'We know that their love of learning and determination to achieve developed from their time at Abbey School.'
Peter & Theresa Rogers
Hobbies
The Importance of Non-Academic activities
In and Infant School or Junior School it is normal to see happy children indulging in many activities. It is the same and possibly even more so in Abbey School.
It is difficult to express how important it is for children over the age of six to develop a hobby or take part in a club. Children need to relax and un-wind, just as adults do. They need to be with friends in a non-threatening environment. Many social skills are best learned in contact with others through these activities, such as turn taking, losing well, sticking up for yourself (and your friends!), playing by the rules - in fact, the list is virtually endless. Clubs and Hobbies are vital for the balanced development of your child, and as fellow pupils travel from all over Torbay to be with us, the strength derived from making a diverse group of friends, develops naturally.
For this reason in our Junior School, the Preparatory Department, we offer a variety of clubs and hobbies, some physical, others creative or cerebral, and the list may change each term, according to demand. Many of these activities have no charge. A list is sent home at the start of each term for preferences to be noted and requested. A child who is disappointed in not receiving a place for his or her chosen hobby in any term, is offered priority choice next time.
In the main, in our Infant School, the Pre-Preparatory Department, children enjoy their clubs in the lunch hours, so as not to extend their day too long. As Juniors, children develop greater physical stamina and tend to remain in school until 4.30 pm to participate in their clubs and hobbies. For further information send an email by This Link or telephone 01803-327868
Children need to learn to relax with their friend in ways that are constructive. Learning to take turns, play as part of a team, follow the rules, to win graciously or lose with dignity, are all social skills learned when enjoying clubs and hobbies.
Abbey School children do not always live near one another, and in order to facilitate the very important opportunities for them to play together, we are happy to introduce a variety of clubs and hobbies in school.
Many of the hobbies and clubs in school are supported by skilled and qualified staff. They enable our pupils to develop high levels of proficiency in the activities being offered. Our Chess Club, with children participating and being successful at local, Devon, Regional and National levels, is a fine example of this. Similarly our First Aid Club provides a robust introduction to matters medical, with many awards being won at Regional First Aid Competitions.
A large number of Abbey School children learn to play musical instruments and from an early age are encouraged to participate in the school orchestra or smaller ensembles. These groups range from the novice recorder players to the more able musicians, some of whom achieve distinctions in examinations up to grades six and seven, and all enjoy their collaborative efforts.
Some hobbies and clubs incur a charge and are referred to elsewhere as Tuition. These include musical instruments, ballet, speech & drama, tennis, swimming and skiing. For further information about private Tuition in these subjects, please view our Private Tuition page.
To learn more about hobbies and clubs presented in our Preparatory School please send and email requesting information to This Link or telephone us on 01803-327868