Mrs Axford (Assistant Head)

We are so delighted to resume the co-curricular programme this Autumn Term and have been encouraged to see great numbers in attendance, with students signing up for clubs ranging from the immersive Board Games Club to Chemical Curiosities, amongst other activities.

The programme works hand-in-hand with the academic programme and the constantly evolving list of clubs supports students' intellectual, emotional, social, creative and physical development.

The Creative arts clubs have been extremely popular with students eager to get stuck into ceramics and pottery. Old favourites like chess club have an enthusiastic following with students keen to enter inter-school competitions. Theatre Crew which gives students the opportunity to learn and experience everything that goes on behind the scenes including lighting, costume, props and sound support is also thriving. Mandarin has expanded to a second group, and students at Tinker Lab have the brief this term of building their very own individual ‘gum- ball’ machines!

A growing number of clubs are now student led by the Sixth Form, whilst other clubs have students from Years 9, 10, and 11 playing a leading role albeit supported by a member of staff.

Board game enthusiast Mr Stretton (Classics Teacher) said: “It is great to see so many students enjoying the energy and variety of modern board games and Dungeons and Dragons. There is a palpable buzz in the room on club nights and the students are learning so much about social skills, multi-step problem-solving and critical thinking all while planning how to spy on a dragon or escape on a train…”

We hope you can take advantage of the opportunities available. A full list of the activities on offer can be found here.