Co-Curricular Guide Book
Introduction “We should not just provide the opportunities for students to achieve good academic results but actively promote the benefits of a wider curriculum to students. They should be encouraged to recognise the value of these activities as part of their development – in other words Co-Curricular, not extra-curricular.”
Professor M Andrews At Cokethorpe we recognise that the classroom is only a small part of the story. While the classroom remains central to School life, we see co-curricular activities as vital to a rounded education. The emphasis on a broad Co-Curricular Programme throughout the school is based on the conviction that individuals thrive in an environment in which their abilities and talents are recognised and nurtured. We offer an extraordinary range of activities to develop pupils’ skills, complement and extend learning in the classroom, and stretch both mind and imagination. The energy and variety in our Co-Curricular Programme is such that every pupil is sure to find something to inspire them. In fact, if there is interest in an activity not currently available we will do everything in our power to make it available. Part of our Co-Curricular offerings are known as AOBs (Any Other Business), and refers to the extensive variety of clubs and societies offered to pupils as part of the School’s Co-Curricular Programme, and it is more than just an afterthought on our agenda! Over 150 AOBs are available for pupils to choose from each week with sessions predominantly taking place during the School day. This huge selection is designed to encourage pupils to try new things, extend an interest in academic subjects and devote more time to developing skills. A pupil may choose to delve deeper into an academic area of interest or take an additional GCSE in a new subject. They could look to refine a pre-existing skill or try something completely new.
Drama
‘I still remember our First Form Production, when the whole year group took part and performed to our parents. I was so nervous, but I am so glad I did it and I have been in every Drama production since. I love it.’
Jess, Fourth Form
Drama activities Drama plays an important part in the cultural life at Cokethorpe. It encourages pupils to think beyond the page, question the world in which they live, formulate their own opinions and develop self-confidence and creativity. A vibrant calendar of drama performances ensures all pupils have the opportunity to explore a range of genres and acting techniques. The main productions, for which any pupil may audition, are the highlight of the year with recent shows including adaptations of The Lord of the Flies, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. Performances take place in the purpose built, 200-seat theatre that is affectionately known as The Shed and productions are brought to life with an extensive wardrobe and full-time costume designer. Drama at Cokethorpe extends beyond the stage with pupils learning and undertaking the support specialities of sound, lighting, make-up, set design and wardrobe.
Drama AOB Examples C-SALT (Sound and Lighting) Drama Termly Production Script Writing Drama Award Holders The Drama Academy
Music
‘Playing in the Concert Band was amazing as up until that point I had only ever played with other string musicians. The teachers played too.’
James, Second Form
MUsic activities Music at Cokethorpe is as impressive as it is diverse. From traditional recitals and choral concerts to the all-inclusive Inter-House Music Competition, from the choir and concert band to the contemporary Live Lounge evenings; there is something to suit every performer and audience. A lively calendar of musical events provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to perform. In addition to the formal school programmes, pupil-led events are also encouraged. A highlight for many pupils is the bi-annual musical production which showcases the talents of pupils across a range of disciplines from singers and musicians to set designers and lighting engineers. In addition to performance spaces and rehearsal rooms, the School also offers a suite of Mac computers equipped with Sibelius and Garage Band. Using this industry standard software enables pupils to explore composition and song writing and gain technical recording and editing skills.
Music AOB examples Chamber Music Concert Band String Orchestra The Cokethorpe Orchestra The Choir Lower School Band Jazz Band Music Technology
SPORT
‘I couldn’t believe how many different sports I could try. The coaches are so nice as well.’
Chloe, First Form
SPORT activities Sport is an integral part of life at Cokethorpe School. Excellence at the highest level is underpinned by an ethos of participation. The wide range of sporting activities offer a balance of skills and physical demands so that every pupil can discover a sport they enjoy. Pupils of all abilities are encouraged to play meaningful and competitive sport at Inter-House, School Representative or purely recreational level. Through sport, pupils develop confidence and resilience by exposure to physical, technical and mental stimulus which provides the opportunity to develop strong teamwork and leadership skills. The major sports of rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics are complemented by a range of other sports including badminton, basketball, golf, squash and dance. The parkland setting provides the perfect backdrop to the extensive facilities which contribute to Cokethorpe’s reputation for sporting excellence. All pupils from First Form to Upper Sixth are required to take part in compulsory programmes five times a fortnight, with Wednesday afternoons being the major day for fixtures. In addition, the AOB programme sits beside this.
Sport AOB examples Football Girls Football Indoor Hockey Pre-Season Rugby Pre-Season Cricket Table Tennis Badminton Golf Strength and Conditioning Tennis Athletics Club Running Club Basketball
outdoor education
‘Climbing Club is definitely the highlight of my week! As someone who was never that good at Football and Rugby I have found something that I really enjoy. I represent the School as well.’
Max, Fifth Form
outdoor education activities Using our glorious 150 acre parkland setting as a base, the School offers pupils an exciting range of outdoor education opportunities. Over the course of their Cokethorpe career pupils of all ages get the chance to engage in the following activities: kayaking, sailing, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, skiing, orienteering, forest school, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and World Challenge. Pupils from the Third Form can access Outdoor Education activities as part of the Games Programme on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In addition, all pupils have access to those activities that form part of the AOB programme.
Outdoor Education AOB examples Climbing for Beginners Sailing The Cokethorpe Shooting Club Kayaking Duke of Edinburgh Drop-In World Challenge Fundraising Horse Riding
Creative
‘Me and my friends love Textiles Club, even though we had never done it before. I can’t believe we actually managed to make something!’
Rosie, Third Form
hobbies
‘In Build-a-Bike we are re-building a BSA Bantum. We even had a journalist from Classic Bike magazine come in and interview us!’
Jamie, Fourth Form
hobby and creative activities Creative AOB examples Textiles Club Art Club Digital Art A-Z of Great Modern Artists Clay Club Modern Dance Photography Club
Hobby AOB examples Knitting Club Wargaming Strategy Games American Football – The Board Game Build-A-Bike The Kitchen Garden Chess Club Sci-Fi Symposium Self-Defence
COGNITIVE ‘Before I joined Cokethorpe I remember reading about Dissection Club and thinking that it sounded very cool. I was right.’
Millie, Second Form
Cognitive AOB examples Dissection Club The £5 Business Start-Up Challenge Student Investor German GCSE Public Speaking Black Lives Matter #PhysicsISforgirls Below the Line (Junior Newspaper) The Line (Senior Newspaper) Christian Discussion Group Everyday Economics
Sixth Form Skills Programme The Sixth Form Skills Programme is a bespoke and unique aspect of Sixth Form timetabled provision and directly addresses employers’, teachers and parents concerns that many students lack some fundamental skills when leaving full-time education. The programme places great emphasis on the development of practical skills and as such students undertake a variety of units including interview preparation, presentation skills, chairing a meeting, professional and public communication, cooking, first aid, touch typing, mindfulness, and finance and budgeting.
Sixth Form Skills Activity examples CV writing Interview technique Music Technology Digital Art Open University Online Courses Persuasive writing Health - Drugs and Alcohol Accessing newspapers Navigating your emotions Speaking in public An introduction to cooking Yoga First Aid Etiquette Social Media Chairing a meeting Wellbeing Personal Finance An introduction to sewing
In our second session the Catering Staff taught us how to make a white sauce. I think we are filleting fish in a couple of weeks.’
Jack, Upper Sixth
Curriculum Enrichment Week
For our First, Second, Third and Fourth Forms, the School year culminates with an exciting week of activities that differ from the normal School timetable. Activities are varied and change from year to year but previous examples included whole year group camps, a languages week including an overnight trip to France and an Outdoor Education based week including water sports, climbing, shooting and paintballing.
Cokethorpe School, Witney, Oxon OX29 7PU 01993 703921 Registered Charity: 309 650 cokethorpe.org