Co-Curriculars and Clubs 2019-20

We provide a wide variety of clubs and activities after school. We believe that a balance among Athletics, the Arts, technology and general interest is desirable, and that each activity should, in some way, extend student learning while promoting camaraderie and fun.

A new schedule of clubs and co-curricular activities is provided in each of the three terms. The number and variety of activities vary according to grade level and student interest. Some clubs and activities are supervised by Branksome Hall teachers and others by specialized outside personnel. Fees are charged to cover the cost of materials and instruction.

Since school involvement is a high priority at Branksome Hall, we hope that every girl will take part in at least one co-curricular activity per term.

Programs generally run from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Parents or caregivers must pick up students no later than 10 minutes after the scheduled end of the activity; otherwise, the girls will be sent to the After-School Program, where their safety is assured. Parents are billed for this service. The following is a small sample of co-curricular activities and is subject to change.

Aspiring Architect: Grades 3–6

This program explores how architects really work, moving through the process of planning and designing. Aspiring architects will discover design techniques, along with different, exciting architectural styles used throughout history, before bringing their visions to life - first in freehand and then with model construction. The exciting world of architecture is at our fingertips.

Ballet: JK - SK and Grade 1–2

Children begin to learn the basic ballet positions, technique and artistry. The use of repetition, creative imagery singing and stories is used to spark their imaginations, helping them envision and remember basic ballet steps and proper technique.

BOATsmart!®: Grades 4–6

If you operate any motorized recreational watercraft in Canada, you are required to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a boat license. The Operator Card is required regardless of age, size of boat or engine horsepower – it’s the law! In this accredited BOATsmart!® Safe Boating Exam-Prep Program, junior boaters will learn about and study for the official BOATsmart!® Exam and explore the fun of boating. The last session of this program offers an optional proctored exam – participants who pass will hold the official Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card – which is valid for life!

Branksome Hall Conservatory of Music

Private music lessons are offered to students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Lessons take place in Junior School classrooms from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We currently offer lessons in piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele, flute, trumpet, drums, saxophone and clarinet. Other instruments may be available upon request. To participate in private music lessons, please complete the Private Music Lessons form on the Portal.

Chess Club: SK–1 and Grades 2–6

Chess lessons are conducted by the Chess’n Math Association (CMA), an organization in its 25th year of teaching chess to children. Lessons are tailored for beginner to advanced students and each lesson is followed by a practice session. Certificates indicating the level achieved are awarded at the end of each course.

Choir: Grades 1–3

Choir is for students who love to sing and share music with others. They will explore various singing tools and techniques together as they learn repertoire to perform at the Branksome Hall Carol Service in December.

Dance Fusion: Grades 1–4

Dance Fusion Club focuses on the styles of Hip Hop, Breakdance and Jazz as well as give students the opportunity to create their own dances  All taught routines are brand new and each class ends with fun dance games students can enjoy with friends. At the end of each term, dancers invite family and friends to a performance

Debate Club: Grade 4–6

Do you love to engage in a good discussion? Can you support a perspective with a convincing argument? If you are interested in learning to debate and want to be a part of the Grade 6 debate team, please sign up!

Free Swim: Grades SK–6

This is an opportunity for students to swim under lifeguard supervision. The focus of this program is on the enjoyment of swimming.

Garden/Nature Explorers Club: SK–Grade 6

Students explore the forests, hillsides and gardens of Branksome Hall. In this club, girls learn about nature as they green our school grounds. They have an opportunity to create their own field guide of the area, investigate local plants and animals, dig in the dirt, connect with nature and care for a garden!

Kidproof Babysitting Course: Grades 6

The Babysitter Training Program is packed full of advice, guides, tips and information to prepare students to become babysitters for young children. Through activities and hands-on practice, students gain the confidence and skills required to be the best babysitter possible. Teaching is based on real life experiences from kids and experts in the know. After successfully completing the Kidproof Babysitter’s Training Program, students will be confident, prepared, professional, safe and in demand. Each student receives a Babysitter’s Handbook and wallet card upon successful completion.

Kidproof Home Alone Course: Grades 4–6

This course teaches students how to care for themselves for the few hours a day they may be home alone. Course material will include First Aid, Stranger Safety and Fire Safety.

Knitting Club: Grades 1–4

Cozy circle scarves, comfy sweaters and warm woolen mittens are just a few of the wonderful items you can create once you know how to knit! This class is for any knitting enthusiast, both beginners and advanced. We will review the basics of knitting, from casting on to knit stitches to binding off, followed by creating multiple small projects to add to your woolen collection! We may even try our hand at other forms of knitting, such as finger knitting, arm knitting or peg knitting! It’s amazing what you can accomplish with some yarn and a few knitting needles.

Sticky Icky Yucky!: SK–Grade 1

In this program, students will learn many facets of science by making bouncy balls and slime from polymers and experimenting with the states of matter by making their own quicksand and silly putty. They will then move into the kitchen to learn about molecular gastronomy by making their own butter from emulsions, fruit noodles from gelification and jelly caviar by spherification. They’ll also get to eat it all, too!

Silver Canvas Productions - Musical Theatre: Grades 1–2 (Spring Term) Grades 3–4 (Winter Term) Grades 5–6 (Fall Term) Wednesdays

Silver Canvas provides participants with a fun and supportive musical theatre experience. Students receive expert instruction from professional artists in acting, singing and dancing. Silver Canvas’ mission is to bring a professional artist experience to Junior School students by building performance and life skills through various rehearsal techniques and training. Skills can include public speaking, teamwork, creative problem solving, hard work, setting goals and building resilience.

Tinker Lab: Grades JK–1

In this program Science and Technology intersect with Art for the ultimate collaboration! In this fun, hands-on program, students learn to tinker like pros – taking things apart, using a wide variety of tools and materials, and putting it all together in a variety of wondrous projects!

Yoga: Grades 1–3

Classes are fun and playful, and encourage a deeper sense of body awareness, self-exploration, imagination and cooperation. This will be explored through yoga poses, breathing exercises, visualization, movement and creative relaxation techniques.

Women in STEAM: Grades 2–4

In this hands-on program, students learn about the contributions of notable women to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) from the ancient to the modern world. The trailblazing women featured will include well-known figures like Jane Goodall and Marie Curie, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson - who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo II mission to the moon. Join us this term to explore Women in Science and to celebrate the achievements of the women who paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists and more!