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Clubs and Co-Curriculars
Sharing an interest or working together on an activity are wonderful ways to get involved, make friends, learn leadership skills and have fun.
How to ApplyCommunity and Growth
Clubs at Branksome Hall are student-led groups formed around a shared purpose, meeting regularly to explore a topic, cause or initiative that reflects the values and interests of our school community. Clubs offer opportunities for collaboration, creativity and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.
Each club must serve a clearly defined need or interest and operate with consistent membership, structured weekly meetings and a measurable objective. Club proposals are reviewed annually by the Clubs Coordinator and Clubs Prefect.
Some of Our Clubs
These are just some examples of the Clubs available at the school.
Junior School Clubs
| Grades | Club |
|---|---|
| JK–SK | Arts & Crafts |
| SK–Grade 2 | Ballet and Dance |
| Grades 1–6 | Musical Theatre |
| Grades 1–3 | Games Club |
| Grades 1–3 | Primary Choir |
| Grades 2–5 | Apple Student Mentors |
| Grades 4–6 | Noodle Jr. |
| Grades 5–6 | JUMP Math |
Senior & Middle School Clubs
| Grades | Club |
|---|---|
| Grades 7–8 | Roller Coaster Club |
| Grades 7–12 | Creative Writing Clubs |
| Grades 7–12 | K-Pop & Korean Culture Club |
| Grades 7–12 | Dungeons and Dragons |
| Grades 9–12 | Film Club |
| Grades 9–12 | Guitar Club |
| Grades 9–12 | Pi-Landers Math Enrichment Club |
other Co-Curriculars
Athletics
The Athletics program at Branksome Hall is designed to promote physical well-being, teamwork, discipline and lifelong active living. The program offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in competitive and recreational sports, fostering both personal growth and school spirit.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts groups at Branksome Hall include ensembles, bands, orchestras, choirs, plays, dance ensembles and musicals that allow students to develop their artistic talents and contribute to the school’s creative life.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement initiatives foster partnerships between Branksome students and external organizations or communities. These activities are grounded in mutual learning, respect and shared goals, with a focus on contributing to the well-being of others, addressing social issues and promoting empathy, leadership and civic responsibility.
Affinity Groups & Alliances
Affinity groups are student-led, adult-supported spaces that bring together individuals who share a common identity, experience or background. Alliance groups are rooted in fostering belonging, empowerment and advocacy, helping to amplify underrepresented voices within the school community.
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Student publications at Branksome Hall provide platforms for students to express their voices, showcase creativity and contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of the school community. These publications may include school newspapers, journals, magazines or other media forms that are distributed within or beyond the school.
The Elm Editor is Branksome Hall’s student-run and student-oriented school newspaper. Founded in 2021, the newspaper operates both online and as a monthly print publication. The newspaper serves as a lens for students to explore multiple perspectives of the world, relevant to the identities and values that we hold as a school community. The newspaper features six central sections: BH Community, Global Affairs, STEM, Lifestyle and Culture, Opinion, and Sports. The Elm Editor was created to provide students the opportunity to get involved in journalism, to highlight the voices of our community, and help readers see the world through the eyes of Branksome Hall students.
READ THE ELM EDITORPerennial is Branksome Hall’s student-run literary and art magazine. Since 1995, students have been publishing curated, physical editions of the magazine and distributing it within the Branksome student community. Past editions include Catalyst (2020), Fragments (2021), and Sculpted Chaos (2022). In 2022, we launched the Perennial website, a digital platform with seasonal editions, that allows the community to access student work all year round. Perennial celebrated its 30th year in 2024–25.
Slogan is Branksome Hall's student-led yearbook, which is published and distributed every year in May. Class photos, co-curriculars and GY pages are included. Slogan has been shared with the Branksome community since its first issue in 1909, and is typically run by student Senior Editors with a staff advisor.
Signature Student programs
Offered as co-curricular activities, Branksome students are known for these programs, which allow them to explore interests and talents complementary to their IB education.
Signature Student Programs
DROP-In Groups
Drop-In Groups at Branksome Hall are informal, low-commitment gatherings where students can engage in fun, creative or relaxing activities based on shared interests or hobbies. These groups provide a space for students to unwind, socialize and explore hobbies such as video games, dancing, crafting, singing, doodling or simply spending time with friends. Participation is flexible, allowing students to join when they are available without the need for regular attendance or leadership roles.
UNLEASH HER POTENTIAL
Branksome’s Clubs and co-curriculars spark creativity, leadership and lifelong friendships.
How to Apply
Club News
Debate Coach Grace Nolan Wins Willis S. McLeese Award
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- Awards
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- 3 min read
Branksome Hall is proud to announce that Debate Coach and faculty member Grace Nolan has won the prestigious Willis S. McLeese Award.
Back-to-Back Greatness: Branksome’s Helen Ziomecki Crowned World Champion at 38th Worlds
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- Awards
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- 7 min read
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Branksome Hall’s very own Grade 12 student Helen Ziomecki was crowned overall winner of the 2025 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC).
WAC 2025: Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future
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- News
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- 5 min read
On March 5, 2025, students, teachers and staff from secondary schools across the Greater Toronto Area gathered for the 42nd annual World Affairs Conference (WAC), organized by Branksome Hall and Upper Canada College.
Perennial Blooms: Celebrating 30 Years of Literature and Arts at Branksome Hall
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- News
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- Arts
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- 4 min read
Behind the glossy and now digital pages of Branksome Hall’s literary and arts magazine, Perennial, lies a dedicated team of student leaders, each playing a vital role in showcasing the school's creative talent.
Branksome Named Top Canadian Debate School at IISPSC
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- 3 min read
Branksome Hall’s debating and public speaking trophy shelf just got a new addition! On October 20, 2024, students Helen (Grade 12), Grace (Grade 12) and Sienne (Grade 11) were presented with the Canadian Student Debating Federation’s (CSDF) top Canadian School Team Trophy at the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC).
Go Pi-Landers! Branksome Mathematics Club Wins Canadian Team Math Contest
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- 4 min read
This spring, six club members competed in the Canadian Team Mathematics Contest (CTMC) at Pickering College, where they proudly came in first.
Branksome Hall’s Anna Gage Crowned World Champion at 37th Worlds
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- 4 min read
On April 19, after four days of intense competition and based on her results across all four categories, Anna was named this year’s overall World champion, the first time a Branksome student has won since 2010, when Zeenia FRAMROZE’11 took the top spot.
Breaking Barriers at the Blues Hackathon
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- 2 min read
Students Nora and Jade showed off their creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation at the University of Toronto Schools’ Blues Hackathon, which took place from January 19–21, 2024.
Grade 4 Student Ashley Represents Canada at 2023 World Cadet Chess Championship
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- 3 min read
This past October, new Branksome Grade 4 student Ashley travelled to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt to participate in the 2023 World Cadet Chess Championship held by the International Chess Federation. Having finished first in her age group in July’s 2023 Canadian Youth Chess Championship, Ashley was thrilled to have this opportunity to compete in the Girls U10 category after just four years of playing chess.
A Fantastic Year for the Debating and Public Speaking Society
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- News
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- 4 min read
In the first full year back to having in-person competitions since 2019, the Branksome Hall Debate and Public Speaking Society continues to prove their excellence, having had one of the most successful seasons in the program's history.