EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
WELL-BEING INQUISITIVE IMAGINATIVE COLLABORATIVE PERSISTENT DISCIPLINED
Unlock Your Potential at Bolton School
INQUISITIVE
IMAGINATIVE
COLLABORATIVE
PERSISTENT
DISCIPLINED
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT BOLTON SCHOOL
The clubs and societies available at lunchtime, after school and at the weekend are an integral part of Bolton School's co-curricular programme. These diverse activities complement the academic curriculum and provide opportunities for pupils to explore their interests, develop creative health, and discover new passions.
Engaging in the co-curricular life of the School is an important step on our leadership pathway, and we encourage all pupils in Years 7 to 9 to take part in at least three activities each week. Through these experiences, you will grow in key areas of character, becoming more inquisitive, collaborative, and imaginative. Activities will also help build discipline and persistence, traits essential for success in any area of life.
Some options also serve as career enrichment, allowing pupils to apply their talents in specialist fields and explore future possibilities.
For older students, there are opportunities to take on leadership roles, including starting and running new clubs and societies, providing a chance to shape the extracurricular landscape.
Regular participation in activities not only helps develop new skills but also encourages collaboration across different year groups. Pupils gain valuable communication skills, learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop greater well-being through creative expression.
Whatever activities pupils choose, there is no doubt that they offer a wealth of enjoyment, character development, and personal growth. We encourage all pupils to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Philip Britton
Head of Foundation.
ARCADE CLUB
BD Years 7-13, GD Years 7&8
Arcade Club is a chance for pupils to relive the spirit of the 80s and 90s arcade games with competitions and challenges. From dashing along at speed as Sonic the Hedgehog to chomping your
ARCHERY
BD Years 7-13, GD Year 8
Archery Club is open to all, whether you are a sharp shooting archer or a ready to learn a new skill.
A
ART 365
BD Years 7 - 13
Come along to create your own art, in any medium, any size. Drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking and threedimensional work can all be explored. You might create a piece that takes one session to realise or a whole term.
ART CLUB
GD Years 7-9
An opportunity for students to try out different techniques and themes within art.
MINDFULNESS ART CLUB
GD Years 7 - 11
Mindfulness Art Club is an opp to enjoy creating your own pie artwork whilst listening to rela music and meditation sounds. no requirement to be a good ar members can just come along enjoy art at their own level of a
ANIMATION CLUB
GD Year 7
An opportunity to develop a range of animation skills and produce some fun
SENIOR ART CLUB
BD Years 10-13
This club is for any student in Year 10 and above who wants to create artwork. You do n have to be in a GCSE Art cla to attend.
You may have a piece of wo you would like support with be looking for inspiration a interested in continuing to create art. We welcome all.
This club also assists in the further development of pup Art practice at GCSE.
ASTRONOMY & ASTRO PHYSICS CLUB + GCSE ASTRONOMY
Astonomy & Astrophysics Club: GD Y10-13
GSCE Astronomy: Joint, Year 9
Are you fascinated by the night sky and interested in stories about our continuing exploration of our Solar System and Universe?
This course builds on that interest and examines how theories and technology have developed over time.
You will have the option to take a GCSE in Astronomy from Year 9 and to participate in our exciting weekend field trip to Patterdale.
YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS CLUB
GD Years 7 - 13
Learn about archaeology and what past. Craft activities linked to ancient history and archaeology. Exploring the archaeology around us.
AMERICAN FLAG FOOTBALL
GD Years 9-11
A club for students to introduce themselves to, practice and play American Flag Football.
THE AINSWORTH SOCIETY
BD Years 7 - 9
y offers around fifteen academically , and 9 the opportunity to engage in d scuss o s a d debates with the Head of Foundation. Each year group meets separately once per half term in the Headmaster’s Study, with members reading and discussing a book selected for each session. Participanacts are also encouraged to suggest future reading materials and share their thoughts between meetings.
The society is named after Robert Ainsworth, a distinguished 17th-century scholar from Bolton, who published a renowned Latin dictionary in 1736. A copy of this dictionary remains in the school's Chained Library.
BD Years 7-9 & Years 10-13
B
BOOK CLUB BEE-KEEPING
Engaging and fun fortnightl meetings to explore books across a range of genres, including discussion, games of course, reading! For Seni an opportunity to develop critical engagement with th literature that you read. Explore the literary canon as well as modern, diverse and exciting texts.
BD Years 7 - 9 & Years 10 - 13
Come along to Beekeeping Club to find out about the fascinating world of Honey Bees. You will get to identify and understand the role of the different bees in a colony, as well as inspecting them for health. At the correct time of the year there should be a honey crop and you will be involved in jarring and labelling the honey. When the bees are dormant you will be involved in building hives and frames for the following season. Space is limited as you need a beekeeper’s suit (supplied) and there is only a certain amount space in the apiary.
BOARD GAME CLUB
GD Years 7-9
You can come on your own & make new friends or bring others along with you. We have a wide selection of games & you can choose to play with the other students or try to beat the staff! It is a wonderful place to try out new games & revisit old ones. Hope to see you there!
BOX FIT
GD Years 7-13
Box-Fit is a physical activity that is beneficial to both physical and mental health. No previous boxing experience required. Boxing gloves and pads will be provided. Students can work out at their own level of fitness. Everyone welcome
CARDS & BRIDGE CLUB
BD Years 7 - 13
Learn to play some fun new card gam and develop the skills necessary to p Bridge, an advanced card game for 4 players.
CCAREERS
BD Years 7-10
There are opportunities for pupils to explore career paths during lunchtimes along four main areas of study – Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Finance, STEM and Healthcare.
GD Year 13
You will work collaboratively ackling interesting, imaginative and challenging chemistry calculations and puzzles in a fun environment.
CHESS CHRISTIAN UNION
Joint, Years 7-9 & Years 1013
Is Easter more than chocolate? Is Christmas more than presents? Does God exist? Come along to find out more about what the Christian Faith has to say about these big questions. We will play some games, eat lots of snacks and have interesting discussions. Open to all faiths or none.
CLASSICS CLUB
BD Years 7-9 & 10-13
Juniors: Take a fun and explorative look at the ancient world; from gladiators and gods, to deciphering the names of dinosaurs. It is the perfect place to learn about ancient society, and expand your horizons with some truly amazing facts. Seniors: Explore familiar topics from different perspectives and cultures and material from outside the curriculum.
CLASSICAL GREEK
Joint, Year 9
This is a unique chance to learn the language of the ancient gods and heroes! You’ve probably heard of the alphabet well that comes from Greek (first two lessons are alpha and beta). This is a perfect club for anyone who likes to: use their brain, solve puzzles, learn about the ancient world.
CLUB
GD Years 10-13
Improve your cake decorating skills in this club where you will design, make and decorate your own Christmas Cake.
CROCHET CLUB
GD Years 7-9
You are welcome to come along to join our crafty-crochet-club! No previous crocheting experience needed, although we do greatly welcome any experienced crocheters to help run the club. Yarn and crochet hooks are available.
p , y p science investigation of your choosing. This requires around 30 hours work, some of which will take place during the lunchtime club and some which will be required at other times. You will complete a nationally recognised award.
CONVERSE CLUB
GD Year 11
An opportunity to talk about Moral, Social and controversial issues in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
CLUB ANIMALIA
Club animalia is a chance for Year 8 and 9 boys to learn about, handle an help to look after the Biology Department’s collection of animals We will eventually have a range of small mammals and insects as well a our corn snake to care for.
TIVES NOW
A Multidisciplinary Arts Collective for young people in Bolton aged 12 - 18
Our youth-led community arts collective meets on Saturdays in Bolton town centre where they have their own studio space.
The collective engage in local research and commission artists to work with them on projects which support Bolton's cultural development for children , young people and the broader community.
The collective is faciliated by Bolton School and Bolton at Home. Partnership projects with the Octagon Theatre and Bolton Film Festival intoduce storytelling, theatre and filmmaking to the group's repertoire.
CRAFT CLUB
BD Years 7-9
For pupils who love making, getting their hands dirty and wish to produce quality pieces of art for sale.
There is a termly theme to Craft Club. Term 11: printmaking, Term 2: ceramics and Term 3: sustainable art from recycled materials.
CREATIVE WRITING
BD Years 7 - 9 & Years 10 -13
GD Years 8&9
Do you have a passion for literature and a flair for creative writing? If so, then this creative writing club is the one for you! You’ll have the opportunity to explore and construct a variety of texts, even entering prestigious writing competitions where your words have the chance to shine on a wider scale.
CLIMBING CLUB
BD Year 7, Years 8&9, Years 10-13
GD Years 7 - 13
This club brings together students of all writing abilities who have a keen interest in creating short stories, poetry, non-fiction or scripts. It is a collaborative space for members to write and share ideas, as well as to provide feedback for one another’s work. Experimental strategies for producing new ideas and content are explored each week.
DRAMA HUB
GD Years 10&11, Joint Y12&13
GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre students wishing to progress with coursework and / or exam preparation are welcome to attend Drama Hub. Groups of students can attend by appointment to development material ahead of performance exams. Designers wishing to access the Green Room and / or light and sound box will be welcome to do so. Students are asked to notify Miss Talbot ahead of time.
Joint, age range varies by production
We are extremely proud of our theatre productions and they are always an exciting, grand affair.
There are lots of different ways to get involved. You may wish to challenge yourself with a lead role, take a smaller part, learn to programme and operate sound and lighting, contribute to set and costume design, special effects makeup, work in front of house roles, marketing or join the back stage crew.
Whichever role you choose, you are bound to have tonnes of fun!
We often work in partnership with the Octagon Theatre; pupils have the opportunity to participate in workshops with the theatre's creative engagement team and benefit from masterclasses and guest direction. Invites to participate in productions will reach you via notices and email.
DRAMA D
DANCE CLUB
Joint, Years 7 - 13
Step into rhythm and discover the w movement with our Dance Club, fea both Latin and Ballroom styles. Whe you're passionate about salsa, tango elegance of a waltz, this is your chan learn, improve, and have fun! No exp is necessary you will be guided thro steps, making it easy for everyone to on the dance floor. Build confidence, friends, and express yourself through danc
THE DYMOND SOCIETY
GD Years 7-9
The GD Dymond Society, named in honor of Miss Olivia Dymond, headmistress from 1893-1919, celebrates the academic legacy she fostered during her tenure. Miss Dymond oversaw the pivotal 1915 merger of Bolton High School for Girls and Bolton Grammar School, forming what is now Bolton School.
The Society provides a forum for highachieving students to engage in enriching discussions and debates on topics beyond the standard curriculum. Members meet with the Head of Foundation at least once per half-term to explore academic issues, including group discussions on pre-selected readings. Membership is by invitation only.
DARTS CLUB
BD Years 7-9
A chance to show off your throwing skills develop your mental arithmetic at the sam time. A popular club for pupils to have fun learn the different versions of the game.
DENTAL SOCIETY
BD Years 12&13
Dental Society is aimed at Year 12 students. Participants will be required to research and present findings on a range of dental issues and procedures.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY CLUB
for those wishing to explore new ls and make creative projects in a nvironment. Each project will take erm to design and make so please ng if you enjoy making things and an commit to the whole half term.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB
Joint, Year 9-13
ons and Dragons club is a Year 9+ ent-led group with folk from both This is a cooperative, storytelling where players take on the roles of aracters. Characters make friends ies, fight monsters, discover loot, and complete quests.
EXTREME PHYSICS
Joint, Years 12 and 13
An opportunity for A Level Physics Stud to go beyond the scope of the A Level course. We tackle harder physics proble (including those found on the Isaac phys Website), discuss any topics that we feel interesting but might not be on the spec enter physics competitions..
very helpful for Business nts as it will support their dge and understanding of ness terminology and the nt of their economic and commercial awareness.
ECO CLUB
GD Years 7-9
Join the Eco Club and help make Bolton School more sustainable! If you’re passionate about the environment and want to reduce your impact, this is the place for you. Discuss world issues, learn more about global warming, reduce plastic waste, and get involved in local and school-wide initiatives.
Learn how to live more sustainably, explore local and global environmental issues, take part in litter picks and creative campaigns, organise school events and raise awareness, help deliver an assembly on eco-conscious topics, develop teamwork, communication, and presentation skills, and share ideas to make our school more eco-friendly. Make a difference join us!
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CLUB
GD Years 7-9
A club that combines sustainability with design of products and awareness of the Environment and climate change.
BD Years 7-9
This is a unique opportunity to learn a new sport not routinely offered in the cu a co N n
FORMULA 1 CLUB
Joint, Years 10-13
Research, design and build a CO2 powered vehicle based on F1 design principals. Teams of 6 will take on different roles to run a mini F1 team. We will attend the regional heats in January where you will race your vehicle against other teams.
FRENCH FILM CLUB
Years 10 - 13
FILM CLUB
Years 10 - 13
Watch films and discuss all things cinema. Each half-term there is a different focus to the films we watch. The club will be run primarily by a pupil committee..
Learn about French cinema by watching original language French films with English subtitles. A great opportunity for GCSE and A Level French students to broaden their understanding of authentic French and learn about the wider culture.
FRENCH SPELLING BEE
Year 7
Fancy developing your fluency in the language and attending an all-expenses paid trip to the National Final? Come along and help us retain our winning streak at this competition.
FRENCH TABLE RONDE
GD Years 9-11
Do you love the French language and all things French? Come along to discover a whole world of music, literature, TV, language to widen your experience of the French speaking world. We aim to find out about fun idioms, read fairy stories, watch new TV series, discover new musical artists to show how much fun French can be beyond the classroom.
FRENCH DEBATING CLUB
GD Years 12&13
Enjoy debating a range of topics in French, such as which is better, a bicycle or a wheelbarrow?
GERMAN MEDIA/ GAMES CLUB
GD Years 7-9
A fun KS3 club looking at games, songs, videos, films, language and culture from Germanspeaking countries.
Build your fluency and debating skills whilst having fun!
GERMAN LITERATURE CLUB
GD Years 10&11
An opportunity to get to grips with the German language through group reading of classic German stories and fairy tales!
GREEK TRAGEDY CLUB
GD Years 10-13
Welcome to the darker side of theatre… there will be witches, mysterious riddles, murder and gore. Learn how the ancient Greeks put these dramatic shows on stage, and get ready to perform some scenes together