The School runs a range of extra curricular activities at lunchtimes, after school and during the weekends. Pupils are encouraged to participate and enjoy the challenge of taking on something new. Over 20 activities are offered including debating, public speaking, sport, music, drama, chess, reading, computing and country dancing as well as opportunities to publish the School Magazine and SVI Yearbook. In addition there are some after school study classes.
Individual tuition may be taken in many instruments and Diction. Pupils also embrace charity fundraising and those involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award actively support community service. Activities such as school shows, musical events, sports dinners and Burns suppers are also arranged and fully involve both pupils and staff.
The School tries to balance potentially conflicting activities where these arise. Once pupils have committed themselves to a group or team, they are expected to honour that commitment, and to have the courtesy to inform staff when they are unable to meet what is required of them.
Team games are an integral part of life at St Columba’s, and the School expect all boys and girls to be available for matches on Saturdays and mid week, together with after school practices. Pupils wishing to be excused from PE must bring a note to PE staff. Any pupil who is unable to represent St Columba’s in a team match should bring a note as early in the week as possible, preferably by the Tuesday before the match.