ACTIVITIES
Co-Curricular and Weekend Activities
Spring Term 2025
CO-CURRICULAR ETHOS
At St Swithun’s we are proud of our academic excellence but also believe in the concept of being ‘appropriately academic’. This means encouraging the girls to work hard in class but also providing them with opportunities to do something else. The ‘something else’ is as important as academic lessons, and sometimes more so. We expect the girls to try new things, to make mistakes and learn from them, to develop commitment, perseverance, teamwork and organisational skills. We accept that some girls will naturally want to take part in many activities and that others will need some gentle persuasion. We would be failing in our duty to the latter if we did not emphasise the importance of balancing academic work with other activities. After all, the girls will never again have so many opportunities to try such a wide range of activities.
Boarders are expected to sign up to a certain number of co-curricular activities that take place after school. This number depends on which year group the girls are in but, generally speaking, the younger girls are expected to do more activities when their workload is lighter. Day girls are welcome to sign up to these activities. There is also a wide range of lunchtime clubs.
Pupils commit to an after-school activity for one term and the sign-up process happens at the beginning of each term. Form tutors help with this process to ensure that the girls have a good balance of co-curricular activities and that they honour any priority sport, music or drama activities for which they are required.
MONDAY
SPRING TERM 2025
KEY
CAPS & BOLD take first priority
Bold take second priority
Blue – optional clubs
Green – sign-up co-curricular activities (these require a term’s commitment)
*There is a cost for this activity
This timetable is correct at time of printing, but could be subject to change
6:45 - 7:30am
7:30 - 8:30am
8:15 - 8:45am
Brass ensemble (by invitation)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
TUESDAY
Swim squad (by invitation)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
Period 8
Lunch 2 1:35 - 2:10pm Break
Humanities reading group
Lunch 1 1:05 - 1:35pm
CONCERT BAND (by invitation)
Italian GCSE
Athletic development
Ivy House leadership
Junior football club (L4-L5)
Language ambassadors
Minecraft club (L4, U4)
Model United Nations (L5 up)
Netball GK & GD masterclass (L4/U4/L5)
Reading Room
Science club (L4/U4)
Velocity
PHOENIX CHOIR (L4-U4)
Athletic development
Cricket (L4/U4)
Enterprise club
Knitting club
Pickleball
Science journal club
Stride
Trampolining
CONCERT ORCHESTRA (by invitation)
Athletic development
Netball shooting (L4/U4/L5)
Project St Swithun’s (M5 up)
Senior debating (L5 up)
Athletic development
Biology research club
Cricket (L5/M5)
HERO society
History and politics reading group (M5 up)
Lacrosse shooting & GK
Trampolining
After School 4:30 - 5:30pm
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (by invitation)
Netball (L4/U4)
Senior athletic development (by invitation)
Archery
Duke of Edinburgh Award
drop in (M5)
Gaming club
PACE/scratch drama club
Scottish reeling
Scrabble club
Senior football
Squash club*
4:30 - 6:00pm 6:00 - 7:00pm 6:00 - 8:00pm
Private study in the library
Fencing (by invitation)*
Athletic development
Netball (L5/M5)
Senior lacrosse
Art club
Private study in the library
6:45 - 7:30am
7:30 - 8:30am
8:15 - 8:45am
Break
Period 8
WEDNESDAY
Band (by invitation)
Chamber choir (M5 up) (by audition)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
Economics reading group
STEM reading group
Swim squad (by invitation)
Senior maths scholars (7:45 - 8:45am)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
Jazz/Swing band (by invitation)
Lunch 1
1:05 - 1:35pm
DAY HOUSE MEETINGS
The Oracle
Lunch 2
1:35 - 2:10pm
African culture and literature society
STRING ORCHESTRA (by invitation)
Italian GCSE
Athletic development
Confirmation group
Dance club
Ivy House leadership
Lacrosse draw club
Law society (L1 and L2 L5 up)
Medical society
Netball mid court masterclass (M5/Senior)
Numberphile club (L4-M5)
Play reading club (L5 up)
Sweat
The Globe (geography club)
Chamber music ensembles (by invitation)
Athletic development
Femslosophy club
French film club (M5/U5)
Junior musical theatre club (L4/U4)
Lacrosse shooting & GK
Medical society
Netball mid court masterclass
(L4/U4/L5)
Tech club
Trampolining
Cross country club
Filipino Martial Arts (separate sign-up)
Philosothon (L4-L5)
Woodwind ensemble (by invitation)
Allotment club
Athletic development (U4)
Coding club
Junior debating (L4/U4)
Netball GK & GD (M5/Senior)
Poetry by Heart
Primary school volunteering (M5/U5/L6)
Senior football club (M5 up)
Baroque ensemble (by invitation)
Athletic development (U4)
Junior drama club (L4/U4)
Languages from scratch
Mindfulness colouring club
Netball shooting (M5/Senior)
PE academic drop in
Social card games
Stage make-up club
After School
4:30 - 5:30pm
Lacrosse (L5/M5)
Senior netball
Art club 4:30 to 6:30pm
Greenpower club
Night shelter cooking
Shooting club (every other week)*
Swim squad (by invitation)
Swimming club
SWITHUN CHOIR (L5 up) (by audition)
Athletic development (M5)
Swim squad
Duke of Edinburgh award (M5) (drop in)
Golf club
Junior maths scholars
Karate club
Lacrosse (L4/U4)
Mahjong
Self-defence (U4/L5)
(parental sign-up)*
SwithRadio club
4:30 - 6:00pm
6:00 - 7:00pm
6:00 - 8:00pm
Private study in the library
Fencing*
Private study in the library
Fencing (by invitation)*
Private study in the library
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
ETHOS
At St Swithun’s we offer a full and varied programme of cultural, social and recreational activities at the weekends to suit all of our boarders, which we believe will broaden their experience. We believe that the weekend is a time when girls should have the opportunity to take some ‘downtime’, to try out new experiences, to learn how to organise their time appropriately and effectively, and to get to know girls of different ages and backgrounds. Our aim is to provide an appropriate balance of constructive activities and relaxation within a home from home environment.
The weekend activity programme is open to all boarders, free of charge. Day girls will be charged for any activity they wish to sign up for at the weekend. We welcome feedback from the girls about the trips they go on and we are always interested in suggestions for future trips.
STRUCTURE OF WEEKENDS
The organised weekend activities for the Spring Term 2025 are set out in this booklet. The overall structure for each weekend is as follows:
On Friday evening girls have the option of taking part in activities or relaxing. On Saturdays there are matches and other school activities, optional weekend activities (detailed in this booklet) and the opportunity to go shopping in Winchester. On Sundays there are matches and other school activities, optional activities and chapel in the evening.
I hope your daughter will make the most of the opportunities available to her and that she has a fulfilling and enjoyable time while she is with us. If you have any queries regarding the weekend programme, please do not hesitate to contact me on hansenb@stswithuns.com.
Mr Bruce Hansen
Finlay housemaster and weekend activities co-ordinator
FRIDAY 10 JANUARY – SUNDAY 12 JANUARY
FRIDAY
Supermarket run 19:15 – 20:30 ALL
SATURDAY
Netball v KES (H & A)
Lacrosse v St George’s Harpenden
Breakfast café: BLT (in houses)
Art workshop
Supervised research in library
Cinema
Winchester - town visit
Golf at Winchester Golf Academy
SUNDAY
Bronze DofE training, Essex
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
St Catherine’s hill walk & hot chocolate
Indoor crazy golf
Baking: Chocolate brownie
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft
High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
09.00 – 12.00 11.00 – 12.30 09.15 – 10.00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 16:30 13:30 – 17:00 13:30 – 15:30
07:00 – 18:00 09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00
13:30 – 16:00 13:30 – 16:30 14:30 – 16:00
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25 L4, U4, L5, M5, U5, L6 U4, L5, M5, U5, L6, U6
FRIDAY 17 JANUARY – SUNDAY 19
JANUARY
FRIDAY
L5 Parents’ evening and options choices
Supermarket run
SATURDAY
Global Model United Nations competition (A)
Regional trampoline competition, Eastleigh
U14C & U15C Lacrosse Invitational Tournament (A)
U4-U5 Hampshire Schools Cross Country trials
Netball v Portsmouth High School (H)
Lacrosse v St Pauls Girls’ School (H)
Netball v Pangbourne College (H)
Lacrosse v Benenden (H)
Art workshop
Supervised research in library
Brunch served in the canteen
Golf at Winchester Golf Academy
Winchester - town visit
Flip out
Pamper session
U4 restaurant outing
SUNDAY
U5 Silver DofE navigation training (South Downs)
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Salisbury Cathedral, shopping & afternoon tea
Bake: lemon sponge cake
Taylor Swift friendship bracelets workshop
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft
High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
16:30 – 19.30 19:15 – 20:30 L5 ALL
07:30 – 21:00 08:15 – 17:30
07:30 – 13:00
08:45 – 16:30
09:30 – 10:30
09:30 – 14:00 12:00 – 13:15
13:30 – 14:45 10:00 – 12:00
10:00 – 12:00
12:30 – 13:00
13:30 – 16:30 13:30 – 17:00
13:30 – 17:00 15:30 – 17:00 18:00 – 20:30
L4-U6
U12-15 U12-15, 1st - 3rds U14-15 1st - 4ths ALL ALL ALL
09:00 – 21:30 09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00
13:00 – 16:30 14:00 – 15:30 14:00 – 16:00
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25
L4, U4, L5, M5, U5, L6 U4, L5, M5, U5, L6, U6
FRIDAY 24 JANUARY – SUNDAY 26
JANUARY
FRIDAY
L6 UCAS evening
Supermarket run 16:30 – 19:30 19:15 – 20:30 L6 ALL
SATURDAY
Lacrosse Super Saturday vs St Catherine’s, Bramley (H)
Netball v Wellington College (H)
Netball v Embley (H)
Breakfast café: Pancakes
Art workshop
Supervised research in library
Golf at Winchester Golf Academy
Winchester - town visit
Cinema
Craft session: Pebble pictures
L5 restaurant outing
SUNDAY
L6 Gold DofE training, Essex
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Make & bake: Yoyo biscuits
Winter beach walk & cafe
Coral Reef Water World
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
09.30 – 14.00 09:30 – 12:30 10:30 – 12:30 09.15 – 10.00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 17:00 13:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 16:30 18:00 – 20:30
U14-15, 1st -7th U12-13 ALL
L5
07.00 – 18.00
09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 15:00 – 17:00 13:00 – 16:30 13:00 – 16:30
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25 L4, U4, L5, M5, U5, L6 U4, L5, M5, U5, L6, U6
FRIDAY 31 JANUARY – SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY
U5 parents’ meeting
Supermarket run
SATURDAY
Netball South of England regional finals (A)
Netball v Portsmouth Grammar School (H)
Lacrosse triangular vs Wycombe Abbey (A)
Breakfast café: Salmon and scrambled eggs
Art workshop
Supervised research in library
Rock-up climbing
Golf at Winchester Golf Academy
Pamper session
Winchester - town visit
Le Roy takeaway evening
16:30 – 19.30 19:15 – 20:30 L5 ALL
L6 Social with Winchester College 08:00 – 15:30 09:30 – 10:30 13.30 – 17.00
SUNDAY
Lacrosse Senior Top Test tournament (A)
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Bowling
Art & calligraphy session
Choir rehearsal at Winchester Cathedral
Evensong at Winchester Cathedral
09.15 – 10.00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:00 – 16:30
13:30 – 16:30 15:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 17:00 18:00 – 20:00 19:00 – 22:00 U12 & U16 U12-15, 1st & 2nd U12-15
09:00 – 16:30 09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 13:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 16:00 17:00 – 18:00 18:30 – 20:00
FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY – SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY
FRIDAY
Learn a new game: Backgammon
Supermarket run 16:30 – 17:30 19:15 – 20:30 ALL ALL
SATURDAY
M5 Bronze DofE training weekend
Netball vs Millfield (A)
Netball vs Millfield (H)
Breakfast café: omelettes
Art workshop
Supervised research in the library
Winchester shopping and café
Ninja Warriors
Golf at Winchester Golf Academy
M5 takeaway and movie night
SUNDAY
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Cinema
Winter walk & cafe
Bake: Ginger slice
M5 Bronze DofE Training weekend
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft
High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
(Depart) 07.00 13.30 – 16:30 14.00 – 16:00 09.15 – 10.00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 16:30 13:30 – 16:30 13:30 – 16:30 18:00 – 21:30 M5 U16, 1st – 3rd U14 & U15 ALL ALL
M5
09:30 – 12:00
10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 13:00 – 16:00 13:00 – 16:30 14:30 – 16:00 (Return) 18:00
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25
THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY
Half term commences 16:20 ALL
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
Boarders return:
Le Roy
Senior houses
Finlay
18:00 – 20:00
18:00 – 20:30 18:00 – 22:00
FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY – SUNDAY 2
MARCH
FRIDAY
Learn a new game: Kubb
Supermarket run
SATURDAY
SW Lacrosse Rally at Sherborne (A)
Netball triangular vs Epsom college (A)
Breakfast café: Smoothies
Art workshop
Supervised research in the library
West Quay shopping
Golf
Winchester - town visit
Popcorn and movie night
SUNDAY
Gold DofE training
Monkey World
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open dance session
Indoor crazy golf
Mottisfont house & afternoon tea
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
16:30 – 17:30 19:15 – 20:30
09:00 – 16:30 19:30 – 17:00
09.15 – 10.00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:00 – 17:30 13:30 – 16:00 14:00 – 17:00 18:00 – 21:30
& U15 U12 & U13
08:30 – 17:00
09:30 – 17:00
09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11:00 – 12.00 13:00 – 17.00
13:30 – 16:00
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25
(In houses)
FRIDAY 7 MARCH – SUNDAY 9 MARCH
FRIDAY
Learn a new game: Boules
Spring concert
SATURDAY
1st & 2nd lacrosse Nationals at Aldershot U12-U16 Netball vs Churcher’s College (H)
Supermarket run
Art workshop
Supervised research in the library
Bowling
Golf
Winchester - town visit
Pamper afternoon
SUNDAY
1st & 2nd lacrosse Nationals at Aldershot
Visit London: Tate Modern art museum
Indoor rock climbing
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open dance session
Hawk Conservancy Trust
Cooking masterclass
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft
High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
16:30 – 17:30 19:30 – 21:30
08:00 – 17:30 08:30 – 12:45 09:00 – 10:30 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 16:30 13:30 – 16:30
14:00 – 17:00 14:30 – 16:30
08:00 – 17:30
10.00 – 17:30
09:30 – 12:00
10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 13:00 – 17:00 13:00 – 16:00
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25
U4, L5, M5, U5, L6 U4, L5, M5, U5, L6, U6
FRIDAY 14 MARCH – SUNDAY 16 MARCH
FRIDAY
U6 parents’ meeting
Supermarket run 16:30 – 18:00 19:15 – 20:30 U6 ALL
SATURDAY
Bronze DofE assessed expedition
Super Saturday v Lady Eleanor Holles School (H)
Art workshop
Supervised research in the library
Golf at Avington Park Golf Course
Winchester - town visit
Flip out
U6 Restaurant outing
SUNDAY
Indoor rock climbing
Corfe Castle and Swanage beach
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Easter card calligraphy
Make and bake: Easter biscuits
Hot chocolate walk
Bronze DofE assessed expedition
(Depart) 07.30 09:30 – 14:00 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 17:00 14:00 – 16:30 18:30 – 21:30
09:30 – 12:00 10:00 – 17:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 14:00 – 16:00 14:30 – 16:00 14:30 – 16:30 (return) 18:00
FRIDAY 21 MARCH – SUNDAY 23 MARCH
FRIDAY
Silver DofE assessed expedition
U4 Parents’ evening
Supermarket run (depart) 07:00 16:30 – 19.00 19:15 – 20:30 U5 U4 ALL
SATURDAY
U14 & U15 Netball vs Lord Wandsworth College (H)
U14 & U15, Senior 1st-7th Netball vs Canford (H & A)
Art workshop
Supervised research in the library
Cinema
Golf at Avington Park Golf Course
Winchester - town visit
Takeaway 13:30 – 16:30 10:00 – 13:30 10:00 – 12:00 10:00 – 12:00 13:30 – 17:00 13:30 – 16:30 14:00 – 17:00 18:00 – 20:00
SUNDAY
Indoor rock climbing
GCSE Drama exam practical exam rehearsal
Bournemouth beach
Dance
Fitness suite session
Riding
Recreational swimming
Open Dance session
Paintball
Easter eggs: Ceramic decoration
Pamper session
Silver DofE assessed expedition
CHAPEL
Le Roy, Hyde Abbey, Hillcroft High House, Earlsdown, Finlay (optional)
09:30 – 12:00 10.00 – 18:00 10:30 – 17:30 10:00 – 11:00 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:30 11.00 – 12.00 13:00 – 16:00 14:00 – 16:00 14:30 – 16:30 (return) 17:00
U5
17:25 – 17:55 17.55 – 18:25 L4, U4, L5, M5, U5, L6 U4, L5, M5, U5, L6, U6
FRIDAY 28 MARCH
