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 - Horse riding, 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