Cocurricular Y9 booklet

Y9 Afterschool Activity Option

THIS IS YOUR NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL 120+ clubs and so much more

WE’RE SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST OUR EXCELLENT ACADEMIC REPUTATION. At Nottingham High School we provide more than academic excellence; we aim to give our students opportunities to gain skills that prepare them for life, develop their current interests and explore new ones.

Our co-curriculum is everything that we run alongside our academic curriculum, and is an important part of what we offer here at the High School. We promote skills in areas such as teamwork, communication, leadership, physical activity, culture, and service to others.

From elite level involvement in the Performing Arts and Sports, to participation in clubs and societies and charity events, there is an absolute wealth of opportunities here at Nottingham High School.

OUR CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Whether students want to get up close and personal with our school minibeasts, brush up on their Classical Greek, embark on an outdoor adventure or volunteer in the local community, there are a multitude of clubs and societies to encourage them to follow their passions.

Through tutor support and guidance we champion each individual student, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to pursue their interests and try new things. From performing arts to coding club and so much in between, there are opportunities for everyone.

If a student has an interest that isn’t represented in our current co-curricular programme, they are more than welcome to start their own club or society. Many new opportunities have been created by students eager to share their passions, and they are supported along the way to get their ideas off the ground.

YEAR 9 CO CURRICULAR OPTIONS This term is a busy one for Year 9 in terms of making choices about what they do in the future, for GCSE subjects, in signing up Bronze Duke of Edinburgh, and for Cocurricular Options (Monday after school activities). I hope your young person is feeling excited about the possibilities ahead.

Some key dates relating to co-curricular placements are as follows: Wednesday 3rd September – Students complete taster sessions Thursday 11th September – Applications process begins (in form time) Thursday, 25th September - Co-curricular options fair (in form time) Saturday 27th September – Popup Parent information stand at Highfields Saturday 4th October – Popup Parent information stand at Valley Road Friday 10th October - Deadline for applications Week ending 17th October - Applications reviewed and placement offers made Monday, 3rd November – begin induction - no uniform/kit required at this stage Monday, 24th November – complete induction and order kit Students will then remain in their placement until February of 2027, inclusive of Activities Day. Attendance then becomes optional.

ADVENTURE TRAINING CLUB Adventure Training (AT) Club offers a range of activities designed to build physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork.

Through

adventures

such

as

hiking,

rock

climbing, and survival skills training, members develop confidence, leadership, and a spirit of exploration. Suitable for all skill levels, the club promotes personal growth

Reporting to: Mrs Holloway

Hours

Mondays (term time) 4:10-6:00pm February/June Activities Days

through exciting experiences in nature.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Engage fully in all training sessions, activities, and events such as hiking, climbing, camping, or team challenges.

Work collaboratively with other members, offering support and encouragement during group tasks and exercises.

Follow all safety guidelines and instructions from leaders or instructors to ensure personal and group safety.

Show enthusiasm, perseverance, and a willingness to

step

outside

your

comfort

zone,

even

in

challenging conditions.

Additional Opportunities may also include: Use your participation in AT club to develop a Skill as Part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

As you progress into Year 10 you may wish to take on

a

leadership

role,

supporting

younger

members in their skills development in various activities.

Person Specification

Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience

Experience of, or interest in, developing skills and knowledge relating to adventurous and outdoor activities

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes

An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Good level of overall fitness

D

Ability to communicate with teachers, older and younger students

D

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

COMBINED CADET FORCES (CCF) – ARMY Within the CCF you will gain the necessary skills to become an effective cadet with support from the Senior NCO’s and officers. You will play a fundamental part in maintaining the traditions and standards of the CCF contingent.

Reporting to: Mr Allison

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Correctly wear uniform throughout parade nights Carry out drill movements smartly Engage with all aspects of the syllabus / military

Hours Mondays (term time) 4:10-5.30pm February/June Activities Days Plus events including Remembrance Parade and Inspection Day

skills Earn badges though practical tasks relating to the syllabus Engage in activities days, competitions and other opportunities.

Additional Opportunities may also include Weapons Handling Army Summer Camp Range Days – Firing weapons External CCF Courses (instructor / leadership) High Ropes / Low Ropes

Person Specification Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience Being genuinely interested in Military and Adventurous Training

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Ability to communicate with teachers, older and younger students, the community

E

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional CCF compulsory public events (Remembrance)

E

Being able to problem solve

D

Being creative and thinking ‘outside the box’ for solutions

D

Good attention to detail

D

Organisational skills

E

Ability to manage various tasks and projects

D

Responsible behaviour skills

E

Sound Literacy skills

D

Excellent written and verbal communication

D

Computer literate including use of online facilities

D

Discretion and confidentiality

E

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

COMBINED CADET FORCES (CCF) – NAVY Within the CCF you will gain the necessary skills to become an effective cadet with support from the Senior NCO’s and officers. You will play a fundamental part in maintaining the traditions and standards of the CCF contingent.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Reporting to: Mr Allison

Correctly wear uniform throughout parade nights Carry out drill movements smartly Engage with all aspects of the syllabus / military skills Earn badges though practical tasks relating to the

Hours Mondays (term time) 4:10-5.30pm February/June Activities Days Plus events, including Remembrance Parade and Inspection Day

syllabus Engage in activities days, competitions and other opportunities

Additional Opportunities may also include Afloat Training – Canoe / Power Boat, Sailing Bridge Simulator (Ship Control) Aircraft Carrier Visits Minesweeper Experiences Portsmouth Historical Docks Visit Submarine Museum Royal Marine Visit

Person Specification Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience Being genuinely interested in Military and Adventurous Training

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Ability to communicate with teachers, older and younger students, the community

E

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional CCF compulsory public events (Remembrance)

E

Being able to problem solve

D

Being creative and thinking ‘outside the box’ for solutions

D

Good attention to detail

D

Organisational skills

E

Ability to manage various tasks and projects

D

Responsible behaviour skills

E

Sound Literacy skills

D

Excellent written and verbal communication

D

Computer literate including use of online facilities

D

Discretion and confidentiality

E

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

COMMUNITY ACTION

Through Community Action, you will develop important skills while giving your time to support the wider school and local community. This will involve helping with events, assisting staff or students, or contributing to school initiatives. Like the backstage crew of a production, your efforts may often go unseen, but they are fundamental to the success of the projects you support. You'll gain valuable experience, work as part of a team, and make a meaningful difference within and beyond the school

Reporting to: Mr Beattie

Hours

Mondays (term time) 4:05-5:00pm February/June Activities Days Occasionally later finish when volunteering at a local charitable organisation (once, maximum twice per term)

environment.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Support School Events: Assist with the setup, running, and clear-up of school events such as the Community Christmas Lunch and outreach events.

Help Around School: Offer practical help where needed, such as tidying and organising shared spaces, or organising resources.

Contribute to the School Community: Take part in projects that improve the school community, such as display work, recycling initiatives, or helping in the school garden.

Engage with Local Community: Get involved with local

Additional Opportunities may also include Feeding the homeless in Nottingham City Centre Supporting local food banks with their work Designing and rolling out your own charity events Developing key employability skills, including: leadership, teamwork, communication, organisation, problemsolving and time management

charitable

organisations

(both

independently and as part of the Community Action

programme),

charity

collections,

awareness campaigns, or outreach work.

Work as a Team: Collaborate effectively with other Community Action members, showing respect, excellence in your work and individuality.

Develop Responsibility: Demonstrate a positive attitude, complete tasks to a good standard, and take pride in contributing to the wider community.

Reflect

on

Your

Impact:

Keep

track

of

your

activities and consider how your actions are helping others and developing your own skills by keeping a record of your voluntary work.

Person Specification Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience A desire to help others

E

Being genuinely interested in supporting the local community

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Ability to communicate with teachers, students and the wider community

D

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional activities outside normal Co-curricular hours

E

Being able to problem solve

D

Being creative and thinking ‘outside the box’ for solutions

D

Good attention to detail

D

Organisational skills and the ability to manage various tasks and projects

E

Customer service skills

D

Sound Literacy skills

D

Excellent written and verbal communication

D

Computer literate including use of online facilities

D

Discretion and confidentiality

E

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

COMBINED CADET FORCES (CCF) – RAF Within the CCF you will gain the necessary skills to become an effective cadet with support from the Senior NCO’s and officers. You will play a fundamental part in maintaining the traditions and standards of the CCF contingent.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Reporting to: Mr Allison

Correctly wear uniform throughout parade nights Carry out drill movements smartly Engage with all aspects of the syllabus / military skills Earn badges though practical tasks relating to the

Hours Mondays (term time) 4:10-5.30pm February/June Activities Days Plus events, including Remembrance Parade and Inspection Day

syllabus Engage in activities days, competitions and other opportunities

Additional Opportunities may also include RAF Annual Camp – October half-term Initial flight training – learning to fly powered aircraft and gliders Visits to local aviation and engineering assets External

camps

and

courses

Leadership, Outdoor Pursuits Weapons handling & range days

–

Aerospace,

Person Specification Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience Being genuinely interested in Military and Adventurous Training

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Ability to communicate with teachers, older and younger students, the community

E

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional CCF compulsory public events (Remembrance)

E

Being able to problem solve

D

Being creative and thinking ‘outside the box’ for solutions

D

Good attention to detail

D

Organisational skills

E

Ability to manage various tasks and projects

D

Responsible behaviour skills

E

Sound Literacy skills

D

Excellent written and verbal communication

D

Computer literate including use of online facilities

D

Discretion and confidentiality

E

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

SCOUTS (34TH NOTTINGHAM SCOUTS GROUP) Scouts are a go-getting group of young people

Reporting to: Mr Le Blancq

who master new skills and try new things, make new friends, have fun and go on adventures, at home and abroad, explore the world around them, help others and make a difference, in their

Hours Friday (term time) 4:15-5:45pm Additional evenings e.g. ‘Night Hike’ Activities Days Camps

own communities and beyond.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Scouts have key values that we expect all members to embrace, these are: Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.

Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

Cooperation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

Person Specification Two important notes: 1. To participate in Scouts you must pay an annual subscription or ‘subs’. Scouts are also expected to buy a Scouts shirt and to buy gear needed for outdoor hiking, particularly walking boots and a waterproof coat.

2. Scouts only have a limited number of places and so even candidates who pass the criteria below may not achieve a place.

Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience

E.g. Relevent experience of showing leadership or helping in the community. E.g. being a form rep etc., taking part in junior Drama production, helping at a local church or temple.

D

Experience of, or interest in, developing skills and knowledge relating to the co-curricular placement e.g. First Aid, Climbing/Lifeguarding Qualification, Promotion through CCF rankings

D

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Ability to communicate respectfully with scout adult volunteers

E

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

E

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional activities outside normal Co-curricular hours

D

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

YOUNG ENGINEERS In Young Engineers we aim to develop the work you will have done across all your STEM subjects and make you start thinking like an engineer. Working with outside organisations you will solve real life problems developing and presenting solutions to clients you are working for.

There is also the chance to enter competitions and compete against other schools from across the country.

Reporting to: Mr Burgess

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Working either individually or as a team to solve a variety of engineering problems and challenges.

Learning about engineering systems

Hours Mondays (term time) 16:05-17:00 February/June Activities Days.

Developing your problem-solving skills Learn how to communicate your ideas to a third party with confidence

Additional Opportunities may also include Entering into a national competition across a number of different disciplines Developing your own project or solving your own problem Learning new techniques and skills not available in the school curriculum

Please

take

a

moment

to

review

the

person

specification detailed below. We kindly request that you articulate how you fulfill the essential criteria and, if applicable,

the

desirable

criteria.

response is greatly appreciated.

Your

thoughtful

Person Specification Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Personal Attributes Genuine interest in engineering and innovation

E

Willingness to learn new skills and explore new technologies

D

Ability to work well in a team and respect others' idea

E

Positive attitude towards challenges and problem-solving

E

Creative thinker with a curious and inquisitive mindset

D

Demonstrates leadership potential or initiative in group settings

D

Good communication skills – able to present ideas clearly

E

Resilience in the face of failed experiments or difficult problem

D

Competencies and Experience Basic understanding of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

E

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in a project-based environment

E

Experience working on small group projects or class-based teamwork activities

E

Comfortable with basic problem-solving and logical thinking tasks

E

Previous participation in science fairs, coding clubs, robotics teams, or maker events

D

Knowledge of engineering design process (e.g., brainstorming, prototyping, testing)

D

Familiarity with 3D design software (e.g., Tinkercad, Onshape)

D

Exposure to electronics or mechanical kits (e.g., LEGO, Arduino etc)

D

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

YOUNG ENGINEERS – VEX ROBOTICS As a member of VEX Robotics you will work in a small team to design, build, program and drive a competition robot for the annual VEX IQ Challenge, which this year is “Mix and Match”. You will learn practical engineering skills, coding in VEXcode

IQ

strategy,

and

(Blocks

and/or

contribute

to

Python), the

teamwork

team’s

and

Engineering

Notebook. Across the year, the aim is to iterate designs, test mechanisms, develop autonomous routines, and prepare for competitions. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with safe tool use, problem solving and engineering documentation.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Design, build and test VEX IQ robots to meet the season’s game objectives.

Reporting to: Dr Jowsey

Program autonomous and driver‑assist routines in VEXcode IQ (Blocks/Python).

Plan, carry out and record design iterations in the Engineering Notebook.

Hours Mondays (term time) 4:10-5:15pm February/June Activities Days Possible regional/national competitions (dependent on qualification) Extra build/test sessions in week before competitions if required

Operate as Driver/Programmer/Builder/Notebook Lead during club sessions and events.

Design metrics to rate performance and use data to improve designs.

Collaborate on match strategy, drive practice, and alliance communication.

Follow lab safety procedures and maintain an organised pit.

Entering into a national competition across a number of different disciplines Developing your own project or solving your own problem Learning new techniques and skills not available in the school curriculum

Additional Opportunities may also include Take part in VEX IQ online challenges – some with qualification for Nationals/Worlds CAD sketches or simple 3D modelling of mechanisms

Learn the sensor integration and tuning (Distance/Colour/Gyro) for reliable autonomous routines.

Introduction to basic control ideas to optimise autonomous skills runs Designing team branding and pit display assets.

Event roles at competitions (field reset, queue running, inspection support).

Mentoring Year 7/8 teams.

Support the NHS VEX primary outreach day.

Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience Genuine interest in robotics/engineering, making or coding.

E

Attendance at STEM/robotics/computing clubs in or out of school.

D

Experience with VEX, LEGO robotics, micro:bit, or similar projects.

D

Participation in team activities or competitions (any subject).

D

Competencies and Personal Attributes Good timekeeping, reliable and prepared.

E

Excellent team working skills; positive, respectful communication.

E

Organisational skills and ability to manage tasks/projects.

E

Creative problem solver; willing to test and iterate designs.

D

Attention to detail

D

Self‑motivated; able to work independently when given a brief.

D

Willingness to undertake occasional activities outside normal club hours (e.g., pre‑competition sessions).

D

Sound literacy skills for Engineering Notebook entries.

D

Basic numeracy and data handling for testing and evaluation.

D

Computer literate and willing to learn VEXcode IQ (Blocks/Python).

D

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

PRODUCTION TEAM Within the Production Team you will gain the necessary skills to provide the technical support for the productions, giving your time to help create sets, learn about theatre as well as being a fundamental part in running shows on performance evenings.

Reporting to: Tregi Worsley

Main Tasks and Responsibilities ·Running the technical aspects of the performances ·Creating and sourcing props, costumes and set ·Operating lighting and sound designs

Hours Mondays (term time) 4:05-5:00pm February/June Activities Days Technical and Dress rehearsals: Week before Productions including a Sunday per show. Performance nights

·Running the backstage area during productions and concerts ·Assisting with costume changes ·Learning how to rig lanterns safely ·Using your own ideas to help create solutions on the stage

Additional Opportunities may also include

·Designing soundscapes for productions ·Designing the lighting for productions ·Learning how to use power tools for the creation of

Number of posts:

set/props

– 6 per year

·Learning how to use a sewing machine

·Assisting with running rehearsals

Person Specification Please

take

a

moment

to

review

the

person

specification detailed below. We kindly request that you articulate how you fulfill the essential criteria and, if applicable, the desirable criteria. Your thoughtful response is greatly appreciated.

Selection Criteria

Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Experience Being part of, or watching, professional or amateur productions

E

Being genuinely interested in creating theatre

E

Competencies and Personal Attributes An interest in, or connection to a related career

D

Good timekeeping skills, reliable

E

Please send applications to: with teachers, older and younger Ability to communicate students, the community

D

Excellent team working skills

E

Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

D

A positive, flexible approach to work and duties and a willingness to undertake occasional activities outside normal Co-curricular hours

E

Being able to problem solve

D

Being creative and thinking ‘outside the box’ for solutions

D

Good attention to detail

D

Organisational skills and the ability to manage various tasks and projects

E

Customer service skills

D

Sound Literacy skills

D

Excellent written and verbal communication

D

Computer literate including use of online facilities

D

Discretion and confidentiality

E

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the placement. Applicants that fail to demonstrate where required that they can fulfil ALL of the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the placement-holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.