The co-curricular programme at Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science is one of the main ways in which we bring all our pupils together in one community. The huge range of activities and inter-house events creates an inclusive culture, allowing pupils to make friends, form relationships that help them feel secure within their school, take risks and face new challenges. These attributes are essential to our pupils becoming curious explorers and innovators who will succeed in their lives, able to tackle problems in new, creative ways. Opportunities to work in groups and communicate with those from different cultures and backgrounds give our pupils the experience and skill-set to stand out in their university applications and in the job market.

It is central to our ethos that all pupils play a full part in the co-curricular programme, which:

• acts to establish and embed a pupil’s identity within the school, increasing their sense of wellbeing. Ensuring a pupil is enjoying their time at school is a cornerstone of succeeding academically.
• develops personal skills. Students gain in many ways by balancing the demands of academic achievement with experience outside the classroom.
• allows students to contribute significantly to the welfare of the community, both at school and beyond. While this should be manageable and enjoyable, it also gives students responsibility that develops maturity and confidence.

Our co-curricular programme involves a wide variety of different activities, which will evolve each year and react to the needs and interests of our pupils. These activities fall broadly into the following groups:

Performing arts

Music, drama and dance are all important in fostering skills, building friendships and nurturing creativity. All pupils are expected to be involved with performing arts regardless of ability. This will be through timetabled lessons, clubs and activities, or house competitions.

Sport

All pupils are involved in sporting activities each week. While we want all pupils to experience a wide range of activities, we also support those with particular ability in focusing on their main sport. We also provide extra training sessions for those representing the school at sports events.

Service

We are building a programme of service initially within, and subsequently beyond, school in which pupils will learn to support others and benefit society.

Academic extension

These are activities linked to, but also beyond, the academic programme which challenge pupils and develop their academic curiosity and depth. We are fortunate to be able to take advantage of the opportunities in high technology and education hub of which we are part.

Co-curricular programme

Creative activities

• Choir
• Music
• House music
• Drama
• School musical performance: Wizard of Oz
• Art
• Photography
• Crafts such as paper cutting and paper folding

Academic

• Student run clubs to allow students to follow their own interests
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Storytelling and language activities
• German and Russian culture
• Maths extension and games
• ICT and computer programming
• Humanities extension and map-building
• Writing competition
• Debates – outside competitions
• STEAM
• Technology

Sports

• Basketball
• Football
• Table tennis
• Volleyball
• Badminton
• Swimming
• Rugby
• Running
• Health and fitness
• Ball sports

We also include a service programme which sees Grades 3-5 involved in projects centred around their community and allows the older students to visit the kindergarten to read to them in order to develop their confidence and leadership skills.