Extraordinary Opportunities
At Erskine Stewart Melville, we go beyond the classroom to bring learning to life and help our students to become well-rounded individuals who are confident, resilient, and prepared for life’s challenges. Whatever their interests, we provide so many opportunities for students to discover their own unique interests and achieve their potential. Whether they’re developing teamwork skills on the sports field, building resilience through outdoor adventures, expressing creativity through music and drama, or learning new skills in one of our clubs, our co-curricular activities are designed to enrich academic learning and support personal development.
Our co-curricular programme is also an important respite from academia, helping to model the life balance needed for good mental health later in life.
Sport for All
At Erskine Stewart Melville sport is for everyone. While we achieve considerable success at a regional and national level our priority is to inspire a passion for sport in every student, that will stay with them for life
136
sports teams
1150
competitive fixtures each year
28
different sports played
66
students playing at a national level
The breadth of sport on offer in our Senior School enables every child to find a sport they love, be part of a team, play in competitions and enjoy opportunities that just wouldn’t be available in a smaller school.
Our extensive sporting facilities include a state-of-the-art hockey AstroTurf pitch, cricket squares, summer athletics facilities, tennis courts and well-equipped sports halls. We also have a 25m swimming pool and a strength and conditioning suite. Our coaches make use of technology to enhance performance, including video analysis and we have a bespoke programme to support our high performing pupils.
Our team of physical education teachers are highly qualified with many having personal experience of competing at an elite level. They encourage students to work hard and beat their personal best.
The entire sport programme is modelled around our five school values, to help students develop as good people as well as good sportspeople. Lessons inspire resilience, confidence and maturity and teach children how to respond to victory and defeat. We instil the belief that you can learn from every game and every mistake, and this helps you grow as a player and as a person off the pitch.
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Award-Winning Performance Art Programme
Students have unparalleled opportunities for creative expression. Whether it’s performing in the Usher Hall or participating in one of 30 senior school annual dramatic or music productions, every student has the chance to shine. Our extensive Music and Drama programme earned us the 2023 Independent Schools of the Year Award in the Performing Arts, Music and Drama category.
This expansive range of activities includes 28 choirs, orchestras, ensembles, and bands, as well as a variety of performance arts clubs that nurture talents in scriptwriting, stage tech, jazz, rock, and more.
Playing a musical instrument is encouraged at ESMS and we offer over 20 instrumental lessons.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated specialist music and drama teachers help students to excel, with many going on to study at leading universities and conservatoires.
Discover Your Passion – Over 180 Clubs to Explore
Our clubs offer students the chance to have fun, explore something new, develop leadership skills and make new friends. With over 180 clubs in the senior school, we cover every interest imaginable – including Film Making, Lego Robotics, Dance Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Debating Club and many sports and music clubs. If you can’t find something you like, you can even set up your own club!
Learning in the Wilderness
At Erskine Stewart Melville we offer one of the most extensive outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, run by a full time Outdoor Learning Manager and supported by 70 staff, who share a passion for the outdoors. It gives our students so many opportunities to explore nature, take on challenges, build confidence and resilience, make independent decisions and develop strong friendships. Find out more about Outdoor Learning at Erskine Stewart Melville.
Learning Through Adventure: Trips at ESMS
At Erskine Stewart Melville, learning through adventure is a huge part of school life. With over 400 academic trips and residential adventures in the senior school, there are so many opportunities to bring learning to life, build essential life skills, and spark curiosity. Whether it’s exploring Iceland’s geysers and glaciers, playing hockey tournaments in South Africa, studying Art in Italy or connecting with partner schools in Malawi our global adventures broaden horizons. Closer to home, students journey all over the UK to deepen their knowledge, hone their leadership skills and build resilience.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Erskine Stewart Melville’s Duke of Edinburgh Award programme has one of the highest participation rates in Scotland with over 300 students achieving a bronze, silver or gold certificate last year. The scheme offers students the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge. The experience builds self-confidence and leadership, shapes character and fosters a love for adventure and community service.
Combined Cadet Force
Our Combined Cadet Force is offered to all students from S3, offering opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork and self-confidence through challenging military style training. Cadets in the RAF section also have the opportunity to learn to fly.
Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
At Erskine Stewart Melville Senior School, students are offered extraordinary opportunities to explore their passions and develop their talents across music, trips, outdoor learning, drama, and sport. Whether performing in concerts, exhibiting artwork, taking part in adventurous outdoor challenges, captivating audiences on stage, or competing on the field, every student is supported to grow in confidence, creativity, and determination. These diverse experiences prepare our young people to excel in all areas of life, nurturing skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
