Beyond the Classroom

Being a member of the GDST means that our junior school girls have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of national competitions, to strive for awards and prizes, as well as benefitting from a plethora of GDST learning initiatives, training, seminars and workshops.

Girls are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility by holding positions of responsibility such as Junior School Head Girl / Deputy Head Girls, Form Captains, House Captains, Charity Reps and Eco Reps. Regular charity events and fund raising initiatives encourage a sense of awareness of the needs of others. 

Our Junior School Council provides a forum for the girls to express their ideas and opinions about school life, while an active House system encourages participation in academic, musical and sporting activities, helping to promote team spirit across the age groups.

However broad and stimulating an academic programme is, we believe it should be complemented by an exciting extra-curricular offer.

The pupils reach high standards of personal fulfilment across a wide range of activities.

— Latest ISI Report

We believe that a girl needs to feel happy, secure and valued in school in order to excel and reach beyond her comfort zone; one way to initiate and develop friendships across different year groups and classes is to attend lunch time or after school clubs. With this in mind, we have made the commitment to offer over eighty clubs across our Junior School and we encourage girls to get involved in both fun and educational activities that range from gardening to ballet, engineering to K-Kwon-Do and Rainbows to yoga.

We welcome inspirational speakers to school and arrange stimulating educational workshops on themes as diverse as astronomy, history, craft and engineering. From celebrity authors to artists, a stream of visitors to school bring with them tales of success that inspire and motivate our girls and fire their imaginations.

We acknowledge the value of learning beyond the classroom and ensure that each term the girls benefit from educational day trips to museums, theatres, galleries, historical sites and study centres. Residential trips are organised for all of the girls in Years 4 – 6 to support academic studies and to develop friendship, teamwork and independence.

View our full list of clubs

Our charitable events, which support local and national charities, contribute to broadening the girls’ awareness of the needs of those less fortunate than themselves. Events range from Harvest Festivals organised by Junior School Charity Reps to Roald Dahl Costume Parades, fun sporting events and themed non-uniform days.

Musical concerts, performances and drama productions are regular features at Northwood College for Girls and all our girls participate confidently and enthusiastically.