Senior Divisions Co-Curricular Booklet

We are excited to offer a rich and varied co-curricular programme, giving our students access to outstanding provision and breadth of opportunity across Sport, the Arts, Dance, Drama and Music, and an exciting range of clubs, activities and academic societies. Our programme gives students the opportunity to extend their skills, strengthen their personal qualities and enrich their personal development. Whether it’s Model United Nations or DofE, Orchestra or Debating, it is through our extensive co-curricular programme that our young people build their confidence, strengthen their mental agility, and develop creativity, resilience, adaptability and so many of the skills which will serve them both now and in the next stage of their lives. It is here that many of our students find their voice and inspiration, and where interests can develop into passions. We are delighted to offer several new activities this term including ‘Formula One in Schools’, our new enterprise group ‘Tycoons’ and Girls’ Football to name a few, and we are excited to launch football for girls and boys as a co-curricular sport next term. Over the weekend of 25 & 26 November, we are hosting a football boarding camp for girls and boys, including a trip to London. Further details will be issued soon.

As we start the Michaelmas term, students discuss their co-curricular choices with their tutor. Most students from Year 7-10 and Year 12 are expected to take up one lunchtime activity on at least three days per week, and any number after school, but those taking public examinations this year, or intensive training programmes are given a degree of flexibility, at the recommendation of their tutor.

Lunchtime begins at 12.55pm, and students can take up any of these options: a 55-minute Long Lunch Activity, 1.20pm - 2.15pm, eating lunch beforehand, from 12.55pm, a 35-minute First Lunch Activity, 1.05pm - 1.40pm, eating lunch from 1.40pm, or a 35-minute Second Lunch Activity, 1.40pm - 2.15pm, eating lunch beforehand, from 1.10pm.

On a day of the week where a student is not taking up a lunchtime activity, lunch is available from 1.20pm. Afternoon lessons run from 2.20pm until 4.15pm. After School co-curricular provision begins at 4.30pm, typically finishing at 5.30pm before the late buses depart. We offer a wonderful range of evening and weekend activities for our boarders, creative activities, sport, gym, performing arts and very much more, and if you would like to find out about becoming a flexi, weekly or full boarder, please be in touch with one of our Heads of Boarding (contact details later in this booklet).

Students sign up for the Co-curricular Programme via SOCS (guidance at the end of this booklet).

Please note that activities with the + sign are available at least twice per week to help students make their selections. Activities which have the * sign incur an additional charge. Students are expected to commit to their chosen activities for the entire term, and when a student is unable to attend a particular session, they are expected to notify the club leader in advance. We offer a range of one-off events on Wednesdays at lunchtime, such as ‘Corporate Conversations’, House Activities or a one-off rehearsal, publicised to students during term. Students are not required to sign up for these as part of their three lunchtime clubs, but for those who already have an activity on a Wednesday at that time, they contact their activity leader to obtain permission to attend any one-off activity as required. We hope you the enjoy the term ahead and make the most of the many opportunities on offer.

Dominic Neville VICE PRINCIPAL (BOARDING, ADMISSIONS and COMMUNICATIONS)