Specialist Provision
Performing Arts
Inspiring creativity. Building confidence.
At Rydes Hill Prep, specialist teaching enriches every child's learning experience, encouraging them to discover new interests, develop their talents and grow in confidence. Whether performing on stage, creating a piece of artwork or exploring a new creative skill, pupils are inspired to express themselves and strive for excellence.
The performing arts are at the heart of life at Rydes Hill, providing every child with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and self-expression.
Pupils enjoy weekly specialist lessons in both Music and Drama, where they build technical skills while developing communication, collaboration and performance confidence. Alongside the curriculum, a wide range of peripatetic music tuition enables children to learn individual instruments and pursue their musical interests.
Led by our dedicated Director of Music, the department offers a rich programme of concerts, productions, showcases and performances throughout the year. Whether performing as part of a choir, taking centre stage in a school production or sharing their talents at a recital, every child is encouraged to participate and experience the joy of performing before an audience.
Beyond the classroom, our extensive co-curricular programme provides even more opportunities for pupils to develop their passions. Ballet and musical theatre classes enable children to refine their performance skills, build confidence and enjoy working collaboratively, while discovering the excitement and discipline of the performing arts.
These experiences help pupils develop resilience, teamwork and self-belief - qualities that stay with them long after the final curtain falls.
Art and creativity
Creativity is celebrated throughout the school and woven into the fabric of everyday learning.
Weekly Art lessons encourage pupils to experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and artistic styles, developing both technical skills and imaginative thinking. Children are inspired to take creative risks, explore new ideas and take pride in their individual achievements.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through visits to galleries and museums, where pupils encounter inspiring works of art and broaden their understanding of artistic traditions and contemporary practice.
Our vibrant annual art exhibition showcases pupils' work, celebrating creativity, originality and progress across the school. It is a highlight of the school calendar and reflects our belief that every child has the potential to think creatively and express themselves with confidence.
At Rydes Hill, creativity is not confined to the arts. It is nurtured across the curriculum, encouraging children to become curious thinkers, imaginative problem solvers and confident learners, prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Sport
Sport at Ryde’s Hill: Engage. Thrive. Excel.
Our mission is to provide sport for all: creating an inclusive, ambitious environment in which every boy and girl can participate with confidence, discover activities they enjoy and fulfil their potential. Whether pupils are taking their first steps in sport or aspiring to compete at the highest level, our programme enables them to engage, thrive and excel.
From Year 3, every pupil benefits from more than three hours of dedicated curriculum sport each week, comprising a PE lesson, a Games afternoon and a swimming lesson. This significant commitment reflects the important role that sport plays in developing healthy, confident and well-rounded young people.
Outstanding facilities
Games afternoons provide pupils with access to the state-of-the-art Urnfield Sports Ground, where they can enjoy hockey, football, cricket and athletics within a first-class sporting environment. Netball and tennis are delivered on the school’s on-site courts.
PE lessons also take place across Ryde’s Hill’s on-site sports hall, playing field and two full-size netball and tennis courts.
Building confident and capable young people
Boys and girls are taught together during PE lessons, which focus on developing strong foundations in physical literacy. Through carefully designed units, pupils develop speed, agility, strength, coordination and balance alongside transferable qualities such as communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience, decision-making and problem-solving.
Our aim is not simply to develop better performers, but to nurture confident young people who understand the value of physical activity and are equipped to enjoy sport throughout their lives.
An ambitious and varied Games programme
During Games afternoons, boys and girls are taught separately, allowing the programme to provide appropriate sporting pathways, focused coaching and a breadth of opportunities.
The boys’ seasonal programme comprises:
- Autumn: Football as the principal sport, with hockey and tag rugby also available
- Spring: Hockey as the principal sport, with football and tag rugby also available
- Summer: Cricket as the principal sport, with athletics and tennis also available
Boys initially undertake a six-week block in the principal sport, ensuring that every pupil develops a strong foundation. They may then choose to continue with that sport or broaden their experience through one of the alternative activities.
The girls’ seasonal programme comprises:
- Autumn: Hockey as the principal sport, with football and netball also available
- Spring: Netball as the principal sport, with hockey and football also available
- Summer: Cricket as the principal sport, with athletics and tennis also available
This structure combines high-quality teaching in the school’s principal sports with meaningful choice, enabling pupils to explore their interests and develop across a range of activities.
Opportunities beyond the curriculum
Our extensive co-curricular programme enables pupils to develop their skills, stay active and represent the school. Autumn and Spring activities include hockey, netball, football, gymnastics and dance, while summer offers athletics, tennis and cricket.
A broad programme of fixtures and festivals gives pupils of all abilities the opportunity to compete at an appropriate level. Carefully matched competition creates positive experiences for every child, while aspiring performers can progress to IAPS, county, regional and national events.
Specialist teaching and coaching
The programme is delivered by a dedicated and experienced team of PE teachers and sports professionals. Provision at Ryde’s Hill is led by Danielle Fellowes Freeman, Lead PE Practitioner, and overseen by George Pettitt, Director of Sport.
Together, the team is committed to providing inspirational teaching, expert coaching and positive sporting experiences that enable every pupil to develop confidence, character and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
