CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

MCS TRADITION

  • Cricket

    Cricket is one of our three main sports. Every summer semester, all teams in the cricket project have a complete schedule.

  • Golf

    Your child can use the excellent local practice facilities during the activity time throughout the year.
    In the summer semester, he can choose to play golf in three afternoons, and can use the first-class golf facilities of our partner club Kings Acre golf course in two of the afternoons. The golf team regularly participates in school games.
    In 2011,MCS launched its own golf academy, aiming to replicate the school’s success in tennis. Given that Scotland is the hometown of golf, with access to great courses, excellent coaches and facilities, this is an exciting adventure for MCS.

  • Hockey

    Hockey is a developing sport in MCS. In the fall and Lent, the Merchiston Hockey Club has one night a week to play at the Astro Stadium. Your child can also choose to play hockey as part of the afternoon activities throughout the fall and Lent. The sport continues to grow throughout the school, and all boys play hockey in physical education classes in junior and high schools. In the quarter semester, there are many first group matches, U15, U14, U13, U11 and U9, against other schools around Edinburgh and beyond.

  • Tennis

    If your child is an aspiring young tennis player he can maximise his potential without compromising on his education.The Tennis Academy provides player pathways from top county level players to junior grand slam level and remains a select Academy maintaining around 20-25 players at any one time. The Tennis Academy at Merchiston is purposefully small to allow pupils to benefit from an extremely tailored training programme and one-to-one support to enhance their performance. This allows the players to perform well consistently and to improve their game constantly.We have a proven track record in helping players improve all aspects of their game. The programme enables pupils to combine an excellent boarding school education with unrivalled on-court opportunities, which include top quality coaching, all-encompassing sports science provision (with our Institute of Sport Scotland partners) and appropriate level tournament travel. With individually tailored tennis programmes, the standards set by the players and coaches are of the highest level, whilst still maintaining enjoyment of the game.  Our experience shows that our boarding school set-up is highly successful in preparing individuals for life as a professional athlete, while still enjoying childhood to the full.

  • Rugby

    Our strong tradition and inclusive culture allows your child to fall in love with the game.
    Our aim is for your child to enjoy his Rugby, to build lifelong friends, experience memorable and challenging moments which will help shape him for later life. Dedicated and passionate staff ensure your son fulfils his potential through a progressive Rugby pathway specific to him, whilst playing alongside his friends in a thriving team environment.
    Our senior Rugby players act like big brothers to the next generation. This really inspires children to follow in their footsteps.

ART & DESIGN

  • Still Life Academic Drawing

    Learn how to draw what you see! Students look at a still life of bottles and fruit and learn how to measure and figure out correct proportions and accurate shapes. Students also learn how to add tonal qualities (shading) to make drawings look three dimensional.

  • Mural Club

    Do you enjoy drawing, painting.. or even just doodling? Have you ever tried working on a large scale? Can you work collaboratively? Do you have the creative urge? If so, this is the CCA for you! We are a small selection of creative artists that have a message and want the world to know. When you join us you will learn about all the essential elements of a good mural like, design, message/content, colour texture and most importantly SCALE. Our CCA will put you on the map for ever! Not only the school building, but also the boarding houses are now getting the 'lucky lick' of the Mural CCA.

  • Paper Craft

    Paper craft is a collection of crafts using paper or card as the primary artistic medium for the creation of two or three-dimensional objects. Paper and card stock lend themselves to a wide range of techniques and can be folded, curved, bent, cut, glued, molded, stitched, or layered.

  • Ceramics

    In this course you will learn the basics of pottery skills like throwing on a wheel, hand shaping and pinching a cup, bowl and pot, tile making, and transferring and printing skills on clay. Besides, you will also learn the decoration skill and glaze knowledge. Ceramics has been used by humans for both artistic and utilitarian purposes, thus some artists'ceramic artworks and design will be introduced as an inspiration. We will take a look important at worldwide ceramic culture and styles from ancient civilizations to modern application.

  • Photo Realistic Portraits

    Copy a favourite portrait of yourself or family member large scale using pencil on paper and making it look sililar to a photograph. 

  • Illuminated Manuscripts & Ink Drawing

    In this CCA, students interested in sketching and design will have a chance to learn how to create their own illuminated manuscripts using ink, calligraphy pens, and goldleaf. Students will practice designing and creating detailed letters, borders, and miniature drawings on manuscript paper and will leave the CCA this term with a completed piece of artwork!

  • Documentary

    By watching the documentary, pa计icipants discuss a topic together, and then explore independently and finally present a high-quality PPT or poster.

  • Chinese Embroidery

    Chinese embroidery is an ancient form of needlework in which intricate designs are sewn onto items such as tapestries, garments, and other textiles. Embroidery is a brilliant pearl in Chinese art. From the magnificent Dragon Robe worn by Emperors to the popular embroidery seen in today's fashions, embroidery adds so much pleasure to our life and our culture. In this course you will learn the development and the basics of Chinese embroidery, enjoying the beauty of its four major styles. You will also learn how to embroider certain patterns on fans or T-shirts.

  • Textiles Club

    In this CCA you will learn all about making ART from fabric, you will NOT be making clothes this is an Art club. You will learn Batik, drawing with thread, knitting crochet and many many other fabulous Soft Sculpture activities.

HISTORY & CULTURE

  • History of Medicine

    The History of Medicine focuses on the key turning points in the history of western medicine. For example, the advent of hospitals, the discovery of antibiotics, the rise of biomedical research, etc. This course offers insights into medicine's history from the Greeks to the present day, asks what has shaped contemporary medicine and how do people study it. Students will review the history of medicine as a way of knowing based on empirical research, critical analysis of differing historical interpretations, and balancing primary and secondary sources. Students will practice their skills of critical thinking, social and communication, and research skills in this course.

  • Chinese Clinic

    Learners from Y10 and Y11 will will have the opportunity to improve their abilities in all aspects of Chinese listening, speaking, reading and writing

  • Chinese Creative Writing

    Students who want to improve their self-expression ability, and love to study various literary genres can choose creative writing. In this course you will learn how to write your life experiences into stories, avoid cliches, and enhance the beauty of your works. Through a lot of literary analysis, story Creation, poetry writing, etc., students can become excellent story narrators and readers with more critical thinking. Students will also participate in group discussions, study each other's articles, share experiences, and give each other opinions for improvement. Creative writing courses include classroom learning, literary salons, and reading clubs, which open the door to literary writing. This course is for intermediate to advanced Chinese students.

  • Cultural Societies-Film Club

    In the Cultural Societies-Film Club, you will have the opportunity to screen various films from different cultures, and have the opportunity to compare different cultures and societies around the world after film screening.

  • Calligraphy

    This CCA is for students who a「e inte「ested in practising Chinese calligraphy. Students can choose to practise any famous calligrapher1s work and the teacher could give comments on how to improve their practice work. Hence the students are encouraged to bring their own copybooks and brushes to the CCA. In the end of term, each student should produce a formal piece of work for possible exhibition at the school

  • Chinese Clinic

    This CCA is for those KS3 students who needs extra support in Chinese, especially in writing and reading. Students will spend time in this Clinic doing extra Chinese learning activities and also getting extra help to complete their Chinese learning tasks.

LANGUAGES & DEBATE

  • English Clinic/IELTS Preparation

    The EAL provision is only for Y12-13 students, who have been identified as ones who need extra help with IELTS preparation. In this CCA, students will be provided with specialised and focused lessons that will improve their skills to take IELTS exam.

  • Debate Club

    Do you enjoy thinking about the world and sharing your ideas with others to improve your communication and critical reasoning skills? This course is the perfect pick for you. In our Debate Club, you will have the chance to read short articles, watch videos and discuss current and highly relevant issues related to science, technology, daily life, the environment, cultural aspects, and so many others.During our lessons, you will be taken on a journey that will inspire and motivate you to learn the differences between opinions and arguments, the principles upon which good arguments are constructed, how false arguments may be distorted to seem legit and you will also be put in contact with exciting and modern topics that naturally raise controversies and lead to fruitful discussions.

  • English Clinic

    The EAL provision is assigned to students who have been identified as ones who need extra help to bolster their English Language proficiency. In this CCA students will be provided with specialised and focused lessons that will improve their English

PERFORMANCE ARTS CCAs marked with * require a fee

  • Chinese Music

    Do you like to play Chinese musical instruments? This CCA will provide you guidance and a stage to perform both modern and traditional Chinese songs!Playing musical instruments can be fun! It is also good for concentration and patience. Join a group to perform together helps to make friends, improve group work skills, build confidence and appreciate Chinese music. If you are learning Erhu, Pipa, Guzheng, Hulusi, Dizi, Xiao and others, don't hesitate to sign up for this class!

  • Seniors Choir

    In Seniors Choir we will be learning how to sing in a group, experimenting with rounds and harmonies and learning how to sing in parts. This CCA is for anyone who really enjoys singing Welcome to all, no auditions needed!

  • Street Dance(Focus)*

    Street Dance has many genres: popping and locking, breakdancing and house dance. Therefore, naturally there is lots of room for self-expression and attitude. Students can express their styles and will be encouraged to elevate their skill and expressiveness.
    Cost: ¥1 900 (Term 3) 3 sessions per week
  • Pipa (Focus)*

    Pipa is a 4-stringed Chinese musical instrument which is plucked like a guitar.
    Teacher: Mr Zhou Xianshun is an outstanding inheritor of China's intangible cultural heritage and the Vice Chairman of the Pipa Professional Committee of the Chinese National Orchestral Society. After 37 years of teaching practice, he has developed a unique "Xianshun Pipa strumming speed playing method, teaching method, training method", which not only shortens the time course of pipa teaching, but also makes it unique in pipa basic teaching. His team devotes itself to the development of folk music in Shenzhen with the efforts of all experts worldwide through the Chinese National Orchestra Society
    This CCA comprises of one lecture and 2 practice classes per week
    The Pipa course is 1 lecture and 2 pradices each week.
    Cost: ¥6900 (Term 3) 3 sessions per week

  • The Band

    Join The Band Club if you want to play in a rock/pop band and learn about how to play music with other people and how to write and record songs (both your own and other people's) in a proper recording studio.The aim of this club is not to teach you how to play a musical instrument. The aim is to take your existing skills and learn to use them with a band. So, anyone wanting to join the club will be briefly auditioned, and then assigned to a band consisting of players who are at the same level of proficiency. For guitarists, a certain level of teaching will be provided if necessary.

  • Production

    We hope to stage our first full-scale dramatic production in the Summer Term. Participating in a production is one of the most rewarding activities you can do while at school. Auditioning and accepting a part in this is a very significant commitment and should not be taken lightly. The title of the play or musical will be announced in Spring Term.

  • Kpop Group (Beginner)

    We invite students to join our newest CCA- Kpop Dance Group! Students will learn a choreographed dance with funky music. This CCA is for beginners who want to enjoy the music and learn some cool dance moves!

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

  • Maths Clinic

    This is an invite only - mandatory CCA for the selected individuals to spend an extra hour a week of supervised Maths intervention.

  • Math Challenge Club

    Students who are keen and motivated, want to take part in competitions and enjoy exploring and discovering new ideas.

  • Readings on Technology

    In this CCA, we are going to read articles or excerpts from books on both the history and the frontier of the development of computer science related technologies. For example, we will read about the development of artificial intelligence {Al) and machine learning (ML) algorithms. We will not.
    go into the technical details of a technology, but focus on the historical development leading to the
    technology, its impact on the economy around society, ethical considerations around the technology,
    possible future development, etc. Through the readings, students will gain a deeper understanding on the history of technological progress and form a realistic estimation of its impact on the society and where it will lead us.

  • Programming Challenge

    In this CCA, we will solve interesting and challenging programming problems in Python. The problems are focused on algorithms and data structure and require a good understanding in the Python programming languages. We will utilise popular websites that provide good programming problems such as codingbat.com and leetcode.com These problems are considered standard and often appear on various exams and competitions. Students will learn about the commonly used abstract data types (ADTs) and how to choose a proper data structure in conjunction with an algorithm to solve a problem at hand.

  • Astrophysics Competition

    Thi is the club for those wishing to take place in the British Astrophysics Olympiad. It is suitable for years 10-12. Anyone who is interested in astrophysics will get a lot out of this competition It will also look pretty good on the application for anyone thinking of going to a top university or is looking to study physics at university or both.

  • Cribbage Club

    A Mathematical card game for students of all ages.

  • ICT Skills

    In this class students will learn how to type, maintain their computers properly and learn how to make the best use of their computers, phones and tablets.

  • Science Competition Preparation

    Seniors students will have the opportunity to prepare for their Science competitions in this CCA.

  • Computer Animation for Beginners

    In this CCA discover how easy it is to create 2D animated videos and GIFs using Adobe Animate. You will be introduced to some of the key concepts in computer generated animation, such as vector drawings, symbols, keyframes, tweens and eases.
    Using simple and straightforward examples demonstrate how to draw, compose and animate characters in a delightful and lifelike way while giving you a good grasp of the principles involved

  • Bilingual Media Centre

    Are you interested in media and communication? In this CCA, teacher will give you the basic knowledge about media and arrange students' tour to the local TV station, teacher will lead you to learn how to write and edit school news, take news videos and help you to practice your communication skills.The teacher will also invite some famous TV Presenters to give our students a series of lectures. Students will be allocated into different groups such as bilingual journalist, editor, presenter, radio announcer and at the end of the term we aim to help our CCA members to make a MAS magazine or online MAS student newspaper or WeChat news.

  • Science Clinic

    This is an invitation-only, mandatory CCA in which students will receive extra support in science from biology, chemistry, and physics teachers.

  • Sudoku

    Sudoku is a logic-based, combin atoria l number-placement puzzle. In classic Su doku, the objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids that compose the grid contain all of the digits from 1 to 9.

  • Mirco: Bit Open Source Hardware Development

    Here you will learn some simple open source hardware knowledge, various sensors, and how to use them, including simple programming to achieve specific functions

SPORTS CCAs marked with * require a fee

  • Table Tennis*

    Playing Table Tennis is a great way to spend time with friends. Like most sports Table Tennis offers body stimulation, aerobic exercise and social interaction. Table Tennis improves han忐ye coordination and reflexes.
    Cost: ¥1650 (Term 3) 1 sessions per week

  • Cross Country /Running

    Cross country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain such as dirt or grass.

  • Swimming

    Swimming is an effective way to exercise without impacting stress upon the body. By building endurance, muscle strength and cardio fitness, students will maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs.
    Commitment: 1 time per week

  • Roller Skating (Focus)*

    Roller Skating is a great way to improve fitness and strengthen muscles. Working the legs glutes and core can really enhance endurance but causes 50% less stress to the joints than running. It even improves flexibility and endurance.
    Cost: ¥2900(Term 3) 2 sessions per week

  • Tennis (Focus) *

    Children can start to play tennis at 3 years old. Playing tennis will increase children's levels of fitness, adaptability and coordination. 
    Cost: ¥4900(Term 3) 2 sessions per week

  • Bouldering (Focus)*

    Students will learn bouldering techniques and skills . Using our own campus bouldering wall, Coach encourages students to push past their fears and using their own strength combat the different levels of the bouldering wall. 
    Cost: ¥2200(Term 3) 2 sessions per week

  • Basketball (Focus)*

    Basketball is enjoyed by many of our Seniors students. Basketball helps to improve motor coordination, flexibility and endurance. It also encourages speed, agility and strength. Playing in a team encourages motivation and support for fellow students. Basketball CCA with Coach Noe will naturally help students to improve on their skills.
    Cost ¥4900 (Term 3) 3 sessions per week

  • Pilates/Yoga

    The students will learn handstands, headstands, cartwheels, forward walkovers, back bends-if they are ready, different rolls, as well as different yoga poses. They will also have the chance to make up a dance in groups and to be creative with their body.

  • Taekwondo*

    Taekwondo is a form of traditional Korean martial arts. Learning Taekwondo is more than practicing physical fighting skills, it is discipline that focuses on enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
    Cost: ¥1050 (Term 3) 1 session per week

  • Karate

    Shotokan(松潘能,Shotokan) is a style of karate, develop ed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906-1945). Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularising "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs. In this CCA, we will learn the theoretical and practical principles of Shotokan-style Karate, including a series of important moves, drills, strength building exercises and katas (fight simula­tion routines).

  • Hockey

    In this course you will learn the basics of hockey including passing, shooting, deking, and positioning. You will be required to run up and down the court to support offensive and defensive attacks, which will improve your fitness levels dramatically. You will learn how to work effectively on a team and build confidence when learning a new skill

  • Boxing for Beginners

    The CCA will introduce the participants to the challenging cardio routine of an amateur boxing training together with some basic boxing techniques. The activity will be strictly no-contact.

  • Social Football

    The CCA is open to the students who were not selected for A Team. It will focus on the enhancement of basic skills (stopping and passing the ball; shooting; dribbling) and will give the opportunity to the kids to socialize and have fun through the game of football.

  • Touch Rugby

    It is my pleasure to invite you to show how adaptable you are by taking up a new sport Positively challenge yourself to learn new skills, as well collaboration with teammates whilst at the same time, respecting your opponents. Let me whet your appetite to enquire further about opportunities in this wonderful sport as a player, coach or referee. In the meantime, enjoy some physical exercise once a week playing this non-contact version of the game, which is both safe and fun. Rugby - a game for all!

  • Frisbee

    In this course you will be introduced to the fast, thrilling and competitive sport of ultimate Frisbee also known as 'Ultimate'. Ultimate is a team sport that is played on a field with a flying disc and the object of the game is outscore your opponents by catching the disc in the end zone. It has been described as a combination between basketball, American football and soccer.

  • Tee-ball

    Tee-ball (also Teeball, Tee ball or T-ball) is a team sport based on and simplifying cricket, baseball and softball. Tee Ball is often introduced to children as young as 3 years old to help develop their ball-game skills, have fun and later go on to play higher level baseball and softball.

OTHER CHOICES

  • EPQ

    The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an opportunity for students to research in depth a topic of interest to them. Students write an essay (at least 5,000 words) accompanied by a brief presentation of their chosen topic to their peers at the end of the course. In Term 1, students explored the elements of the EPQ, what makes a good EPQ topic, etc., before embarking on their own independent reading and study to choose their topic. Having decided on their topic and essay title in Term 1, they will now begin writing their essays in Term 2. The EPQ provides useful experience of independent working and research, helps the university application process by demonstrating an interest beyond the curriculum, and is worth an AS-level if successfully completed (which takes five terms, not one!). This CCA is only open to those Yl 2 students who participated Term 1.

  • Mindful Meditation

    Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. Please join us and find your inner peace.

  • Economics Clinic

    This CCA is for those students who require additional support in preparing for the IGCSE and A Level Exams. It will provide students with additional writing practice and bilingual support to enhance subject knowledge acquisition. Entry is by invitation only and is mandatory for those students

  • Detective Novel Club

    If spine-tinglers or a mystery that keeps you turning the pages is your idea of a good read, here we can have deliciously dark titles to choose from. Come and join us to read more crime, mystery and thriller books.

  • Digital Products & Car Reviews

    We'll be looking at, talking about, comparing the latest digital products and reviewing various brands of cars.

  • Board Games

    Board Games CCA aims to build communication skills, collaboration and strategic planning. We have a variety of board games such as 'Settlers of Catan','Exploding Kittens','Monopoly' and many others, all focusing on using language, strategy and competitiveness.

  • Card Games

    The Card Games Club is designed to have members educate and teach one another previously known card games. Members will study all aspect of card game varieties and together will learn the cultural, social and the historical significance of each card game.

  • MAS Yearbook 2021-2022

    Join the MAS Yearbook Club and help collect and organise the materials for our end of year yearbook. Make this yearbook the best so far!

  • OUTREACH

    As a volunteer and charity organisation in school, Outreach will keep working on planning fund-raising activities in school, as well as raising students' awareness of community service and possibly visiting local charities from time to time.

  • Chess

    This CCA is open to Seniors Students who want to play international chess at all levels from the beginner to the ambitious player. Here, you can learn the basic rules, simple combinations and sophisticated strategies. If possible, we can also form an MAS chess team that prepares to compete against other international schools in Shenzhen.

  • Chinese Military Chess

    In this course you will learn the basics of Chinese military chess, such as rules, how to move pieces and how to capture pieces. You will learn the basic terms of military chess and some ways to win in different games. We will also watch some videos about Chinese Military Chess to know about the origin and history of it. You will have chances to discuss tactical planning and game skills with the teacher and your peers. This course is for beginners and anyone who wants to play military chess.