Skip To Main Content

Close Mobile Menu ( Don't delete it )

Mobile Utility

Main Header

Sticky Header

Breadcrumb

Unleashing Creativity and Curiosity Through ASAs

By Ritu Mishra
MYP Teacher and Activities coordinator
 
Ritu Mishra

As the After-School Activities (ASA) Coordinator at Stonehill International School, it brings me immense pride to reflect on the success of our ASA programme for the academic year 2024–25. What began as a carefully curated set of offerings evolved into a vibrant, student-centered platform where creativity, curiosity, and confidence truly flourished.

At Stonehill, we believe that learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Our ASA programme is a direct extension of our commitment to holistic education. Across both semesters, we designed and implemented activities that sparked new interests, developed existing talents, and gave students space to express themselves beyond academics.

A Canvas for Creative Expression

One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme was seeing students step into roles that allowed them to explore and showcase their creativity. From musical talents nurtured in Taaqademy Music, Rock-pop Band, and Orchestra, to performance arts such as Theatre, Set Design, and Storyboarding & Animation, students were empowered to embrace their inner artists and performers.

Visual art lovers found their voice in activities like Painting & Sculpture, Collaborative Art Project, Three-Dimensional Art Club, and Art of Journaling. We also incorporated hands-on, sustainable creativity through Cooking, Seed to Table, and DIA Craft Projects—all of which were enthusiastically received. And for budding writers and communicators, Tiger Trail Magazine served as an engaging editorial outlet.

There are no resources or collections to display
There are no resources or collections to display
There are no resources or collections to display

Promoting Physical and Emotional Wellness

Physical wellbeing continued to be a major pillar of our ASA approach. The variety in our sports and wellness activities was truly expensive—ranging from Wall Climbing, Pilates, Yoga, and Hip-hop Dance to more competitive games like Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Football, Cricket and Ultimate Frisbee.

A special highlight was the continued success of Horse Riding at Embassy Riding School, which gave students a rare opportunity to connect with animals and build unique skills outside the standard school setting.

Embracing Innovation and Leadership

Our future-focused ASAs were equally energising. Activities like Aeromodelling, Rocketry, Drone Technology, STEM, Coding and Robotics captured student imagination and allowed them to explore problem-solving in innovative ways. The Sci-Fi & Space Exploration Club was a standout addition, perfect for students whose minds drift toward galaxies far beyond our own.

Equally important was fostering leadership and academic excellence. Through Model United Nations (MUN), World Scholar’s Cup, Student Council (STUCO) and the Secondary Yearbook, students learned to lead, collaborate, and think critically—preparing them for the wider world.

Meeting Individual Needs

We recognise that every learner's journey is unique. That’s why academic support was an integral part of the ASA programme. Select students received personalised tutoring in specific subjects, helping them build confidence and bridge learning gaps in a supportive environment.

Semester-Wise Growth and Participation

The growth in student interest and engagement from Semester I to Semester II was tangible. In Semester I, we offered 22 ASAs on Tuesdays and 29 on Thursdays. Encouraged by participation and feedback, we expanded the choices in Semester II to 35 ASAs on Tuesdays and 30 on Thursdays. The programme was made possible by the dedication of our Stonehill teaching staff and the expertise of external facilitators.

 

Looking Back, Looking Forward

As I reflect on the year, I am filled with gratitude — for our students, whose enthusiasm brought life to each activity for our teachers and facilitators, whose passion and planning made everything possible and for the Secondary Leadership Team, whose constant support made our shared vision a reality.

This year’s ASA programme was not just a schedule of extracurriculars, it was a journey of self-discovery, expression, and growth. Watching our students explore, take risks, create, and lead was a true reminder of why these programmes matter.

At Stonehill, after-school doesn’t mark the end of learning — it signals the start of something magical: passion awakened, talents explored, and lifelong memories made.

Here’s to another exciting year ahead of creativity, curiosity, and connection!

 

Search

Explore

    More Blogs

    Staff of Stonehill International School
    Steven Gange

    “ The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”

    As an IB World School, our mission is to bring this vision to life through a holistic educational experience.

    • blog
    • pdblog
    Staff of Stonehill International School 2023
    Sarah Anjum

    As an Education Technology lead, one of my biggest concerns and hopes lies in preparing students for a future we can't fully predict. On March 28th 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the third edition of Embassy REIT’s Occupier Connect 2025, an event that brought together visionary leaders from across industries to discuss the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping our work and lives.

    • blog
    • pdblog
    Devika Dutta, IB PYP Coordinator
    Devika Datta, IB PYP Coordinator

    On Saturday, the 5th of April, some of our passionate EY team—Zaryn, Neirillu, and Geeta—and our Primary Principal Peter Spratling and I, had the privilege of attending the Best Practice in the Early Years Conference at TISB, led by Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg—renowned early years expert, storyteller, and the creative mind behind ABC Does Ltd. His session was nothing short of electric: funny, insightful, and deeply affirming.

    • blog
    • pdblog
    Devika Dutta, IB PYP Coordinator
    Devika Datta, IB PYP Coordinator

    Having served on multiple accreditation visits with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), I was honored to be selected for the Lead Visitor training program recently. This specialized training was designed to prepare experienced visitors to lead teams effectively, ensuring a smooth and productive accreditation process for schools worldwide

    • blog
    • pdblog