Co-curriculumProgramme 2022-23 JUNIORSCHOOL , SENIO R S CHOOL & SIXTHFORM
Introduction
Dear Students I am delighted to introduce this year’s co-curricular programme, I hope you will find the range of clubs and activities on offer exciting and stimulating. The co-curriculum is an integral part of your BGS education, it extends 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 Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme and, as well as carrying out activities of their own, Sixth Formers are encouraged to participate in leading activities for our younger students. Activities are grouped into broad areas of focus and the key learner profile attributes highlighted for each activity in order to help you develop a board range of skills through the co-curricular programme. 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 Years 5 and 6 students.
All students will be asked to register for their chosen activities during form time in the first week of term. Unless specified, clubs will start during the week beginning Monday 12th 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. 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
02 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 Contents Carbon balanced print is produced by a carbon balanced printer on carbon balanced paper.
Arts Creativity& Art Club Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, risk-taking, thinkers, reflective | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M128-M130: Years 7 - Upper Sixth Join this weekly club to learn new art and ceramic skills and develop work exploring a wide range of themes and starting Appliquepoints.Club Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, risk-taking, thinkers, reflective | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Year 8 Come and have fun being creative and making animal inspired cushions using upcycled fabric. Divergent Dance Company Learner Profile: Communicators, risk-taking | Monday 4.15-5.15pm: Lower and Upper Sixth A new contemporary dance group to explore expressive ideas, learn new technique and develop new pieces. Drama Club Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, risk-taking | Thursday Lunchtime: Years 7 and 8 Weekly lunch time club to enrich drama skills and knowledge, form friendships outside your normal groups, and build confidence. Develop your love of Drama! 03 Expressions Dance Company After School: Years 8 and 9 Expressions 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 techniques, physical theatre and choreographic Challengedevices.and Extend Dance Club Learner Profile: Principled, risk-taking, reflective | Tuesday After School 4.10pm5.00pm, Venue TBC: Year 7 This is a selected Dance Company to accommodate not just talent but dedicated, committed students that have a real passion and focus for Dance.
Learner Profile: Communicators, open-minded, risk-taking, thinkers | Monday lunchtime, iCreate: Years 5 - Upper Sixth Have you thought how Mathematics features in art? Learn how to draw geometric designs using mathematical equipment. Come and view my portfolio of mesmerising designs and give it a go. You can also try Mandala artdrawing within concentric circles. A great way to relax.
Learner Profile: Communicators, caring | TBC Lunchtime, M112: Years 7 - Upper Sixth 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. Movie Makers
Challenge and Extend Textiles and Fashion
Hama Bead Club
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Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, reflective, risk-taking | After School, day to be confirmed: Years 9 to Upper Sixth For creative students who love Textiles. Providing an insight into the creative industries linked to Textiles and Fashion. Practical work that will extend coursework. Portfolio building for Sixth Form students who are considering Textiles and Fashion at Degree level.
Learner Profile: Balanced, caring | Wednesday Lunchtime: Years 7 and 8 Make professional looking greetings cards and gifts with Hama beads. Your friends and family will be delighted to receive one and you will have fun making them!
Geometric Designs
Gingerbread Structures Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, reflective, risk-taking | Timing to be confirmed: Autumn Term Year 9 Do you love designing and cooking? We will be designing, making and decorating gingerbread houses ready to take home for Christmas celebrations.
Knitting Club
Learner Profile: Communicators, risk-taking | Various times and days: Year 10
The world is becoming increasingly aware that the digital device is the pen and paper of the 21st century. The world is becoming saturated with news, views and issues which our change-makers of the future will be directly influencing. The practical exploration of film and the moving image offers students the additional opportunity to explore storytelling, genre and imagery in the production of products such as music videos, adverts, documentaries and fiction pieces across a variety of different platforms. The Film and Digital Media Production Club will enable our students to express their ideas and to explore a variety of creative techniques and approaches to producing digital content for audiences.
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.
The club will take a vocational and entrepreneurial approach to setting exciting project briefs where our students will be able to express their creativity and curiosity when creating their own scripts, footage and editing in post-production. Our digital media specialists will utilise iPads to encourage the acquisition of vital digital literacy skills through a focus on the 3Cs of colour, character and camera and the 3Ss of story, setting and sound.
Learner Profile: Communicators, balanced, thinkers | Wednesday lunchtime: All Senior School Year Groups Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is an activity that has been associated with mindfulness. Its simplicity, the humble act of engaging with paper, the feeling of textures and creases and the visual result that emerges, all offer excellent ways to practice mindfulness.
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Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, risk-taking | Day and times to be confirmed: Senior School students above Grade 4 or equivalent Apply music theory and creativity to develop live performances based on improvisation. We will draw influence from a variety of styles including Blues, Jazz, Classical Indian and Spanish Flamenco.
Radio Club Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, risk-taking | Various Lunchtimes, Radio Studio: All Senior School Year Groups
Origami Club
Music Improvisation
06 Textile Garment Design Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-taking, reflective | Day to be confirmed: Year 9 Extend your textile skills, explore pattern design and make your own creative garments. Theatre Crew Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Thursday after School, M017: Years 9 - Upper Sixth Expand your knowledge and understanding of theatre productions from behind the curtain! Students 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. Write On Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | 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.
07 Biology Enrichment Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, risk-taking, thinkers | Days to be confirmed: Upper Sixth For those who are passionate about biology this is an opportunity to extend learning and skills, explore ideas and interests further. Board Games and RPG Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, risk-taking, thinkers | Tuesday 4.15pm-5.30pm: Years 7 - Upper Sixth We play a diverse variety of modern board games. All students are welcome. We also run Dungeons and Dragons games on a regular basis for those experienced dungeon delvers, or those who want to try something new. Business and Economics Society Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, risk-taking, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Sixth Form Extend your knowledge and lead discussions into current global economic and business issues. Chemical Curiosities Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, thinkers | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M124: Year 8 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. Chemistry Enrichment Learner Profile: Balanced, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers | Tuesday Lunchtimes: Upper Sixth Develop a deeper understanding of chemistry and its’ global applications. EngageEnquire&
Chemistry Enrichment Learner Profile: Balanced, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Lower Sixth To support the transition to A Level and IB by extending knowledge, concepts and understanding. Chess Club Learner Profile: Reflective, risk-taking, thinkers | 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 surprised how interesting the game can be. Critique! Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Lower and Upper Sixth By learning about various critical theories, we will explore how ideas about ourselves and our communities are communicated through language, clothing, music, art, advertising, shop displays and more! Ethics in Films Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 9 - Upper Sixth A club dedicated to looking at ethical issues through the lens of anime, film and television. Geog Soc Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledge, reflective | Day to be confirmed: Sixth Form Come together to discuss topical current issues and look at their impact from a human and physical geographical Hackersapproach. Club Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-taking | Friday Second Lunch: Years 7 - Upper Sixth Have fun exploring aspects of computer science and robotics.
Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, reflective | Various dates, times and venues: Lower and Upper Sixth in with discussions and talks around the subject with other students studying English from the Harpur Trust Healthschools.and Care Academy (NHS)
Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Monday Lunchtime: Years 7Upper Sixth A quiet and reflective environment, providing participants with a space to read, draw, research and work on collaborative projects. Additional seasonal craft sessions, competitions and literacy events are held throughout the year.
09 Harpur Trust English Society
Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, thinkers | Various Days After School: Years 11Upper Sixth Meet, watch discuss and appreciate films of historical, political and international interest in a relaxed environment.
Join
History and Politics Film Club
Lovelace Society
Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers | Monthly remote session and independent study: Lower Sixth The Health and Care Academy is for students who 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, teamwork 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 selected Saturday mornings in the Education Centre at Bedford Hospital.
Library Club
Learner Profile: communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Friday Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth Sixth Form run Computer Science Society, including guest speakers, joint events with other HT schools to explore and discuss all aspects of Computer Science.
Tinkerlab Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | 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 XploreSTEM.
10 Medical Society
Scientific Research Opportunities
Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-taking, thinkers | Various days and times: Years 7 - Upper Sixth In conjunction with the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS), we offer a variety of real-life, cuttingedge research opportunities, including: Cosmic Mining (analysing spectra for the James Webb telescope); Ionic Liquids (synthesising the solvent of the future); and Treezilla (identifying and measuring trees for a national Sigmadatabase). Society Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers | 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 curricula.
Learner Profile: Caring, communicator, open-minded, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 10 - Upper Sixth Interested in studying Medicine or a related field? Join us for topical discussions, debates and lectures. Information about and support with UCAT/BMAT, personal statements and interviews.
Psychology Society
STEM Stars Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Year 9 Projects that are fun, creative, develop useful skills ready for GCSE Science, Maths, English, Art, Product Design and many more and also give you a flavour of business enterprise. You will have a chance to enter competitions should you wish to. A big part of this is team building so come along with your friends to learn and have some fun.
Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledge, thinkers, reflective | Termly Lectures: Years 10Upper Sixth The Psychology Society is a student-run group with plans to invite speakers to talk about their work, or interesting areas related to the study of Psychology. Lectures are intended to be open to students in Years 10 - Upper Sixth from across the Harpur Trust.
Learner Profile: Communicators, balanced, open-minded, reflective, thinkers | Wednesday, 1:00pm - 1:45pm: All Senior School Year Groups
This is an opportunity to explore the big questions of life and see what Christians and the Bible have to say. We meet to chat, laugh, look at the Bible, eat chocolate, and chill with students from different year groups. Anyone can ask any question; no one has to speak.
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 Art and Architecture
Learner
Leaner Profile: Balanced, caring, principled | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 7Upper 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 Germanspeakers.Film Club Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | After School, various days, Wing House: Lower and Upper Sixth Watch and discuss German films and learn more about German culture. Subtitles will be available.
CitizenshipGlobal
Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, thinkers | 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
African and Caribbean Society
Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, open-minded, principled | Various Lunchtimes: All Senior School Year Groups
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Learner Profile: Reflective, risk-taking | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 10 to Upper Sixth Stretch your brain by understanding the intricacies of pottery, sculptures and architecture in the Archaic and Classical periods. Cinefilles Profile: Communicators, reflective | Years 7 - Sixth Form Opportunities to watch and discuss French films in French! Improve your skills and discover the joy of French Debatingcinema.Club
Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, principled | 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.
Language Drama, Poetry and Story Club
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Mandarin Club Learner profile: Communicator, thinkers | Year 7 A paid for co-curricular opportunity to learn Mandarin through an online educational platform, supervised by BGS Modelteachers.United Nations Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, inquirers, open-minded, risk-taking | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 10 and 11 Tuesday, Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth 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.
We
Learner Profile: Caring, communicator, open-minded | Various lunchtimes: All Senior School Year Groups A Sixth Form led club to engage the whole community in celebrating the beauty of South Asian cultures, traditions and festivals.
Learner Profile: Principled, reflective | 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.
Learner Profile: Communicators, open-minded, risk taking, thinkers | Day and Time to be confirmed: Years 6 and 7 will explore creativity in language and use our to develop pieces for entry into national and regional Languagecompetitions.Leaders
Inclusion and Diversity Club
Islamic Society
imaginations
Senior PPE Society Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, open-minded, reflective | Tuesday, 2nd Lunchtime, S005: Lower and Upper Sixth Reflect on the implications and the impact of current affairs from an economic, political and philosophical Southperspective.Asian Society
Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, reflective, risk-taking | Day and Time to be confirmed: Year 10 Develop your leadership and linguistics skills by helping teach younger learners new languages.
13 Combined Cadet Force Learner Profile: Communicators, caring, reflective, risk-taking | Wednesday, 4.30pm6.00pm, Bedford School: Years 9 - Upper Sixth 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. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, caring, risk-taking | Various days: Years 9Upper 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 Equestriancoordinator.Club Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, risk-taking, thinkers | Various times and locations: Years 7 - 11 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? Football Club Learner Profile: Communicator, risk-taking, thinkers | Day and Times to be confirmed: All Senior School Year Groups Learn new skills, drills and play fun matches! &Well-beingTeamwork Horticultural Club Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, knowledgeable | Thursday Lunchtime: Year 10 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. Mindfulness Club Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, reflective | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: All Senior School Year Groups Students engage in creative activities to help them manage stress and anxiety, and to promote positive mental Shackletonwell-being.Reading Group Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, balanced, principled | Day to be confirmed: Lower Sixth Outreach work helping children in a local primary school learn to read through providing 1:1 support. Work out with Woolley Leaner Profile: Balanced, reflective | Thursday Lunchtime: Sixth Form students HIIT sessions on the playing fields to get energized and enthusiasm for the rest of the week!
14 Year 8 Charities Committee Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, principled, reflective | Day to be confirmed Join the team to lead our partnership with FACES charity. Help develop campaigns, run events and fund raise for this incredible organisation. Build leadership skills and greater understanding of important societal issues. Year 9 United World Schools Group Learner Profile: Caring, charity, communicators, principled, open-minded, reflective Be part of the team to build awareness and funds for our overseas charity partner United World Schools. Learn about the important work they do supporting marginalised communities in developing countries and support them through a range of activities and events. Be creative, take action and be involved!
15 Some Senior School clubs will also be available to Junior School pupils. Art Competition Club Learner Profile: Communicators, open minded, thinkers | Thursday lunchtime; Autumn Term only: Year 6 Extend your creativity and work on pieces to be submitted into The National Gallery art competition. Arts and Craft Club Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, thinkers | Day to be confirmed, JS Art Room, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 5 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. Book Buddies Learner Profile: Balanced, knowledgeable, reflective | Day to be confirmed: Years 3 - 4 Come to the LRC and pick up a new book. Explore authors, lose yourself in stories and share your new finds with your friends whilst improving your reading skills. Book Club Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, reflective, risk-taking | Day to be confirmed: Years 5 - 6 A group where we will all read a book and then spend time discussing and analysing the story. A fun way to delve deeper into literature. Build Club Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, thinkers | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6 Team challenges to design and construct with lego, wood, paper and anything else we can find! Diversity and Inclusion Club Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, international mindedness, principled | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6 Representatives from each class to discuss and run events which will raise awareness and celebrate our differences. Eco Club Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, principled | 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. Head Girls’ Team and Student Voice Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, open-minded, reflective | 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. Globe Trotters Club Learner Profile: Inquirers, international mindedness, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6 Let’s pack our suitcases and explore the globe! We will see how far we can travel, investigating art, food and music from different cultures. JuniorSchool
16 Karaoke Club Learner Profile: Communicators, risk-taking | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 5 - 6 Pupils will sing age appropriate songs as part of a group and any that feel brave can even have a go at singing as a soloist in true karaoke style. This will be a lighthearted, fun and confidence building club! Map Reading Skills and Camp Craft Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-taking | Spring and Summer Term lunchtimes: Year 6 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 Mindfulness,School. Meditation and Yoga Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, reflective | Day to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6 Come along and find your inner calm. Discover techniques to help you relax. Just breathe! Playground Buddies Learner Profile: Balance, caring, communicators, principled | Various lunchtimes: 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. Science Club Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable | Day to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6 Run by Senior School teachers and Sixth Form students, a chance to extend your knowledge and skills with fun experiments and activities. Spanish Club Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, risk-taking | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 5 Spanish interactive activities with songs, games, crafts and more. South Asian Society Learner Profile: Balanced, open-minded, thinkers | Day to be confirmed: Years 3-6 Discover and celebrate cultures, festivals and traditions from South Asia.
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 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. If you do have any questions please email sport@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
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18 Day Morning Lunchtime Afterschool Monday GoalkeepingLacrosse BGSHall/FieldSports U12 Hockey BGS Astro U11/10 Netball BGS Astro/Sports Hall U15(2nd)Hockey BGS Astro U15 Lacrosse BGS Astro/Sports Hall Early Morning Tennis Y5 and Y10 Riverside U8 & NetballU9 Sports Hall Y3 & 4 Swimming BGS Pool Swim (Selected)Training7am BGS Pool ShootingNetball(1st) BGS Astro U12 Hockey Bedford School Astro (BHC After H/T) U14(1st)Netball Sports Hall U14 Hockey University Of Bedfordshire Y11 Rowing Boathouse Y12/13 Rowing (6pm Finish) Boathouse Y10 Rowing (5pm Finish) Boathouse Tuesday Early Morning Tennis Y3 and Y6 Y3 SH Y6 Riverside HockeySenior(2nd) BGS Astro Senior Hockey BGS Astro Football Club Sports Hall U12 Swimming BGS Pool U11 Netball BGS Astro U13 Lacrosse BGS Field (BIAS After H/T) U13 Lacrosse BGS Field U14A & U15A Netball Sports Hall U8 & Hockey9 BGS Astro Y12/13 Rowing S&C Fitness Suite Y9 Rowing Boathouse Y11 Rowing Ergos Boathouse Y12 Rowing Boathouse U14B/C & U15B/C & U16B & U19B Netball League Bunyan Centre Wednesday Early Morning Tennis Y4 and Y7 Y4 - SH Y7 RiversideU10 Hockey BGS Astro U14B+C, U15B+C, U16B+C (Netball League Teams) BGS Astro/SH U12(2nd)Lacrosse BGS Field U11 Hockey BGS Astro Swim (Selected)Training7am BGS Astro U13 Netball BGS Astro U12 Lacrosse BGS Field / Offsite Years Fitness9-13Club7:30am FitnessSuite/Studio U14 Lacrosse BGS Field Senior Netball (Selected)Academy Sports Hall RowingSeniorS&C Fitness Suite Y13 Rowing Boathouse Y9 Rowing Ergo Boathouse Yr 8 (Selected)Swimming5.30pm BGS Pool Thursday EarlyTennisMorningY8 Riverside U14 Hockey BGS Astro U12 Netball BGS Astro Hockey(8amYearsGoalkeepers5-8-8.30am) BGS Astro LacrosseSenior(2nd) BGS Field Senior Lacrosse BGS Field/SH/Astro Years 9-13 Fitness Club 7:30am FitnessSuite/Studio U12(2nd)Netball BGS Astro Yr 5-6 (5.30pmSwimmingFinish) BGS Pool Y11 Rowing S&C 7am FitnessSuite/Studio U15(1st)Netball Sports Hall U13 Netball BGS Astro/SHY9/10CircuitsRowing7am Sports Hall RowingY12/13 Boathouse Y12/13 Rowing Ergos 7.15am Boathouse Friday EarlyTennisMorningY10 Riverside U13(2nd)Hockey BGS Astro U15 Hockey University Of Bedfordshire U10 Netball Sports Hall U10 Hockey BGS Astro Swim (Selected)Training7am BGS Pool U11 Hockey BGS Astro U14 Lacrosse BGS Field/SH (8am-8.30am)GoalkeepersHockeyYears9-13 BGS Astro U15(2nd)Lacrosse BGS Field Staff Swim BGS Pool Y9 Rowing Boathouse U13 Hockey Bedford School (BHC After H/T) Y10 Rowing Boathouse Y12/13 Rowing S&C Fitness Suite/Studio Y11 Rowing (5pm Finish) Boathouse BHC - Bedford Hockey Club BIAS - Bedford International Athletics Stadium SH - Sports Hall
19 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. Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 12.10 - 12.45pm Tap 2 (Y6): RH Miss Bream Ballet 1: RH Mrs D’Arcy Modern 2 (Y4): M016 Mrs Power Modern 3 M016(Y6): Miss Bream Ballet 2: RH Mrs D’Arcy Modern 1 (Beg M016/NDSY3): Mrs Power Modern 2 (Y5): RH Miss Bream Tap 1 (Y5): RH Miss Bream Tap 1 (Y4): M016 Mrs Power 12.45 - 1.15pm TapPrimary(Y3):RH Miss Bream Tap 3 (Y6 & Y7): RH Miss Bream 4.15 - 5.15pm Hip Hop (Y5 & Y6): RH Miss Greco Ballet 3: PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy Dance Venues: RH - Randle Hall NDS - Dance Studio in the Theatre Wing PE/DS - Dance Studio in PE Junior Co-Curricular Dance Timetable 2022/2023 Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 12.45 - 1.15pm Modern 6: M016 Mrs Power Modern 3: M017 Miss Bream Inter Pointe: NDS Mrs D’Arcy Silver Tap: M016 Miss Bream Prep for Pointe (Beg Y7 & Y8): NDS Mrs D’Arcy Bronze Jazz: RH Miss Bream Modern 5: M016 Mrs Power Tap 2: M016 Mrs Power Tap 3 (Y6 & Y7): RH Miss Bream 1.15 - 1.50pm Silver Tap: RH Miss Bream Tap 4: M016 Mrs Power Beg Pointe Work (Y9 & Y10): NDS Mrs D’Arcy Silver Jazz (Y9): M016 Mrs Power Modern 4: RH Miss Bream Bronze Jazz: M017 Miss Bream Modern 6: M016 Mrs Power 4.15 - 5.15pm Divergent Company:DanceM017 Mrs O’Rourke Ballet 6: PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy Extend Challenge:andRH Miss Bream Ballet 3: PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy (Y7Contemporary&Y8):PE/DS Miss Greco Hip Hop (Beg Y7 & Y8): M016 Miss Greco 5.15 - 6.15pm Ballet 5: PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy Ballet 4: PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy (Y9Contemporary,&Y10):PE/DS Miss Greco Hip Hop (Y9 & Y10): M016 Miss Greco Senior Co-Curricular Dance Timetable 2022/2023
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).
Rehearsals: 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. 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 students must be present, such as the Technical and Dress Rehearsals and any weekend rehearsals, are 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 parents should expect that their daughters may be required on a number of evenings.
20 Drama
Autumn Term: Year 10 - Sixth Form Musical; Year 3 Christmas Production Spring Term: Year 9 Production Summer Term: Year 6 workshop, Year 7 and 8 Shakespeare Workshop and Festival In addition, all Junior School year groups will have the opportunity to take part in performance opportunities throughout the year. Years 4 and 5 also participate in a number of drama and performance workshops in collaboration with Bedford Prep School. 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.
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. For Year 9 and above: Theatre Crew runs each week and is led by our Drama and Events and Theatre Design Technicians. 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.
Trips: We offer a number of theatre trips to extend our students’ awareness and experience of Theatre.
Speech and Drama: 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.
Programme of Productions: 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. This year, the Drama Department will be producing a number of shows across the Junior and Senior School.
Music 21
The
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, extend their leaner attributes and performance experience by joining one of the numerous clubs. Music timetable will be published in September.
Brass (continued)
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
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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.
Senior MusicSchool
Ideal preparation for BGS Symphony Orchestra.
Large Ensemble Intermediate Brass
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 Seniorperformance.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.
Students, staff, alumnae and parents Grade 5 or above.
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. Band Music
BGS Symphony Orchestra
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.
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 Symphonybrass.
ThisLeFonkteachers.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.
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
BGS Symphony Chorus
Theory PreparationIntermediateexaminations.TheoryforGrade3,4and5 ABRSM Theory PreparationAdvancedexaminations.TheoryforGrade6-8ABRSM Theory examinations. Skills Development
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.
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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. Percussion
Beginners Theory Preparation for Grade
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 ForOpusexam.thoseaspiring 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 Seniortechniques.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. 1 and 2 ABRSM
Intermediate 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.
Woodwind
Vocal
Highly Strung 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.
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. Strings and Piano 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.
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.
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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.
Bel BedfordCantoBelCanto 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 Consortaudition.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 ThisGenesisCanto.Choiris 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 ThisJazzabellasgenres.groupisbyaudition 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.
25 Baby Belles 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. Junior Brass 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!
Junior Chamber Group 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. Junior Choir 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! MusicSchool
Junior
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.
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 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 ExperienceOrchestrathethrilloforchestral 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 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 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 School Theory 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 Juniorfun.
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 Juniorgroup.
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Recorders and Fife Club
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.
Cardington Road, Bedford MK42 0BX Telephone: 01234 information@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk361900www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.ukBedfordGirls’SchoolispartofTheHarpurTrust.Companyno.3475202/Charityno.1066861
