Clubs & Societies

Our sporting calendar throughout the year is packed with events, clubs, fixtures and competitions and we are seasoned national campaigners across the school for hockey, netball, basketball and athletics; our Art Department is so good we are often mistaken for a specialist art school by visitors to our exhibitions; Drama and the Performing Arts play a key role in the day-to-day life of The Maynard – over half of our girls play an instrument, we boast 10-12 drama productions each year (including the biennial staff play) and our choirs are regularly booked to perform at outside venues, such is their reputation.

Our co-curricular programme plays a vital role in developing skills and prepares our students for adult life. Each week, we host over 60 varied clubs during the extended lunch break or after school; we have an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme; our Ten Tors teams excel every year; the MUN love a decent debate on far ranging topics and our Young Enterprise team regularly win the top regional prizes for their innovation and sustainable designs. All this in addition to supporting a huge network of girls achieving some remarkable personal endeavours in their own time!

Read more about clubs and societies on offer:

Our Music Department is a vibrant hub for aspiring musicians of all levels and interests. We pride ourselves on catering for all instruments and abilities, ensuring every student can find their unique voice and passion.
 
A variety of ensembles cater to different skill levels, providing the girls with ample opportunities to perform and collaborate. Regular concerts are held in school and at local venues (such as Exeter Cathedral and the Barnfield Theatre), showcasing the diverse talents of our students and fostering a sense of community and achievement.
 
Discover the joy of music with us and let your talent shine!

Musical clubs and activities include:

• Concert Orchestra
• Wind Quintet
• 24 Strings
• Jazz Band
• Senior Choir
• Chamber Choir
• Middle School Choir

Of the more than 60 extra-curricular clubs that run throughout each term, many are sports-based. These are an excellent way to extend our elite performers and provide extra practice for all those keen to improve. Just a few of the many on offer are:

• Cricket
• Interform Rounders
• Sport
• Tennis
• Gym
• Pickle
• Cheerleading
• Swimming
• Athletics
• Running

Creativity flourishes at The Maynard, with a wide range of artistic extracurricular activities to try. From designing high-fashion garments, screen-printed home furnishings and intricate embroidery in Textiles, to exploring diverse media and self-expression through Art, students are encouraged to develop their individuality and technical skill. Drama adds another dimension, inspiring confidence on stage, creativity in set design, and teamwork behind the scenes. And for a more cozy, relaxed vibe, Crafts & Crochet is the perfect place to chat and craft with fellow creatives!

Our dynamic extra-curricular programme ignites passion for STEM from the get-go. In Year 7, students join our STEM club, learning to solder, use CAD software and create 3D-printed keyrings. They build phone camera microscopes and launch air-powered rockets, making Science fun and tangible. They also attend a Science reading group, which is delivered by a team of outstanding Sixth Form scientists.

The Year 8s get their hands dirty in Chemistry Club, conducting experiments like making slime and bath bombs, further fuelling their passion for the subject. Meanwhile, girls from Year 8 to Year 10 can hone their engineering and coding skills in the Lego Robotics Club, with the opportunity to compete in the ‘First Lego League’ tournament, a national competition where we are usually the only all-girls’ team and often bring home a trophy (and we have even qualified for both the national finals and to represent the UK at the European Championships at Legoland in Denmark in the past).

Students in Years 7 to 11 can enjoy clubs and activities including:

• Year 7 STEM Club
• Year 8 Chemistry Club
• Key Stage Three Science Reading Group
• Year 9 British Science Week House Competition
• LEGO Robotics Club
• YSTEMM Award Scheme
• Cityscape Architectural Design Competition

Learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends; we have a rich variety of clubs and societies available for students who are interested in expanding on their studies with others. Budding historians flock to the History Book and Film Clubs, while eager readers browse our well-stocked library or shadow the literary Carnegie Awards, and curious minds explore life’s biggest questions in Philosophy Society. Whatever topics our students want to explore, there will be a club to fit their interests – or, of course, they can always start their own!

At The Maynard, happiness and wellbeing are just as important as academic success. Alongside working hard and embracing all the opportunities of school life, our students can also unwind, laugh, and connect with friends across different year groups. From the ever-popular ‘Chocolate and Chat’ club – where Year 7 pupils enjoy games and conversation with their Sixth Form buddies – to lunchtime dog walks led by staff, there are plenty of ways to take a breather. And for those who prefer something more energetic, perhaps a quick game of Just Dance is just the ticket to let off steam and return to afternoon lessons feeling refreshed.

We make it our responsibility to show our students the world beyond the comfort of our school gates! Many choose to test their limits as part of our Ten Tors Challenge teams hiking over the rough terrain of Dartmoor, while others may aspire to tea at Buckingham Palace with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme by learning new skills, going on expeditions, volunteering and more.
 
Both have a tremendous success rate of completion, thanks their very superior training with our incredible staff leaders and their own typically Maynardian grit and resilience!

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