Sport
Sport is recognised as being a vital part of every girl's education. It holds an important place in the curriculum and extra-curricular activities are plentiful. All pupils are encouraged to participate in individual activities and in team games. Not only do they gain immense enjoyment and a sense of achievement from this but they also develop the personal and social skills which come from team effort. We encourage each girl to recognise the importance of physical exercise as part of a healthy life-style.
Thornton boasts a magnificent sports hall, which is well-equipped for gymnastics and indoor sports. The girls enjoy athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country, dance, gymnastics, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, trampolining and volleyball. There is a Gymnastics Club which gives displays and enters competitions. Outdoor games facilities are also excellent. There are two beautifully situated hockey pitches, eight tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool. The school offers a particularly strong fixture list. Every girl is offered the opportunity for competitive match play through the House system and House matches are always keenly contested.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. The school has an enthusiastic choir, orchestra and a number of instrumental groups which perform on special occasions within the school and in public. Drama is a popular activity at Thornton with many girls involved in the staging of large and small dramatic and musical productions. Many pupils find pleasure and fulfilment in the creative arts. There are Art, Ceramics, Computer, French, Lace, Mathematics, Nature and Science clubs, Self Defence Classes and an active Christian Union.
There are opportunities for pupils to have lessons in ballet, dance, drama, elocution, music and singing with peripatetic staff. The instruments currently available for study are: Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, and Violin.
All girls aged 14+ are eligible to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Scheme which challenges young people to serve others, acquire new skills and experience adventure. To gain this award, girls have to demonstrate excellent map-reading skills and teamwork. They are required to camp out overnight and to walk 15 miles across country. Girls also have to make a personal contribution to the community by helping people in need; they must also show progress in a particular skill over a specific period of time and demonstrate a level of fitness by participating in a physical activity. |