Extra-Curricular

Hockey clubs for P4-P7 pupils take place throughout the year. In addition to this hockey teams, both boys and girls, are coached on the School’s Astroturf Pitches during the Autumn and Spring terms. Coaching is provided by a professional coach along with Mrs Johnston and Mrs Lunn. These teams enter the Lisburn Schools’ Hockey Leagues and Annual Tournaments. Over the years our pupils have enjoyed much success in these competitions, both regularly qualifying to represent the Lisburn Area in the Northern Ireland Mini-Hockey Finals. In 2016 the girls’ team won the McCloy Cup (NI Mini Hockey Finals) for the first time in the Prep’s history. In 2018 both Boys’ and Girls’ hockey teams were beaten semi-finalists in the Pearson and McCloy cups.

From December to March badminton coaching, led by a Badminton Union of Ireland coach, takes place after school in the School’s Sports Hall for P5- P7 pupils. The Badminton Teams, both boys and girls, have taken part most successfully in the Ulster Schools’ Badminton Associations Competitions. Mrs Smyth organises and coaches our badminton teams along with a professional badminton coach.

Touch Rugby coaching is available for all children from Prep 1-7. Touch rugby and fundamental movement skills is taken by professional coaches from Ruckus Rugby. Mini Rugby coaching is available for boys and girls in P6 and P7 and co-ordinated by Mr Patterson. Sessions take place during the Spring term on the School’s Rugby Pitches. A Mini Rugby team is entered in the West Down Mini Rugby Qualifier each year and at various invitational tournaments throughout the season.

Football coaching is available for all pupils from Prep 1 to Prep 7 and led by qualified coaches from CK Coaching. Each term is concluded with an inter school football tournament for the various age groups. In 2018 Prep 4/5 won the Lisburn area football tournament.

Our Swimming team are coached by Irish International David Thompson. During the school year, P4-P7 pupils are given swimming lessons as part of their PE programme. Inter House Class Galas are held during the Spring Term and we also participate each year in the Lisburn Primary Schools’ Swim Meet. Top swimmers from the Prep are also entered in the Ulster and Irish Minor Schools’ Swimming Championships annually. In 2019 Friends’ Preparatory School won the Lisburn and Castlereagh Swimming Gala.

A Cycling Proficiency Course is available for P7 pupils during the Spring and Summer Terms. This is led by Mrs Montgomery.

The Prep School Choir (P4-P7 pupils), practises weekly during the Autumn / Spring terms. At times they join with the Drama Club for the Prep performance of a musical play or concert. The Choir performs at concerts / events. Professional singing teacher, Mr Ashley Fulton, trains the Prep Department Choir.

Burns Skill School will be coaching both these sports in academic term 2019-20.

Professionally qualified coaches from Hilden Tennis offer tennis club for all pupils from Prep 1-7. Each year our school tennis club enter into an inter school tennis tournament held at The Racquets Club.

The Junior Drama Club is for P3 and P4 pupils. A separate club takes place for each of these classes. Children are involved in workshops which include:- • games • improvisations and script exercises • confidence building • creativity • social skills A Senior Drama Club for P5-P7 pupils meets during the Autumn and Spring terms, working towards the performance of a musical play or concert. These events are greatly enjoyed by an audience of parents and friends. The Senior Drama Club is led by Mrs Connolly and Mrs Aughey.

This activity runs twice each year. All pupils from Prep 1-7 may join the Dance Club throughout the course of the year. Pupils will have the opportunity to learn and perform dances. They will be taught by professional choreographer, Gillian Jones.

An Art Club takes place in the Autumn Term for P5-P7 pupils. This club is Co-Ordinated by Mrs Smyth

French Clubs take place for P3 and P4 pupils. At times pupils have the opportunity to join a Spanish Club. Parents who speak additional languages often visit school to work with pupils. These clubs are assisted by language assistants from the Grammar School

Ms Montgomery leads a needlework class from children in Prep 5-7. Children have the opportunity to create crafts and learn new skills.

This coding class is run in the Grammar School ICT suite and is led by Ms Montgomery. Children have the opportunity to write new code and create games from scratch using their imagination and ICT skills.

At various times throughout the year each class visits SALTO Gymnastics Centre for a six or seven-week course. An extra curricular gymnastics option is offered in Term 3 by Burns Skill School.

Private music lessons are available for individual pupils (P3-P7) during the school day: o Miss Rosemary Aiken teaches piano o Louise McGilligan teaches violin o David Johnston teaches brass For further information, contact Mr Patterson.

We have our Annual Sports Days in May (P5-P7) and in June (P1-P4) to which parents are cordially invited.

We work in partnership with Gillian Jones School of Dance. Dance is delivered to children from Prep 1 to Prp 7.

Children use 'Audacity' to create their own podcasts and radio shows.

Burns Skill School lead our summer athletics programme.