BCS Activities booklet

e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r ac t i v i t i e s Barnard Castle School Activities

“the curriculum is supported by a large and varied r a n g e o f e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r ac t i v i t i e s w h i c h a r e a s i g n i f i ca n t s t r e n g t h o f t h e sc h o o l �

Independent Schools Inspectorate

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W i t h o ve r o n e h u n d r e d act i vi t i es a vai l abl e , there i s s o m e t h i ng f o r e ve r y o n e t o e nj o y o u t s i de t h e c l ass r o o m At Barnard Castle School we firmly believe in the benefits of a fully rounded education. Our most recent inspection report described the extra-curricular provision of the School as ‘outstanding’. With over one hundred activities available every week, we know that there is something for everyone to enjoy outside the classroom.

We know that our pupils will enter a world where communication, teamwork and leadership skills are highly valued by employers. It is our hope that all our pupils will develop these skills through their participation in a rich and varied Activity Programme including Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, Combined Cadet Force and a myriad of School sports teams.

At the same time we are keen for them to develop new exciting interests, whether they be fencing, horseriding, debating, trampolining, rock climbing, creative writing, street dance or any of the wealth of activities on offer at the School.

There are inter-House competitions every week throughout the year. As well as the traditional inter-House events such as Rugby, Hockey, Cross Country, Cricket, Football, Netball, Tennis and Sports Day there is also House Singing, House Quiz, House Debating as well as fiercely contested events from cake-decorating to Drama.

In short, we celebrate achievement whether it be a girl playing chess for her House or a boy playing rugby for his country. The commitment of every single member of staff to helping boys and girls enjoy new experiences, discover new opportunities through teamwork and having fun lies at the heart of our community. Within these pages I am confident that you will find something inspirational.

Mr Alan Stevens Headmaster

S PORT A C TIVITIE S

ATHLETICS We have a Level 3 athletics coach who helps to train all the boys and girls. There are athletic meetings against other schools, and the annual Sports Day is a highlight of the Summer Term with great crowds of spectators and a carnival atmosphere as records are broken and made.

BADMINTON A great way to have fun and keep fit, we have four badminton nets available in the sports hall.

CRICKET Taking advantage of our indoor nets, boys are offered tuition by our professional coaches all year round. Cricket teams go on short and long haul tours regularly.

CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING The School has a proud heritage of cross-country running, and every year the whole School participates in the famous Barnard Run. Fixtures for all age groups take place during the Michaelmas and Lent terms.

GIRLS’ SOCCER Our juniors won the regional tournament in 2006, and we have built on this success. There are now under 12, under 14 and under 16 squads. The girls have participated in an FA-affiliated league and recently went on tour to Spain.

GOLF We use an excellent local practice facility, and those who sign up for this are given weekly instruction there by the professionals. Pupils can also practise their swing on the ‘Alps’ – a section of playing fields above the all weather pitch.

HOCKEY Opportunities exist for all players - boys and girls - to develop their skills all year round on the all weather pitch. Our hockey teams enjoy regular overseas tours. The school has a close link with the National Governing body, the NGB and many pupils are included in their talent ID pathway.

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JUDO A very popular activity for our junior pupils. Every week 20 or so are given instruction by a professional, offering each of them a chance to move up the ranks and earn a new coloured belt.

NETBALL Netball is offered both outdoors and indoors in the Sports Hall.

At every level from junior to senior. Our U18 team recently reached the national finals.

ROUNDERS Teams of every level participate each summer.

RUGBY The School has reached the Daily Mail Under 18 Cup Final three times in recent years, and has produced over 20 professional players, full international players (current and former) and many pupils who have played at national schoolboy level. All XV fixtures are played in the autumn and VII matches in the spring.

SAILING We offer a sailing course for seniors at Derwent Valley Sailing Club. Tuition received can lead to recognised sailing qualifications.

SOCCER Keen players of all ages and abilities are catered for. The boys’ team has taken part in organised tournaments. The 1st XI play regular fixtures in the Lent term.

SQUASH Squash takes place in the Autumn and Spring Terms five nights per week. We have two courts on site and can take up to ten pupils at a time. All sessions are run by qualified coaches and cater for beginners who want to learn the game, through to county standard players who want to improve further. Teams have reached the National Schools Finals in recent years.

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Pupils have the opportunity to improve their physical capabilities through a structured programme of both general and activity-specific training using our modern fitness suite, advised by a qualified coach.

SWIMMING Junior and senior swimming is offered in the School’s pool.

There are early morning sessions as well as afternoon sessions. In 2006 we won the National Public Schools’ Bath Cup. TABLE TENNIS Our in-house experienced coach offers training to a group who then have all week to practise these skills before his next session. Most Houses have tables, and the School provides bats and balls.

TEAM PRACTICES School teams in major sports practise on Friday or other afternoons during activity time. Those selected for School teams are required to attend practices which naturally vary term by term as the seasons change. School teams begin at under 12 level.

TENNIS As well as 12 of our own courts we are able to use the Bowes Museum courts next door, where our pupils can receive professional coaching all year round.

KAYAKING Pupils learn the basics, safety drills and gain confidence in the secure surroundings of our pool. They then can kayak on the River Tees and Ure. An increasingly popular activity and each year a number of our pupils take part in a water sports weekend.

SHOOTING Each week there are shooting activities linked to the CCF School Team, and also to House-based competitions. Keen shots are invited to compete against other schools and cadet contingents in both smallbore and fullbore disciplines.

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TRAMPOLINING Properly coached, this sport is offered at the local sports centre.

CLIMBING CLUB One of the longest running after school clubs, this was formed in 1929 by Everest climber and school master, Bentley Beetham.

The club has weekly trips to an excellent climbing wall and when the days are longer, ventures further afield to some great outdoor climbs.

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MU S I C

CHAMBER CHOIR The Choir meets weekly to rehearse a range of light popular music for singers of all abilities.

CHAPEL CHOIR The Choir sings regular Sunday services in the Chapel, as well as on special occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, Christmas and Confirmation. The Choir has also recently sung Evensong in Durham Cathedral, York Minster and St Paul’s, as well as at various parish churches in the local area. Many opportunities exist for performance in and out of School, with tours abroad in recent years and the production of the Choir’s own CD! In recognition of the Chapel Choir’s regular involvement in the life of the School, there is a Choir dinner for senior members and a Choir outing for juniors, as well as a summer barbecue for all choristers and their parents.

Pupils who intend to study GCSE or A Level Music would be well advised to join the Chapel Choir as this could be of major help in harmony and aural work. The weekly commitment is a rehearsal from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm (with a break for tea) on Thursdays and before the service each Sunday.

CHAPEL ORGAN A growing number of pupils take weekly organ lessons on the newly refurbished Chapel organ.

JUNIOR ORCHESTRA The Junior Orchestra exists for pre-Grade 5 players and beginners. The repertoire is light in style and gives young instrumentalists the chance to perform in an ensemble. Any instrument can be included and the ensemble is open to anyone from the Senior School and the Prep School. One hour’s weekly rehearsal is the only requirement

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SENIOR ORCHESTRA The School Orchestra exists for more advanced instrumentalists. Grade 5 standard should be regarded as the minimum qualification for entry. Recent works have ranged from Baroque classics to the works of contemporary composers. We rehearse every week and at least two major concerts are performed each year.

STRING ENSEMBLE Each week the top strings players meet to develop their repertoires.

JAZZ BAND The Jazz Band is formed from the more advanced brass, saxophone and rhythm (piano, bass, drums, guitar) players in the School.

The style of music is predominantly ‘Big-Band’ swing music ranging from the traditional 1930s sound to ‘up-to-date’. The playing demands good technique, good rhythm and aural perception to achieve the ultimate standard – but enthusiasm and a determination to succeed go a long way.

WIND BAND The Band (combining brass, woodwind and percussion sections) rehearses for one hour per week with occasional extraordinary rehearsals prior to performances which take place both in and out of School. Recent tours include Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium and Disneyland Paris.

MUSIC THEORY CLASS Pupils at various levels of instrumental playing are prepared for the ABRSM range of Theory exams. In order to proceed to Grade 6 at ABRSM singing or instrumental examinations, candidates must have already passed Grade 5 Theory. The theory examinations are also extremely beneficial to anyone who opts to take Music as a subject at GCSE or A Level.

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THE A RT S

BOOK CLUB This is open to pupils who enjoy reading and discussing the books they have read with like-minded pupils.

SENIOR PLAY ( Years 11 – UVIth) The casting for the Senior play is made based on auditions at the very beginning of the Michaelmas Term, with rehearsals 4 times a week, plus some Sunday rehearsals, leading to a run of performances after the Michaelmas half-term. Recent productions include “12 Angry Jurors”, “A View from the Bridge” and “The Royal Hunt of the Sun.” DRAMA We stage several productions over the course of the year and the cast for each performance is decided by auditions, held at the very beginning of each term, with the cast being chosen on the basis of ability rather than previous experience or seniority.

JUNIOR DRAMA (Years 7- 9) This activity involves small groups working together either on an improvised sketch or a published script one night a week throughout the year. The plays themselves can be comical or serious.

The activity will appeal to pupils who wish to do some acting but who have had little experience. Productions, which are worked on throughout the year alongside drama games and other tasks, take place in the Trinity Term. Past productions include “A Complete Idiot’s Guide to Literature”, “Czarina Frog”, “Sparkleshark” and “Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations”.

INTERMEDIATE DRAMA (Years 9 -10) Auditions are held at the beginning of the Lent Term, and rehearsals take place twice each week.

The performance typically takes place over 2 nights during the Trinity Term. Past productions include “An Inspector Calls” and “Uncle Vanya”.

SENIOR MUSICAL (Years 10 – UVIth) Auditions are held at the end of the Michaelmas Term, giving the cast the chance to acquaint themselves

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with the show prior to intensive rehearsals during the Lent Term, 4 nights a week and Sundays. Students are given the opportunity to act, sing and dance, and anyone of any ability can join the chorus to get an experience in performing in a large, big budget performance to sell-out audiences for 4-5 nights at the end of the Lent Term. Past productions include “Grease”, “Back to the 80s!” and “Little Shop of Horrors”.

THEATRE, SOUND & LIGHTING Providing lighting, sound and other technical support for a wide range of School events, crew members are trained in the setup of professional equipment, and in the safe and creative design of technical ‘rigs’. An apprentice system is in place, with younger pupils learning from those with more experience.

BALLROOM DANCING This popular activity is run by our resident ballroom dancing expert.

ART CLUB The club is open to juniors and seniors providing an opportunity to develop artistic skills, either in extending the work done in lesson time or in working on new projects.

CREATIVE WRITING Whether it is poetry or drama, this weekly club aims to foster creativity amongst all our budding writers.

JUNIOR DEBATING SOCIETY Is graffiti art? Whatever your opinion, we all feel like arguing sometimes, so why not learn to do it properly? Some huge issues are debated such as gender, religion, school uniform and many others. As well as debating against each other, the club also takes on the Sixth Form and sometimes even the teachers. Debating is good fun and a skill for life.

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BARNARDIAN MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM The annual Barnardian Magazine depends on the input of a body of committed pupils who help the staff to put it together. Covering every aspect of School life, the 106-page, full-colour magazine covers all aspects of School life, and is a valuable training ground for budding journalists and photographers, allowing contributions throughout the year covering everything from Sixth Form activities to department trips.

BARNEY BULLETIN This is an opportunity to be involved in the production of the School’s weekly e-newsletter. Gathering news stories and photographs and helping to edit and compile the final version. The Bulletin is circulated to around 3,000 people all over the world each Friday during term.

JUNIOR GERMAN Allowing our younger pupils the opportunity to begin their study of German in a fun, interactive way.

JUNIOR SPANISH For budding new Spanish speakers. For those with a little more practice of speaking Spanish, there is also an Advanced Spanish Club.

INTERNATIONAL SENIOR FILM CLUB The club focuses on a chosen genre or period, often selected by the pupils themselves. The emphasis is on enjoyment as well as discussion of filmic techniques.

PORTUGUESE The club can be seen as an aid to developing holiday Portuguese, an opportunity to learn about a new culture or can even be carried on to GCSE level, preparing for the GCSE qualification offered

by AQA. The language studied is European Portuguese, as opposed to Brazilian, however, the culture of the entire Lusophone world is covered throughout the course.

ADVANCED GREEK This is relevant to students who have already studied a couple of years in Classical Greek. The focus will be on Part Two of “Greek to GCSE” by John Taylor.

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S C IEN C E & INDU S TRY

TECHNOLOGY Extensive facilities enable you to expand your expertise outside the formal constraints of the classroom. You may work on almost any project of your choice. Specific times are set aside for seniors and juniors so that individuals can have the opportunity to work with their contemporaries on group projects.

MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES Designed mainly for Years 7 to 9, this group is open to anyone who is interested in puzzles, problems or in finding out about some of the more surprising aspects of Mathematics. The content of the weekly sessions will be varied according to the abilities of those who come.

CHEMISTRY CLUB The club is open to all and promotes learning through creativity in science.

Pupils are able to get involved in a wide range of scientific experiments and visits, and can also participate in the nationally recognised Crest Award - a project-based awards scheme for science, technology, engineering and maths.

ICT CLUB Junior and intermediate pupils can choose their own projects, ranging from stop frame animation and video editing to programming or simply internet gaming.

PHYSICS FILM CLUB A weekly group that watch and discuss films about luminaries in Physical Science.

COOKERY CLUB In our Healthy Eating Cookery Club, students are able to try new foods and flavours. We try out lots of different menus and aim to cook at least two courses that can be eaten with friends in the club or at home.

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YOUNG ENTERPRISE The Young Enterprise offers the opportunity to form, finance, manage and finally wind up a business company.

Those taking part become officers of their company, hold weekly board meetings and have the advice of a visiting business person. The life of each company is usually nine months and so the commitment is for a whole academic year.

This is an activity of value to, but not exclusively for, GCSE, AS and A Level Business Studies candidates.

STEM CLUB We have fun weekly challenges enabling pupils to perfect skills in design, engineering and team-building or to work as individuals on CREST national science research awards with mentoring from staff.

Visits to places and events of interest (eg the national Big Bang meetings) and visits from STEM ambassadors (scientists who go out to promote and inform on their particular scientific passions) are also an important area in the Barney STEM Club.

ENGINEERING CLUB Are you interested in how a car engine works?

Have you thought about becoming an engineer? This club is for any pupil with an interest in anything mechanical. You will learn, amongst other things, how components in an engine work, what suspension systems do, how does a steel bridge stay up, what makes a gear system work and anything else that may be of interest to the group. You are welcome to bring in any small engines or components for analysis.

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MORE C LU B S & GROUP S

DEPARTMENTAL TUTORIALS All academic departments run tutorials for anyone who needs a helping hand, a confidence boost or is ambitious to secure the very top grade at GCSE or A’Level. These drop-in sessions allow time for one-to-one support and guidance.

UCAS TUTORIAL Support is given to those pupils applying for university places through UCAS. Guidance is given across a range of queries from selecting a programme of study, starting a UCAS online application or general assistance with personal statements.

MODEL RAILWAY CLUB The club’s huge model railway is based upon the former branch station at Barnard Castle (closed in 1964) and associated locations on the long defunct Stainmore line. Within the bounds of modellers’ license, one element of the club’s aims is to introduce members to the local area. No aspiring modeller will be turned away. Likewise, anyone wishing to apply expertise in electronics or with a genuine interest in railways and their history, is welcome.

HELLENISTIC SOCIETY Meeting weekly, classics enthusiasts discuss and explore a range of hellenistic-related interests. Some pupils go on to take public exams in Greek.

BOARD GAMES The School owns a wide variety of team and individual player board games. Pupils are encouraged to vary the type of game they play each week, with the games helping to develop a variety of skills including mathematical agility, team-working, patience and logical thinking.

ARCHIVE CLUB Assist with the keeping of the School’s records and researching the School’s history. When did we become Barnard Castle School? Who exactly was Bentley Beetham and which Old Barnardian played premiership football?

CHARITY COMMITTEE Each year the committee raises thousands of pounds by running dozens of different initiatives from Pop Idol competitions and cake decorating to Gladiator-style contests in front of hundreds of paying spectators.

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HOUSE ACTIVITIES Every Wednesday the School runs inter-House competitions for girls and boys at junior, intermediate and senior levels.

These aim for mass participation, and are meant to be fun as well as competitive. The hope is that pupils gain from taking part at every level.

Singing, cake decorating, drama, general knowledge, sports and many others are on offer.

PHOTOGRAPHY Every year pupils help by taking photographs of school activities for the Barney Bulletin, the Barnardian magazine and the website.

We are lucky to have a resident professional photographer on our staff.

CHESS, RUBIK CUBE AND OTHER PUZZLES A chance for players of all levels to develop their game. In 2008 we were very proud that Ed Farrington represented his country at chess. See also if you can beat Mr Maude at the Rubik Cube!

WAR-GAMING A very popular activity for the Warhammer enthusiast. No previous experience necessary.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES These continue throughout the year to prepare candidates for the annual Confirmation Service conducted in the School Chapel by the Bishops of Durham or Jarrow. Those joining the classes do not need to commit themselves to proceed to Confirmation until the very last moment.

ORIGAMI Club members have made some weird and wonderful creations!

A peaceful time is had by all, enjoying this ancient art of Japanese paper folding and listening to music.

SEWING In Sewing Club (or the Great Barney Sewing Bee) students are encouraged to be creative and have the opportunity to learn lifelong skills.

The atmosphere is friendly, chatty and everyone involves themselves in their tasks. We start the term with a visit to a haberdashery to buy fabric and other items. Depending on their skill they will be guided to make the correct choice for their first project. Soft toys and felt craft is the usual starting point, leading onto pyjama bottoms, simple tops and skirts. Visits to the Bowes Museum Fashion Department is also enjoyed by students.

BAKING Starting with something simple like rice crispy buns our bakers then progress to cupcakes, rock buns and bigger cakes such as lemon drizzle and ginger. By the end of the term, the pupils are all able

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to confidently produce products that are not only well presented, but delicious too.

PSYCHOLOGY The club exists to introduce psychology to students in Years 10 and above, and would be particularly useful for pupils considering studying this at A’Level or even university. Pupils are able to discuss topics of their choice and are given the opportunity to learn about the main perspectives and theories through research and experiments.

COMBINED CADET FORCE The Combined Cadet Force incorporates Army and RAF sections. It is open to all pupils from the summer term of Year 9 onwards. Although the activities and training programme are based around a military content, their prime aim is to develop leadership and self-reliance and to introduce cadets to new ideas and activities that they would not normally be able to access.

The weekly meetings, called parades, begin with general activities such as map-work, campcraft and shooting in the first year. These progress to specialist training related to weapons, battle skills, signals/radios or flying in the second year. Sixth Form cadets follow a training course to become instructors. The CCF offers out of School activities during the term including shooting on indoor and outdoor ranges, flying, gliding, camping, rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing, potholing and visits to nearby Service bases or regiments.

In the holidays, organised camps exist for adventure training and specialist visits to Army or RAF bases. There are opportunities for cadets to visit bases abroad – in Germany or Cyprus – or to go on individual training courses for a wide range of subjects. Cadets may go sailing with the RN or gliding with the RAF. Both gliding and flying may be followed up to solo standard. One great advantage of all this is that costs are very low as most courses and camps are heavily subsidised by the armed services. The opportunities are spectacular.

POST CONFIRMATION GROUP The Scripture Union holds regular meetings after School, and offers occasional weekends away to Youth Centres in the Lake District and near Scarborough. SYMPOSIUM A seminar group of senior pupils who meet to discuss topics of a diverse nature. The groups can change from week to week, and the experience provides pupils with a taste of what university tutorials can be like.

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THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme operates at both Silver and Gold level in the School. The Silver Award begins in Year 10 and continues for two years.

The Gold Award begins in the Lower Sixth and also continues for two years: Gold level may be entered direct without the Silver Award having been attempted. The commitment is to weekly training sessions in each aspect of expedition work and practice expeditions leading to a qualifying venture at the end of Year 11 for those doing the Silver Award and after A Levels for those doing the Gold. Other sections of the Award Scheme are Physical Skills, Volunteering and Interest.

LECTERN CLUB The Lectern Club exists to provide a friendly and supportive environment in which pupils may learn and develop the important skills of public speaking. The regular meetings take the form of workshop sessions during which speeches can be written and practised.

These are delivered at one of the formal dinners which the Lectern Club holds once every half term.

At least twelve speeches occur during each dinner and all members are expected to take part throughout the term. The dinners are open to members of the Club only, although new members are allowed to attend their first dinner without being expected to speak. In addition to the dinners, the Club also takes part in public speaking competitions with other Schools and in national events such as the English Speaking Union’s competition. Membership is open to all in Sixth Form. The committee organises the workshops, dinners and competitions.

Public speaking is a very useful (even essential) professional and social skill and membership of the Lectern Club is an enjoyable and effective way of acquiring such skill.

MIDDLE EAST HISTORY & POLITICS This club looks at the development of Middle Eastern religion, economies and political systems.

Each week is a mixture of prepared talk and discussion of current events.

Membership is usually for Year 11 and Sixth form and enthusiasts can even learn modern Arabic.

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d i sc o v e r i n g n e w o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h r o u g h t e a m w o r k a n d h a v i n g f u n l ies at the heart of our community . . .

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Telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030 School office: +44 (0)1833 690222 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

B arnard C ast l e S choo l | B arnard C ast l e | C ounty D urham D L 1 2 8 U N

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