From a full Saturday Hobbies programme to specialist teaching and facilities, The Downs Malvern puts enriching opportunities right at the heart of school life, inspiring a ‘can-do’ approach to learning in and out of the classroom, says Headmaster Andy Nuttall
Q: Enrichment is a huge part of life at The Downs Malvern, with a multi- award-winning outdoor programme and varied arts programme. How are
these elements designed in a way that encourages all pupils to get involved?
Enrichment is at the heart of life at The Downs Malvern, and we are particularly fortunate to have a school culture where pupils are inspired by one another and encouraged to embrace new challenges. Our approach is all about making activities accessible, and many have a deliberate low entry point. With expert guidance from teachers and specialist staff, pupils are then able to develop their skills as far as their enthusiasm takes them, and beyond what might ordinarily be expected.
Opportunities are designed with plenty of open-ended elements, allowing pupils to incorporate their own ideas, creativity, and experiences, both within and outside of school. We constantly encourage them to make meaningful connections between what they do in school and the wider world around them.
Q; How do learning outdoors and getting involved with music and drama support pupils’ academic progress, and also build their social and life skills?
These experiences encourage pupils to take ownership of their learning, as well as helping them to develop confidence, resilience and a sense of achievement. Whether they are performing on stage, exploring the outdoors in Forest School, or making music together, it is a joy to watch their confidence grow as they gain valuable skills in communication and teamwork – skills that naturally carry over into the classroom. On a personal level, they also develop a strong awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Many of our learning opportunities at The Downs Malvern bring pupils together in a way that builds friendships and strengthens their ability to collaborate, debate, and share ideas – essential skills for both academic success and life beyond school.
Q: Your Saturday morning Hobbies programme is a notable ‘added value’ extra. How does this work and what sort of activities are on offer?
Our Saturday morning Hobbies programme is a much-loved part of life at The Downs Malvern, offering pupils the chance to explore new interests, develop skills, and have fun with their friends in a structured, teacher-led environment. There is something for everyone, with a wide range of activities to choose from each term. Some hobbies complement our traditional prep school sports, such as horse riding, golf, badminton, rackets, mountain biking, cross-country running, and yoga. Others provide a creative outlet, including art workshops, orchestra, textiles, design technology, coding, and photography. Pupils can also develop practical skills – for instance, entrepreneurship, cooking, outdoor explorers, farming on our school smallholding, and even engineering on our miniature steam railway.
Each term, pupils select two or three Saturday hobbies to take part in, and we’re always open to their ideas, with many of our clubs having been introduced in response to what the children themselves are passionate about – our Eco Club is just one example. The Hobbies programme has also been well received by our parent community, many of whom say that it has helped introduce their children to activities that would have been difficult to access outside of school.
Q: Pupils at The Downs Malvern have a natural progression to Malvern College for Senior years but also use its facilities and resources before they join. What benefits does this early access bring?
Our pupils are particularly fortunate to benefit not only from everything that we offer here at The Downs Malvern but also from regular access to Malvern College’s outstanding facilities. As the junior section of the College, we consider these exceptional resources an extension of our own, giving our pupils a valuable head start before they move on to senior school. Every week, our pupils use Malvern College’s swimming pool for lessons and squad training, while those keen on racket sports can take advantage of the rackets and squash courts on Saturdays. We also stage some of our larger senior productions in the impressive Rogers Theatre. The College’s astroturf pitches and playing fields complement our own, providing the perfect setting for larger match days and tournaments.
Beyond sports and performing arts, our pupils take part in special events and workshops at the College, such as orchestral and choral days, careers fairs, science experiences, drama workshops, and maths challenges. This close relationship ensures that pupils not only experience world-class facilities but also feel fully at home within the wider Malvern College community, making their transition to senior school a natural and exciting progression.
Q: What is the perspective of The Downs Malvern’s parents and pupils on the value of all the extracurricular opportunities?
Our community places great value on our co-curricular offering, recognising how it nurtures personal growth beyond the classroom. Whether exploring the outdoors, engaging in the creative and performing arts, or developing new skills, these activities provide structure, stimulation, and a well-rounded education that supports academic learning.
With such a wide range of opportunities, pupils naturally find activities that spark their interests and passions – offering a welcome alternative to the distractions of a social media-driven world. More than that, they develop a ‘can-do’ mindset, embracing challenges with confidence. We also encourage both pupils and parents to share their ideas – ensuring our co-curricular programme remains dynamic and relevant to the children’s evolving interests.
The Downs Malvern thedownsmalvern.org.uk
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