School activities including clubs, music, sports and drama.

Beyond the classroom
At Hilden Oaks, we offer our pupils a wide range of opportunities, both within and beyond the classroom. These opportunities range from before & after school care, clubs, music and drama to outings and sport.

Music

Music is an integral part of the daily life of the school. Singing is taught to every class by specialists and the older children take part in music festivals. Composing and performing using school instruments is part of the music curriculum. The choirs are involved in church services and other school events. The recorder group, orchestra percussion hroup and choir meet weekly to learn and play together, performing in assemblies and entertaining the school and parents. Kent Music School and independent teachers visit providing group and individual instrumental lessons.

Drama & Dance
Drama is very popular. All the children have the opportunity to appear on stage, in plays and during assemblies. After School on Mondays and Thursdays, the RAD qualified teachers of Associates Dance School run Drama and Dance Lessons for both boys and girls. There is a small additional charge for these lessons.

Outings

As part of the curriculum pupils participate in a variety of visits and outings, this gives them the opportunity to broaden their experiences and enliven learning. Towards the end of Year 6 the pupils traditionally spend an exciting week at a residential activity centre. This gives them the opportunity to experience time away from home and gives them some independence. They are challenged physically and learn how to work and co-operate as a team. Other year groups have outings during the year which have included visits to The National Gallery, The Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre, Godstone Farm, Underwater World, Dover Castle, Tudeley Church, Drusillas and Pizza Express.

School clubs
Pupils can choose from a wide range of clubs, including CDT, art, flower arranging, computers, gymnastics, choir, gardening, chess, hockey and craft. These activities take place after school and during lunchtime. Associates Dance School runs dance and drama lessons after school at Hilden Oaks on two afternoons a week.

Sports

Games and sporting activities are very important for the well-being and development of all children. Therefore we try to ensure that children participate in some physical activity every day. As well as regular PE and games lessons, the boys have their own games coach for cricket and football. Everyone enjoys the inter-house matches each term. Swimming is taught to the majority of the school throughout the year at a local pool.

We compete against other schools and the pupils thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to represent Hilden Oaks both at home and away. Inter-house matches take place termly, culminating in sports day during the Summer term. Pupils have specialist coaching in Tennis, Hockey, Netball and Rounders.

Before and After School Care

While the school day formally begins at 8.30am, the children may be left under the supervision of school staff from 8am each day. There are facilities for pupils to remain after school until 5.30 pm. Two after school clubs run daily from 3.30 - 5.30pm and include a light tea for the children. Parents needing further information, or wishing to book sessions, should contact the school office. Regular attendees may book for the half term in advance; one-off sessions may be booked on the day.

The Acorn Club - Pre-School and Pre-Prep
The Acorn Club provides after school fun for children up to Year 2. The children start the session with free play.

At the Acorn Club, the children choose and help to prepare their own healthy tea as part of a family group. The children then take part in a variety of activities which change on a daily basis.

The Oaks Club - Preparatory Department
The Oaks Club provides homework facilities and activities for pupils in Years 3 to 6. After playtime and tea, the children are supervised by a teacher while doing their prep. The children have access to the School Library and ICT Suite.

Friends and FOHOS

Parents are an important part of Hilden Oaks and all families joining the school automatically become members of FOHOS. FOHOS are the Friends of Hilden Oaks School, a parents’ voluntary organisation which aims to raise funds for the school in order to provide the children with an enhanced academic and social environment. FOHOS organise a number of events throughout the year which not only raise funds but also provide the children and their parents with fun events and activities. Each class has a Form Representative, a volunteer parent, who is there to help other parents and is a link/liaison between the parents in each Form and FOHOS.