Clubs & Societies

There’s no such thing as a dull moment at The Maynard. What takes your fancy? You might gravitate to clubs for art, textiles or crochet, or prefer to get your body moving with a fabulous range of sports including netball, football, dance, badminton and even table tennis, plus fun workouts like yoga or Body Pump. If you enjoy wowing crowds on a musical instrument or singing your heart out, consider our more musical clubs like Senior Choir, Flute Choir, the School Musical and the very jazzy Saxophone Quartet.

You’re also supported to take on some fantastic endeavors which embody values at the heart of The Maynard. Hiking the Ten Tors Challenge is an incredible show of resilience; managing and leading your own business in Young Enterprise will push you to be confident in making your ideas a reality; and joining the ‘Choc and Chat’ buddy scheme with Upper 3 (Year 7), or campaigning for a great cause in Eco Warriors, are excellent ways to be part of a wonderful wider community. An unparalleled two years of making magical memories awaits you!

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:

• Wind Quintet
• 24 Strings
• Jazz Band
• Senior Choir
• Chamber 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:

• Interform Rounders
• Sport
• Tennis
• Pickle
• Cheerleading
• Swimming
• Athletics
• Running
• Use of the Health & Fitness Suite in free periods

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 Sixth Form, this continues to evolve, providing even more opportunities to dive deeper into and beyond the curriculum and ultimately prepare for university.

Students in Years 12 and 13 can enjoy clubs and activities including:
 
• University aptitude test and interview preparation
• Olympiad competitions for Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• YSTEMM Award Scheme
• UK Space Design Competition
• Cityscape Architectural Design Competition
• Royal Society of Chemistry Schools Analyst Competition
• Ad Astra Chemistry Extension Club

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 Film Club, while eager readers browse our well-stocked library, and those seeking a deeper understanding of their subjects can attend one of the many extra drop-ins and workshops available. 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 games of Just Dance with friends, there are plenty of ways to take a breather. Plus, Sixth Formers can always use free periods to visit the shops on charming Magdalene Road or take a wander to one of several local green spaces and relax, too.

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!

The Young Enterprise programme is a nationwide competition in which teams of young people work together to create their own business, from assigning team roles and brainstorming product design to making sales and presenting their final ideas to the experts. Each year, we are blown away by the awe-inspiring creativity and drive shown by our participating Lower 6, who unfailingly have a blast leading their company and developing the business know-how to rise to the top. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop a host of interpersonal and technical skills that are invaluable for future careers!

Where next?