What is an extra curricular activity?
Beyond the classroom walls, extra curricular activities are where much of the magic happens. These are clubs, sports, arts and enrichment opportunities that run before or after regular school hours. They give children the chance to try new things, discover hidden interests, make friends across different years, and build confidence.
From problem solving to teamwork, creativity to resilience, these activities help children develop skills that support not just their academic journey but their character too. Participating in a drama club might help a shy child find their voice. Learning a musical instrument builds discipline and patience. Team sports teach cooperation, while art or coding clubs foster innovation and independent thinking. Cognitive benefits include improved concentration, better memory, greater flexibility of thought, and boosted motivation to learn.
Extra curricular clubs at The Lyceum
At The Lyceum, we believe every child deserves more than just a classroom experience. That’s why we offer a rich variety of clubs and wrap-around care from 8:00am until 5:45pm. Schools are busy places. We want yours to feel like a second home, one buzzing with opportunity.
Here are some of the clubs we offer, changing each term to keep things fresh and to respond when pupils or parents request something new. Whether you’re sporty, musical, artistic, tech-curious or simply eager to try, there’s something for everyone.
Morning clubs (before school):
- Breakfast Club
- Number Mayhem
- Computer Club
- Mandarin
- Judo
After cchool / term clubs by year group:
- Reception: Lego Club; Music Club; Mini-Movers; Art & Crafts; Story Time; Cartoon Club; Fun Club etc.
- Year 1: Multisports; Boogie Beats; Sing & Sign; Oodles of Doodles etc.
- Year 2: Ballet; Spanish; Drama; French; Pom Cheer etc.
- Years 3-6: Chess; Football; Design Club with Lego; Street Dance; Film Club; Model Building; Big Cook, Little Cook etc.
Clubs are very popular here, with most children choosing at least one. Because we run different timetables each term and welcome suggestions, we’re always evolving our offerings so they reflect what our pupils are excited about.
Why extra curricular activities are so important and what skills do they build
Here are some of the key benefits of taking part in extra-curricular activities:
Social skills: making friends outside your class/year, working in teams, communicating with new people.
Confidence and self-esteem: mastering something new, performing in front of others, being recognised for effort.
Time management & discipline:balancing clubs, homework, rest and play teaches children to plan and prioritise.
Creativity and problem solving: arts, STEAM, design or creative writing clubs invite imaginative thinking; sports and games require thinking on your feet.
Cognitive development: these activities often involve memory, attention, multitasking; they reinforce learning in school by giving children different contexts in which to apply skills.
Extra curricular across UK private schools
Many private schools across the UK offer similar breadth in extra-curricular activities: boating or sailing, debating or Model United Nations, robotics or coding, foreign languages, choirs, orchestras, drama productions, fencing, equestrian, arts, cookery, rock climbing and more. What distinguishes the best programmes is flexibility (allowing children to try something new), quality (good coaching/teachers/resources), and the chance for children to follow what genuinely interests them.
How to choose & get involved
If you’re a parent thinking about extra curricular activities for your child, here are some helpful questions to ask:
- Which clubs are most popular and why?
- Are there clubs children can try as newcomers before committing?
- How are clubs staffed and what are teacher / coach qualifications?
- What is the cost, and are there wrap-around options or subsidies if needed?
- How much time does it take, and how do you help children balance clubs plus class time and rest?
Extra curricular activities are more than just “nice extras” at The Lyceum. They are part of who we are. They help our pupils grow into well rounded, curious, resilient young people. If there’s something your child wants to try, let’s see if we can make it happen.
About The Lyceum School
The Lyceum School is a place where every child is cherished, known, and celebrated. Situated in the vibrant heart of the City of London, our school offers a nurturing, co-educational environment founded on the pillars of kindness, creativity, confidence, and community. We inspire a deep love of learning through an engaging, topic-based curriculum using London as our classroom, enriched by STEAM, language, arts, and wellbeing-focused initiatives like mindfulness and yoga.
With small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and a strong pastoral framework, including our House System and accessible pastoral support, we prioritise each child’s personal growth just as much as academic success.
Located near Old Street, Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Shoreditch stations, our modern, light-filled five-storey building with specialist art, science, STEAM studios and outdoor space provides a dynamic setting that’s seamlessly integrated with London’s rich cultural resources. At The Lyceum, learning comes alive every day, preparing children to become confident, compassionate, and curious individuals ready to contribute positively to the world.
Attend our Open day
Curious about life at The Lyceum? Come see it for yourself. Join one of our Open Days to explore our modern building, meet our lovely staff and feel the energy of our school community. You’ll get a real sense of what makes our independent co-ed school so special.
Can’t make it to an Open Day? No problem. Just contact our team to book a private tour.
📧 Email: registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk 📞 Phone: +44 (0)20 7247 1588
