CO-CURRICULAR HANDBOOK
CONTENTS
Academic Enrichment
INTRODUCTION
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Theatre, Drama and Dance
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Music
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Creative Arts
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Clubs and Activities
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Outdoor Learning, CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
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Technology, Innovation and Engineering
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Partnerships
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Sport
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At Caterham School, we believe that a truly excellent school is about more than academic achievement alone: it is also about developing a passion for learning, a capacity for independent and critical thinking, self-awareness and resilience, self-confidence without arrogance and genuine interests that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. 01
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We focus on developing the whole person, aiming to ensure that each pupil leaves here ready for the challenges of life at university and beyond and understanding their responsibilities towards others. We want our pupils to leave Caterham well equipped to engage positively with a rapidly changing world as accomplished problem solvers and innovators, confident in their ability to lead and with a clear appreciation of and respect for the views and potential of others. The School’s co-curricular programme fosters these qualities and skills whilst supporting the Academic and Wellbeing programmes. This is realised through a programme of activities which:
• fosters commitment and develops
resilience; pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves by caring and involved members of staff who understand the goals of our pupils’ personal development • offers a wide range of academic, sporting, artistic, cultural, charitable and leadership opportunities which enables individual pupils to find and pursue their personal passions whilst developing transferable skills and qualities • enables our young people to find a level of commitment which provides an appropriate balance between timetabled lessons and their wider interests and endeavours 02
• encourages participation across a range
of levels – from those starting out on a brand new skill or interest to those taking existing interests and pursuits to a level of excellence • is fun! Enjoying school life is key to a Caterham education. We want our young people to get the most out of their time here and be the best they can be!
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
The co-curricular programme aims to develop leadership skills; this is particularly true in the Sixth Form when pupils are encouraged to be at the forefront of new activities and societies about which they are passionate. Pupils are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for designing their own co-curricular programme, in consultation with their tutor. An annual Freshers’ Fair is held at the start of the Autumn Term as part of the School’s Induction Programme for new pupils. Both new and existing pupils are encouraged to reflect upon their cocurricular programme at the start of each school year, considering how they are making use of opportunities to develop skills and qualities which will serve them in life beyond Caterham. The co-curricular timetable is updated each term and the current version can be found on the school’s website: caterhamschool.co.uk/co-curricular
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CHINESE CLUB This club is run exclusively by native-speaking Chinese pupils. It is aimed at total beginners who would like to spend time not only learning the basics of the language but also the cultural aspects of this fascinating country. You will be encouraged to speak and write in Mandarin as soon as possible – who knows where it could lead?
CLASSICS SOCIETY Classics Society is a club for any pupil interested in anything Classical. We explore an enormous range of topics from what sort of hero Odysseus was to how Augustus transformed the Roman Republic. At each meeting a pupil gives a talk on something or someone from the Ancient World while the rest of us listen intently, concocting cunningly difficult questions with which to bombard said speaker! Once a term we take a break from this format to indulge in a Classical Quiz, an event that often draws in some one-off visitors to the club. Fourth Years and above are all very welcome.
DA VINCI SOCIETY The Da Vinci Society, takes its inspiration from one of history’s great minds. Leonardo Da Vinci was an artist, engineer, strategist, sculptor, scientist and inventor. Indeed, he invented (theoretically) the bicycle, aeroplane and helicopter a good 500 years ahead of their time. Da Vinci embodies the meeting of art and science in one man; what the Da Vinci Society aims to do is to bring artists, scientists and mathematicians together on projects that are
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both creative and practical. We also want to encourage such pairings in your own endeavours to create and develop products or solutions to real-world problems that could be taken to market.
DEUTSCHER STAMMTISCH Deutscher Stammtisch is a discussion forum in German, attended after school by all pupils studying A Level German, plus a small number of Fourth and Fifth Years by invitation only. A Sixth Form pupil delivers a presentation on a cultural aspect relating to the German speaking world and a question and answer session and discussion follow. The entire proceedings take place in German.
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS SOCIETY The Economics and Business Society meets each week to explore the hot topics of the day affecting the world of economics, business and finance. It includes pupil and staff presentations, debates on the big issues and the opportunity to get engaged and involved. The society is key for those pupils considering a degree or career in this area, but we warmly welcome any other interested pupils.
FRENCH SOCIETY
GATOS SPANISH CLUB
In the context of fewer people making the effort to learn and study foreign languages, the French Society strives to challenge and change this attitude and ensure our pupils realise that learning a language is an invaluable skill in our modern and global world.
GATOS is open to all First, Second and Third Year pupils who study Spanish or who are just interested to find out more about Spain. Each week we do different activities to find out more about Spanish culture. Sometimes we meet to try out Spanish foods like chorizo (spicy sausage), aceitunas (olives) and tortilla española (Spanish omelette); other weeks we try out flamenco dancing, we watch Spanish programmes and films or have quizzes such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire? in Spanish. In 2018/19 we are working to set up a link with a Spanish school in Madrid and talk to young people there about their interests. ¡Nos divertimos mucho!
The French Society is a group of Fifth Year and Sixth Form pupils who meet fortnightly to practise speaking and debating outside curriculum lessons. With activities ranging from language games, to gaining confidence in manipulating idiomatic expressions, to listening to in-depth talks by the pupils followed by a question and debating session, the French Society encourages independent learning enabling pupils to gain confidence in their speaking skills as well as to refine their language and their research skills. It gives them the opportunity to practise French language in a relaxed environment and discover more about the amazing French culture – all being invaluable skills when it comes to the examination at the end of the Upper Sixth and beyond. The French Society is pupil-run and, thanks to its structure, gives Upper Sixth Form pupils excellent leadership opportunities.
GEOGRAPHY SOCIETY Are you curious about the world? Do you want to understand more about why we interact with it in the way that we do? If so, the Geographical Society is the perfect place for you! We meet two to three times every half term and pupils prepare talks on topics of interest to them beyond the curriculum. We then discuss the talk and ask questions of the speaker. We also run an annual Prep School Quiz, inviting schools from around the local area to take part.
EURO CLUB The ever-popular Euro club provides an opportunity for First and Second Year pupils to use foreign languages in an enjoyable and friendly way, playing board games and card games, doing quizzes and puzzles and making things. Several of the activities are created and led by pupils, with a teacher on hand to help with any trickier words.
GCSE FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB
Come along and enjoy in-depth geographical discussions. Scis Quo Sis Geographia (you know where you are with geography).
This weekly club helps Fifth Year pupils (Autumn and Spring Term) and Fourth Year pupils (Summer Term) to practise the various aspects of the GCSE speaking exam in a relaxed atmosphere encouraging them to improve their accent and spontaneity, as well as perfecting their examination techniques for this important part (25%) of their GCSE examination. 05
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JUNIOR DEBATING CLUB
LIBRARY
Junior Debating Club meets weekly in the Autumn and Spring Terms. Everyone from First to Fifth Year is very welcome. Junior Debating was first created five years ago as a partner to the long-running Senior Debating Society. Sessions often comprise debating skills practice, using games such as Just a Minute, and we often focus on the skills of rebuttal and persuasion.
The Library runs a number of different activities which are open to all year groups. Pupils are welcome to join one of the Book Groups or to join the Library Club. The fiction book groups shadow different Reading Award schemes including the Trinity Schools Book Award and the Carnegie Reading Award. Subject specific Book Clubs tailored to the curriculum are run as part of the Sixth Form enrichment programme; these include maths, classics, business and economics, medicine and psychology. Library Club members are very welcome to assist with the running of the library which can include helping with displays, preparing for events and visits and keeping the shelves in good order.
Full debates address a wide variety of topics, from homework to Brexit to chocolate. Pupils rotate between the roles of proposition, opposition, judge and chair. Every year we compete in the ESU Public Speaking Competition and we also run a House public-speaking competition, which sees pupils in the Third Year and upwards compete in an ESU-style debate.
LINGUISTICS CLUB SENIOR DEBATING SOCIETY The Caterham School Debating Society is the oldest of Caterham’s co-curricular clubs and societies. For over 125 years, Caterham School pupils have been enjoying the cut and thrust of debate, proving time and again that the spoken word is mightier than the sword. Those who attend the weekly debates learn how to structure arguments, speak persuasively and think on their feet. Join us to be informed and entertained with some verbal jousting. Spectators and participants are equally welcome.
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Linguistics Club meets once a week to delve into the science of language, looking at such disciplines as phonetics (sounds), morphology (words), syntax (grammar) and semantics (meaning). Together we learn about an aspect of linguistics and then apply it to a language problem based on a particular world language, such as Romanian, Latin, Greek, Zulu, Japanese, Hiragana... and many more! We are planning to enter a team in the UK Linguistics Olympiad. Members don’t have to be fluent in a foreign language; just curious about human language in general, and willing to put their analytical skills to the test.
LITERARY SOCIETIES Whether you want to enjoy or analyse the literature of others, or write your own, the English department is proud to offer a range of societies which focus on engaging pupils with wider aspects of English. Junior Literary Society (First to Fourth Year) This society dives into creative writing, entering local and national competitions. There are also plenty of opportunities for presentations, book discussions and drama games as we explore a range of literature – these sessions are never quiet! The Writer’s Block This club offers the opportunity for junior pupils to create and share all forms of writing. In this safe space, budding novelists, poets and dramatists can be inspired and develop ideas. Senior Literary Society (Fifth Year and Sixth Form) aims to offer enrichment to sit alongside the classroom studies of senior pupils. The group is often pupil-led, with individuals or groups presenting on a topic of their choosing. Recent discussion topics have included feminist literature, Chaucer’s poetry and Margaret Atwood’s inspiration – the latter
attracted a comment on twitter from the author herself! Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence as critics and to enter essay competitions. European Literature Society offers pupils the chance to engage with works of literature originally written in languages other than English, whilst exploring the challenges involved in translating literature. Recently, the group have tackled Dante’s “Inferno” and members have entered poetry translations into competitions. The department also arranges evenings designed to enhance pupils’ appreciation of the context surrounding set texts – recently we have enjoyed “Gatsby” and “Streetcar” themed sessions in which relevant history, texts and aspects of culture were considered. Along with other creative disciplines and the Humanities, we arrange symposiums to help pupils to appreciate cross-curricular links whilst exploring more deeply particular topics and themes – for example, The Medieval World on the Move or Tragedy. For those hoping to study English at University, a weekly preparation session is offered. Literary societies are open to anyone, not only those studying English, and we would love to see you there. 07
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JUNIOR MATHS The Junior Maths Club is a wonderful opportunity to try out extension problems in mathematics. Typically, the pupils work from Mathematical Challenge papers as they are a source of high-quality problems allowing the pupils to think in a mathematically abstract way. The Cross Number questions are very popular; here pupils work together, with one pair working on the Across clues and the other pair working on the Down clues. Often questions can only be answered with solutions from the other pair, so it’s a very interactive challenge. Another favourite are the Shuttle questions, where pupils answer a set of four questions. Pair A are given questions 1 and 3, and pair B are given questions 2 and 4. Question 1 can be solved independently of the others, but the answer to each subsequent question is dependent on the previous answer. The pupils in this club are encouraged to think logically, critically and creatively. It allows pupils to expand their mathematical horizons and to extend their knowledge beyond the curriculum. Pupils from the club are likely to represent the school in the Junior Maths Team event, a competition that has proved to be a wonderful success in recent times. It is also ideal preparation for the UKMT individual Maths Challenge in which about 90 First and Second Year pupils participate. And, of course, it’s great fun!
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SIXTH FORM MATHS EXTENSION (STEP AND MAT) Every week there is an extension maths session for Sixth Form pupils. We discuss interesting and challenging maths questions mostly STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper, required by Cambridge/Imperial/Warwick) and MAT (Maths Admissions Test required by Oxford/Imperial). During these sessions the pupils have the opportunity to tackle some very difficult problems and afterwards discuss different possible approaches.
SIXTH FORM MATHS EXTENSION Every week there is an extension Maths session for Sixth form pupils. Maths teachers pick and introduce interesting maths topics going well beyond the A level syllabus. The topics discussed vary from Number Theory, Optimization, Combinatorics to Graph Theory and Non-Euclidean Geometries. During these sessions the pupils have the opportunity to get exposed to undergraduate level maths and appreciate its beauty!
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) The Caterham School MUN Society enjoys both popularity and success. Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which pupils typically role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which are usually organised by a school or university. At the end of most conferences, outstanding delegates in each committee are recognised and given an award certificate; the Best Delegate in each committee, however, receives a gavel.
THE MONCRIEFF-JONES SOCIETY Now in its 51st year, Caterham School’s legendary science society goes from strength to strength. Pupils present self-researched topics at the cutting edge of Science on Tuesdays after school. Everyone is welcome although the talks are challenging and most suited to Fifth and Sixth Form pupils.
offer suggestions as to whether the theory evident in the ‘story’ could be refined. This club is a fantastic opportunity for psychology pupils to develop their theory to practice thinking and, for Upper Sixth pupils, to share their more advanced knowledge of content with their Lower Sixth peers.
PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC The MJS hold a Christmas Lecture each year in the last week of the Autumn Term to which the whole community is warmly welcomed. Previous lectures have welcomed alumni and leading lights of the scientific world including Dr Luke Bashford OC (Brain Machine Interfaces) and Dr Nick Lane (The Origins of Life).
PSYCHOLOGY BOOK & FILM CLUB Psychology book club and film workshops provide pupils with the opportunity to consider specification points in varied and applied contexts. Pupils engage with fiction and non-fiction content which they source, review and discuss with their peers. Dramatisations of major psychological studies are analysed (e.g. Stanford Prison Experiment) and pupils are encouraged to consider the flaws of the research detailed in the film. Whether book or film content, pupils explore alternative explanations of behaviour and
Psychology drop in clinic happens once a week and is an opportunity for pupils to widen and consolidate their knowledge outside of core lesson time. The first 15 minutes of the clinic involves a teacher led summary/revision talk on a selected topic which is recorded and posted on a private You Tube channel that pupils can engage with at any time. Following the talk, pupils have the chance to do practice questions, discuss feedback, discuss journal articles, get advice on studying psychology at university and more. This is also a great opportunity for peer interaction, with Lower and Upper Sixth Form pupils sharing ideas on specification points and current issues in the world of psychological research.
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SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT General academic enrichment seminars for the Sixth Form run on alternate Wednesdays from March to December every year. They are open to all pupils, having particular relevance and importance to those applying for university courses where they will have to sit an interview. Seminars are aimed at an undergraduate level and are led by a variety of academic specialists. They cover such topics as Problem Solving, Bias, Ethics and Interpretation.
SOCRATIC SOCIETY Socratic Society encourages pupils who wish to study a philosophy related subject at university, or those who wish to further their exploration of the subject, to discuss and debate key philosophical questions, as well as prepare for interviews and university applications. We discuss topics such as: ‘could society function without laws?’; ‘can we prove that 1+1=2 if numbers are human inventions?’ and ‘how do we know when we talk about a “table” that we are referring to the same thing?
share knowledge from across their A levels. For each meeting, a pupil will prepare a talk of about 20 minutes on an issue that interests them and can be applicable to different elements of humanities study. Following the presentation, a 40 minute discussion takes place, with audience members asking follow-up questions, making suggestions and sharing ideas to explore key themes and cross-curricular elements. The format is very similar to university style seminars and is excellent preparation for university life as well as providing a forum for those who share an interest in the humanities. Above all, the Russell Society is about sharing ideas in a supportive and productive way with serious discussion mixed with fun and laughter as well as cookies and cakes.
THUNK CLUB Thunk Club asks baffling questions about everyday things that stop you in your tracks and helps you start to look at the world in a new light. Pupils in the First and Second Year come to explore big questions and argue their case. Some questions, led by Sixth Form pupils, we have considered are: ‘Can a baby commit a crime?’; ‘Do animals have feelings?’; ‘Can you bend air?’ and ‘Does a sound exist?’
THE RUSSELL SOCIETY Open to all Fifth and Sixth Form but of particular interest to those studying, or thinking of studying, any of the following subjects; English, Geography, History, Philosophy and Ethics, Politics and Psychology.
THEATRE, DRAMA AND DANCE
The Russell Society was founded in January 2018 as a means of providing students studying, or interested in, the humanities subjects with an opportunity to present and
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DANCE ADRENALINE AND FUSION
REVOLUTION
Adrenaline and Fusion are auditioned dance crews who meet once a week, focusing on learning and engaging with many different styles of dance. Both crews use peer teaching as a learning tool, and perform at multiple points throughout the year, including MADLive and the East Surrey Dance Festival. Any dance style goes with these crews – hip hop, contemporary, street or break dancing.
Revolution is a girls’ dance club focusing on street, ballet and contemporary dance as well as choreography and peer instruction. No previous dance experience is required and all abilities are welcome.
BALLROOM DANCING CLUB
The girls have a chance to showcase their work through various performances throughout the year at such events as MADLive, the Talent Show and the summer fête as well as collaborating with Urbanized, the equivalent boys’ dance club.
DRAMA
URBANIZED
JUNIOR REP AND YOUNG REP
CATERHAM REP
Urbanized is a dance club dedicated to teaching fun and upbeat dance moves. It focuses on the increasingly popular street and break dancing styles. No previous dance experience is required and all abilities are welcome.
Audition required The Junior (First and Second Year) and Young (Third and Fourth Year) Repertory Theatre Companies aim to promote excellence in performance and provide opportunities for the School’s most talented performers to extend their skills through participation in showcase performances or competition drama. Anyone wishing to join these groups must audition, show commitment to the group and be willing to represent the School as required.
Open to Fifth to Upper Sixth Form by audition Caterham Repertory Theatre Company aims to promote excellence in performance and provide opportunities for the School’s most talented senior performers to challenge themselves and extend their skills through participation in competition drama. Anyone wishing to join this group must have a proven track record in performance, audition, show commitment to the group and be willing to represent the School as required.
The Junior and Young Rep groups have the opportunity to perform at the Leatherhead Drama Festival in May each year.
Members of Caterham Rep are encouraged to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August to extend their skills in a professional environment.
Ballroom dancing improves your cardiovascular system, overall fitness and co-ordination. In addition, it will noticeably improve your posture and body alignment, as well as strengthen your body’s core abdominal muscles. As you practise dancing you will become more flexible, agile, and graceful both on and off the dance floor.
TAP CLUB Tap Club is open to pupils of any age and ability, from beginner to advanced tappers. During the session, we work on technique, learning new steps and combining the steps into exercises and routines in a variety of different styles. We also perform a routine at MADLive, the annual music and dance show, which we work on throughout the Spring Term.
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The club aims to instil a passion for all genres of dance, through learning routines as well as isolated moves, choreography and most of all having fun!
The club aims to invoke a passion for dancing by teaching a basic framework of street dance moves. Through regular attendance, pupils will be able to develop their moves and have a chance to showcase them in various performances. Simple routines help to improve the understanding of how to put dance moves together and get pupils thinking of their own choreography too.
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IMPROV CLUB
SCRIPTWRITING WORKSHOPS
This fast-paced and enjoyable lunchtime club is open to all years. It is all about developing improvisation skills. Pupils generally play a related drama game to start and then are given various scenarios as individuals, pairs, groups or as a whole class to perform and watch.
Pupils are encouraged to write their own original scripts and monologues in weekly scriptwriting workshops. We consider different genres of theatre and developing characterisation. All members of the script writing group have the opportunity to direct their plays for performance.
TECHNICAL THEATRE CLUB
LAMDA
Open to all years Tech Club offers an opportunity to learn about lighting and sound and provides opportunities for pupils to specialise in either. Many productions and events have pupil led production teams, so there are many opportunities to test your skills and creativity.
Open to all year groups and taught by specialist LAMDA teachers Please note: there is an additional charge for LAMDA tuition
CIRCUS CLUB Circus club: studies have shown how beneficial learning a complex task is for hand- eye- brain coordination. Why not earn these benefits while you have fun and learn a new skill? Juggling, unicycling, slack lining and stilt walking are but a few of the exciting skills on offer at Caterham School circus club.
NATIONAL THEATRE – NEW VIEWS SCRIPTWRITING Pupils who are more experienced script writers are encouraged to join the National Theatre Scriptwriting Programme. This is an exciting course, focusing on a range of theatre genres and styles. All participating students will work with a professional playwright and submit their original script to the National Theatre.
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LAMDA is a nationally recognised theatre qualification. Tuition focuses on preparation for LAMDA performance examinations, which take place twice a year. Performers can choose to perform monologues, duologues, public speaking or devised theatre. Additional information regarding LAMDA tuition can be provided on request.
THEATRE PUPPETRY Open to all years – newcomers welcome. Puppetry is a fun weekly club for anyone who would like to learn some new skills in this area. If you’ve never used puppets before, give it a try!
ANNUAL PRODUCTIONS: AUTUMN TERM PRODUCTION Open to Third Year to Upper Sixth Form – via audition process This is a large scale drama event, involving approximately 100 pupils as performers, stage managers, technicians, musicians and front of
house staff. The production rotates between a play and a musical each year, so everyone gets a chance to be involved! Past productions include; Les Miserables, Our Town, We Will Rock You and Grease. In 2019 we will be performing the high energy hip hop musical In The Heights. LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION – SPRING TERM Open to First to Fourth Years via audition process This is a large scale drama event and involves 60 –70 pupils. We choose plays that allow you to use your imagination and develop your performance skills further. Past productions include; Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, Our Day Out, Arabian Nights and pupils’ devised work.
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THE SPANISH PLAY PROJECT
ELIZABETHAN THEATRE FESTIVAL
Open to all years The Spanish and Drama departments work together on the performance of an original translation of a Spanish Play – translated by our pupils! You don’t have to study Spanish or drama to get involved – you just need to enjoy theatre. The play is performed in June.
Open to all years and performed in the Orchard Theatre The Festival includes music and roaming actors performing monologues whilst the audience enjoy picnics in the sunshine! We then perform two shortened versions of Elizabethan plays in the beautiful evening sunshine!
THE LEATHERHEAD DRAMA FESTIVAL Open to all years The festival runs for two weeks in May every year and Caterham was one of 12 junior groups competing this year. The event gives pupils the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre alongside other local drama groups.
THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
GREEK THEATRE WEEKEND AND PERFORMANCE
MUSIC
Open to all years and performed in the Orchard Theatre Caterham classics pupils produce a new translation of a Greek play every year! The entire rehearsal process takes place on Saturday and Sunday of the last weekend of the Summer Term with a public performance on the Sunday evening.
Open to Fifth Year to Upper Sixth Form This residential trip gives experienced actors the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre environment at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe. In 2017, the pupils’ production of Jonson’s The Alchemist was a huge success and 2018 saw a pupil written and produced production enjoy its debut at the festival.
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CHORAL GROUPS
ETS (ERIC THIMAN SINGERS)
Choral singing is an important part of the Caterham School music department and our choirs sing a wide range of musical styles, from early church music to gospel. Aside from participating in church services, choirs perform at the annual Music & Dance Live! evening and the Musical Theatre Evening. An annual performance takes place after the Remembrance Service in a moving Recital of Reflection & Contemplation. Our Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir regularly tour in Europe and concerts take place in central London. In 2017, these choirs gave memorable concerts in Prague, Czech Republic and in 2018 they performed in Flanders, Belgium and gave a heart-stopping performance under the Menin Gate.
The Eric Thiman Singers (ETS) is an auditioned chapel choir established in 2010 as a tribute to Old Caterhamian Eric Thiman, composer and organist. They have toured in Europe to Paris, Brussels and Prague and they have performed at some impressive venues. The choir played a major role in the School’s bicentenary celebrations and sang as part of the service at Westminster Abbey and at a celebration concert at St John’s, Smith Square. They also sang for the Duke of Kent when he visited the School.
CHAMBER CHOIR Our auditioned, a capella mixed-voice choir sings early church music by composers such as Purcell and Tallis. The choir has been heard on BBC Radio and in 2017 they toured to Prague where they gave a stunning performance of Allegri’s Miserere. Choral singing days and workshops are offered to Chamber Choir, including an annual workshop with professional a capella group Apollo 5.
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The choir is made up of singers from both the Preparatory School and First to Third Year pupils in the Senior School. ETS performs annually at the St. Christopher’s Music Festival in Epsom and regularly appears in the Caterham community. ETS recorded an album of the works of Eric Thiman in 2016 and this was released on CD. The album is also available on iTunes and Spotify.
VOCALPOINT
SINFONIA (CHAMBER ORCHESTRA)
All-girls pop/musical theatre and gospel choir open to all year groups. The group mainly perform in Live Lounge concerts and the annual MADLive show (Music and Dance Live). Previously the mixed-voice senior choir, Vocalpoint performed large scale choral works such as Howard Goodall’s ‘Requiem’ and Mozart’s ‘Great Mass in C Minor’. Together with the E.T.S. the choir played a major role in the School’s bicentenary celebrations and sang as part of the service at Westminster Abbey and at a celebration concert at St John’s Smiths Square. Together with other Caterham School choirs, Vocalpoint has performed Faure’s ‘Requiem’ and a jazz setting of a mass by Steve Dobrogosz.
Caterham’s flagship chamber orchestra playing classical and contemporary works. The group regularly have works written for them by composer in residence Mrs Helena Richards, as well as featuring pupil compositions in their repertoire. Sinfonia most recently performed at St James’ Piccadilly, tackling challenging music by RimskyKorsakov and Tchaikovsky to great acclaim. Not an orchestra to shy away from a challenge, Sinfonia can regularly be found rehearsing orchestral repertoire by such heavyweights as Brahms, Beethoven, Ravel, and Debussy.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CLOSE HARMONY (BOYS’ CHOIR) A new look at barbershop, Close Harmony welcomes Caterham’s aspiring male singers from the First Year to Upper Sixth exploring modern repertoire and bringing the genre up to date. They have performed across the school calendar showcasing their beautifully blended sound.
The largest ensemble at Caterham, combining the full forces of String, Woodwind and Brass faculties, Symphony Orchestra welcomes musicians of all abilities from the First Year to Upper Sixth. Making an impressive debut with Stravinsky’s Firebird, the Symphony Orchestra have partnered with London based orchestra St Paul’s Sinfonia, gaining an inspirational opportunity to play alongside a professional orchestra, this is a partnership we look forward to exploring in future concerts.
INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS We are pleased to offer a range of instrumental groups that give our pupils the opportunity to perform together and experience repertoire outside their set grade pieces. The ensembles are led by music staff and visiting music teachers whose specialisms encompass all orchestral instruments. A high standard of playing is maintained and pupils are expected to attend rehearsals on a weekly basis. These groups regularly perform works by a range of composers including our composer in residence, Mrs Helena Richards.
VIVALDI (SENIOR STRING ORCHESTRA) Named after the renowned teacher, composer, and virtuoso violinist, Vivaldi performs only the most extraordinary and intimate chamber repertoire and is Caterham’s senior string ensemble. Pupils playing in Vivaldi enjoy in-depth study of challenging repertoire in an environment where discussion of style and musical interpretation is at the core of every rehearsal. 19
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THE STRAD PLAYERS (INTERMEDIATE STRING ORCHESTRA) As Caterham’s Lower School String Ensemble, STRAD embodies artistic flare and enthusiasm for performing. Each term the ensemble studies repertoire in all genres from Baroque to 21st Century, and maintains a light-hearted enthusiasm for performing enjoyable pieces from film-scores and folk traditions. STRAD welcomes string players of all abilities from First to Fifth Year and performs regularly in termly concerts and events at Caterham School.
FRETKNOTS (GUITAR ENSEMBLE) From J.S.Bach to James Bond, Fretknots play music spanning a wide variety of eras and styles. Open to classical guitarists of all abilities in the First Year to Upper Sixth, the group aims to improve sight-reading and ensemble performance skills, in a relaxed setting. The group have been featured in a variety of concerts from classical chamber music concerts to film soundtrack themed concerts.
SENIOR BRASS ENSEMBLE This brass ensemble was featured at the school’s Bicentenary Service at Westminster Abbey performing fanfares and supporting the massed choir. They gave a memorable performance at St. John’s Smith Square as part of the School’s bicentenary celebrations as well as performing each year at Caterham’s Remembrance Day parade. The group is open to all brass players in First Year to Upper Sixth.
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CONCERT BAND Previously known as the Latin Orchestra, this new ensemble promises to challenge and enthuse all those learning woodwind, brass and percussion instruments from the First Year to Upper Sixth.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES We have a number of piano trios, string quartets, flute choirs and other groups that meet regularly to play chamber music. There is an annual Chamber Music Concert in the autumn to celebrate the musical masterpieces of this genre.
SOUL BAND A new group to Caterham, this ensemble welcomes woodwind, brass and rhythm section musicians as well as vocalists.
OTHER ACTIVITIES We encourage singers and musicians to explore creativity by performing and composing contemporary music. There is a weekly Singer-Songwriter club where singers and musicians can work together, and with music staff to develop and record their own original work. We run a weekly Music Theory session to support and help pupils to achieve their Grade 5 ABRSM theory certificate. There are also additional sessions run to support GCSE Musicians.
CREATIVE ARTS
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GRAPHICS CLUB
TEXTILES CLUB
Graphics Club is perfect for any pupil who wishes to extend their artistic skill set into digital outcomes using Industry Standard software. Pupils can pursue their own avenues of interest and be taught new techniques they have yet to try.
Textiles club is an enjoyable, creative way to explore art techniques and create garments and other outcomes. Pupils will have the chance to experience a range of fashion and textile techniques including designing, printing, manipulating fabric, felt making and embellishing fabrics. We have a range of excellent facilities within the textiles department including sewing machines, a range of dyes, sublimation printing and many more. Weekly workshops cover a range of processes for both beginners and more experienced pupils.
We print outcomes on to materials other than just paper including ceramic mugs, t-shirts and plastics. The pupils have often used the graphics they produce as cards and gifts.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Both the Lower School (First to Third Years) and Upper School (Fourth to Sixth Form) Photography Clubs are an excellent opportunity for beginners and more experienced photographers to expand their knowledge and photographic skills. Pupils will gain a good understanding of Photoshop to enhance and manipulate their digital images as well as learning how to process black and white film images and photograms in the darkroom. Weekly workshops cover all genres from studio fashion shoots, to macro photography and landscapes.
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ARCHERY CLUB
GYMNASTICS CLUB
Archers require not only some physical strength, but also mental fitness, and archers develop their focus, flexibility, and attention skills. Whilst the ultimate goal of the archery club is enjoyment, the archers also learn to focus on improving themselves rather than worrying about what everyone else is doing. While it is an enjoyable sport, archery is also physically demanding and those wishing to progress may want to think about improving upper body strength for greater control.
Gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive exercise programs available as it incorporates a number of different skills into one sport such as strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power and discipline.
CHRISTIAN UNION Christian Union is for anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith in a fun and relaxed environment. At our meetings we have a snack, play a game and then look at the Bible together, discussing key passages and how they apply to us today. This year we’ve looked at the gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as a series of Big Questions about the Christian faith. All are welcome – of any faith or none!
FENCING CLUB Fencing emphasizes agility, alertness, and endurance. It is great cardiovascular exercise, using several sets of muscles at a demanding intensity level over an extended period of time. With its complex physical manoeuvres, fencing helps develop muscle strength, flexibility, and co-ordination.
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JUDO CLUB Judo is the perfect activity for improving one’s physical fitness, as training in judo improves aerobic capacity, flexibility and strength, and is an excellent activity to complement other sports. Indeed the principles of judo can not only be applied to other sports, but as a way of approaching and living life.
JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS CLUB Junior Table Tennis Club gives our lower school pupils the opportunity to participate in an energetic activity. It raises the heart rate, helps strengthen muscles and mobilises the joints. It is both fun and fantastic for the pupils’ balls skills and following the ping pong ball as it moves quickly toward you, and following its trajectory as your opponent hits it, helps improve hand-eye coordination.
TAEKWONDO CLUB Taekwondo enhances self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers. It builds confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life. Taekwondo develops discipline by thoroughly training your body and mind in its tenets and techniques.
SCUBA DIVING
TABLETOP GAMES
(held on weekends and advertised to pupils and their parents) Learning to scuba dive allows you to move freely underwater and experience a different world. The club takes place in the School’s indoor pool.
Come along to Tabletop Games Club to play Blood Bowl, Chess, Talisman, Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan, Risk and many others! We have a library of classic board games, tabletop games that you’ve never seen, and a team of competitive Blood Bowl players – ready to welcome new players to the sport. Whether you are a Grand Master or a total newcomer, Tabletop Games Club has something you will enjoy. 25
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OUTDOOR LEARNING, COMBINED CADET FORCE AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME
OUTDOOR LEARNING
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
Outdoor Learning is key to pupil development at Caterham School. Our aim is to develop the mind, body and soul of all of our pupils, and to help them mature into well-rounded adults, ready for the challenges that lie ahead of them.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) scheme is hugely popular at Caterham School; we are a dedicated DofE Award centre and currently have over 150 pupils involved across all levels, from Bronze to Gold Awards.
Through each of the key stages of school life, pupils will be challenged to push themselves through individual and group activities; they will often work out of their comfort zone and will be stretched both mentally and physically to become free thinking and inquisitive individuals. Everyone at Caterham benefits from the school’s own woodland, Old Park Woods, the onsite high ropes course, and the expertise of both the School’s Head of Outdoor learning and the on-staff woodsman. Co-curricular activities with an outdoor learning bias are advertised at the yearly Freshers Fair in September. These change slightly each year but typically include:
The Bronze and Silver Awards are undertaken in the Fourth Year (Year 10) and the Gold award in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13). The award is split into four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skill and Expedition. Pupils learn to be self-reliant, independent, active and giving, and all thoroughly enjoy the experience. The award is run by a large group of dedicated staff who give up their time to help the pupils complete the sections and supervise the expeditions. Expedition destinations include The Black Mountains, Dartmoor, Exmoor, The New Forest and The North Downs.
• climbing and high-ropes • woodland adventures • green initiatives • forest schools • woodland management. 26
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TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND ENGINEERING
CCF The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a military-based youth organisation which, at Caterham, comprises an Army and a Royal Air Force section. The Contingent of about 165 cadets is open to all pupils in the Third Year and above, subject to certain medical requirements, on an entirely voluntary basis. Significant emphasis is placed on teamwork, courage and discipline for all cadets, and leadership for the seniors – much day-to-day training is delivered by Sixth Form NCOs (albeit under qualified adult supervision). Cadets undertake a combination of military and adventurous training. The former features fieldcraft, tactics, skill at arms, marksmanship, drill, navigation and (for the RAF) airmanship; the latter includes, amid a vast array, climbing, abseiling, kayaking, archery and caving.
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While the Contingent parades every Wednesday of term time (1900hrs-2100hrs) for training at School, its raison d’être is to take cadets away on training events and camps during weekends and holidays. Such events are extremely numerous and include termly range and obstacle course days and Air Experience Flying; and annual adventurous training camps, military skills camps, expeditions and battle exercises. The highlights of the year are the two Section Summer Camps at military bases around the UK in the Summer Holidays, replaced every few years by a combined overseas Summer Camp. An annual parachuting cadre is also offered to Sixth Form cadets. Further enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the Training Officer, Lt Mathew Owen: mathew.owen@caterhamschool.co.uk
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LEGO MINDSTORMS ROBOTICS CLUB Lego Mindstorms Robotics Club is for First to Third Years. The ultimate Lego challenge! Powerful Lego Mindstorms EV3 gives you the power to create and command your own robotic Lego creatures, vehicles, machines and inventions! By combining Lego elements with a programmable brick, motors and sensors, you can make your creations walk, talk, grab, think, shoot and do almost anything you can imagine!
ANIMATION CLUB
FILM CLUB
For the First and Second Year Make your own Lego Movie! Create stopmotion animations using Lego, or indeed anything you want to bring in from home. Using portable green-screen studios and your iPad, you can set your animation against any backdrop to make any story you can imagine.
Film Club offers a hands-on filmmaking experience using industry standard equipment. Pupils get the chance to watch a range of cinema from independent, specialised to world cinema films. Pupils work in teams towards practical film-based projects which are shown in assemblies, on Vimeo and in a biennial pupil led film festival. To date pupils have taken part in the BBC School Report, Year 5 Film Partnership, and Prep School Film Club. Projects have included links to the local community, working in partnership with the Rotary Club and Delight Charity.
CODE CLUB For pupils in the First and Second Year Learn a wide range of coding skills following all sorts of amazing projects before getting even more creative and inventing your own. You start with easy to follow, step-by-step guides which help you learn Scratch, HTML and CSS, and Python by making games, animations, and websites. The projects gradually introduce coding concepts to allow you to build your knowledge incrementally.
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Follow guides to create anything from a humanoid robot, a shooting scorpion, a slithering snake, a fork lift, a race truck, an electric guitar, a walking dinosaur and many more. Each robot comes complete with its own unique features and a program that controls the robot’s behaviour. There are many ways to bring your Lego Mindstorms creations to life. For instant action, use the remote control included in the set. For more action, download the Commander App to your smartphone. For the ultimate challenge, create your own programs in the programming software.
LOVELACE CODING CLUB The Lovelace Coding Club is looking for female participants who are eager to learn a bit more about the world of computer programming. Shockingly, studies have shown that the proportion of female programmers is between 10-20 per cent worldwide. In the UK only 17 per cent of employees in the tech sector are female. There are many theories as to why this may be the case, but a large factor is a lack of exposure in the right kind of learning environment.
We want to give girls the opportunity to learn and advance their coding skills together and produce working solutions that spark imagination and interest. The numbers attending will be kept low so everyone will have the opportunity for individual guidance if needed. The club is designed to go from absolute beginner and aims to teach you C# through working examples. You will be able to code and actually see your code in action from day 1. You will be supported the whole way and encouraged to work as a group as well as individuals. If you are creative, love a puzzle and want to see how you can write simple games from scratch then this club is for you. Come and see that programming isn’t exclusive to the boys – us girls are pretty good at it too!
PIONEERS Pioneers is a programming club for years 2 to 4 in which pupils are challenged to make something awesome using technology. Taking part in Pioneers is a chance to create something amazing, learn cool new skills along the way, and win some awesome prizes. Each term, we are set a new challenge to inspire pupils to get creative with technology. Teams then have ten weeks to use digital tech to make their project. To achieve this, they could do anything from programming some music or building a website, to hacking some hardware, building a prototype, using a 3D printer, and much more besides. Working on a Pioneers project is an inventive and hands-on way for pupils to use digital technology, instead of just checking email or creating a PowerPoint presentation. Previous challenges have included saving the world from a Zombie apocalypse! 31
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PARTNERSHIPS
PROBLEM SOLVING CLUB
VEX ROBOTICS
Problem Solving Club is a chance to develop your engineering and team working skills. We meet each week to solve a new problem using limited materials. Working in small groups you may need to build the tallest tower using spaghetti, or design a machine for throwing teabags using drinking straws, or a device for moving paper-clips without touching them. The club runs for about a term and culminates in our visit to the Surrey SATRO Problem Solving Challenge, where we compete against other schools. The club is suitable for any pupil from First Year to Upper Sixth Year.
VEX Robotics Club is for Third to Fifth Years. A girls only club will also be offered.
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With a kit of over 300 parts, design and build your own robot. Take your skills to the next level with these incredible kits where the only limitation really is your own imagination. Start with a basic Clawbot and write programs to control it. From there on you are in charge. You can even use CAD and 3D printing to make your own parts. But don’t stop there. Let’s get competitive! VEX Robotics competitions task you to design and build a robot to play against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. They will help prepare you to become future inventors, learning valuable skills such as teamwork, critical thinking and project management. We might even qualify to the VEX Robotics World Championship!
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Our strong sense of community and responsibility towards each other extends well beyond the School’s boundaries with a shared commitment amongst staff and pupils to play our part in the world and learn from the experience. Pupils are actively involved in supporting local, regional and global initiatives through volunteering, charity work and collaborative projects. Our pupils gain perspective and begin to define their societal responsibilities. Partnership activities provide opportunities to our pupils to use their talents, and develop their personal qualities for the benefit of others. Caterham School is proud to be actively engaged in partnerships, educational initiatives and projects with other schools in the UK and abroad.
CLIFTON HILL SCHOOL Pupils from Clifton Hill School (a Surrey based school for young people with severe and profound learning difficulties and autism) come to our Sports Hall weekly to participate in sporting activities and games planned and carried out by our Lower Sixth pupils. In the Summer Term our pupils organise the Clifton Hill sports day here at Caterham School.
ST. JOHN’S PRIMARY DRAMA CLUB Since September 2017, Caterham Lower Sixth pupils have run a weekly Drama club for 20 Primary School pupils (St. Johns) at Caterham School. The first program ended in February with a performance for parents and staff. The pupils are now running a second cycle with another 20 pupils. Teachers and parents have reported tangible developments in confidence and presentation skills amongst those pupils who have attended.
SPORT
SIXTH FORM CHARITY COMMITTEE The Sixth Form Charity Committee has responsibility for evaluating charities, coordinating fundraising activities, communicating and promoting charities within the school community. £20,500 was raised by the pupils in 2016/17. School Charities included ‘Lerang’wa Lunches’ and a local charity – Shooting Star Chase Hospice in 2017/18. Pupil organised events also support Amnesty International, Macmillan Cancer, Rotary Christmas Collection, The Poppy Appeal and respond to specific crises such as the Red Cross Syria appeal.
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BASKETBALL
HOCKEY SKILLS CLUB
LACROSSE GOALIE CLUB
SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING
Basketball is a sport growing in popularity at Caterham School. We have sessions for juniors, inters and seniors. From September 2018 we will have an U15 (inters) team and an U19 (seniors) team entered into a local league to play regular fixtures throughout the academic year. Basketball is a great team sport and gives pupils the opportunity to develop cognitive and physical skill sets – it is also fantastic fun.
Wednesday Lunchtime These sessions offer an opportunity to get time on the pitch to develop individual skills. Players will also learn more advanced skills and techniques.
Goalie is the most important position on a lacrosse team. Goalie club allows goalies to work together to improve the fundamental skills needed for their position. With more isolated coaching, pupils will begin to gain the confidence needed to play goalie in games lessons and matches. Whether you want to have a go or you have been a goalie for years, all are welcome!
The synchronised swimming club at Caterham School has been running for the last five years, attracting members from different year groups across the senior school. Some have even been members since the club’s inception. We have performed a variety of different pieces to songs ranging from the James Bond theme tune, to Roar by Katy Perry and Pirates of the Caribbean, which is this year’s routine piece. Last year we had an exciting collaboration with Film Club, who filmed our team routine over a series of sessions before showcasing their film at the Film festival awards evening, winning first prize. All year groups and abilities are welcome.
CATERHAM SCHOOL HOCKEY ACADEMY – JUNIOR ACADEMY Extremely popular weekly hockey sessions for improving players and players new to the sport. Music pumps out as the group improve their basic skills and gameplay. There are groups to suit all abilities including an advanced group and the emphasis is very much on fun. Free Hockey Academy T shirt when you sign up. **This club requires a membership fee. Contact peter.friend@caterhamschool.co.uk for more info and to sign up**
INDOOR HOCKEY Indoor hockey is a fast and enjoyable game and is fantastic for working on basic skills such as pushing, trapping, elimination and tackling which can be transferred easily to the outdoor game. Sessions are available for senior and juniors.
RUNNING Every week a group of staff and pupils head off into the hills and get away from school for 20 minutes in the middle of the day to stretch their legs and run. We head out at 12.50pm in rain or sunshine with a big variety of runners some fast, some slow, some coming every week, some only when they fancy and get back in time for a well-earned lunch afterwards. There’s no need to tell anyone in advance, just change nice and quickly at the sports centre straight after period 5 and meet us outside.
LACROSSE STICK WORK/ADVANCED STICK WORK CLUB Stick skills are the single most important part of lacrosse. Stick-work Club and Advanced Stick Work Club are great ways to put in the extra work needed to improve your overall lacrosse ability and offer ways to become more comfortable and confident using your stick. All are welcome!
LACROSSE SHOOTING CLUB Lacrosse Shooting Club looks to improve players’ accuracy, technique and power through various drills and practices alongside some expert coaching. Become the sharp shooter in matches by attending this club. All are welcome!
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ROUNDERS CLUB Rounders club is a great opportunity to get involved in a quintessential English summer sport. All are welcome to attend and we encourage pupils of all abilities to come along! With weekly lunchtime clubs, pupils are able to learn new skills and put them into practice during match play whilst enjoying time with their friends.
SWIMMING Swimming is thriving at Caterham with large numbers of pupils training and competing throughout the year. The club trains five times per week. We compete in regular home and away fixtures, including friendly and national competitions, as well as our own House Swimming and individual championships (starting 2018/19). Whilst being very proud of our swimming tradition, we are ambitious to develop the sport even further in order to offer the best provision for our swimmers and achieve the highest standards possible. Everybody is welcome to attend training whether you are a national level swimmer, or just admire the sport.
WATER POLO Water polo club has been introduced into the school co-curriculum since 2017-18, with the team’s first match against Dunottar back in May 2018. The team train once a week when we play small sided games as well as practising drills.
Visit caterhamschoolsport.com for the latest info on fixtures and teams. To download the App on to your mobile phone, visit this website on your device and a prompt to download the app will open on your screen.
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Caterham School’s WildCats camps offer a wide range of holiday activities and are designed to ensure that children enjoy a safe, exciting and stimulating time during school holidays. We strive to ensure that each child receives the care and attention that they deserve, whether they are a regular attendee or simply attending on a day-to-day basis. Activity camps on offer range from sport to woodland adventures, from arts and crafts to music. Children can make new friends and enjoy friendly competition within the safety of our School grounds whilst working towards the aim ‘fun for all’. Our broad range of activities give every child the opportunity to develop cognitively, physically, socially and artistically. The structured format of the camps creates an environment where children are encouraged to make new friends, try new activities and develop and enhance their skill set.
Caterham School Harestone Valley Road Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA 01883 343028 enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk
caterhamschool.co.uk
Sports Academies Our holiday and half term offer includes sports camps run by Caterham School’s Hockey, Netball and Swimming Academies. Attendees receive high level coaching from current International and National Premier League players and are open for players across a range of ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced levels. For more information please email: Wildcats@caterhamschool.co.uk wildcatscamp.co.uk