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Co-curriculum Programme 20 21 -2 2
Introduction Dear Students I am delighted to introduce this year’s co-curricular programme, it is exciting to finally offer a full range of clubs and activities after months of COVID restrictions limited what we could offer. The co-curriculum is an integral part of your BGS education, it extends the skills and attributes you are developing in the classroom and helps build the skills that you will need to grow into confident, open-minded and resilient young adults. Often it is the co-curricular experiences that our alumnae tell us that they remember most from their school days. These opportunities are where new passions are found, knowledge is embedded and life-long friendships are formed. It is a vital part of your education and we expect all of our students to be actively engaged. I recommend that all students from Years 3 - 9 commit to at least two activities on a regular basis, ideally from different disciplines, so you build a broader set of skills and collaborate with a wider group of teachers and students. In reality, I am aware that some of you will take part in many more than this. Although we recognise the extra demands on your time in the GCSE years, students in Years 10 and 11 are still encouraged to commit to a regular activity. Sixth Form students take part in the CAS programme and, as well as carrying out activities of their own, Sixth Formers are encouraged to organise activities for younger students.
I have grouped our activities into broad areas to help you see how they complement the skills you are developing in each area. For our younger students, it is helpful if parents can spend some time reviewing the booklet with you to help take a balanced approach. The Junior School sections are clearly marked, although some Senior School clubs are also open to Year 6 students. All students will be asked to register for their chosen activities during form time in the first week of term. All clubs will start during the week beginning Mon 13th September. We are flexible and understand that some of you may change your minds and want to try a number of different activities over the year. This is fine as long as it is communicated to the staff running the activities and you appreciate that some activities may fill up sooner than others. I do hope you enjoy reviewing the different activities. We are always keen to consider new ideas so please talk to your Form Tutors if you feel there is something missing. Of course, this year we may have to keep amending our activities if Government guidance changes, but let’s cross our fingers and hope we can enjoy the wide range of opportunities on offer. If you have any queries regarding the co-curriculum, please contact me by email at: Jane.Axford@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
Jane Axford Assistant Head Experiential Learning
Contents Arts & Creativity
03
Engage & Enquire
07
Global Citizenship
11
Well-being & Teamwork
13
Junior School
15
Sport
17
Dance
19
Drama
20
Music
21
Senior School Music
22
Junior School Music
25
Carbon balanced print is produced by a carbon balanced printer on carbon balanced paper.
02
& s t r A y t i v i t a e r C Art and Ceramics Club
CREST DT Club
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M128-M130: Years 7 - 9
Lunchtime, M133: Year 8
Join this weekly club to learn new art and ceramic skills
young people to think like engineers and scientists.
and develop work exploring a wide range of themes and
During CREST club you will be taking part in a variety of
starting points.
activities to investigate and solve challenges such as how
CREST is a UK award scheme designed to help inspire
to survive on a desert island, making your own paper and ink, and investigating the similarities in anatomy
Applique Club
between different animals. By completing challenges like these and reflecting on what you have done, you can
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Year 8
work towards your CREST Discovery award over the
Come and have fun being creative and making
course of a term.
Applique Owl Cushions.
BGS Bake Off Various Dates: Staff and Students Show your creative flair and love of cooking by joining in with a range of challenges including; biscuits, cakes and bread. The heats will run remotely, with you cooking at home, and the grand final will take place after school.
Board Games and Role Play Tuesday After School, 4.15pm-5.30pm, M106: Years 9 - 11 We play a diverse variety of board games and welcome any games new to the club. We also now run a D&D game on a regular basis for those experienced dungeon delvers, or those who want to try something new. Come along to take a few risks and challenge yourself with new games!
03
Drama Club
French and Spanish Artwork Club
Thursday Lunchtime: Years 7 and 8 Weekly lunch time club to enrich drama skills and
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, W003: Years 7 and 8
knowledge, form friendships outside your normal
Extend your creative skills and create artwork in the
groups, and build confidence.
style of French & Spanish artists, and learn about the painters along the way.
Expressions Dance Company After School: Years 8 and 9
Geometric Designs
Expressions Dance Company is a Contemporary Class where the main focus of attention is on choreography.
Timings to be confirmed: All Senior School Year Groups
Through collaborative work the class will explore
Thought about putting your mathematical constructive
new and exciting technique, physical theatre and
skills to the test in creating beautiful geometric designs?
choreographic devices.
Try your skills at drawing some geometric designs including some mandala art. A great way to relax and
Extend and Challenge Dance Club
be creative. View a portfolio of designs for you to draw. Come and join us and start off with some easier designs
Thursday After School 4.10pm - 5.00pm, Venue TBC: Year 7
before moving to more complex ones.
This is a selected Dance Company to accommodate not
Hama Bead Club
just talent but dedicated, committed students that have a real passion and focus for Dance.
Wednesday Lunchtime: Years 7 and 8 Make professional looking greetings cards with Hama
Festive Cooking
beads. Your friends and family will be delighted to receive one and you will have fun making them!
Dates of the course to be confirmed, After School, M121: Year 8 Get in the festive spirit and make a range of delicious treats.
04
Images Dance company
Origami Club
After School: Years 10 - Upper Sixth
All Senior School Year Groups
Images Dance Company is a Contemporary Class where the main focus of attention is on choreography. Through collaborative work the class will explore new and exciting technique, physical theatre and choreographic devices.
Mixing creativity with problem solving, you will learn how to make some incredible origami designs. With practise and precision, you will find yourself improving rapidly throughout the school year. This club is open to beginners but there is plenty of scope for students looking to improve their existing skillset.
Knitting Club
Radio Club
TBC Lunchtime, M112: Years 7 - Upper Sixth Why not follow Tom Daley’s lead! Join us once a week for some therapeutic knitting for charity. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced knitter, there will be something for you.
Library Lab Thursday Lunchtime, LRC: All Senior School Year Groups A range of creative activities linked to celebrating the joy of reading and books.
05
Various Lunchtimes, Radio Studio: All Senior School Year Groups This student run club is all things radio. It involves learning how to operate the radio desk and how to put together a radio show that is suitable for live broadcast over the internet. You get the opportunity to try your hand at being a producer, presenter or script writer.
Pottery Club
Theatre Crew
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Year 9
Tuesday after School, M017: Years 9 - Upper Sixth
Come and have fun, make your own pots and other ceramic art!
Day and time to be confirmed: Years 7 - 8
Expand your knowledge and understanding of theatre productions from behind the curtain! Pupils will learn invaluable skills about the technical aspects of designing and operating sound and lighting as well as making and creating of costume, set and props.
A chance to have a lot of fun and build new tech skills programming robots and using sensors. Do you think you can programme them to do your homework for you?
Write On
Robotics
Songwriters Podcast Timings by appointment: All Year Groups Work with Mr Gardner to record interviews and performances with songwriters from across the School, which will then be broadcast to the community.
All Senior School Year Groups A chance for you to air your views and write. We are looking for keen writers, young poets, would be journalists and bloggers to join our team to create and edit our online blog.
06
Engage & Enquire Business and Economics Society Day to be confirmed: Sixth Form Extend your knowledge and lead discussions into current global economic and business issues.
Chemical Curiosities Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M124: Year 7 Further your Chemistry skills, knowledge and experiences beyond the curriculum. We might make sherbet, grow crystal gardens and write your names using fire, one thing is for sure and that is you will all have great fun.
Chess Club Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: All Junior and Senior year Groups Have you ever wondered what chess is about? Would you like to learn how to play? If you already play Chess, would you like to improve your game? Join us in our weekly Chess Club. Make the first move and you will be
Book Club
surprised how interesting the game can be.
Monthly, dates and venue to be confirmed: Years 7 - 8
Geography Club
Are you keen to keep reading and have the chance to
Wednesday Lunchtime, M108: Years 7 - 9
explore topical themes? Join our monthly Book Club
Sixth Form students run a club exploring geographical
where we will introduce you to the joy of reading books which examine a range of current issues, and then meet to share our views and thoughts on what we have read.
07
concepts and topics. A fun way to extend knowledge and build confidence in the subject.
Harpur Trust English Society
History and Politics Film Club
Various dates, times and venues: Lower and Upper Sixth
Various Days After School: Years 11 - Upper Sixth
Join in with discussions and talks around the subject
political and international interest in a relaxed
with other students studying English from the Harpur
environment.
Meet, watch discuss and appreciate films of historical,
Trust schools.
NHS Health and Care Academy
Maths Team Challenge Day to be confirmed, M005: Years 8 - Upper Sixth
Monthly remote session and independent study: Lower Sixth
The purpose of the club is to prepare groups of students
The Health and Care Academy is for students who
team challenges.
from different year groups to participate in the FMSP
have an interest in working in a healthcare setting in the future. It provides students with an opportunity to see and experience elements of different healthcare professional’s roles and responsibilities, discover different career pathways, and have the opportunity to develop problem solving, team work and other essential skills. On successful completion of the Academy’s remote programme, students will be able to apply for a place on the Health and Care Academy Plus programme, which will be delivered via face to face sessions on
Mathematical Games Monday Lunchtime, iCreate: All Senior School Year Groups This club is about having fun while developing your strategic thinking and skills with numbers by playing mathematical games such as Rush Hour, Mathmagic, Prime Climb and more.
selected Saturday mornings in the Education Centre at Bedford Hospital (from April 2022).
08
Medical Society
Psychology Society
Day and time to be confirmed: Years 10 - Upper Sixth
Termly Lectures: Years 10 - Upper Sixth
Interested in studying Medicine or a related field?
plans to invite speakers to talk about their work, or
Join us for topical discussions, debates and lectures.
interesting areas related to the study of Psychology.
Information about and support with UCAT/BMAT,
Lectures are intended to be open to students in Years
personal statements and interviews.
10 - Upper Sixth from across the Harpur Trust.
PPE Club
Pythagoreans’ Society
Day to be confirmed, lunchtime: Years 10 and 11 Analysis and discussion of recent events from the point
Various Friday evenings, Bedford School: Lower and Upper Sixth
of view of Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
The Harpur Trust Mathematics Society. Extend
The Psychology Society is a student-run group with
your interest and knowledge with lectures from mathematicians and students.
Philosophy Film Club Various Dates, After School: Year 9 and 10 Watch different films with philosophical themes and discuss possible answers to some of life’s biggest questions.
09
Scientific Research Opportunities
Xplore
Years 7 - Upper Sixth In conjunction with the Institute for Research in
Wednesday, 1:00pm - 1:45pm: All Senior School Year Groups
Schools (IRIS), we offer a variety of real-life, cutting-
This is an opportunity to explore the big questions of life
edge research opportunities, including: Cosmic Mining
and see what Christians and the Bible have to say. We
(analysing spectra for the James Webb telescope); Ionic
meet to chat, laugh, look at the Bible, eat chocolate, and
Liquids (synthesising the solvent of the future); and
chill with students from different year groups. Anyone
Treezilla (identifying and measuring trees for a national
can ask any question; no one has to speak.
database).
Sigma Society Various dates and times: Lower and Upper Sixth Sixth Form mathematics society. Half termly events including talks by outside speakers, quizzes, competitions and movies, to show the beauty and relevance of Mathematics beyond the A-level and IB curriculum.
STEM Club Day and time to be confirmed: All Senior School Year Groups Plan, carry out, and reflect on STEM projects that match your interests working as individuals or in teams. Earn a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Crest Award for your project and compete in National Competitions.
Tinkerlab Day to be Confirmed Lunchtime, iCreate Space: All Senior School Year Groups A place and time for students to explore, innovate and collaborate on ideas of their choosing with a focus on STEM.
World Literature Society Friday Lunchtime, M118: Lower and Upper Sixth A fantastic opportunity to engage with topical global issues as presented through the literature of the world. We will often read texts in translation, encouraging the consideration of alternative viewpoints and perspectives, as well as challenging our own views of what literature is, and why we read.
10
Global p i h s n e z i t Ci African and Caribbean Society Various Lunchtimes: All Senior School Year Groups
The ACS is a society for all interested in learning about African and Caribbean cultures and heritages or connecting with students of the same descent as them. As a member, you will have fun and gain valuable skills in organising events, creating content and doing lots more to enlighten, empower and educate our school community.
Ancient Greek
Debating Club
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 10 and 11 Stretch your brain by learning the Ancient Greek Language - incredibly satisfying to read a language with a beautiful different alphabet and complex yet logical grammar. We will read myths in the original Greek too.
Cinefilles
Wednesday, First Lunch, Lab112: Years 7 - Upper Sixth
Day and Timing to be confirmed: Years 7 - 9 To be able to speak with confidence and clarity is a powerful life skill. Whether you have lots of debating experience or none at all, the Debating Club is an opportunity to explore a range of issues and discuss and debate their pros and cons. Come along and find your voice!
Eco Club
Opportunities to watch and discuss French films in French! Improve your skills and discover the joy of French cinema.
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 7 - Upper Sixth Supporting the work of the Eco Council, the Eco Club helps with a variety of projects to promote and develop sustainability throughout the School. Each week we will be undertaking activities, led by the School’s Eco Coordinator and Eco councillors, all of which have an environmental focus. Making our own bird food, participating in the RSPB birdwatch survey, growing fruit and vegetables and crafting gifts from recycled materials to sell at the school Christmas Fayre, are just some examples of what we did last year. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in local environmentally-themed events, plus listen to talks from guest speakers.
11
French Club
Mandarin Club
An opportunity to practise your French speaking and to get additional support for your coursework.
A paid for co-curricular opportunity to learn Mandarin through an online educational platform, supervised by BGS teachers.
German Film Club
Model United Nations
Watch and discuss German films and learn more about German culture. Subtitles will be available.
Represent the interests of different countries whilst debating global issues and seeking to find and agree on resolutions to complex topics. Opportunities to represent the school in regional and national competitions.
Various Lunchtimes, W102: Years 10 and 11 Booster Club for IGCSE
After School, various days, Wing House: Lower and Upper Sixth
Inclusion and Diversity Club
Years 7 and 8
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Yeas 10 and 11 Tuesday, Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth
Years 7 and 8
Be part of a group that will look at ways to promote inclusion and diversity within the year groups. Run campaigns and events to celebrate our differences and increase understanding of our difficult cultures.
Islamic Society
Days and Times to be confirmed: All Senior School Year Groups A weekly club to explore Islam and managing faith and the modern world; two lunchtimes, one for Years 7-9 and one for Years 10-Upper Sixth.
Linguistics Club
Senior PPE
Tuesday, 2nd Lunchtime, S005: Lower and Upper Sixth Researching, debating and collaborative work to find solutions to important world issues.
Spanish Translation Club Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth
An opportunity for Sixth Form Spanish students to finesse their translation skills while widening their knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking Countries.
Time and venue to be confirmed: Years 7 - 9 Would you like to practise a wide range of skills? In the process of working with linguistic phenomena and learning about a new language, you are simultaneously working your memory, logic, deduction, pattern-finding and creative skills. Every week, we will look at a new language and try to crack its code. We will have fun with words and languages!
Shackleton Reading Group Lower and Upper Sixth
Outreach work with Sixth Form students helping children at a local primary school to learn to read by 1:1 reading with them.
South Asian Society
Various lunchtimes: All Senior School Year Groups The South Asian Society aims to celebrate the beauty of South Asian culture within the BGS community, as well as educate the school community on the culture, traditions and festivals. We are for all students in the BGS community, who would like to learn about South Asian culture, and help to organise events, such as our annual South Asian Heritage month, and celebrations around traditions and festivals.
12
Well-being & Teamwork Combined Cadet Force
Mindfulness Club
Wednesday, 4.30pm - 6.00pm, Bedford School: Years 9 - Upper Sixth
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Year 10 Students engage in activities to help them manage stress and anxiety, and to promote positive mental well-being.
Students will work alongside the cadets from Bedford School, developing skills specific to the chosen section RN, Army or RAF. During Year 11, cadets will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills enabling them to take up positions of responsibilities as NCOs.
Running Club Tuesday, 4.15pm - 5.15pm: All Senior School Year Groups Calling runners of all ages and abilities - all you need is a pair of trainers and some enthusiasm! Mrs Hooley will take you for a run around the Embankment to get some fresh air and enhance your well-being.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Various days: Years 9 - Upper Sixth The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme has three levels and is open to anyone in Years 9 - Upper Sixth. More detailed information can be found by looking at the DofE information on the website or speaking to our DofE coordinator.
Rifle Club
Equestrian Club Various times and locations: Years 7 - 11
Are you interested in learning how to shoot using the range at Bedford School, with a .22 target rifle and compete in competitions? If the answer is yes, then this is the club for you!
Do you have your own horse and want to get involved with competitions and events? Why not join the equestrian club and do just that?
Work out with Woolley
Day to be confirmed, After School, at Bedford School: Year 9 - Upper Sixth
Thursday Lunchtime: Sixth Form students HIIT sessions on the playing fields to get energized and enthusiasm for the rest of the week!
Horticultural Club Thursday Lunchtime: Year 9 Students manage the raised beds in Burnaby Garden as well as growing a variety of fruit/veg throughout the year. Engage with important ideas in plant biology and learn about how gardeners can use their understanding of science to successfully grow and care for plants.
13
14
Junior School
Hama Beads
Friday Lunchtime, Rm 9: Years 3 - 6 Come along and see just how creative you can get with Hama Beads, lots of fun!
Head Girls’ Team and Student Voice Day to be confirmed, Lunchtimes
Student Voice and Head Girls’ Team members meet to plan campaigns, organise assemblies and help with the running of the Junior School. These positions are elected.
Gardening Club
Arts and Craft Club
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6
Day to be confirmed, JS Art Room, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6
Learn about nature and gardening skills at this weekly club. You will help look after the greenhouse and plant special areas of the Junior School gardens.
A club for all those who like to paint, stick, draw and make. We make 2D and 3D creations giving the girls opportunities to be creative and have fun.
Map Reading Skills
Tuesday Lunchtime: Year 6
Eco Club
Learn to read an Ordinance Survey map and work towards putting your skills into action through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme in the Senior School.
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6 If you care about the environment then this club is for you. We will be caring for the school garden, exploring energy use, encouraging recycling and reusing materials to make fantastic art work - and more! This club will also meet half-termly with the Senior School Eco Council.
15
Magic Maths
Science Club
Have fun and improve your maths skills with lots of creative maths games!
Fun science activities and experiments.
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 5 and 6
Marvel Comic Cub
Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6 An opportunity to feel calm, relaxed and take time to just be in the moment.
Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga
Wednesday Lunchtime, M014: Years 3 - 4
Science Club (Years 5 and 6) Day to be confirmed: Years 5 and 6
Run by Senior School teachers a chance to extend your knowledge and skills with fun experiments.
Spanish Club
Day to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6
Thursday Lunchtime, CH2 Spanish Classroom: Years 3 - 5
Come along and find your inner calm. Discover techniques to help you relax. Just breathe!
Spanish interactive activities with songs, games, crafts and more.
Origami and Bananagrams Fun!
Well-being Walking Club
Day to be confirmed: Years 3- 6
Relax and create using the ancient art of paper folding and or use your spelling skills to create bananagrams!
Playground Buddies
Day to be confirmed: Years 5 and 6 (alternative half-terms) Come and walk away your worries and make new friends as you enjoy a lunchtime stroll along the beautiful riverbanks.
Monday Lunchtime, RM 8: Years 3 - 6 If you are friendly, sensible, patient and a good listener, we need you! If you would like to help others and be a good role model and friend in class, at lunchtime and in the playground then get involved with running fun playtime games and activities. Please ask your class teacher for a job description and an application form.
16
Sport The PE Department aims to offer an enjoyable and dynamic experience of sport that results in students wanting to become as fully involved in as many activities as possible, whilst still making as much progress and development in their chosen sports. We aim to offer as many students as possible the opportunity to play inter-school fixtures which take place after school and on a Saturday. All students aspiring to represent the School need to be able to commit to all lunchtime and after school practices as well as fixtures. If you have a clash please discuss with a member of the PE team. Please check the fixture list carefully as this is now fixed for the new academic year. If any of these dates create difficulties for your daughter once she has decided upon her choices, please inform the PE department as soon as possible. In order to gain the most from the sporting opportunities that are available to your daughter, it is important that she is able to make a commitment to the sessions, whether she considers herself to be a relative beginner or someone with more experience. We would like everyone to step out of their comfort zone and achieve fulfilment on an individual level as well as being able to help the School teams to achieve success too. The venues are listed on the sporting timetable that follows and students should normally be collected from the venues at the end of the session. Late Care in school is available until 7pm. If, after a sports session, your daughter is waiting in Late Care she must ensure she goes straight to the LRC as soon as her session finishes. Please ensure that you and your daughter are clear where the activity takes place and what time it ends. If you have any queries, please contact the PE Department. Please note that rowing timetables will also be emailed to the students directly. In order to clarify the timetable opposite, the following table explains the age groups in relation to your daughter’s year group. Most sessions are open to all in the specified year groups, some however are by invitation only. However, please do ask if you have any questions.
17
Team Age Group
Equivalent School Year Group
U8
Year 3
U9
Year 4
U10
Year 5
U11
Year 6
U12
Year 7
U13
Year 8
U14
Year 9
U15
Year 10
U16
Year 11
U17 & U18
Sixth Form
18
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday
Day
Before School
Sports Hall Boathouse/River
J16 Rowing (2nd lunch-P4)
BGS Astro
U10 Netball Senior Netball
BGS Field
U13 Lacrosse
Riverside Tennis Club
Yr 6 Tennis (Selected)
Sports Hall
BGS Astro
J14-J18 Rowing (land training) 7am-8am
BGS Astro
U13 Netball U14 Hockey (2nd)
Riverside Tennis Squad
Yr 5 Tennis Squad (Selected)
BGS Astro
BGS Field
Senior Lacrosse (2nd)
BGS Astro
Hockey GK Training (Senior)
U12 Hockey (2nd)
BGS Astro
U10 Hockey
Sports Hall
Yr 3 Tennis
BGS Pool
BGS Astro
U8 & U9 Hockey
Swim Training (Selected) 7am
BGS Field
U15 Lacrosse (2nd)
BGS Pool
Swim Training (Selected) 7am
BGS Astro
Senior Hockey (2nd)
Riverside Tennis Club
Yr 7 and 8 Tennis (Selected)
BGS Astro
BGS Astro
U11 Netball
Sports Hall
Yr 3 Tennis Squad (Selected)
U15 Netball (2nd) Boathouse/River
Sports Hall
Year 4 Tennis
BGS Astro
U11 Hockey BGS Astro
BGS Field
U12 Lacrosse (2nd) U14 Netball
Boathouse/ River
Yr 10 Rowing Water (2nd lunch - P4)
Boathouse/River
BGS Astro
Hockey GK Training (Junior)
BGS Field
U14 Lacrosse
Sports Hall
U8 & U9 Netball
J17 Rowing (P3-1st Lunch)
Sports Hall
Year 4 Tennis
BGS Astro
U15 Hockey (2nd) BGS Astro
BGS Astro
U13 Hockey
U12 Netball (2nd)
Lunchtime Venue
Lunchtimes
J14 Rowing (2nd Lunch-P4)
BGS Pool
Riverside
Before School Venue
Swim Training (Selected) 7am
Yr 9 and 10 Tennis Squad (Selected)
(7.50am - 8.30am)
BGS Field
U13 Lacrosse
Boathouse
BS/BHC (offsite all term)
J14 ROWING (water training continued from P5 lesson) U13 Hockey U10 Hockey
BGS Pool Boathouse Boathouse
J17 & J18 Rowing (land training) J15 Rowing (water Training)
BGS Astro/SH
Senior Netball Academy (Selected) Staff Swim (start date TBC)
BGS Field/ SH
U15 Lacrosse
BGS Astro
Boathouse
J15 ROWING (water training)
BGS Pool Boathouse
BGS Field Yr 8 Swimming J17 Rowing (land training)
BGS Astro
U12 Netball Senior Lacrosse
BGS Pool Boathouse
Yr 7 Swimming (Selected)
BGS Field/BIAS (off-site after half term) J16-J18 Rowing (water training)
U14 Lacrosse
BGS Astro
BGS Astro U11 Hockey
U13 Netball
Sports Hall Bunyan Centre
U14B/C & U15B/C & U16B & U19B League
U14 Netball (Selected)
BGS Pool
Yr 5 and 6 Swimming
BGS Field/BIAS (off-site after half term)
U15 Hockey U12 Lacrosse
BGS Astro BS/BHC (offsite all term)
Senior Hockey
BS/BHC (offsite all term) Bedford Hockey Club (BHC)
U12 Hockey U14 Hockey
BGS Pool
BGS Astro
U15 Netball Yr 3 and 4 Swimming
BGS Astro
After School Venue
U11 Netball
After School
(4.15pm - 5.30pm)
Dance
We pride ourselves on a strong and varied programme of Dance classes offered to complete beginners all the way through to advanced levels in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz. Students interested in contemporary Dance should look at our co-curricular clubs in the Arts and Creativity section of this booklet.
Junior Co-Curricular Dance Timetable 2021/2022 Time
Monday
12.10 - 12.45pm
Tap 1 (Y5 Exam) RH
Tuesday
Wednesday
Ballet 1: RH
Miss Bream
Mrs D’Arcy
Modern 2: NDS
Modern 2: M016 (Week B Only)
Miss Bream
Modern 3 (New): RH Miss Bream
Friday
Modern 1: M016
Tap 1 (Y4): RH
Modern 1: RH
Tap 2 (Y4): M016
Mrs Power
Miss Bream
Mrs Power
12.45 - 1.15pm
Thursday
Miss Bream Mrs Power
Tap (Primary): M017 Ballet 2: RH
-
Mrs D’Arcy
Mrs Power
-
Tap 3 (Y6 and Y7): RH Miss Bream
4.15 - 5.15pm
Hip Hop (Y5 & Y6: NDS Miss Greco
Ballet 3: PE/DS
-
Mrs D’Arcy
-
-
Thursday
Friday
Senior Co-Curricular Dance Timetable 2021/2022 Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Bronze Tap: M016
Modern 5: M016 12.45 - 1.15pm
-
Miss Bream
Mrs Power
Prep for Pointe Work: NDS
Modern 3: M017 Miss Bream
1.15 - 1.50pm
Silver Tap: RH Miss Bream
Mrs D’Arcy
Progressive Ballet: Pointe Work: NDS PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy
Tap 3: M016
Tap 3 (Y6 & Y7): RH
Miss Bream
Modern 5: M016
Miss Bream
Mrs Power
Discovering Rep: PE/DS
Mrs D’Arcy
Mrs D’Arcy (40mins - start 1.05pm)
Senior Tap: M016
Gold Jazz: M016
Miss Bream
Mrs Power
Bronze Jazz: RH
Bronze Jazz: M017 Mrs Power
Mrs Power
Modern 4: RH Miss Bream
Images: RH (Y11-13)
Ballet 3: PE/DS 4.15 - 5.15pm
Dance Acro: RH
Mr Smith (Y7 and Y8)
Mrs D’Arcy
Ballet 4: PE/DS
Extend and Challenge: RH
Mrs D’Arcy
Miss Bream
Cheerleading (Y8 and Y9): RH 5.15 - 6.15pm
Mr Smith
Hip Hop: NDS
Hip Hop (Beg): M017
Miss Elsom
Contemporary (Beg) Y8: PE/DS
Miss Greco, Y7
Miss Greco
Ballet 5: PE/DS
Ballet 6: PE/DS
Mrs D’Arcy
Mrs D’Arcy
Contemporary, Y9 and 10: PE/DS Miss Greco
Miss Greco (Y8 and Y9)
Miss Greco (Y12 and Y13) Venues: RH - Randle Hall NDS - Dance Studio in the Theatre Wing PE/DS - Dance Studio in PE
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Hip Hop (Beg): M017
Drama
The Drama Department seeks to offer a varied and engaging range of performance and technical opportunities that excite and challenge both our students and audience members alike. We are dedicated to providing professional standard training for those interested in and committed to developing their artistic and collaborative skills as well as their knowledge of the theatre. This training can be further extended by taking Speech and Drama lessons (at an additional cost).
For each year group production, auditions are open to all students in that year and acceptance onto a production is not dependent on whether a student is taking the subject at GCSE or A Level.
given to students at the start of the rehearsal process and emailed to parents. In committing to the show, students and their parents agree and understand that the cast are required to attend these rehearsals without fail (barring an emergency or illness). In the two weeks before and during production week, the rehearsals intensify and students and parents should expect that their daughters may be required on a number of evenings.
This year, the Drama Department will be producing four shows across the Junior and Senior School.
Trips:
Autumn Term: Year 10 - Sixth Form Musical
We offer a number of theatre trips to extend our students’ awareness and experience of Theatre.
Programme of Productions:
Spring Term: Year 9 Production Summer Term: Year 6 workshop, Year 7 and 8 Shakespeare Festival In addition, all Junior School year groups will have the opportunity to take part in performance opportunities throughout the year.
Clubs: For Years 7 and 8: A weekly Drama Club is run to enrich drama knowledge and develop skills as well as to build confidence.
Productions are selective following a formal audition process and focus on the development of students’ acting, design and collaborative abilities. We offer backstage opportunities so that students can deepen their overall understanding of theatre design and their experience of the whole production process.
For Year 9 and above: Theatre Crew runs each week and is led by our Drama Technician. This club aims to grow skills in theatre design and technical operation and they learn about lighting, sound, costume, props and set. They are then offered the opportunity to provide technical support to a number of our productions throughout the year so they can develop their practice further.
Rehearsals:
Speech and Drama:
Main rehearsals take place weekly directly after school with some lunchtimes used for smaller scale rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is posted at the end of the week and emailed to the cast so that any clashes or unforeseen issues can be raised in good time before a rehearsal is due to take place. Specific rehearsal days and times will vary according to each production and the availability of the director and the chosen cast.
Speech and Drama lessons take place throughout the school day on a rotational timetable with some lessons taking place before school. The lessons allow the students to develop their communication skills, selfconfidence, and appreciation of literature. Each year students have the opportunity to take part in Festivals of Music, Speech and Drama and can enter for graded examinations with the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Sixth Formers have the opportunity to arrange their lessons during their free periods at a mutually convenient time. If you would like your daughter to take individual or group lessons, and have not already registered your interest, please complete an online application form.
Every effort is made by the Drama Department to ensure that the production process is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for the cast and crew involved and that students are supported in balancing their other commitments alongside the demands of putting on a successful show. Therefore, all key rehearsal dates at which girls must be present, such as the Technical and Dress Rehearsals and any weekend rehearsals, are
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Music
The Music Department aims to offer a full and diverse range of opportunities for students of all abilities and instruments. Whilst there is a wide range of individual music lessons available we would like to encourage students who learn a musical instrument, whether in or outside school, to develop further their ability and performance experience by joining one of the numerous clubs.
Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Early Morning Session
Bel Canto Selected Students rehearsal: T103
Bel Canto Selected Students rehearsal: T103
Bel Canto Selected Students rehearsal: T103
Bel Canto Selected Students rehearsal: T103
Bel Canto Selected Students rehearsal: T103 Chamber Music Group: T101
7.30am 8.00am Jazzabellas: T104 Junior Orchestra: T103 Junior Rock Group: T010 1st Lunch 12.45pm 1.15pm
Beginner Percussion: T010
Beginner Brass: T101 Piano Trio: T104
Opus: T201 Highly Strung: T101
Trinity Aural Exam Class: T001
Junior Choir (Soprano): T104
Junior Wind Band: T103 Junior Percussion: T010 Junior Fife Club: T002
ABRSM Aural & Sight-reading Class: T201 Wind Band: T103 Junior Choir (Alto): 104 Junior Strings: T010 Junior Brass: T101 Junior Recorders: T001
Beginner Theory Group: T010 Baby Belles: T103 Junior Theory Group: T010 Junior Music Tech Club: T201 & Recording Studio Junior Chamber Group: T101
Junior Song Writers: T201 Guitar Group: T010 Flute Choir: T103 2nd Lunch 1.15pm 1.45pm
Second Orchestra: T103
Intermediate Brass: T101
Senior Rock School (Group B): T010
Symphony Percussion Group: T010
Intermediate Percussion: T010
Symphony Brass: T101
Bel Canto: T103
String Quartet: T103 Intermediate Theory Group: T104
After School 4.14pm 5.15pm
Senior Rock School (Group A): T010
BGS Symphony Orchestra: T103
Bel Canto: T103
BGS Symphony Chorus: T104
LeFonk: Bedford Boys Recital Hall -
Junior Choir (Full): Randal Hall
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Consort Choir: Bedford Boys Chamber Room
Genesis: T002 Symphony Strings: T103 Advanced Theory Group: T104
Senior Studio Engineers: T201 & Recording Studio
Senior School
Music Band Music Guitar Group Open to all guitarists, this group allows for a platform to explore ensemble playing that will help to develop their timing, sensitivity and fluency. The variety of repertoire and supportive atmosphere ensures an engaging way to explore your guitar playing further. Run with Bedford School, where ideas are shared and developed amongst the students with support from a range of experienced teachers.
LeFonk This ensemble is for auditioned musicians, both instrumental and vocal, looking to really challenge themselves in performing a wide variety of popular styles. It will help to develop a keen ear for ensemble performance and includes opportunities to arrange, compose and perform.
Senior Rock School A must for all students thinking of establishing bands or improving current material and wishing to hone their craft of performing and developing as a band. As well as being a favourite at school concerts, senior rock bands also perform for less formal events such as the Open Mic Nights and Rock Nights.
Brass Beginner Brass An ensemble for those that have never learnt a brass instrument before and want to explore new ways of making music. You can build your confidence in brass in a nurturing way whilst having fun with others on a similar journey. This is a superb way to dip your toe into the world of brass playing.
Brass (continued) Intermediate Brass Once you have mastered the basics of brass playing through the Beginner Brass group, you will then need to further refine and develop those new skills in the form of intermediate brass. This group serves as a bridge from beginner to the more advanced standard of playing in the Symphony brass.
Symphony Brass A brass ensemble group that seeks to explore a wide range of brass playing and genres. It will develop exceptional brass playing technique and broaden your knowledge of what is possible with brass playing, providing a wide variety of performance opportunities across the year with specialist tuition.
Large Ensemble BGS Symphony Orchestra Students, staff, alumnae and parents Grade 5 or above. Experience the thrill of orchestral playing! You will play an exciting range of music from classical and symphonic to film and popular genres. The Music will be challenging but exciting. You will develop refined orchestral performance technique and understanding in an engaging and lively atmosphere at either sectional or full orchestra rehearsals ensuring you are confident in your performance.
Senior Second Orchestra Experience the thrill of orchestral playing whilst improving your ensemble and sight reading skills. Play a range of musical styles from classical to popular and showcase your work in concerts throughout the year. Ideal preparation for BGS Symphony Orchestra.
BGS Symphony Chorus All students, parents, alumni and staff. BGS Symphony Chorus seeks to provide an opportunity for those looking to explore singing as part of a large ensemble in a variety of different performance platforms from smaller relaxed events through to full scale concerts, but with flexibility in which performances you want to do. This year we are excited to perform Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio as our large-scale choral work, but there are more events to come. There is no audition and you will receive vocal coaching as part of the rehearsal process.
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Percussion Beginner Percussion If you want the opportunity to make some real noise and enjoy an enriching range of percussion music from across the world, this maybe for you. This ensemble is suitable for those new to percussion and works on developing ensemble performance skills alongside developing understanding of both rhythmic notations, playing by ear and playing technique.
Skills Development
Intermediate Percussion Once you have learnt the essential skills in percussion and are playing confidently within an ensemble through the Beginner Percussion group. The Intermediate Percussion group will develop more enhanced and challenging techniques in percussion and will guide students through a broader and more challenging range of percussion music from a variety of genres. A perfect bridge to the Symphony Percussion group.
ABRSM Aural and Sight Reading Make sure that you are well prepared for your instrumental and vocal exams by practising and developing your Aural Skills. This is a drop-in club that you can choose to attend when you have been entered for an exam.
Opus For those aspiring composers looking to develop their work or those that may have an interest in creating their own music, Opus is an opportunity to hone those compositional skills using a range of compositional platforms such as Sibelius or Logic Pro for example. You will learn to structure and refine your work, whilst learning a vast array of new compositional techniques.
Symphony Percussion Group A percussion ensemble that explores a wide variety of percussion music and genres. Performing to a high standard, developing exceptional percussion and drumming technique and an in-depth rhythmic understanding.
Senior Studio Engineers Learn all there is to know about music production, studio recording and sound engineering with numerous opportunities to record throughout the year. An excellent opportunity to get to grips with a variety of studio recording techniques and software platforms used in professional recording environments. Excellent for all those intrigued by digital music and recording and editing of Music, perfect addition for aspiring producers, platform to record your own music or to further enhance GCSE, A Level and IB studies.
Beginners Theory Preparation for Grade 1 and 2 ABRSM Theory examinations.
Intermediate Theory Preparation for Grade 3, 4 and 5 ABRSM Theory examinations.
Advanced Theory Preparation for Grade 6-8 ABRSM Theory examinations.
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Strings and Piano
Vocal
Highly Strung
Bel Canto
This ensemble is an opportunity to develop your understanding of smaller ensemble skills and allows for focused teaching of the individual students in preparation for the invitational chamber ensembles. The variety of Music allows you to understand musical expression and styles more completely, helping to enhance the skills required for a successful musician.
Bedford Bel Canto is our Chamber Choir for our most experienced singers, covering a wide range of musical styles from Renaissance to Jazz and Popular and developing advanced skills in choral singing. There are numerous performance opportunities and trips throughout the year including singing at Cambridge Colleges developing a better understanding of Oxbridge Choral scholarships and life at Oxbridge Universities. You will also visit Cathedrals in the UK singing alongside professional Cathedral choirs, as well as studio recording experience, potential tours and competitive performance experience. Students must be able to read music and entry is by audition.
Piano Trio A by invitation only chamber group who will receive expert tuition in chamber music aiming towards an incredibly high standard of playing and musicianship.
Symphony Strings Symphony String Orchestra is an orchestra for string players including violin, viola, cello and double bass. Players will receive specialist training from our team of dedicated string specialists, exploring string music, playing techniques, aural skills and theory knowledge and is an excellent preparation for symphony Orchestra and the invited chamber ensembles.
String Quartet String Quartet is a by invitation string group that seeks to nurture developing talent in string music in preparation for the more challenging piano trio groups. With more focus on refined string playing and ensemble technique.
Consort Choir Years 10 and above
Consort Choir is a combined mixed choir with Bedford School. The choir provides an opportunity for students with a high level of sight reading and musical ability to perform as part of a mixed voice choir. Students in the Consort choir will explore a wider range of classical a cappella music including folk songs, motets, world music and forms of sacred music. Singing as part of a combined choral group will allow for students the full range of choral music and styles and in a variety of different performance environments, whilst establishing new and positive relationships with other musicians and performers. It is an expectation that all singers in this group are also a member of our auditioned singing group Bel Canto.
Genesis
Woodwind Flute Choir An opportunity to play in a smaller ensemble with fellow flautists, exploring exciting repertoire whilst refining and developing your flute playing within an ensemble.
Wind Band Open to all students Grade 3 - 8 who play a woodwind instrument. Wind band is a friendly group and plays anything from film themes to swing and popular songs from musicals. You will receive specialist tuition, broadening your knowledge of the vast array of woodwind music and playing techniques. All ages and abilities welcome with regular performance and recording opportunities throughout the year.
This Choir is perfect for developing singing technique and your music reading ability. This ensemble looks to develop more popular styles and techniques including Musical Theatre. It looks at recording and stage performance alongside audition techniques for those looking to further their performance opportunities in more popular genres.
Jazzabellas This group is by audition only for a select group of students that will be trained to a professional standard in close harmony and Jazz singing. This group will gain valuable studio and recording experience as session vocalists for new compositions and commissioned performances at public engagements throughout the year. This group will also access competitive singing environments at a high level whilst developing advanced musical skills in sight reading, harmony and performance. As part of this group students will receive individual vocal, performance and musicianship training preparing them for the professional environment of musical performance.
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Junior School
Music Baby Belles
Junior Chamber Group
Junior Brass
Junior Choir
An auditioned group preparing students for progression up to the senior choirs. You will receive singing tuition and coaching on choral music, whilst developing your aural and sight-reading skills. The repertoire is challenging and diverse, a perfect platform for those aspiring singers looking to access the advanced choral groups in the Senior School.
A beginner brass group for those new to Brass and beyond. This ensemble is ideal for young brass players starting on their musical journey! Led by our specialist brass teacher, this is a great way to build your confidence and be introduced to the exciting world of brass ensemble music. Go on, make some noise!
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A small invitational group to challenge students through a range of small ensemble music exploring a variety of styles and genres. The aim is to build and develop enhanced performance and ensemble skills, refining both playing, listening and appraising, even directing. This club will support students in developing their understanding of advanced music making.
Open to all, lots of opportunities to perform a range of music throughout the year. Covering a range from ancient part songs to musical theatre and pop. Weekly rehearsals include vocal training, group singing and lots of fun!
Junior Music Tech Club Years 5 and 6
Students will have the opportunity to record in the studio, and work with a variety of studio equipment and computer software. You will learn how to produce, record and edit your own and others material getting a flavour of how the Music industry works and how to create and manipulate Music through digital platforms.
Junior Orchestra
Experience the thrill of orchestral playing whilst improving your ensemble skills. Play a range of musical styles from classical to pop and showcase your work in our concerts. Junior orchestra aims to help pupils become confident, expressive musicians, who have a deep understanding of all the elements of music. This underpins our approach, which integrates instrumental, musicianship and ensemble training. The emphasis is on making music and enjoying it. All instruments, all welcome!
Junior Percussion
Junior Percussion is for young aspiring drummers and percussionists who are keen to explore their rhythmic skills further. Students will explore a wide variety of percussion instruments – snare drum, bass drum, congas, bongos, timpani, xylophone, glockenspiel, drum kit and much more – and their fun repertoire includes everything from high-energy drumming, intricate ensemble playing and music from all around the world including pieces especially composed or arranged for the group.
Recorders and Fife Club
If you are thinking about learning to play the flute, come along and learn how to play the fife. It’s smaller and easier to play than the flute and we will provide you with an instrument. Did you also know that one of the finalists in the BBC Young Musician of the Year was a recorder player? A serious but fun instrument will offer you the experience of playing with others and taking part in school concerts, building your confidence for other wind instruments.
Junior Songwriters
Whether you are an aspiring musician, sole writer, co-writer or want to share some ideas you like the sound of and want to know more about how to make it a complete song. Get your creative juices flowing with a Co-curricular that can help you build and construct your own songs from start to finish, absorbing new ideas and leading the way with new and original material. Once you have written your songs you can even get it produced, recorded and performed at the many performing opportunities throughout the year.
Junior Strings
Junior Strings is a string orchestra for young musicians learning the Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass. We welcome players that are complete beginners up to those who are Grade 2 standard and above. Junior Strings play repertoire especially designed for young string players often arranged and specially tailored to the group by our specialist teachers.
Junior School Theory Junior Rock Groups Years 5 and 6
Come along and join our expert visiting music teachers and sing and play current rock and pop songs with an opportunity to perform in concerts throughout the year or even play your own songs. You will learn the fundamentals of performing and operating as a band, perhaps learning new instruments.
If you are a complete beginner to music theory or already working through the grades, or just want to find out more about how music works, come along to our theory classes. Music theory with a difference and fun.
Junior Windband
Junior Windband is a group for players of woodwind, brass and percussion for Grades 1 and above. The music is tailored to suit the needs of each player. The ensemble plays a wide variety of music and performs a wide variety of music, ranging from original compositions for windband to arrangements of film music or classical pieces. The emphasis is on having fun whilst learning the disciplines of playing in a band.
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Cardington Road, Bedford MK42 0BX Telephone: 01234 361900 information@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust. Company no. 3475202/Charity no. 1066861