusiasm. We’re looking for boys who will thrive in our well-rounded school community and who show a genuine interest in life beyond the classroom.
Throughout the process, our registrar is on hand to make everything as smooth and personal as possible. Ready to begin? Start your application today.
