Co-Curricular Programme
SENIOR SCHOOL
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
At Clifton High School, co-curricular is not simply an added-extra to the School day, but a vital component of our reputable, all-round education.
Our bespoke and carefully curated Co-Curricular Programme is one that aims to equip all our Senior School pupils with the necessary skills to have the optimum experience of an individualised education. Exploring and embracing these opportunities goes hand-in-hand with encouraging pupils to continually step outside of their comfort zone to accept new challenges with enthusiasm and vigour. These are learning gateways that life-long skills along the way to be transferred into the wider world.
The information contained within this Co-Curricular Programme is an insight into our co-curricular offerings.
Performance and Creativity
Co-curricular life for Year 7 and 8 includes a compulsory performance and creativity element as we strive to develop their self expression skills. Weekly for Year 7 and fortnightly for Year 8, these sessions consist of House groups that work collaboratively to showcase children’s efforts at the end of each term whether that be through a performance. exhibition or display.
Power of Performance (Year 7):
• Dance
• Drama
• Debating
• Oracy
Adventure
Power of Creativity (Year 8):
• Animation
• Pottery Painting
• Circus Skills
• Creative Writing
Senior School adventure activities extend throughout the Co-Curricular Programme with the inclusion of End-of-Year and Bonding trips, coaching opportunities for individual pursuit sports, natural history and sustainability initiatives. Sessions take place once a week after the School timetabled day.
• Paddleboarding
• Caving
• Climbing
• Axe Throwing
• Tobogganing
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Paddle sports - Canoeing & Kayaking
• Wet Assault
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Dungeons and Dragons
This role-playing game is based upon a fantasy world where pupils develop their strategic skills is an engaging and popular club experience.
Diversity Society
Celebrating belonging, this offering is a vibrant and inclusive society committed to celebrating and embracing the richness of human differences in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and neurodivergence. They unite to share unique perspectives, experiences and talents whilst also promoting understanding, fostering empathy and building strong connections amongst all pupil bodies. Their aim is by championing diversity and inclusion, they contribute to a more equitable and harmonious School; one where everyone is valued and respected.
3D Printing
Pupils utilise our Product Design room to design and create their own products using the 3D printers. Guided by creative staff members, they learn creative processes from initial design conception to crafting the finished product.
Model United Nations (MUN) Society
MUN simulates the official United Nations and is a society for Year 9 to 13 pupils to develop skills in debating and negotiation as they build and gain knowledge of varying world issues. These may include, resolving conflict in Israel/Gaza; reducing CO2 emissions, or managing and supporting the world’s increasing population.
Debating Society
In our Debating Society, Year 9 to 13 pupils meet each fortnight to select a motion to debate. In teams of three they think critically about ethical, social and political questions as well as learn the valuable skillset of debating. Their nominated speakers take time to prepare arguments for the subsequent week’s debate where an audience are invited to ask questions that challenge the pupils’ skills of persuasion.
Developing the mastery of debating encourages confidence, builds oracy skills and develops pupils’ ability to critique and build persuasive arguments. There is no compulsion to speak - observers are always welcome yet, we hope that pupils find their voice one way or another.
The 42 Club
The 42 Club is a pupil-led society that encourages Year 9 to 13 members to be curious about ‘The Ultimate Questions of Life’. sharing academic passions. Originally conceived as History and Politics Society, this club has blossomed into a much broader and more diverse offering that meets each week for individual pupils to present on a topic that they find personally interesting. The collective group are then invited to ask questions according to the topic and openly discuss their ideas (fuelled by complementary biscuits!)
Topics have included ‘Rebuilding after 9/11’. ‘The History of Mastectomies’, ‘How a Glass of Water could Power a City’, ‘The Work of Guido d’Arezzo’ and ‘Media Representations of Women’.
Young Enterprise
Young Enterprise helps Sixth Form students to develop the life skills, knowledge & confidence that may be required for them to succeed in the ever-evolving world of work. These student groups develop entrepreneurial skills through product development, writing business plans and managing sales.
The Rambling Rose
This pupil-led newspaper is an enterprise that collates, formats and edits news stories that feature the many interests and passions of their club members as well as other prominent achievements of other pupils. The media is then printed and distributed to the whole School community.
Science and Nature
Our Science and Nature Club meet each Friday lunchtime to explore the science of the natural world through dissection, observation and experimentation. Highlights have included frog dissection, observing the regeneration in flatworms, growing crystals, analysing owl pellets and making slime.
Mixed Media and Textiles
Pupils are afforded the opportunity to become skilled in creative mixed media and textile techniques that include applique, embroidery and experimental 3-D forms. Each session, a new skill or stitch is taught to create and combine samples that are collated into small, finished pieces.
German Film Klub
Pupils are immersed in German culture through watching sub-titled German films with discussions thereafter on the theme, ideas and language.
Junior Classics
Year 7 pupils explore Greek mythology through multiple approaches including watching films, designing and making mosaics, demonstrating their learning through collating their own mini plays based on Greek myth characters, and having lots of fun!
During the Summer Term, Junior Classics Club transforms their ‘Greek Mythology’ play into a Latin language play which is entered into the Bristol Latin Play Competition.
Employer Talks
Employer Talks welcomes Guest Speakers to address Year 7 to 13 pupils on their specific industry, job role and the opportunities available within the differing routes of their field
MedSoc
MedSoc Club has been established for Senior School pupils who are interested in applying to study Medicine, Vet sciences, Dentistry, Physio or other health-care subjects after KS5. They examine how to prepare for the admissions tests in these fields, where to apply and what other experiences they should be aiming for to successfully access this field of work. of work. In turn, pupils learn about a wide range of career options with a Q&A session at the end of talk to interact fully with the Guest Speaker and gain further insights into their profession.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme (DofE)
Clifton High School currently offers pupils the possibility to accomplish the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme at Bronze and Gold level. Starting with Bronze in Year 9 and Gold when the child turns 16 years of age, our Years 9 and 12 pupils attend lunchtime training sessions throughout the School year in preparation for the final expedition section. We are supportive of pupils’ choice of activity in the volunteering, physical and skill section and during the Gold level, the additional residential section. In 2024, we are exploring a pilot Silver level for participants who are aiming to complete the expedition section in tandem canoes.
The DofE Programme facilitates young people having fun, making friends, improving self-esteem and building confidence. The essential skills and attributes for work and life beyond School include gaining resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, all of which enhance curriculum vitae as well as university and job applications.
Excelsior Forum
The Excelsior Forum is a platform that Clifton High School scholars and other interested Senior School pupils attend on a weekly basis. Guest speakers visit School to discuss and share advice and experiences in their chosen profession, affording all attendees the opportunity to be inspired, broaden their horizons and learn first-hand about the industries or areas they are considering for their future career paths.
House System
Our historical foundation does not derive from a generous endowment or legacy, but the simple will of a few people to provide a first-class education. Percival, Pears, Winkworth and Wollaston were amongst these visionaries and to honour their foresight we named the four School Houses after them.
Percival, Pears, Winkworth and Wollaston Houses compete in several popular events throughout the School year; all encouraging a sense of comradery and team spirit. The highlights include the House Singing Competition in October held at Clifton Cathedral and the ever-popular House Challenge Day in July where pupils compete in a range of activities, including the infamous water challenge!
PERFORMING ARTS CLUBS
Performing Arts Clubs at Clifton High School enjoy a prominent position within the School community as pupils annually perform at prestigious venues across the city such as Bristol Cathedral, The Redgrave Theatre and St George’s Bristol.
Cantata
Cantata choir is for mixed voice Year 10 to 13 pupils that perform a wide range of repertoire for soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) voices at prestigious events throughout the School year.
Chamber Choir
A dedicated choir for female Year 7 to 9 pupil voices that performs a range of repertoire at events throughout the School year, ranging from hymns to pop songs and everything in between.
Male Voice Choir
The Male Voice Choir is open to any male voice in Years 7 to 13. As with other Senior School choirs they cover a range of repertoire and perform at prestigious venues across the Bristol area.
Orchestra
The Orchestra is open to any instrumentalist of Grade 3 standard and above. Players can accompany the biennial School production as well as participate in performances at venues across the Bristol area.
Swing Band
An ensemble exploring jazz repertoire accessed by players of Grade 3 standard and above.
String Group
An ensemble of violins, violas and cellos accessed by players of Grade 5 standard and above, who perform at many School events.
Music Technology
This club is focused on the exploration of how music technology can be used to create sound and encourages pupils to discover how these sounds can be manipulated to develop musical ideas.
School Production
The School production takes place biennially at the Redgrave Theatre and is open to all Year 7 to 13 pupils who can participate as part of the cast or accompanying orchestra. Past productions have included Grease, Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, West Side Story and Les Miserables.
Year 7 Choir
As part of the Power of Performance Programme, this compulsory Year 7 choir performs at main School events that include the Spring Concert at St George’s Bristol and our Rose Day celebration held at Bristol Cathedral.
Year 8 Choir
As part of the Power of Creativity Programme, this compulsory Year 8 choir performs at main School events as well as lunchtime concerts and assemblies.
SPORT CLUBS
Clifton High School is firm it its belief that the extensive physical and mental health benefits of participating in sports amplifies overall wellbeing whilst also establishing a profound sense of accomplishment. Our commitment to inclusivity is no more prevalent than in sport, whereby all pupils can access any number of physical activities, regardless of their individual abilities, experience or interests. The wide variety of sports on offer at Clifton High School throughout the year include:
Training takes place after School with some sports training continuing throughout all three terms. Competitions and events that we are involved and participate in as a School include:
• Rosslyn Park Rugby 7’s
• Schools Triathlon
• ESFA Cup
• Basketball England
• County Hockey
Many of our pupils compete nationally and internationally in their chosen sport. More recently, we are proud to announce that two Clifton High School Rosarians competed and achieved a Silver Medal in the Paris Olympics 2024 for Artistic Swimming.
Recreational Sports Clubs
Clifton High School established the Recreational Sports Club to encourage those pupils who enjoy being active and participating in sports but do not wish to have the pressure of being selected for teams and fixtures. These include:
• Badminton
• Gymnastics
• Strength and Conditioning
• Swimming
• Water Polo
• Basketball
Running Club
Our weekly morning running club takes place on the Downs, Ashton Court and Leigh Woods and supports beginners, intermediate and more experienced runners. All members are expected to be able to run 5km in approximately 30 minutes.
Athletic Development Programme (ADP)
ADP is open to a pre-selected group of pupils to further develop skills and enhance performance in their preferred athletic discipline.
The Complete Swimmer Programme
This progressive development opportunity is open to Year 7 to 9 pupils and targets fitness foundations for competitive swimming and the participation in swimming as a healthy lifestyle choice. It is complemented by the Athletic Development Programme (ADP) through multi-sport participation and our School PE curriculum.
For the elite athlete in Year 10 to 13, this opportunity offers year-round pool and dry land training for competitive success as well as bespoke strength and conditioning, nutrition and athlete mentoring within the Bristol Sport Scholarship Programme. This is timetabled within the regular School day and CoCurricular Programme.
Year 11 to 13 pupils have access to swim skills for life, coached within lifestyle and swim fit sessions as well as through the provision of teaching and coaching.
CHARITY AND OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
We are constantly striving to strengthen links with both our local community and those based further afield, all of which enhance invaluable charitable interactions. More recently, as part of our Community Action Day, we worked alongside, volunteered and visited local organisations including:
• St Monica Trust to lead workshops such as singing and movement.
• Avon Gorge Wildlife Project
• Friends of the Downs Charities
On an annual basis the pupils vote to support and fundraise for four House charities hosting fun events such as rowing and walking challenges and bake sales.
As a School we work with South and East Bristol Foodbank to ensure that those in need do not go without and invite speakers from the organisation to talk to pupils about the impact of their efforts and support.
Eco-School
As a School, we are passionate about sustainability, ecology and conserving local and global environments. Having three-times achieved the Green Flag Award with a distinction in 2023, our dedicated EcoCommittee is a thriving, student-led group who meet on a weekly basis. They plan, discuss and strive to put these elements of environmental change into action and however small the scale, their eco-projects make an impact on School life and have included:
• Food Committees where pupils and eco-specialists in School promoted sustainable strategies to our in-house chef.
• Implementing a clean air zone around the School
• Eco photograph competition for pupils, staff and parents
• Bright Green Day - an annual event that includes a full day of whole School eco-activities
• Eco assembelies run by the Eco Committee
• Organised recycling School initiatives
• Christmas jumper swap shop to reduce waste from fast fashion
• Raising money for environmental charities, including tree planting
• Designed new energy signs to encourage pupils to switch off lights when a room is not in use
We have also participated in the following Bristol Education Partnership Climate Challenge Events:
• Active Travel Ambassadors
• Active Travel Campaign in June 2023
• Gold Lock Prizes for those that actively travel to School
• Emergency Bike Repair kit in School
• Dr Bike came into School to maintain student and staff bicycles
• Designed new recycling bins
