Oundle Opportunities

{ Opportunity } noun An occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something.

Many things make Oundle a special place to live and study, and we are lucky to do so. Foremost among them was F W Sanderson’s vision 125 years ago of a School with an opportunity for everyone: the chance for all to be gripped by something new, to thrive and to excel. His vision sits as strongly at the heart of Oundle today as it did in 1900. This booklet tells you about the opportunities open to you in 2024, and how to make the most of them.

Each activity is run by an extraordinary person who is committed and passionate about their activity: something that has given them joy, and that they want to share with you. Happiness in life is found through a blend of identity, belonging and purpose: the opportunities open to you here offer you the chance to develop all three, don’t let them pass you by.

It doesn’t matter if you have no experience of an activity, or if your first forays into it are unsuccessful. We learn more in life from our failures than from our successes, and no-one is going to give you a grade. Your time at Oundle will pass very quickly, and the chances you have while you are here might not come your way again. Make the most of Oundle’s Opportunities and I promise you will make memories and friendships that last for life.

Mr Andrew Mansergh Deputy Head Co-Curricular

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished –it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.”

Denzel Washington

HOW TO WORK WITH YOUR TUTOR

Your Tutor will discuss your ideas and aspirations with you in tutorials, setting goals at the start of the year and encouraging you to reflect on your progress on a week-by-week basis. You will be asked to set yourself targets under the following three headings:

LEADERSHIP/ ADVENTURE

CREATIVE/ CULTURAL SERVICE TO OTHERS

You will also be challenged to attend at least one concert and at least one play and read at least one book for pleasure this term – and be able to have a conversation about them afterwards!

Your Tutor will help you with the balance of your activities and will, at the end of the term, ask you to reflect on two key areas:

WHAT ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU DONE AND WHAT DID YOU GAIN FROM THEM?

Perhaps you:

• made something beautiful or useful that didn’t exist in the world before?

• made a new group of friends and found a common interest?

• put yourself outside your comfort zone and achieved something you didn’t think you could do?

• met a target that you set for yourself for your physical or emotional wellbeing and felt better for it?

• had an idea for an activity or initiative which you got moving and others were inspired to join in?

• have been an active bystander and stood up for someone when they needed your help?

• stuck at something, even when it was difficult, and improved at it or completed it?

• Or....?

WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS DID YOU DISPLAY?

CURIOSITY

CONFIDENCE

RESPECT DETERMINATION CITIZENSHIP

ZEST

VOLUNTEERING

RESOURCEFULNESS

TEAMWORK

OPEN-MINDEDNESS

COMMUNITY-AWARENESS

MOTIVATION MODESTY

GROWTH-MINDSET

JUSTICE

COMMUNICATION-SKILLS AMBITION

CHARACTER

UNDERSTANDING OTHERS

COURAGE

PERSERVERANCE

EMPATHY

FAIRNESS

SELF-DISCIPLINE

HUMILITY

JUDGEMENT

REFLECTIVENESS

CRITICAL-THINKING

GRATITUDE TOLERANCE LEADERSHIP

INTEGRITY COMPASSION

HONESTY

BRAVERY

FOCUS GRIT RESILIENCE

SELF-CONTROL

COMMUNITY-SPIRIT

“It is a good idea to keep a note of the things that you have been involved in during the course of the term, in preparation for your end of term Tutorial!”

Ann Meisner Deputy Head Pastoral

ART

Monday 5pm-6.30pm

Targeted extension by invitation For GCSE and A level NEA projects

Tuesday 5pm-6.30pm

Vols, Electives and Academic support session for GCSE & A level projects

Thursday 5pm-6.30pm

Vols, Electives and Academic support session for GCSE & A level projects

Friday 5pm-6.30pm

Targeted extension by invitation For GCSE and A level NEA projects

Wednesday

Community Action (CA): Life Drawing Sixth Form only

Sunday 2pm-4pm

Targeted extension

ACADEMIC SOCIETIES

THE VALUE OF SOCIETIES

Societies give you the opportunity to explore subjects —whether you study them or not— outside the curriculum or syllabus. You can enrich and enhance your knowledge, debate and develop awareness of broader issues, and delve deep into areas you may not have known about.

Academic Societies usually meet in the evenings or late afternoons and often attract visiting speakers eminent in their field, including politicians, poets, artists and musicians. Many of the societies have become an integral part of School life, with many pupils involved in running and leading them: you have a chance to influence and play a role in their development. More societies are detailed in the Electives section a little later on.

20+ SOCIETIES

• Alan Budd Economics Society

• Chemistry Extension Group

• Clare Society (English)

• DÖSoc (German)

• GeogSoc (Geography)

• Hispanic Society

• Law Society

• Medical Society

DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

• Pre-Uni Biology Extension Group

• Psychology Society

• Investment Society

• Junior Psychology Society

• Junior Scott Society (Science)

• Senior Classics Society

• Senior French Society

• Senior History Society

WHEN?

As individually advertised, but mainly in the evenings from 7.45pm

• Scott Society (Science)

• TPR

• Feminist Society

• Reeling Society

• LGBTQIA+ Society

• PPF (Pupil Pastoral Forum)

Weekly coaching sessions offer debating experience to all age groups and levels of expertise, from First Form to Sixth Form under the auspices of the Debating Society. Each year a cohort of experienced and dedicated senior debaters provide leadership and mentoring for those younger debaters who follow in their footsteps.

There are many opportunities to attend and participate in debates in School. Key external competitions are the ESU Mace -Debating and ESU Churchill- Public Speaking.

Contact Mrs Gould for further details.

ACADEMIC SURGERIES

WHEN?

At the same time as Electives, 5pm-7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

WHAT TO DO?

Come armed with questions to ask the teacher, or an identified target topic with which you need help.

WHO’S IT FOR?

Everyone. You won’t be lost in the crowd and there’ll be help for every pupil.

Academic Surgeries are the vital link between your work in class, Prep and your Private Reading time. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, you have the opportunity to seek individual help from teachers in each subject, giving you access to freely available specialised and knowledgeable support.

If there’s something you’ve not quite understood in class, or a tricky concept that you didn’t quite capture in recent work, you should use an Academic Surgery to help put things right. The sooner you do this, the better, as most subjects continue to build on previous material throughout their course.

CHARITABLE VENTURES

WHY GET INVOLVED?

Charity at Oundle is very much pupil led. A key part of the educational aspect of this is the informed selection of a registered charity alongside organising an event to enhance your understanding of philanthropy and your leadership skills. It can be immensely fulfilling to reach out and support others and, with the freedom to identify charities yourself, you can do something wonderful and meaningful.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

The academic year starts with the annual Charities Fair. Each House selects a charity and designs a fundraising activity. You can support your House with the planning or support all Houses on the day. Fifth Form and above can engage with the Oundle Charity Ventures programme to develop their entrepreneurial skills to positive effect. All pupils can initiate fundraising for a registered charity with examples such as a 24hour row, an aquathon, guess the number of sweets in a jar, the bi-annual fashion show, and themed dinners to inspire you.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Mentoring and support is available from Ms Barker during P0 on weekdays in CH4.

DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

THE PATRICK ENGINEERING CENTRE

Thursday Tuesday

Craft and Design

First to Third Form 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Jewellery Design and Make

Third to Fifth Form 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Furniture Making Masterclass

Fourth Form and Lower Sixth 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Academic Support sessions for GCSE and A Level NEA projects 5pm – 6.30pm

Open Workshops

Third Form to Upper Sixth 5pm – 6.30pm

Open Workshops

Third Form to Upper Sixth 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Make and Race a Drone

Fourth Form 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Furniture Making Masterclass 4th Form and Lower Sixth 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Academic Support sessions for GCSE and A Level NEA projects 5pm – 6.30pm

Greenpower Electric

Racing Vehicle Club

First Form to Upper Sixth 5pm – 6.30pm

Saturday (Week B only)

Vehicle Restoration and Motor Workshops

5pm – 6.15pm

Sunday

Vehicle Restoration and Motor Workshops 5pm – 6.15pm

WHY GET INVOLVED?

The Stahl is often described as a family. It is a place where you can come with your friends and bond over a shared endeavour – or indeed meet new friends! Sessions are run by our dedicated team of highly skilled technicians, so it is also an opportunity to learn new skills. Skills in theatre are hugely transposable. Be these technical; sewing, hammering, painting or social; communication, time-management, negotiation – they are skills for life.

ABOUT THE STAHL

The Stahl exists to ignite a lifelong love of theatre. Anyone can get involved! As you might expect, we have lots of opportunities to perform. We schedule a variety of School and House productions and cast sizes are large, typically between 20-30. But we also have numerous backstage opportunities. Every one of our seven in-house productions are originally designed by one of our four theatre technicians. And you can, help bring these designs to life. You can learn about lighting, sound or stage management or work with our Wardrobe Supervisor to realise her beautiful costume designs. Our in-house work sits side-by-side with a diverse programme of professional touring productions that anyone can enjoy as a member of the audience.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

Acting

There are 3 School Plays per year which will be auditioned by the director. Information about auditions will be emailed to the appropriate year groups and put on the year group Team.

Backstage

Show Roles

When auditions are announced, pupils interested in working backstage on the production will be invited to a meeting. To find out more email Paul Laughton (Production Manager) pel@oundleschool.org.uk

• Lighting and sound operating/programming

• Stage management

• Hair, make-up and dressing

ELECTIVES

Tuesday 5.15pm - 6.15pm

• Set and prop construction

• Costume making and maintenance

STAHL FRONT OF HOUSE

19.10 - 22.00 (approx. Depending on show running time) on show nights. To join our Front of House team email dfitzsimmons@oundleschool.org.uk

Meet and greet members of the audience. Check tickets and be the smiling happy face of the Stahl!

WATCH PLAYS

As well as the School and House productions staged at the Stahl external professional theatre companies regularly perform here too. You can get tickets online, in person from the box office or via your Theatre Rep in House!

Over the course of an average year:

300 pupils will have performed onstage

100 pupils will have worked backstage

DUKE OF EDINBURGH ( DofE)

THIRD FORMERS UPWARDS

WHAT IS IT?

The DofE Award Scheme is an award set up by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 65 years ago. There are 3 levels to the Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold. As a Third former, you are eligible to enrol for the Bronze level. Each level involves 4 sections (5 sections for Gold): Physical, Skill, Volunteering, Expedition. By undertaking the Bronze Award, you have the opportunity to:

• A good way to be inspired to try new things and to be challenged

• A chance for you to be rewarded/recognised for co-curricular activities you are involved in

• A good way for you to get involved with helping out in the local community

• Helps to develop independence, confidence, self-awareness, and life-long skills

• A chance to have fun, work as part of a team with your friends/peers

Physical Skill

Volunteering

Expedition

Get involved in a physical activity (sport) – eg hockey

Learn and develop in a skill - eg playing a musical instrument, or a non-sporting Oundle School elective activity

Get involved in a Volunteering activity – eg helping out with a local Cub/Brownie group

Complete a 2 day assessed walking expedition, camping out overnight, following a training expedition and skills sessions

SILVER AWARD

You can start Silver Award in the Fifth Form. It will take you at least 6 months if you’ve already achieved your Bronze, or 12 months if you’ve jumped straight into Silver.

• Volunteering section: 6 months

• Physical and Skills sections: One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months

• Expedition section: 3 days/2 nights

If you didn’t do Bronze, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD AWARD

For Gold, you’ll need to do your programme for at least 12 months if you’ve achieved your Silver Award, or 18 months if you’ve started at Gold level without doing your Silver – even if you’ve done Bronze. The big difference at Gold is you’ll also do a Residential section – staying away from home for five days and four nights doing a shared activity with people you don’t know.

Achieving your Gold Award is a big deal. It shows that you have the skills, determination and mentality to really succeed. So, it’s only right you get a proper celebration of your achievement. All young people who achieve a Gold Award will be invited to a Gold Award Presentation (GAP), attended by a Member of The Royal Family, to receive their certificate.

• Volunteering section: 12 months

• Physical and Skills sections: One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months

• Expedition section: 4 days/3 nights

• Residential section: Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights.

If you didn’t do Silver, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS?

You will need to:

• decide what activities you are going to do for each section and then sign up by submitting a programme planner detailing these

• attend weekly sessions on Wednesdays between 5pm and 7pm

• ensure you engage with each of your activities fully and proactively

• keep a log of your activities and submit this as evidence along with a report from your activity supervisor

“When you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.” DofE

website

ELECTIVES

(from Latin eligere – to choose!)

Electives are activities that you choose for yourself, and we encourage and challenge you to make the very most of them. They are:

Encouraged for the 1st/2nd Form – talk to your Tutor about what best fits your programme

• Strongly recommended for the 3rd/4th Form – your Tutor will monitor and encourage your progress. If you are heavily involved in other Co-curricular areas (eg music, drama or sport) then they might excuse you from doing an Elective.

An opportunity for pupil leadership for the 5th/6th Form - under the guidance of a member of staff

Electives generally happen in Vols time on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon between 5.15pm and 6.45pm but they can happen at other times too.

Academic Surgeries are also available in Vols time for when you need help with a particular subject. You should take the initiative on when to use these with the help of your Tutor.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE?

Some examples of electives are provided above to give you a flavour. You will receive instructions about how to sign up for things that are available to your year group at various points during the year so keep an eye on email and Teams.

If you discover a passion and want to keep going back to a specialist area, for example the Patrick Engineering Centre, the Stahl Theatre, the Art department, Sport or the Music department, you can do this by arrangement with staff provided your Tutor is happy and provided this doesn’t come at the expense of you doing other things you would enjoy being part of.

HOW DO ELECTIVES WORK?

There are four ‘rotations’ of six week courses during the year. Once committed to an activity you will be expected to complete the course: attendance will be registered. This is especially important for courses which are being used to evidence DofE skills.

You may also wish to pursue a personal project with your Tutor’s approval, whether that be taking time to pursue your own hobbies and interests individually or coming up with a group venture. Further ideas include:

• Are you making, or writing, something, or keen to pursue an online course?

• Do you and your friends want to put on a performance of some kind and need the rehearsal time?

• If you love to read, then why not challenge yourself to write a series of book reviews and present these to your Tutor or the Library?

• If you are musical and really need some quality time to yourself to practise, then this is your time and you can make use of it and update your Tutor on your progress.

CREATIVITY

CULTURAL

PUPIL LED ELECTIVES

INTELLECT

PHYSICAL

SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE

Pupils in the Fifth Form upwards are encouraged to consider running an Elective. This is a fantastic way to share an interest with younger pupils whilst developing leadership and organisation skills.

Recent examples have included Birdwatching, criminology and junior photography.

All pupil-led Electives must be sponsored by a teacher who should be available to help when needed but does not need to supervise every session.

If you have an idea then please contact Miss Byatt to discuss it in further detail.

CREATIVE ELECTIVES

ART

Including pupil-led Portrait Painting, Architecture and Master Class with the Artist in Residence.

BAKING

Learn how to make lots of delicious things.

BOOKMAKING

Create marvellous hand-made mini books.

CERAMICS

Make and paint with coloured glazes, geometric mandala tiles.

COSTUME DESIGN

Help in the design of and creation of costumes for School and House productions at the Stahl

CREATIVE CRAFTS

Explore your creativity through hand-made craft activities

DAVE AND REB’S DESIGN AND MAKE

Hone your skills through a series of practical projects in the Patrick Engineering Centre Workshop.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB

This is a tabletop roleplaying game in which you and a group of five other players create a story together. It is part storytelling, part strategy – no experience is necessary.

GREENPOWER

Work as a team to build a one person electric vehicle and compete in the international Greenpower competition.

OPEN DESIGN AND MAKE SESSION

These sessions are for pupils who have a personal project in mind that they would like to make outside of lessons using the facilities and expertise in the Patrick Engineering Centre.

PORTRAITURE

Learn the art of Portrait Painting.

PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURE

Practical problem solving and making sessions. You will be working as a team to design and build working models based on some of the world’s most famous buildings and structures.

ROBOTS

Build a raspberry Pi powered robot from a kit and programme it to work using Python. Experience of using Python is preferable

SEWING

Make basic items such as pencil cases, cushion covers etc

VEHICLE VOLS

Classic and Modern vehicle restoration

VIDEOGRAPHY CLUB

Develop and hone your skills through a series of specific video projects

CULTURAL ELECTIVES

BIRDWATCHING

Walk to Barnwell Country Park and learn how to identify birds.

BLUES GUITAR

Learn to play blues guitar in a relaxed group.

CHAMBER MUSIC AND OTHER ENSEMBLES

Open to players of any level who would like to play in a small group.

CHEESE APPRECIATION

Taste and learn about cheese in all of its glorious forms.

CHESS ONLINE

Gather together for online matches, tournaments and training.

CLASSIC FILM

Watch films over a series of weeks, with post film discussion groups.

CONCERTS

Set yourself a target to go to a certain number of concerts per term. Read up on the composers and form your own views about what music you like.

DRAMA

Go along to the Stahl to see House, School or professional productions – or audition for a play yourself.

MUSIC ENSEMBLES

There are a variety of Music electives, including OSJOs, Chamber Orchestra, Music Practice and Music Theory.

QUIZ CLUB

Test yourself on the weird, the wonderful and the exceptionally wacky to win points against the clock. Remember that points mean prizes!

SING-A-LONG

Gather around the piano for a sing-a-long.

STAHL BACKSTAGE

Drop in to the Stahl Theatre and get involved in aspects of theatre production, including set & prop construction, stage management, lighting & sound.

YARROW GALLERY

Visit the exhibitions in the Yarrow and develop your knowledge and understanding of art. Maybe even use this to inspire your own artwork.

INTELLECTUAL ELECTIVES

BRIDGE SOCIETY

CREATIVE WRITING

CRIBBAGE

CURRENT AFFAIRS

DISSECTION

ECONOMICS DISCUSSION SOCIETY

FRENCH SOCIETY

GERMAN SOCIETY

HERALDRY

HISPANIC SOCIETY

HISTORY WORKSHOP

JUNIOR BIOLOGY SOCIETY

JUNIOR CHEMISTRY CLUB

JUNIOR DEBATING TRAINING

JUNIOR MATHS CLUB

JUNIOR MEDSOC (PUPIL-LED)

JUNIOR PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY

MAT PREP

MICRODEBATING

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING

PUBLIC SPEAKING

STRATEGIC CARD SCHOOL

TOUCH TYPING COURSE

UK LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD

PHYSICAL ELECTIVES

BALLET INTERMEDIATE

BASKETBALL

CLIMBING

CRICKET

DEDICATED ATHLETE PROGRAMME

FIVES

FOOTBALL

JUNIOR GIRLS’ RUGBY

JUNIOR SQUASH

KAYAKING

LACROSSE

NETBALL

RIDING

RYA YACHT NAVIGATION

SMALL BORE RIFLE

TENNIS

SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE

AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION

Learn how to relax your body, quiet your mind and awaken your spirit.

MINDFULNESS

This involves breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind, helping reduce stress.

TODDLER TIME

Come and spend time with Dr Oade and her toddler. We’ll drink hot chocolate, go for nature walks and play toddler games, helping her with dinner time, socialising and learning to talk.

YOGA

Learn how to improve strength, balance and flexibility, in turn enhancing energy, helping manage stress and improving sleep.

MUSIC

Music at Oundle operates on three levels: individual music lessons; ensembles; academic. ‘Music for all’ is a fundamental principle and we presently deliver around 950 music lessons every week. We aim to cater for any possible instrument you might wish to learn, every ability and all tastes in music, be it jazz, rock, music theatre or Baroque. The Gascoigne is stacked with resources, and houses over 30 teaching and practice rooms, as well as a separate recital room, technology studio, radio station and library. Every Boarding House has 2 pianos and a music room for you to use. With 8 full-time teachers (all acting as Tutors in the Houses) and around 42 Visiting Music Teachers, we have the resources to inspire you.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Every year of late, around 10 pupils attain Music Diplomas. Pupils annually gain places in National ensembles. Previously pupils have been signed by a record label.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

Participation in instrumental and choral forces is fun, if hard work! Ensembles inspire teamwork, confidence, and offers insight into excellence. Above all, they yield the greatest chance for rapid progress as you develop and stretch your skillset alongside other skilled musicians and friends. Many ensembles cut across year group, house and gender, thus they also offer camaraderie across the entire school.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

You can learn any instrument you wish (including the lesser known such as bagpipes, harpsichord, accordion and music production). We will find appropriate ensembles for you (we run over 42) – from Marching Band to Rock Bands, via Quartets to Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Bands to Music Theatre Choirs, traditional to modern – you name it, we do it!

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME?

The best music-making comes from a partnership: always tell us what you would like to learn and participate in and we will try to make this possible. Above all, improvement offers fulfilment (perhaps the greatest source of fun)! So, commit to a realistic amount of time each week to practise, and commit to the ensemble you are given to work with.

OSCAR RADIO

OSCAR Radio is the foremost pupil-run radio station in the UK and has been running since 1998. Typically, there are two broadcast seasons over the year, with pupils trusted to manage both programming and the shows. Supported by Mr Gardiner, Managing Directors lead on the programming while Technicians and Presenters take responsibility for individual shows.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

OSCAR Radio is a truly pupil led activity that can be tailored to your specific area of interest. In the last few years Directors have developed a new website, a new logo, a new OSCAR News feature and new artwork.

Involvement in OSCAR Radio as a Director also looks great on a UCAS application! As a host you can design a show that showcases your knowledge or area of interest be it drumming, quiz shows or debates!

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

• OSCAR Directors

Roles include Managing Director, Technical Director, Scheduling Director, News Director, Media Director and Music Director. OSCAR Directors design and plan broadcast seasons and then oversee the all the shows broadcast on OSCAR Radio ensuring they meet broadcast standards.

• Technicians and Show Hosts

If you do not have time to be an OSCAR Director, you can design and host your own show and be trained in the use of the equipment and be the technician who operates the mixing desk and Myriad software during shows.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME?

To be creative, think big, take responsibility for your role whilst developing your communication and team working skills.

SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE

There are lots of things that you can do which fall into this category. Look out for Open House at the Chaplaincy, Confirmation (Anglican and Roman Catholic), and Electives, which offer opportunities to nurture your own physical and emotional wellbeing and to help others. Remember that one of the most powerful ways you can elect to serve your community, or live a spiritual life, is to think about the feelings of others.

FOCUS ON DOING AT LEAST ONE EXTRA ACT OF KINDNESS EVERY DAY:

• The act may be large or small and the recipient may not even be aware of it.

• It could be a compliment, a helping hand, or something else.

• It may be being an active bystander when others are getting it wrong and need reminding of our community values.

• Do at least one extra kind act each day for a week, ideally a different one each day, and make a list to review either on your own or with someone else.

• Ideally your acts of kindness should be beyond the kind things you already do on a regular basis.

• A smile costs nothing but can brighten someone else’s day more than you will ever know.

SPORT

Oundle has some of the best sports facilities of any school in the country and, whatever your sporting level and ambition, you have the opportunity to get involved in a motivating and inspiring sporting programme which:

WHY GET INVOLVED?

1 provides a wide selection of team and individual sporting options, offering opportunities to all.

2 ensures excellence at the top competitive level and stretches the most talented.

Sport is part and parcel of daily life at Oundle where we strive for every pupil to participate and to leave School with a positive experience of sport, developing a lifelong interest and lasting enjoyment in a sporting activity that will foster good habits long into adulthood. Our ambition is to nurture a sporting culture where all have fun, strive industriously and all excel at whatever level they aspire to. We encourage individuals to pursue their own sporting interests alongside representing the School in mainstream competition, where the most talented are challenged to reach their potential. We aim to develop confident and creative sports players who enjoy participation and competition.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

Oundelians play sport at least three times a week, and there is scope to do much more. In First, Second and Third Form, we guide pupils to particular team sports. Then, as you progress through the school, the choice becomes wider and includes: athletics, cricket, rowing, rugby, football, tennis, cross country, fives, golf, cycling, swimming, netball, squash, badminton, sailing, dance, shooting, water polo, basketball, gym work, kayaking and climbing.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME?

All we ask of you is that you are engange, are open to new experiences and make the most of your ability with an aspiration to fulfil your sporting potential.

FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN FOURTH FORM AND ABOVE

COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF)

Fail. Learn. Win.’ is the British Army’s recruitment slogan. It applies well to the CCF. We don’t expect perfection. We do expect that you strive to do better and seek to have the humility and self-discipline to learn.

ABOUT THE COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF)

Our Cadet Force is one of the largest in the country, with around 420 cadets parading on a weekly basis. Participating in CCF develops leadership skills, teamwork, self-reliance and a sense of service; for some pupils, it will introduce them to a career in the military. The CCF comprises five Sections: the Royal Navy (RN), the Army, the Royal Air Force (RAF), Adventure Training, Fire and Rescue, in addition to the Marching Band. It is compulsory for all pupils in the Fourth Form, who must join one of the RN, Army or RAF Sections. Each section gives different opportunities. The RN Section specialises in rowing, sailing and power boating, the Army Section in infantry skills and tactics, and the RAF Section in flight training.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

CCF offers something for everyone. It is fun, challenging and rewarding. For 4th Cadets it provides a constructive and enjoyable change of scene to the classroom. For senior cadets it provides leadership training and opportunities that can set you apart in your future careers. All cadets undertake two Field Weekends per year and have the chance to go on an Annual camp in the Summer holidays too. During this time they gain qualifications as well as developing leadership and teamwork skills.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Wednesday afternoons (Fourth Form and above)

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

At the end of their Fourth Form, cadets decide whether to explore other aspects of co-curricular programme or remain in the CCF. If they choose the latter, they can remain in their Service Section to complete NCO and leadership training, or join one of the specialist training sections (Fire and Rescue or Adventure Training).

In addition to a small bore facility, the School has its own shooting range, The Elmington Range. At 500 yards long, it is one of just a few of its size in the country to be owned by a school. Rifle practice takes place at firing points at either 100, 200, 300 or 500 yards.

Oundle runs additional camps including:

• Annual summer camp

• Annual Adventurous Training, Wales or Scotland

• Cadet Cambrian Patrol

• Alpine skiing development, Switzerland

• Annual Target Shooting, Bisley

COMMUNITY ACTION (CA)

The Community Action (CA) programme aims to cultivate a spirit of service in Oundle pupils and encourage an awareness of the needs of people from different sectors of society. It provides a wide variety of opportunities for them to support both the local and wider community throughout the week.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

The diversity of CA activities and initiatives provides Oundelians with opportunities not only to widen their perspectives but to develop personally. Through CA, many pupils find personal reward through helping others and learn much about themselves Some options also provide valuable work experience for careers in journalism, medicine, teaching as well as ‘service’ for Duke of Edinburgh awards.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

• 660 club

• Barnwell Country Park maintenance

• Berrystead supervision

• Brownies, Scouts and Cubs

• Community Art

• Crafts for Charity

• Primary Schools (After School Club, Latin, Chinese and Maths mentoring)

• Flymo Squad

• Special Needs Schools

• Nene Valley Railway

• Oscar Radio

• Oundle Chronicle

• Oxfam and Air Ambulance

• Prince William School Tutoring Sessions

• Residential Homes (six local homes)

• Rowing for the Disabled

• School Archive

• Coaching Junior Sport for 1st and 2nd Form or at LJS on Wednesday afternoons.

• Green Team

• Titchmarsh Village Shop

• Veterinary Work

• ‘Have a Go Days’ and PHAB Club

• Charity Fundraising for Marafiki and Kivuli Trusts

• Nene Valley Railway

• Sleepout for St Basils

• Soup Kitchen

• Special Needs Sport

• Visiting the elderly in their homes

• Stahl Backstage, Wardrobe and Front House

• Nurseries

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS?

Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and contributions. With such a broad range of options, it is hoped that each pupil will find an activity where their contribution is both effective and rewarding in equal measure.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Quite simply, seven days a week in term time! A main slot is Wednesday afternoons but there are opportunities all week long.

OTHER

WEDNESDAY

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

ART (LIFE CLASS)

Sixth Formers studying Art can take Life Classes with teacher support, developing their skills in representing the human body.

BEEKEEPING

Oundle has five bee hives and pupils are fully involved in every aspect of beekeeping, from learning about, and caring for, the bees to selling honey. For a surprising number of Oundle beekeepers, their experience of beekeeping at School leads them to keep bees in later life.

JOURNALISM: THE OUNDELIAN AND OUNDLE CHRONICLE

Pupils have the opportunity to be editors, writers, directors and artistic contributors on two excellent publications. The Oundelian is the School magazine, published once a year, while Oundle Chronicle is a newspaper published twice a year and distributed to the local community.

MUSIC

Pupils learning two or more instruments and at a Grade 8 level may opt for Music. The afternoon is divided into practice time, CCF Band (for some), performance opportunities, ensembles and Alexander Technique time; it is also a useful time to fit in an instrumental lesson if possible. All will be a part of the School’s Music Outreach Programme at some point during the year visiting Residential Homes/Special Schools, and all will be a part of the two Field Weekends that include diverse and stimulating activities.

PERFORMANCE SPORTS SESSIONS

Bespoke sessions provide selected pupils with the opportunity to:

• Train using individualised Strength & Conditioning programmes

• Enjoy individual or small group sports specific coaching sessions, working on improving skill levels

• Expand their skill set by involvement in dedicated outreach activities and coaching sessions.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Part of our broader commitment to our pupils is to ensure that they recognise their responsibility to be committed to the world beyond the School. With the support of staff, pupils are encouraged to get involved with environmental leadership through several channels, including The Green Team: a self-selecting group of environmentally minded pupils.

Led by the School’s professional photographer, pupils in the Photography Club take photos of various events in the spirit of being a service to the School, whilst also enjoying the opportunity to enhance their photography skills and creativity for their own portfolios, photo exhibitions, and to be selected for the School’s intranet ‘Photo of the Week’.

TYCOON ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE

This channels Lower Sixth pupils’ ‘inner entrepreneur/innovator’, taking them through the key steps required to turn their ideas into actions. Over a course of a year, they develop a full business plan and accompanying pitch presentation. The next time they have a business, technical, social, political, charitable (etc) innovation, they will know exactly what to do.

This is for pupils who are keen social media users with a particular interest in how social media can be used for marketing purposes. With the support of the Marketing department, pupils are tasked with reflecting the breadth of Wednesday afternoon activities on the main School Instagram social media account using stories, reels and posts. These are billed as ‘pupil take over’ days and serve to offer insight into life in Oundle community for our various audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for any pupils keen to learn more about marketing, especially digital, and who would like to find out more about how social media works in a professional context.

OUNDLE GREEN TEAM

SOCIAL MEDIA AMBASSADORS