Clubs & Societies

Undeterred by Covid-related restrictions, students are as full as ever of enthusiasm and curiosity for how they might expand their horizons. Although most of the clubs are supervised by teaching staff, it has been wonderful to see an increasing number formed by the children themselves, three such examples being the Coding, Warhammer, and Engineering Clubs founded by Hector (11RET), Asher (10RET) and Ollie (U6CEG), respectively. I am delighted to say that the Junior Equality Society, the brainchild of some Year 6 and 7 girls two years ago, is still running strong and setting the world to rights.

We typically run about sixty clubs and societies in each of the three terms (excluding sport and music); however, over the past two years, for obvious reasons, we have been forced to think creatively and devise new ways of maintaining the quality and variety of the clubs that we offer. My colleagues and the students themselves have been incredibly enthusiastic and industrious; indeed, in the Spring Term of 2021, despite restrictions, we had thirty-five active clubs, including the online Chess, Drama, Hans Woyda, Medics, Grayson Perry Art, Lit. Quiz, Bake-off and now immortal Dr. Who clubs. Despite the social distancing regulations imposed during the Autumn term of 2020, Mr Keddie started, with terrific enthusiasm, a Year 6 and then a Year 7 Debating Society, both of which have been hugely successful in terms of participation and, of course, the quality of the debating.This is just one example of the many ways in which we have steadily been able to create more opportunities for students to engage with each other, take themselves out of their comfort zones, gain experience, and — crucially — to learn.

In September of 2021 we were able to have our Freshers’ Fair once again and, since then, the clubs and societies have grown exponentially. As of Summer 2022, we currently have over sixty active clubs, including Gardening Club, Animation Club, Classic Cinema Club, Law Society, Computer Club and the newly-formed Harry Potter Club (which has proven very popular).

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the students who have made the effort to get involved in this rewarding and vital aspect of their education. And, of course, I am eternally grateful to the many colleagues who so willingly give up their time to make it all happen.