Academic Enrichment
Academic
The following are some of the activities that have recently been organised and some that are arranged on an annual basis:
- Lessons at King William’s College in Mathematics, English and Science, using their facilities and members of staff
- Visiting speakers for various subject areas
- Maths challenges
- Rotary Public Speaking Competition
- World Book Day
- Lunchtime extension clubs in Mathematics and English (F4)
- Homework Extension programme (Science) - available from F3
- Whole School themed days – French Day, China Day, Roman Day
- School trips – Manx National Heritage sites/museums, Wildlife Park etc.
- Specialist parent input – Local Architect for F4 Humanities Town Planning Project, Native language speakers for the Buchan Badge ‘Exploring Language’ unit.
- London visit – Shakespeare’s Globe ( watching a production and workshop) and Natural History Museum
- Use of French and Spanish Assistants
- ‘Rocket Science’ Project 2016
- Venture Centre trip
- Historical Fiction reading list with each History topic studied
After School Activities
There is a full programme of after School activities and these are some of the clubs that have recently been offered:
- Art Club
- Netball / Hockey Club
- Football / Rugby Club
- Creative Dance Club
- Strength and Conditioning
- Latin Club – Advanced and Beginners
- Chess Club
- Science Club
- Beekeeping Club
- Film Critics Club
- Prep Club
- Basketball Club
- Gardening Club
- Zumba Club
- Construction Club
- Lego Programming Club
- String Band
- Lego Club
- Craft Club
- Chatter Books club
- Lego Robotics
- English Imps Club
- Cricket Club
- Athletics Club
- Summer Sports Club
Buchan Badge
The Buchan Badge programme is integral to our curriculum and offers a wide range of activities that enrich our pupil’s education. Activities taught are:
- ICT - programming codebugs, stop motion animation
- Outdoor - Orienteering, camp craft, habitats for wildlife
- Nautical – sailing, kayaking, visits to the seashore, visiting speakers
- Theatre Arts – short movie making, radio productions
- Exploring Language – Mandarin, Chinese food, Chinese calligraphy
- Healthy Living – cooking
Creative Arts
There are numerous opportunities for extension in the Creative Arts:
- Preparation for LAMDA exams in Choral Speaking (all pupils), Solo Performances and Acting
- An Annual School Production
- Opportunity for entry into numerous art competitions
- Art Exhibitions of the children’s work
- Trips to the Gaiety Theatre and Sayle Art Gallery
Music
Music thrives at The Buchan School and here are some of the activities:
- Visiting guests to conduct workshops – Drumming workshop, choir and orchestra workshops
- School choirs, orchestra, string band, rock bands, ocarina groups
- Trip to the Royal Festival Hall to sing in a UK organised concert
- Visiting King William’s College to attend workshops
- Various concerts within school – Spring Fever, Comic Relief
- Performance in King William’s College events – MAD Evenings etc.
- Radio broadcasts of choirs singing carols
- Music competitions – The Guild, Yn Chrunniaght
- Pupils auditioning and singing with the IOM Choral Society and IOM Symphony Orchestra
- Pupils performing at the Erin Arts Centre – solos, groups, ensembles
- Choir singing in King William’s College Chapel
- Pupils part of the King William’s College Orchestra
- Woodwind group
- Music Theory F1-F4
Special Assemblies
Assemblies are an important aspect of School life at The Buchan School. In addition to these the children also celebrate the following special occasions:
- Carol Service in King William’s College Chapel
- Easter Service in King William’s College Chapel
- Remembrance Service
- Candlemas Service
- Assemblies with various visiting speakers
- Assemblies held by King William’s College XI Form Students
Sport
Sport is another area where the children have many opportunities to thrive and flourish:
- Rugby tours and sports tours to the UK competing against UK schools and in UK competitions
- Trip to the ‘Chill Factore’ for skiing
- Combined Ski trip with King William’s College
- Saturday morning rugby training and competitions with local rugby clubs
- Use of specialist facilities at King William’s College
- Numerous sports competitions and matches against local schools and UK schools
- Regular clubs for all core sports, before school, during break, lunchtimes and after school
- Full programme of Inter House sport competitions
- Additional training opportunities with top Island and mainland coaches
- Buchan School Triathlon
- Quarter Mile Swim Challenge
- School Swimming Gala
- Fitness and X-Country programme
- Traditional, fully inclusive Sports Day
- Weekly swimming lessons with qualified instructors
Family Miles Challenge