Extra Curricular

Aside from the obvious health benefits, dance provides a valuable creative outlet for many of our students. Dance classes help encourage self-confidence, discipline, poise, and grace. Most importantly, dance classes are fun!

Available as an additional extra, Lucton offers lessons in Ballet and Modern Dance for children in our Nursery and Prep School, with regular opportunities for them to perform within the school, including a ballet assembly for parents.

Expert teaching is also available for those who wish to continue with dance as they progress through the Middle, Senior, and Sixth Form. Past students have gained places at prestigious institutions including Italia Conte, and some members of our alumni have gone on to forge careers as professional dancers.

In addition to the above, students in Year 9 are strongly encouraged to begin taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (DofE). The scheme is designed to provide young people with fundamental life skills through challenges and activities; in turn, encouraging confidence, tenacity, and selflessness. It is also a particularly worthwhile addition to university and job applications, demonstrating an ability to go the extra mile.

The scheme is comprised of three different milestones; Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with each one requiring the successful competition of several key challenges before moving to the next level. At Lucton, Bronze is completed in Year 9, Silver in Year 10, and Gold generally in Year 11-12. Regardless of the level, there are several common key indicators that must be achieved in all.

Skill: Students will be expected to grasp a new skill; from learning a musical instrument, to understanding how to administer first aid, the choice is theirs.

Physical: A key requirement is to take part in a sport or physical activity that has not been experienced before, and to set an achievable goal to measure success. Again, the choice is down to the student and could include anything from lacrosse and fencing, to weight training or rock climbing.

Volunteering: Aimed at encouraging community spirit and selflessness, some will choose to undertake charity work and community projects, whilst others may prefer to provide first aid support at various events, or to help younger students with their studies.

Expedition: Many requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh Award can be attained through Lucton’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), not least of which the opportunity to take part in expeditions all over the UK. At Bronze level these last for 2 days and 1 night; however, those that achieve Gold are required to complete 4 days and 3 nights, including 1 night of “wild camping”.

Successful completion of Bronze and Silver levels earns a certificate and badge; however, those that achieve the coveted Gold award will also attend a presentation at Buckingham Palace and, even more importantly, a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction and pride.

London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) lessons embody the transformative power of the dramatic arts; creativity, innovation, and authentic, confident communication. For many of our students it is incredibly positive and rewarding and has benefits beyond dramatic performance. For our older students, it can even provide valuable UCAS points.

Individual or small group LAMDA lessons are available to all students, at an additional cost, from Year 2 through to Sixth Form, and can be included within the school day.

Set within 14 acres of beautiful north Herefordshire countryside, our Equestrian Centre features two all-weather outdoor arenas and miles of off-road hacking. The centre is managed by Miss Coates, (BHSAI, SM, UKCC L2) who, in addition to being a highly experienced coach, regularly competes at the Horse of the Year Show on her home bred and produced show horses.

Riding lessons are available within the school day, and we have a range of well-schooled horses and ponies to suit all abilities from complete novices to competent riders, keen to improve their dressage, jumping, and competition skills. For those wishing to compete on their own horses or ponies, we have teams for show jumping, dressage, and eventing that train and compete regularly. The National Schools Association (NSA) actually deliver a Hicksted Arena Eventing Challenge at Lucton, which sees a number of schools competing, along with our own teams.

Some students will work towards professional qualifications; our Sixth Formers having the opportunity to study for the BHSQ (formerly BHSAI) qualification in coaching, and we are also justly proud of our accreditation as a Pony Club Centre, allowing students to enjoy weekly riding or stable management sessions as they work towards their achievement badges.

In addition to curriculum swimming, offered from Pre-School through to the end of Year 8, all students can opt-in to additional swimming as part of the activities programme. Offering both development swimming and performance swimming, the sessions offer expert tuition delivered by Typhoon Leisure who support the progress of all students.