Violin and Piano
Mr Richard Jones
At Pownall Hall School, enrichment is not an add-on. It is a core part of how we develop confident, capable and curious children.
Each week, pupils can choose from a broad and carefully curated programme of clubs, activities and specialist tuition designed to extend learning, build character and help every child discover where their strengths lie.
With over 50 weekly clubs offered throughout the school year, there are opportunities for every child to explore interests, develop new skills and build friendships beyond the classroom.
Many of our clubs are led by Pownall staff and are included within school fees. These clubs extend learning beyond the classroom, encourage exploration and allow children to pursue interests in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Examples include:
Team sports such as cricket, football, netball, rugby and hockey
Creative clubs including art, Lego, creative writing and drama
Educational clubs such as science, computing, philosophy, robotics and chess
Wellbeing and leadership opportunities including Eco Club, School Council and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
Teacher-led clubs vary each term, reflecting pupil interest and staff expertise, ensuring a dynamic and engaging programme across the year.
Alongside our teacher-led provision, we partner with a carefully selected group of external specialists who deliver high-quality coaching and teaching across a range of disciplines.
These include:
Football, gymnastics, fencing and multi-sports
Tennis, horse riding and golf delivered off-site at specialist facilities
Dance, musical theatre, ballet and yoga
These clubs are optional and incur an additional charge. They provide children with the opportunity to learn from professionals working at the top of their field, while remaining fully integrated into school life.
Pownall Hall is proud to host a team of highly experienced peripatetic music and performing arts teachers who provide individual and small-group tuition during the school day.
Tuition offered includes:
Piano, guitar, violin and woodwind
Singing and vocal coaching
Speech and Drama, including LAMDA preparation
Lessons take place on-site and are carefully scheduled to minimise disruption to learning. Pupils benefit from personalised tuition, regular performance opportunities and a strong foundation in confidence, discipline and self-expression.
Mr Richard Jones
Richard Jones is a talented pianist, improviser, and composer based in Manchester, UK, whose diverse musical upbringing led him to study classical violin before focusing on jazz and improvisation on the piano. Recently, he formed his own trio with Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley and Johnny Hunter, showcasing his ‘achingly lyrical’ playing style, as praised by All About Jazz. Richard has toured internationally with the award-winning Beats & Pieces Big Band and regularly collaborates with various ensembles, including the Nishla Smith Quintet, Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat, and the Graham South Quartet, while also participating in innovative crossover projects with Manchester Camerata and Manchester Collective.
Mr Richard Jones
Mrs Katie Fenton
Katie Fenton is a highly accomplished Speech and Drama peripatetic teacher and the owner of Edge Drama Academy, specialising in LAMDA tuition and drama classes. With a strong academic background, she holds a First Class Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Salford in Visual and Performing Arts and a PGCE Secondary Education qualification in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University. Katie’s expertise and passion for the arts are evident as she guides students through the LAMDA Performance Syllabus in Acting, from Entry Grade to Grade 8, helping them develop confidence and skills in solo and duo scripts.
Mrs Katie Fenton
Mr Paul Farr
Mr. Paul Farr is a dedicated peripatetic music teacher hailing from Nottingham, UK, with a passion for guitar that began in his youth. After studying Popular Music and Recording at University College Salford, he became deeply involved in the vibrant Manchester music scene and has played with notable artists such as Errol Brown, Lily Allen, and Tom Jones. For the past 15 years, Paul has led his own band, The Paul Farr Band, performing at jazz venues and festivals across the country. In addition to his performances, he also plays for The Kyla Brox Band, an act known for its accolades in the blues genre.
Mr Paul Farr
Mrs Colette Todd
Colette Todd is a highly experienced and versatile peripatetic singing teacher with a classical training in music, teaching individual lessons to children aged 6-11 years, working through ABRSM exams and local Festivals. Colette’s extensive repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from classical and folk to jazz, musical theatre, and even rock. As a sought-after soloist, she regularly performs at recitals and concerts, plus also sings with esteemed choirs such as the Manchester Chamber Choir and the Hallé Choir.
Mrs Colette Todd
Mr Ben Clarke
Mr Benjamin Clarke is a musician with a broad and stylistically diverse career as a pianist, keyboard player, trumpet player, singer, song-writer, arranger, composer and teacher of music. Notable stage performances include the 100th Royal Variety Show at the Royal Albert Hall with Neil Diamond, a concert at The Cavern in Liverpool with Dancing On Ice/X Factor star Ray Quinn and recitals at concert venues across the country such as London’s Wigmore Hall and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.
Mr Ben Clarke
Enrichment at Pownall is designed to develop far more than skills. Through clubs and specialist tuition, children learn resilience, teamwork, creativity, leadership and confidence – qualities that underpin success at senior school and beyond.
Whether a child discovers a lifelong passion or simply enjoys trying something new, enrichment is a vital part of helping every pupil grow into a well-rounded, confident individual.
Every child is encouraged to take part in enrichment, and guidance is always available to help families choose activities that suit their child’s interests, personality and stage of development.