Co-curriculum Programme 2023-24

JUNIORSCHOOL , SENIO R S CHOOL & SIXTHFORM

Co-curriculum Programme

2023-24

Introduction

Dear Students,

I am delighted to introduce this year’s co-curriculum 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 broad 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

Arts & Creativity

Art Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, risk-takers, thinkers, reflective | Wednesday, 4.00pm-5.00pm, M128-M130: Years 7 - 9

Join this weekly club to learn new art and develop work exploring a wide range of themes and starting points.

Ceramics Club

Learner Profile: Reflective, knowledgeable, creative | Monday or Tuesday Lunchtime, M130: Years 7 - 10

Various four-week sessions, each with a different project and for a different year group, often with a seasonal theme. Examples of previous sessions include Christmas gonks and Halloween candle holders.

Divergent Dance Company

Learner Profile: Communicators, risk-takers | Monday 4.15-5.15pm: Years 11 - Upper Sixth

A new contemporary dance group to explore expressive ideas, learn new techniques and develop new pieces.

Drama Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, risk-takers | Wednesday Lunchtime (Autumn Term 1): Years 8 and 9

Weekly lunchtime club to enrich drama skills and knowledge, form friendships outside your normal groups, and build confidence. Develop your love of Drama!

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 devices.

Challenge and Extend Dance Club

Learner Profile: Principled, risk-takers, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed: 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.

Challenge and Extend Textiles and Fashion

Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, reflective, risk-takers | Wednesday, 4.00pm5.00pm: Years 9 - 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.

Art and Mandala Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, open-minded, risk-takers, thinkers | Day and time to be confirmed, iCreate: Years 7 - Upper Sixth

Geometric Art is inspired from geometry. It is generally designed with circles, squares and rectangles. These shapes put together make beautiful designs. You may want to try your skill at drawing a Mandala - it is an activity that helps develop hand-eye coordination, trains the mind to recognise shapes, develops creativity, stimulates the sense of patience and attention, helps the development of intelligence and reasoning. Come and try your skill at drawing some eye-catching designs.

Hama Bead Club

Learner Profile: Balanced, caring | Tuesday 1.15pm-1.45pm, W103: Years 7 - 9

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!

Creative Knits

Learner Profile: Creative, open-minded, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed, M112: Year 8 Knitting squares and turning them into small animals. This will be fun, creative and you will develop the ability to follow instructions.

Movie Makers Film Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, imaginative, reflective | Thursday 4.00pm-5.00pm:

Years 10 - Upper Sixth

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 Movie Makers Film 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.

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.

Song Writing Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, risk-takers | Day and time to be confirmed. Must be Grade 4 or above on an instrument. Apply music theory and creativity to develop live performances based on improvisation. We will draw influences from a variety of musical styles from Indian Classical and Spanish Flamenco to Blues and Jazz.

Sustainable Cookery

Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, reflective, thinkers | Monday 4.10pm-5.20pm: Years 8 - 10

A five-week course after October Half Term holiday offering students the opportunity to cook recipes using sustainable ingredients.

Textile Garment Design and Cutting

Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-takers, reflective | Thursday after School, M127: Years 7 - 10

For students who would like to learn more about making clothes. You will learn to draw and cut a paper pattern, transfer it to fabric and construct a garment on the sewing machine.

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 costumes, sets and props.

Write On

Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Years 7 - 10

Working towards a young writers’ competition creating a 250 word ghost story or, if you are in Year 7, you could also choose the topic Behind the Magic Door. Prizes for all completed entries!

Virtual Theatre Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Dates and Year groups to be confirmed. Screenings and discussions of productions via the Drama Online library of National Theatre productions (Collections 1 & 2).

Engage & Enquire

Board Games and RPG

Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, risk-takers, 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: Communicators, knowledgeable, risk-takers, thinkers | Monday 1.15pm, S005:

Year 11 - Upper Sixth

To develop an understanding and appreciation of business and economics through enterprise. Working together to develop a market stand at the Christmas Fayre, focusing on sustainability and the environment. This will be supplemented by economics and business speakers and participation in an external competition.

Chemical Curiosities

Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded, thinkers | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M124: Year 8

Biology Enrichment

Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, risk-takers, thinkers | Day and time 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.

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

Learner Profile: Reflective, risk-takers, thinkers | Monday Week B 12.45pm-1.15pm, M004: Years 7 - Upper Sixth

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. There will also be termly competitions with Bedford School.

Critique!

Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Thursday, First Lunchtime, M118

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, knowledgeable, open-minded, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed: Sixth Form

Come together with students from across the Harpur Trust to discuss topical current issues and look at their impact from a human and physical geographical approach.

Geography Club

Learner Profile: Balance, inquirers, risk-takers | Day and time to be confirmed: Lower and Upper Sixth Summer and Spring Term club which will include developing OS map reading skills, bag-packing, camping and use of trangia, and taking part in a mini-expedition.

Hackers’ Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-takers | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 7 - Upper Sixth Cybersecurity and computational thinking activities that are designed to build your problem-solving skills. This will help you be prepared to gain as many points as possible in the Year 8 NCSC CyberFirst Girls’ Competition and the UK Bebras competitions in November 2023.

Harpur Trust English Society

Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, reflective | Various dates, times and venues: Lower and Upper Sixth

Join in with discussions and talks around the subject with other students studying English from the Harpur Trust schools.

Health and Care Academy (NHS)

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 professionals’ 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.

History and Politics Film Club

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.

Lovelace Society

Learner Profile: Communicators, inquirers, thinkers | Friday Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth

Sixth Form run Computer Science Society, including guest speakers and events with other Harpur Trust schools to explore and discuss all aspects of Computer Science.

Medical Society

Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, 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

Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, 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.

Robotics Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk takers, thinkers | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime, M115: Years 10 - Upper Sixth

Explore the world of robotics with Lego, Sphero and other robots. Open to everyone, you do not need to study Computer Science to take part.

Scientific Research Opportunities

Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-takers, 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 database).

Sigma 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.

SOS Language Club

Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Monday and Friday 12.45pm-1.15pm, LRC Fiction Room: Years 11 - Upper Sixth Signs, Objects and Symbols. A weekly club that looks at alternative forms of communication. From sign language, Morse code and semaphore, to story stones, invisible letters and coded language. SOS Club will develop your roblem-solving skills and knowledge of alternative non-verbal language, with loads of fun throughout!

STEMM Awards

Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable, reflective, thinkers | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 8 - Lower Sixth

Working towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold STEMM award. Encourages students to explore STEMM careers, develop their STEMM skills, inspire the younger generation and inspire the general public. Come along with your friends to learn and have some fun.

Xplore

Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, 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.

Global Citizenship

African and Caribbean Society (ACS)

Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, open-minded, principled | 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.

Cinefilles

Learner 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 cinema.

Debating and Public Speaking Club

Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, thinkers | Wednesday 1.15pm-1.45pm

M114: 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

Leaner Profile: Balanced, caring, principled | 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.

German 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.

Inclusion and Diversity 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 different cultures.

Islamic Society

Learner Profile: Principled, reflective | Day and time 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.

Language Leaders

Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, reflective, risk-takers | Thursday, 1.15pm-1.45pm, W003: Year 10

Develop your leadership and linguistics skills by helping teach younger learners new languages.

LGBTQ+ Society

Learner Profile: Caring, open-minded, reflective | Various lunchtimes: All Senior School Year Groups

The LGBTQ+ Club aims to foster a deeper understanding and respect for all identities, by promoting a safe, inclusive space for discussion and engagement. We endeavour to educate and inspire our students about the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Through fostering open dialogue, mutual respect, and friendship, our club promotes a positive social ethos, striving to build empathetic and socially aware individuals. Together, we challenge prejudices, encourage acceptance, and celebrate diversity. This club, firmly embedded in our School’s values, empowers students to be confident in their own identity and compassionate towards others.

MFL Debating Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, imaginative, open-minded, risk-takers | Day and time to be confirmed: Year 10 - Upper Sixth

To be able to prepare for and deliver debates on topical issues in French. German, Spanish and compete in the regional qualifiers for debating competitions in Spring. This is a great opportunity to prepare for your MFL speaking exams whilst exploring a range of issues and discussing and debating their pros and cons. It will also improve your research skills.

Model United Nations (MUN)

Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, inquirers, open-minded, risk-takers | Tuesday, 1.15pm-1.45pm, S005: Years 11 - 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.

Philosophise

Learner Profile: Communicators, knowledgeable, open-minded, reflective | Tuesday 12.45pm1.15pm, M101: Lower and Upper Sixth Read an extract from a famous work of Philosophy, from Plato to Descartes and Confucius. Then come and discuss the key themes and questions raised by the text.

South Asian Society (SAS)

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.

Spanish Film Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, open-minded | Days and time to be confirmed: Years 8 and 9 Improve your Spanish skills whilst watching a variety of films.

Well-being & Teamwork

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, reflective, risk-takers | Wednesday, 4.30pm6.00pm, Bedford School: Years 9 - Upper Sixth

Students will work alongside the cadets from Bedford School, developing skills specific to their chosen section of RN, Army or RAFF. 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-takers | 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 coordinator, Dr Deborah Howe.

Equestrian Club

Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, risk-takers, 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-takers, thinkers | Tuesday, 12.45pm Astro: All Senior School Year Groups

Learn new skills, drills and play fun matches!

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.

Lunch Club

Learner Profile: Balanced, communicators, Principled | Lower and Upper Sixth

Be part of the team that host elderly residents for termly lunches. A rewarding experience and good for building organisational skills.

Reading Group

Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, balanced, principled | Days and times 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 | Wednesday

Lunchtime: Lower and Upper Sixth

HIIT sessions on the playing fields to get energized and enthusiastic for the rest of the week!

Year 8 Charities Committee

Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, principled, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed.

Join the team to lead our partnership with FACES charity. Help develop campaigns, run events and fundraise 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 | Day and time to be confirmed.

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!

Junior School

Some Senior School clubs may be available to Junior School pupils.

Arts and Craft Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, thinkers | Day and time 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 and time 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.

Build Club

Learner Profile: Communicators, reflective, thinkers | Day and time to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6

Team challenges to design and construct with Lego, wood, paper and anything else we can find!

Cross Stitch Club

Learner Profile: Imaginative, reflective, risk-takers, | Monday Lunchtimes (Week B): Years 3- 6

Discover the excitement of cross stitch in our beginners’ club. Stitching is fantastically enjoyable and boosts hand-eye coordination, concentration and maths skills.

Diversity and Inclusion Club

Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, international mindedness, principled | Monday Lunchtime: Years 3 - 6

We will lead the celebration of different religious festivals and cultural days. We will make sure everyone feels seen and heard.

DT Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, thinkers | Tuesday Lunchtime, DT rooms: Years 3, 4 and 5

Every object you encounter has been designed, some well and some not so. Design is about experimentation and ‘playing’ with materials to make something better. DT craft club is an opportunity to improve your design skills and get hands-on with different materials and techniques.

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.

Gardening Club

Learner Profile: Caring, communicators, reflective, risk-takers | In the Junior School gardens: Years 3 - 6

Help to build a vegetable garden and watch vegetables and fruit grow under your careful nurturing hands.

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 and time 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.

iMovie Club

Learner Profile: Communicator, imaginative, principled | Day and time to be confirmed.

Join the exciting iMovie Club exclusively designed for budding directors! Get ready to unleash your imagination and dive into the world of video creation. This incredible adventure will empower you with valuable camera skills and unleash your creativity through planning, filming, editing and making your very own videos using iMovie.

Map Reading Skills and Camp Craft

Learner Profile: Inquirers, risk-takers | 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 School.

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.

Puppetry Club

Learner Profile: Communicator, risk-takers | Friday Lunchtimes: Years 3 and 4

For those interested in writing their own scripts, making their own puppet theatre and puppets. Come and practise storytelling in a fun and creative way.

Junior STEM Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, knowledgeable | Thursday Lunchtime: 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-takers | Day to be confirmed, Lunchtime: Years 3 - 5

Spanish interactive activities with songs, games, crafts and more.

Take a Picture!

Learner Profile: Communicators, imaginative, risk-takers, open-minded, principled | Day and time to be confirmed: Year 6

Be part of a club that celebrates taking photos and enter competitions. Come along and let’s get clicking!

Yoga

Learner Profile: Balanced, caring, reflective | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6

Yoga is a way to exercise our bodies, our breath, and our minds all at the same time. Yoga makes us feel great! Yoga is a very ancient science that helps us to develop flexibility and strength in our bodies, and peace in our mind.

Young Enterprise Club

Learner Profile: Inquirers, thinkers, risk-takers | Day and time to be confirmed: Years 3 - 6 Come along and get creative. We will come up with ideas and products that we can sell for charity, from items for the Christmas Fayre to ice-lollies for hot summer days!

Sport

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 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

The PE Department aims to offer an enjoyable and dynamic experience of sport that results in students wanting to become fully involved in as many activities as possible, whilst still making as much progress and development in their chosen sports.

Autumn Term Sports Co-curricular Timetable

Day Before School

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 2023/2024

1 (Yr4&5): NDS

-

pm Hip Hop (Yr5&6): RH

GrecoBallet 3 (Yr6&7): PE/DS

Senior Co-curricular Dance Timetable 2023/2024

Tap 4 (Yr10): M016

Prep For Pointe (Beg Yr7&8): NDS

1.15 - 1.50pm

Bream

Bronze Tap: RH

Miss Bream

Modern 6 (Yr10)

Mrs Power

4.15 - 5.15pm

Divergent Dance Company: M017

Mrs O’Rourke

5.15 - 6.15pm -

Mrs Power Ballet 1 (Yr4&5): NDS

Mrs D’Arcy

Silver Jazz: M016

Mrs Power

Advanced Pointe: NDS

Mrs D’Arcy

MODERN 4 (Yr8)

Miss Bream

Ballet 5 (Yr8,10,11)

PE/DS

Mrs D’Arcy

Extend and Challenge: RH

Miss Bream

Ballet 6: PE/DS

Mrs D’Arcy

Mrs D’Arcy

Modern 3 (Yr7): M016

Miss Bream

Beg Pointe Work (Yr9&10): NDS

Mrs D’Arcy

Ballet 3 (Yr6&7): PE/DS

Mrs D’Arcy

Ballet 4 (Yr7,8&9): PE/DS

Mrs D’Arcy

Inter Pointe PE/DS Mrs D’Arcy

Modern 4 (Yr8&9): RH

Miss Bream

Contemporary (Yr7&8): PE/DS

Miss Greco

Contemporary (Yr9&10): PE/DS

Miss Greco

Dance Fitness: PE/DS

Mrs D’Arcy

Hip Hop (Beg Yr7&8): M016

Miss Greco

Hip Hop (Yr9&10): M016

Miss Greco

Venues: RH - Randle Hall NDS - Dance Studio in the Theatre Wing PE/DS - Dance Studio in PE

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).

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, A Level or IB.

This year, the Drama Department will be producing a number of shows across the Junior and Senior School.

Autumn Term: Years 11 - Sixth Form Musical; Year 3 Christmas Production

Spring Term: Years 9 and 10 Production

Summer Term: Year 6 workshop, Years 7 and 8 production

In addition, all Junior School year groups will have the opportunity to take part in performance opportunities through the IB PYP framework. Across the school we collaborate with other schools on workshops and performance opportunities, as well as welcoming external expert guests into school to extend knowledge and skills.

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.

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

Drama

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.

Trips:

We offer a number of theatre trips to extend our students’ awareness and experience of theatre.

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.

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.

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, extend their leaner attributes and performance experience by joining one of the numerous clubs.

Senior School Music

Large Ensembles

BGS Symphony Orchestra

An orchestra for those Grade 4 (or equivalent) and 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.

Symphony String Orchestra

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.

Small Ensemble

Senior Chamber Group

This is an opportunity to develop your understanding of smaller ensemble skills and allows for focused teaching of individual students in order to challenge and extend. You will explore a range of chamber music

from piano trios to quintets and quartets from staff experts in this field. There are a variety of instrumental combinations explored and the variety of music allows you to understand musical expression and styles more completely, helping to enhance the skills required for a successful musician.

Brass Group

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.

Percussion Group

If you want the opportunity to make some real noise and enjoy an enriching range of percussion music from across the world, this may be for you. This ensemble works on developing ensemble performance skills alongside understanding of both rhythmic notations, playing by ear and playing technique across a range of percussive instruments.

Flute Choir

An opportunity to play in a smaller ensemble with fellow flautists, exploring an 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.

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.

Organ Classes

Ever pictured yourself leading the Carol Service or playing a show stopping organ piece utilising the original orchestra in an instrument. Whether you aspire to play the biggest instruments in the world in worldrenowned venues or you’re interested in how it works

and want to develop your knowledge of harmony and keyboard skills. There will also be opportunities to help lead the Carol Service and Easter Service as well as performing in concerts.

Band Music

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. Run with Bedford School, where ideas are shared and developed amongst the students with support from a range of experienced teachers.

Rock Group

A must for all students in Years 8, 11 and the Lower Sixth 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 at the very popular Open Mic Nights and Rock Nights run in partnership with Bedford School.

Vocal

BGS Chorus

This is a choir for those that just want to sing and have fun where there is no expectation on experience, grade or level. If you enjoy singing with others and want the opportunity to sing with bands, orchestras or as part of a symphony ensemble covering popular styles through to large choral works then this is the ensemble for you.

Genesis

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.

Bel Canto

BGS 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. Entry is by audition and must be arranged through the Director of Music.

Consort Choir

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 as well as jazz and popular arrangements. 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.

Jazzabels

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.

Creative Exploration, Skills Development and Exam Preparation

Senior Music Tech Club

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, a perfect addition for aspiring producers, and a platform to record your own music or to further enhance GCSE, A Level and IB studies.

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 their 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; 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.

Grade 1-2 Theory Club

Preparation for Grade 1 and 2 ABRSM Theory examinations taught in a supportive and fun way. This is a fantastic way to build your confidence in understanding music and how it works.

Grade 3-5 Theory Club

Whether you’re taking grade 5 theory as part of your music journey in your instrumental and vocal studies or you want to develop your understanding of music and how it works to a higher level. This is a relaxed and fun group helping you to get there. This is highly recommended for GCSE and A-level Music students as it is a huge benefit to your course.

Advanced Theory Grade 6+

This is an option for those students inspired to take their theory knowledge further. You will explore advanced theory concepts that you would expect to see at A-Level and beyond. It is an excellent way to prepare for scholarships or raise your music playing and knowledge to the next level.

ABRSM Aural and Sight Reading and Trinity Aural Classes

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 or if you want to improve your skills in these areas.

Musical Improvisation

Apply music theory and creativity to develop live performances based on improvisation. You will draw influence from a variety of musical styles from Indian classical and Spanish flamenco to Blues and Jazz.

Senior School Music Co-curricular Timetable Autumn Term 2023-2024

After School

4:15pm –5:15pm

Bel Canto

Mrs Jones: T103

BGS Symphony Orchestra

Mr Keating-Roberts,

Mr Gemmill, Mr Metzger: T103

Rock Group (Counteract)

Mr Davies: T010

Musical Improvisation

Mr Gardner: T201

Trinity Aural Classes

Mrs Brazel: T104

Senior Brass Group

Mr Goble:T103

Organ Class

Mr Boynton: Trinity Foyer

Symphony Strings

Mr Gemmill & Mr Metzger: T103

Advanced Theory Group Grade 6+

Mr Keating-Roberts: T104

Senior School Tech Club

Mr Gemmill: T201 & Recording Studio

Consort Choir

Mrs Jones & Mr Roberts: T103 & Bedford School Chapel

Yr11 Rock Group (Counteract)

Mr Davies: T010

Jazzabels

Mr Keating-Roberts: T103

Senior Guitar Group

Mr Davies: T010

Le Fonk

Mr Rooke: Bedford Boys

Recital Hall

Adrian Boult Society

Mr Keating-Roberts & Mr Finch: Bedford School Ensemble Room

Junior School Music

ABRSM Aural and Sight Reading and Trinity Aural Classes

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 or if you want to improve your skills in these areas.

Baby Bels

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 Choir Full

Years 3 and 4, Years 5 and 6

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. You will participate in the relevant year group choir where you will learn music selected specifically for that group and work towards full choir pieces too, where there is always a huge show stopper with full orchestra for each major concert and plenty of performance opportunities. Weekly rehearsals include vocal training, group singing and lots of fun!

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.

Fabulous Flutes

Fabulous Flutes is a group for students learning the flute who want to develop their skills as part of an ensemble. The music is tailored to suit the needs of each player. The ensemble plays a wide variety of music ranging from original compositions for flutes to arrangements of film music or popular and classical pieces. The emphasis is on having fun whilst learning the disciplines of playing in a group.

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. A fantastic way to introduce yourself to playing a wind instrument and provide opportunities for you to perform with others both in informal and formal events and concerts.

Grade 1-2 Theory Club

Preparation for Grade 1 and 2 ABRSM Theory examinations taught in a supportive and fun way. This is a fantastic way to build your confidence in understanding music and how it works.

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 to create their own DJ sets or Electronic Music masterpieces like those used in films or EDM genres. 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 industry 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 Club

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 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.

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 Music Co-curricular Timetable Autumn Term 2023-2024