Co-curricular Opportunities
Portsmouth High School has a reputation for our commitment to academic excellence and encouraging girls to be independent, creative and ambitious. This ethos is supported through our co-curricular programme. Our girls are given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities which are held during lunch break, before and after school. This booklet outlines the extensive range of enrichment and co-curricular activities on offer this term.
Broadening Horizons
Participation in co-curricular activities plays an important part of school life and we strongly encourage all our girls to participate in one or more of the activities on offer.
Encouraging Team Spirit and Social Skills
Learning to be a team player is an essential life skill and many cocurricular activities, from singing in a choir to playing hockey, require working together as a team and relating to peers in a social way.
Teaching Time Management
Portsmouth High School’s co-curricular activities require pupils to organise
their time so that they can participate in activities and succeed in school, whilst still finding time to eat and rest.
Building Confidence
When given opportunities to learn and excel in an activity, pupils build selfconfidence, which in turn benefits them in all aspects of their life, including both academic and social settings.
Teaching Commitment and Decision-Making
Co-curricular activities are a perfect opportunity to teach pupils about making decisions and maintaining commitment. Pupils are given the power to decide which programmes to sign up for. At the end of the term they will be encouraged to re-evaluate whether or not to continue the activity.
Y7 and Y8 are encouraged to enrol in 3 clubs
Y9 are encouraged to enrol in 2 or more clubs
Y10 and Y11 optional but strongly encouraged Club commitment is very important
All clubs are included in the school fees, unless otherwise specified.
Please log on to myEVOLVE for further information and to book your chosen activities that incur a fee. Please tick your chosen activities in this booklet and retain for your reference. Booking for paid activities opens Tuesday 1 April at 6.00pm.
Sport
All girls are encouraged to be involved in sports and physical activity throughout their time at the school. Sport at PHS has so much to offer, emphasising co-operation, leadership, teamwork, competition and respect.
Athletics after school (New)
Could you be the next Jessica Ennis? We train at HMS Temeraire and in the sports hall.
When: Wednesday from 4.00 - 5.30pm
Coach: Mrs Divilly
Badminton
Coaching continues to take place. All abilities are welcome.
When: Tuesday (all) and Friday (advanced only) lunchtimes in the sports hall 12.45-1.20pm. Friday after school in the sports hall from 4.00-5.30pm.
Coach: Kevin Williams and Ben Muir
Cost: Lunchtime-nil. After school - £60 for the term. Book via myEvolve.
Boxing (non-contact)
This amazing sport that is rapidly growing in the UK will work towards the preliminary award and will progress towards standard and bronze level. At this stage it is all non-contact. All abilities welcome.
When: Wednesday at 12.45-1.20pm.
Where: Bannell sports hall
Coach: Quinton (‘Q’) Shillingford MBE
Climbing Club
Using our climbing wall, climb to new heights and develop new skills. The health benefits are numerous and most importantly it is great fun. Max of 8 per session.
When: Monday and Wednesday lunchtime, 12.50-1.20pm. All welcome.
Where: Bannell sports hall
Coach: Mr Oliver
Cricket
When: Monday lunchtime: cricket game play
Tuesday breaktime: bowling practice and after-school: Indoor cricket
Thursday breaktime: batting practice and after school outdoor cricket training at PCC 4.005.30pm.
Coach: Mrs Vaughan-Woods and Mrs Divilly
Football Coaching
After school football coaching from Dave Leworthy who is a former professional footballer who has played for Portsmouth, Tottenham and Oxford United.
When: Tuesday after school 4.00-5.00pm.
Where: Prep school sports surface
Coach: Dave Leworthy
Cost: £30 (£3 per session)
Les Mills Workout Studio
Les Mills is a whole-body workout that burns calories while toning and shapes and helps to build stamina. The banging tunes and the sports-inspired moves will improve your coordination and agility. Each week there will be a new workout routine from the Les Mills workout programmes.
When: Thursday 7.40-8.20am
Where: Bannell Sports Hall
Coach: Mr Oliver
Netball After School Club
This training will challenge both your fitness and your skills. It is open to all age groups and all abilities and runs from 4.00-5.00pm. Be prepared to be pushed.
When: Monday
Where: Bannell sports hall
Coach: Mrs Parkinson
Netball Before School Club - invite only
This training will challenge both your fitness and your skills. It is open to all age groups and all abilities and runs from 8:20-9.45am. Be prepared to be pushed.
When: Wednesday.
Where: Bannell sports hall
Coach: Mrs Parkinson
Pickleball
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a lower net, the game can be enjoyed in singles or doubles formats, making it accessible and fun for all ages and skill levels. Its popularity is due to its easy-to-learn rules and the social, engaging nature of the game. Come and give it a try.
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: Bannell Sports Hall
Coach: Mr Simpson
PHS Dance Company (New)
A high-energy after-school club where students can refine their skills, explore dynamic choreography, and perform with confidence in a fun and creative environment. Open to all abilities—come dance with us.
When: Wednesday after school 4.00-5.00pm.
Where: Prep school sports surface
Coach: Integra8
Cost: £66 (£6 per session)
Reiki and Yoga
Mindfulness, meditation and breath work.
When: Friday lunchtime.
Where: Hall / PA1
Coach: Ms Moloney
Rounders (Y7 – Y12) (New)
We hope to have many matches to look forward to this term so came and train with your year group.
When: Monday (Y7-8) and Friday (Y9+) lunchtimes
Trainer: Mrs Parkinson and Mrs Divilly
Running and X-Country Club
Running has been proven to be one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s keeping fit or preparing for the ‘Great South Run’ or ‘The Race for Life’, it is important to stay healthy. We run on Southsea Common. Please meet at 12.45pm at the pupil entrance, bring a bottle of water and something to eat after you have run.
When: Tuesday lunchtime.
Trainer: Mrs Griffiths
Sailing After School Club (New)
Following the success of the Summer Sailing Club in previous years, we would like to continue to offer sailing as an ‘after school activity’ at the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre during this summer term. There are a maximum number of 16 places for this club, so sign up early to avoid disappointment. See published letter for full details. Book via myEvolve.
When: Wednesday 4.30 - 6.15pm (The centre will collect pupils from outside the sports hall at the end of school day. Parents to collect from the centre)
Cost: £320 (10 sessions with transport from the school included) No Sailing 11 June.
Taekwondo
This after school club will teach the Olympic Korean martial art of Taekwondo, including unarmed self-defence and knife defence. All abilities and ages are welcome.
When: Monday and Thursday 4.00-5.00pm.
Where: Studio
Coach: Steve Graham (double world champion)
Cost: £60 per term per session. Book via myEvolve.
Tennis at lunchtime (New)
Coaching will be for all abilities.
When: Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime.
Where: On the sports surface.
Coaches: Mrs Divilly and Mrs Vaughan-Woods
Trampoline
For all abilities and all pupils from Y7 to the Sixth Form are welcome to take part.
When: Tuesday and Wednesday morning 07:30 - 8:20 (all abilities, 10 max)
Friday After school 3:45pm – 5pm (12 Max)
Coach: Michael Whitelock
Cost: Tuesday morning clubs and Friday After school is £60, Wednesday morning is £66. Book via myEvolve.
Yoga
An instructor at LANO Yoga, Ms Waters was fortunate to be an apprentice of Jana’s, studying and practising the shadow yoga method. Her classes follow this system with an emphasis on the breath work, asana, bandha, pranayama and meditation, carefully and specifically crafting each sequence for a meaningful journey and outcome.
When: Thursday 4.00-5.00pm.
Where: PA1 or outside
Instructor: Ms Kat Waters
Cost: £60 Book via myEvolve.
Creative Clubs
Art GCSE open house
When: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday lunch drop in. Monday after school drop in.
Tutor: Mrs Noble
Arts Scholars Club
Our art club is a great way to develop your creative abilities to work with a variety of materials. Art scholars only.
When: Monday lunchtime.
Tutor: Mrs Noble
Codebreakers
We emphasise on the development of serious skills in software development. This club aims to incite passion for coding and maths.
When: Tuesday lunchtime. ICT 9.
Tutor: Miss Beales
Creative Club
Our art and DT club is a great way to develop your creative abilities to work with a variety of materials.
When: Tuesday lunchtime.
Tutors: Mrs Arthers and Mrs Dall’Omo
Creative Writing
This club is for the those who would like to develop their writing skills. It will help you to identify your strengths and interests as a writer by giving you the opportunity to write in a range of genres: fiction, poetry, and biography.
When: Thursday lunchtime RM11.
Tutor: Mrs Paget-Tomlinson
Cupcake Decoration Club
Are you into baking? Are you into art? If the answer is yes, then this is the club for you.
This club is a unique infusion of cake making and artistic decoration.
When: This club is for Y7 and takes place on Tuesday lunchtimes.
Where: Food technology room.
Chef: Mrs Hitchman
Club attendance confirmation will be sent be email.
Drama
We pride ourselves in helping people to generate, reveal, develop and share their latent talents. At PHS we have a variety of plays happening throughout the academic year. Y7 & Y8 Drama Club - Thursday lunchtime.
Y10 - Y13 Drama Rehearsals.
Drama Scholars Club Friday lunchtime.
Musical rehearsal Tuesday & Thursday 3.50pm - 5pm in the Hall
Tutor: Mrs Dall’Omo
DT Club lunchtime
Our DT clubs are just the place to continue to develop an appreciation for the complex relationships between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. These skills are much sought after in many university degree programmes.
When: Wednesday (Y7-Y10)
Tutor: Mrs Rawlinson and Mrs Kell
DT GCSE open House
When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime,Year 10+.
Tutor: Mrs Rawlinson
Origami Club (New)
The school’s origami club provides a creative space for students to learn and practice the art of paper folding whilst fostering an appreciation for the traditional Japanese craft.
When: Thursday lunchtime
Where: RM 4
Tutors: Dr Higson
Pipe Cleaners with Mrs Peters and Price
Join us for a delightful crafting adventure where we transform simple pipe cleaners into beautiful flowers and other creative designs. Led by the talented Mrs Peters and Mrs Price, this club is perfect for anyone who loves to get crafty and explore their artistic side. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you’ll find joy in making unique creations and sharing ideas with fellow enthusiasts. All materials are provided, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: RM 13
Tutors - Mrs Peters and Mrs Price
Science Photography Club
Making the most of your phone/camera to notice the science around us.
When: Monday lunchtime.
Where: Science
Tutor: Dr Filer
Strictly Dance Club
If you love to dance then this is the activity for you. There is going to be Jazz , Chinese Dance and even some Square Dancing.
When: Wednesday lunchtime.
Where: Hall
Tutor: Mrs Hutchings
Music
Music is an important part of life at PHS and all the students are encouraged to take part. The school offers a comprehensive range of music groups so that every student has the opportunity to participate.
Cantabile (Y11 - Y13)
A group for advanced singers. If you would like to join, please see Mr Tinsley for an audition time. This group will perform at the school’s main occasions throughout the year, as well as special events outside of school.
When: Wednesday lunchtime.
Where: M1
Tutor: Mr Tinsley
Flute Choir
Open to intermediate and advanced flute players. This group performs for many school events such as the Carol Service and Birthday Service.
When: Tuesday lunchtime.
Where: M1
Tutor: Mrs Wall
Harmony (Y8 - Y10)
A group for advanced singers. If you would like to join, please see Mr Tinsley for an audition time. Harmony singers usually move up to Cantabile in Year 11.
When: Wednesday morning 8.30-9.00am.
Where: M1
Tutor: Mr Tinsley
Keyboard Klub
For advanced piano/keyboard players. Playing repertoire specifically written for keyboard ensembles it is an excellent way to improve your sight reading and musicality while working in a group.
When: Monday
Where: M1
Tutor: Run by music scholar
Melody Orchestra
This club is for instrumentalists of all ages and abilities, even absolute beginners. This highprofile group performs for many school events and learns music in a range of styles from classical to show tunes, to pop and rock.
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: PA1
Tutor: Mrs Morris
Musical Theatre Club (New)
Pupils will learn to sing different songs from their favourite musicals.These will be set to dance routines.
When: Thursday after school
Where: School hall
Tutor: Mrs Morris
Song Writing Club
Create your very own songs
When: Friday Lunchtime
Where: M1
Tutor: Lauren Withall
Symphonic Orchestra
Open to instrumentalists of all ages who play to Grade 3 standard or above. This group performs for many school events and learns music in a range of styles from classical to movie theme tunes, to pop and rock.
When: Monday lunchtime.
Where: PA1
Tutor: Mr Tinsley
Ukuladies
A laid-back group of ukulele players of all abilities who play and sing mainly pop and rock tunes. Open to all.
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: M1
Tutor: Mr Worley
Year 10 Rock Band - by invitation only
An opportunity to play your favourite music with your friends.
When: Friday after school.
Where: M1
Tutor: Mr Tarley-Scarth
Clubs and Societies
Advanced Math’s Club Year 9 and 11
Prepare individually and in teams for UKMT math’s competitions and having lots of fun with numbers.
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: Rm 8
Tutor: Mrs Rouse-Cullen
Biology Olympiad Year 12 and 13
When: Monday Lunchtime.
Where: Lab 2
Tutor: Mrs Akass
Book Club
Enjoy reading? Then this is a perfect club for you to relax, discuss and unwind with your favourite book.
When: Monday Year 7 - Year 9.
Where: Library
Tutor: Mrs Bartlett
Book Chat Club (Sixth Form)
Sixth form (every other week lunchtime - library)
When: Thursday.
Where: Library
Tutor: run by Mrs Cullen-Taylor and sixth form
British Sign Language Club
Sign language is a way of communicating using hand gestures and movements, body language and facial expressions, instead of spoken words. Join over 150 000 users of BSL in the UK.
When: Monday lunchtime
Where: Room 10
Speaker: Mrs Barrows
Open-house Chess Club
Open to all. Each session is a mixture of teaching and playing each other. There are recognised education benefits of playing and studying chess in terms of developing thinking skills and resilience.
When: Tuesday lunchtime.
Where: Rm 12
Tutor: Mrs Griffiths
Classics Club
Students will enter for a classics tales competition in one of four categories - Performance, Artefact, Creative Writing or Animation.
When: Wednesday lunchtime.
Where: Rm 17
Tutor: Miss Myers
Debating Society
Do you have strong opinions? Do you love getting your voice heard? Do you want the opportunity to discuss and debate important current topics that affect us all? If so then the Debating Society is for you. Develop your skills in analysis and communication while exploring the art of a good argument.
When: Wednesday lunchtime
Where: Rm 1
Run by sixth formers and Mrs Fairey
ECO Team
Run by our sixth formers, this club looks at green and climate issues within the school and raises awareness in the school community through fun activities. Open to all.
When: Monday.
Where: B2
Run by sixth formers and Mrs Taylor
Friday Film Club
At the end of a busy week this club will offer a perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy a film with friends. As well as watching the films we will be discussing and reviewing them. We will offer an eclectic and varied range of films.
When: Friday.
Where: Rm B3
Director: Mrs Smith
Games Club
Playing new and old games, a great way to relax and spend your lunchtime away from your devices.
When: Tuesday lunchtime.
Where: Rm 4
With: Mrs Rodgers
Mindful Meanders
An opportunity to improve your wellbeing and increase your daily steps by gentle mindful walking.
When: Thursday lunchtime.
Where: meet outside the main reception area.
Mindfulness coaches: Mrs Parker and Mrs Webb
Mindful Mondays lunchtime
All are welcome to attend ‘Mindful Mondays’, which will include ‘Colouring for Calm’ and ‘Mindful Meanders’.
When: Monday lunchtime.
Where: Daffodil house
Mindfulness coach: Mrs S Davies and sixth form
Model United Nations
Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health, and more.
When: Open to all on Friday lunchtime.
Where: B2
Tutor: Miss Scovell
Physics Olympia Year 10 to Y12
When: Tuesday Lunchtime.
Where: Lab 7
Tutor: Mr Bannister
Robotics Club
Create simple systems that respond to and control the physical world using the Raspberry Pi and Python with the aim to compete in the annual GDST Robotics competition.
When: Wednesday lunchtime.
Where: Lab 7
Tutor: Dr Stockton-Chalk and Mr S Oliver
All the clubs listed in this booklet can be viewed online. Please log onto myEVOLVE online and book your daughter’s activities that incur a cost. We will be operating waiting lists for some activities, and if spaces are not available this term, students will be placed into the next available space or carried over to the summer term.
Booking opens at 6.00pm on Tuesday 1 April.
Individual Music and Singing
Lessons take place during the school day and are on a rotational basis over twelve weeks. There are also a number of instruments available for hire to girls who have lessons at school. For further details please contact the school office.
Speech and Drama
Individual lessons take place during the school day and are on a rotational basis over four/five weeks. For further details, please contact the school office.
Key Dates for this term...
Tuesday 1 April - Booking opens on myEVOLVE at 6pm for activities that incur a fee.
Wednesday 23 April - Term starts - Co-curricular activities commence.
Monday 5 May - Bank holiday
Monday 26 May – Friday 30 May - Half term.
Thursday 26 June - Y7 - 9 Awards Evening 6.00 – 7.30pm.
Week commencing 7 July - Autumn term co-curricular club booklet issued.
Monday 7 July - Summer concert.
Thursday 10 July - Last day of term - finish at 12.15pm - no lunchtime and after school clubs or activities.
Thursday 5 September - at 6.00pm Booking on myEvolve opens
Booking opens on myEVOLVE at 6.00pm on Tuesday 1 April.
7:308:45 unless
Senior Trampoline Main Hall (MW)
4-5pm
Orchestra (GT) PA1 (Grade 3+)
Keyboard Klub (GT) M1 (all welcome) Codebreakers ICT9 (MB)
Arts Scholars Club A3 (EN) Creative Club A4 All welcome (YD and JA)
Science Photography (All welcome) Science Building (SF) Y7 Cupcake Decoration (DH) Food Tech
British Sign Language Club RM10 (SB) Games Club (CR) RM 5
(Invite Only)
Hall
- 0945
Trampoline
Hall (MW)
(GT) Y8-Y10
Les Mills Workout Studio Main Hall (GO)
KAP) RM 13 All welcome Song Writing Club M1
Strictly Dance (EH) Hall Creative Writing Club (SPT) RM 11 DT Open House(WR) Y10+
Lunch Club Y7 (GM) A5 Drama Club Y7-8 (L6)
Robotics Club (All welcome) Lab 7 (ASC and SO) Origami Club (JH) RM4
(YD) Studio
Model United Nations All welcome (LS) B2
Senior Debating Society (SF) RM 1 Sixth Form Book Chat Library (ECT) Friday Film Club (JS) RM B3
Mindful Mondays (SD) Daffodil house Physics Olympiad Y10-Y12 (MB) Lab 7 Classics Club (AM) RM 17
Book Club KS3 (MB) Library
Open House Chess (GG) RM12
Book Club Y9 (Y13) Library GDST LEAD (Invite Only) AH
ECO Club B2 (Year 13 and KT) Big Sister Project (RS) Prep School
Biology Olympiad Y12 (EA) Lab 2
Advanced Netball Coaching (JP) Sports Hall
Taekwondo (SG) All welcome Studio 4pm - 5pm
GCSE Open Art (EN) 4pm-5pm Art room All welcome
Indoor Cricket Bannell Y7-8 (RVW)
Football (all welcome) Dave Leworthy Coaching Prep Sports Surface
TEMERAIRE (LD and LH)
High School Dance Company Main Hall Integra8
Mindful Meanders (RS/PJP) Y7Y13
Advanced Maths Club RM 8 (DRC)
Outdoor Cricket Training PCC 4pm - 5:30pm (RVW & LD)
Trampoline (MW) Sports Hall 3.45 - 5pm Y4-Y13
Yoga (KW) PA1 All welcome Badminton (KW) Sports Hall 3.45 - 5pm Y3-6 Sports Hall
Taekwondo (SG) All welcome Studio 4pm - 5pm Y10 Rock Band (RT) M1
Musical Theatre Club (FM) Hall All welcome