Co-Curricular Activities

In an increasingly globalised society, modern foreign language skills allow for greater communication between people. It also develops problem-solving skills and increases adaptability, resourcefulness and creativity. Language learning teaches cultural awareness and the capacity to see issues from various perspectives, which are highly valued by universities and employers. Carefully differentiated lessons support all abilities.

Longitudinal studies by Harvard University confirm that learning additional languages increase critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of the mind in young children. Pupils who learn a foreign language outscore their non – foreign Language learning peers in Standardised tests in verbal reasoning and Mathematics, indicating that learning additional languages is a cognitive activity; not just a linguistic one. The brain functions better with exercise and further exciting research was carried out by Dr. Pascual- Leone, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical Centre.

Evidence suggests that learning new languages can improve listening and writing skills, boost creativity and sharpen the mind. It can broaden horizons and open doors to all sorts of opportunities. To motivate our pupils, our Language department aims to:

• Give each pupil the chance to learn at least one foreign language
• Trial of different languages from an early age
• Encourage advanced language learning
• Introduce a wide range of languages through extra-curricular clubs
• Support native language speakers who are keen to share their cultural knowledge

From as early as the age of three, we will introduce French, Spanish and Mandarin lessons at Hampton Prep. Initially, children learn through songs, rhymes and stories. Languages will be introduced in a fun way using props, actions and drama. Language lessons will be introduced without the children even realising that they are learning a second language, the children will follow the story book adventures of favourites such as‘Bob le bricoleur and the ‘La Chenille qui a tres faim’ for French, using the mediums of Music and Drama and Songs.

Ballet forms part of the curriculum in Reception and Years 1 & 2. The aim of teaching Ballet at Hampton Prep is to inspire and nurture in our pupils a love of classical ballet and dance, its history and traditions and associated arts. We aim to develop physical and mental confidence and foster each child’s creative and expressive instincts. All pupils are encouraged to achieve their personal best.

In Reception, pupils learn Dance and Ballet with a strong emphasis on creativity and imagination. Each lesson is accompanied by a live pianist. These very structured classes develop the pupils’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality, using a range of movements and musical styles.

In Years 1 & 2 this knowledge is built on, furthering pupils’ technical and artistic skills and broadening their knowledge. Teaching is based on the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art developed in the 1940s, incorporating karate and Chinese martial arts with traditional Korean martial arts. As a modern International Olympic sport as well as an ancient martial art, there’s reason now more than ever to start learning Taekwondo at a young age where your child can foster certain techniques if they wish to pursue this sport later on in life and maybe one day compete in the Olympics!

Why Should Your Child Learn Taekwondo: It can be attested that practising Taekwondo improves coordination which can help your child in a wide range of other sports, and give them greater control of their bodies as they are growing and developing
Taekwondo enforces discipline in training and in your lifestyle. By learning the martial art, your child will learn from a young age the importance of self-control and what they can achieve through it.

It encourages healthier eating habits and keeping your child in shape growing up. With martial arts, fitness is a huge asset to performance and in Taekwondo this is evident. At Hampton we encourage healthy nutrition, but through Taekwondo your child can reap the rewards of a healthy diet and exercise. Children and infants typically have higher flexibility than adults and it’s only through stagnation that we lose this flexibility. Taekwondo will maintain or improve flexibility and range of motion and keep your child’s body in good health and mobility growing up. In a world of ever-growing dangers, our children’s safety is our number 1 concern. We do not condone violence, but what can be taken from Taekwondo is impressive self-defence skills which can be used to escape dangerous situations in a non-lethal way. Taekwondo is for everyone; regardless of shape, size, experience, etc. In Taekwondo, it is not the main objective to beat your opponent but to improve your own self. There is greater victory in improving your reactions and focus and keeping a calm mind than winning a single fight

🎼 Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Hampton’s music programme offers opportunities for all pupils to perform and develop their musical abilities. The curriculum focusses on performance, composition and listening skills and is geared towards improving confidence, singing skills and developing creativity.

It brings together intellect and feelings and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. There will be opportunities for all pupils to participate, supported by experienced and qualified music teachers. 🎼At Hampton Prep, we recognise that music has a profound impact on a child’s development and our curriculum is designed to inculcate a love of music in all students, in an environment where children can achieve and the most able will excel. All pupils will increase their musical awareness and talent, self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. The children will develop the skills of performing, appraising and reviewing music from the Middle Ages through to the twentieth century, enjoying many cross-curricular links with humanities during the process. Our exploration of music will be from other cultures (Chinese, African, Spanish) and will also relate to the wider curriculum; pupils will explore African Drumming whilst studying Africa in Geography. If you would like your child to have piano and /or violin lessons, please enquire below or register by filling out the co-curriculum activity booking form which reception will be happy to provide.