WellingboroughSchool CoCurricular
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 [ Opportunity ] noun
Pupils reach an extremely high level of achievement in a range of physical, outdoor and creative activities. In the Senior School, pupils’ lives are enriched by the many opportunities provided by the School to compete in sport, to perform in drama or music, to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme (DofE) or to join the CCF.
A significant number of pupils have enjoyed national success in competition run by the CCF. Individual pupils and School teams regularly compete successfully at regional and national level in rugby, cricket, netball and hockey.
ISI INSPECTION, MARCH 2022
HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT TO DO?
What character traits do you display?
ACCEPTING ADAPTABLE AFFABLE BROAD-MINDED CHARISMATIC COMPASSIONATE COMPETENT
CONFIDENT CONGENIAL
HELPFUL HONEST HUMBLE INDEPENDENT INSIGHTFUL INTELLIGENT KIND LOYAL COURAGEOUS CREATIVE DETERMINED DISCREET DRIVEN EMPATHIC ENTHUSIASTIC EXUBERANT FAIR
FRIENDLY GREGARIOUS
Types of Co Curricular Options
Leadership/ Adventure
Service to others
MINDFUL OPTIMISTIC PATIENT PERSISTENT PRECISE RELIABLE RESPONSIBLE SOCIABLE SYMPATHETIC TOLERANT TRUSTWORTHY
UNDERSTANDING
Sport/ Physical Activity
Creative/ Cultural
Academic
PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM
During their time in the Prep School, children experience a range of co-curricular activities which are open to pupils both during and after the School day.
Activities include; Art, Chess, Archery, Lego, Gardening, Cookery, Choir, Jigsaw, Touch-typing, Mindfulness, Reading and many more One of our most popular activities is the ‘Digital Leaders’ which is an initiative designed to give the children more confidence in the use of digital technology.
Dance is taught by a specialist teacher in the Lower Prep at lunchtimes. Children are offered Modern, Tap and Ballet techniques, leading to opportunities to take examinations later in their dance ‘journey’.
Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their musical abilities through both individual lessons and ensembles. Opportunities include choir groups, string quartets, orchestra, music tech club and many more
Each year group in the Prep School puts on a highly anticipated annual play where all pupils enjoy an opportunity to sing, act, dance and perform to parents. Class assemblies also give the children an opportunity to develop their ability to speak clearly and confidently in front of different audiences.
Year 7-10 have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities.
Many are led by pupils from Year 10 and above. Options are varied from knitting to forensic science. In addition, public speaking and debating competitions, dance and first aid are always popular. In Year 12, a Business Entrepreneurship competition is offered which empowers pupils to harness their personal and business skills and make the connection between school and the world of work.
In Sixth Form students choose Enrichment options to enhance their soft skills, broaden their CV and improve their UCAS application These range from First Aid skills to English Speaking Board qualifications and Finance. A guest lecture programme is also in place and Oxbridge aspirants are also invited to join the Aspire group
CREATIVE
Development Club MONDAY
Year 7 & 8
Mindfulness
Film Club
Loom Band Making
Year 7/8 Dance Club KS3 Creative Writing Year 7 & 8 Poetry by Heart Preparation Sixth Form Book Club Year 9-13
Year 9 & 10
Psychology Film Club
Year 7 & 8 Poetry by Heart Preparation
Year 7 & 8 Lego Club
Mindfulness Poetry
Design and Make Your Own Electric Guitar
Year 7 & 8 Game
Year 9-13 Table Top Gaming Club
Reading Storytelling Art Craft Drama
ART
Art and Design & Photography are great companions to all other subjects as creativity, imagination, independent research and problemsolving skills are very useful life skills and can give you extended knowledge which compliments your other subjects.
PURPOSE
MUSIC
More pupils than ever are participating in instrumental and vocal lessons, which feed naturally into the music co-curricular programme. It consists of two choirs, an orchestra, a concert band, the Blues Band, and numerous string ensembles, woodwind choirs, and drum groups. Two full-time staff members and fifteen visiting music teachers offer tuition and ensemble performing opportunities.
Our Blues Band are often in high demand for school Open Days and the annual Summer Ball, our Chapel Choir also sing at key events; the Carol Service is one such event not to be missed.
Students must audition to be part of these groups, however, there are many other opportunities for anyone who wants to participate in ensemble groups and choirs with music to suit all tastes such as our new Musical Theatre group
Performance opportunities are provided for all students from afternoon Tea Recitals, House Music, the Rock, Pop and Blues concert and more formal end of term shows such as the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert, where students from all year groups showcase their work
25 DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS TO LEARN AND 15 VISITING MUSIC TEACHERS CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Senior Guitar Group
Y3-8 Musical
Theatre Choir
Senior Flute Group (Y9-13)
Senior Flute
Group (Y9-13)
Senior
Concert Band
Drum Group
Senior Sax
Group (Y9-13)
Music
Production
MRH MR
Chapel Choir (Prep only)
Big Band
Y6 String Quartet
Senior String
Group (Y9-13)
Y9-13 Choir
Prep & Senior
Chapel Choir
Prep Guitar
Group KL MR
Prep String Group
Cello Choir (Y3-8)
Senior Blues Band
Senior Jazz Ensemble
Prep Orchestra
Senior String
Quartet/Violinara
Y4 String Quartet
Y7&8 String Group
Y9 String Quartet
DRAMA
Our Drama department has grown this year, and we are delighted to have a new member of teaching staff, Mrs Hayes, whose role as Co-Curricular Lead, is to enhance the Drama offering and increase the frequency of performances across the senior school Historically, major productions have been held at a local theatre and they have varied from Les Miserable and Sweeny Todd to A Winter’s Tale. We are delighted to announce that in November we will once again be performing at this venue. Our chosen play, Goodnight Mister Tom, a heartwarming and bitter-sweet tale of a young evacuee during WW2, promises to be a wonderful opportunity for pupils to be a part of a professional theatre experience both on and off the stage. Smaller scale (but no less worthy productions) include the Sixth Form Plays, such as the gothic tales of Dracula and also Frankenstein and we plan to introduce a Lower School Production as well as House Drama competitions
Many of our pupils have gone on to perform out of school in major shows and students have gone on to prestigious Drama Schools. Our KS3 Drama Club have also performed in a variety of productions such as an Al Fresco Treasure Island and Victorian Gothic Radio plays. Next year we hope to introduce a Theatre Tech club, where students can work on all aspects of Theatre Design, including sound, lighting, set and costume, providing more opportunities for pupils to shine on-stage and behind the scenes.
We are delighted to announce that in November we will once again be performing at this venue. Our chosen play, Goodnight Mister Tom, a heartwarming and bitter-sweet tale of a young evacuee during WW2, promises to be a wonderful opportunity for pupils to be a part of a professional theatre experience both on and off the stage.
KS3 DRAMA CLUB 16:15 – 17:15 DRAMA STUDIO
MONDAY
Astronomy Culture Club
Debating Italian Poetry Reading Robotics and Coding Science
KS3 Creative Writing
Year 7 & 8
Debating, Philosophy and Ethics Club
MFL - Italian Year 7 & 8 Chess Club
ACADEMIC
STEM Club Year 11 & Sixth Form Debating
Year 7 & 8 Game
Development Club
Year 7 & 8
Reading Club
ACADEMIC CLINICS
Our team work closely with pupils, teachers, parents and external specialists to assess and support pupils
When?
What to do Who for
One-to-one and small group sessions either within the timetable or before or after School.
This is a structured programme of study skills and core subject support for invited pupils who would benefit from concentrating on achieving their potential in a slightly smaller number of GCSEs
Additional support is offered to pupils who experience difficulties in any aspect of their learning and to help build their confidence and self-esteem, and through appropriate support, enable them to realise their full potential
ASPIRE
The Aspire Programme has been especially developed to help prepare students for the most competitive university courses.
Beginning in Year 10, weekly sessions offer discussion, wider reading suggestions and study skills In Year 12 and 13 support is focused on UCAS applications, including test preparation, interview practice and building a strong personal statement. We give the students the opportunity to visit cultural sites, cultural events and museums and for those interested in Oxbridge, we also arrange trips to Open Days. Aspire also works closely with our careers department, offering aspiring medics opportunities and training through the Medic Portal.
The programme also supports student led activities, such as the newly established Medsoc and the planned Aspire Review. Finally, Aspire students have a dedicated tutor to help them write their UCAS personal statement and to tailor their subject reference to their chosen course. Overall, the aim of Aspire is to ensure our students can compete at the highest level for places on courses to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science as well as meet the stringent requirements of Oxford and Cambridge.
CHARITY AND COMMUNITY
Students may volunteer in the local community and activities vary from year to year. They include gardening, working with local care homes, and supporting the local charities.
Clubs include:
Prep and Senior Litter
Picking
Year 7 & 8 DEI Group
PrideSoc
Eco Club
DofE Bronze
DofE Silver
DofE Gold
Student Council
ENDEAVOUR AWARD
AIMS
Encouraging pupils to challenge themselves
Allowing pupils to gain a sense of responsibility
Increasing the awareness of our pupils' responsibility within and for the wider community
Encouraging pupils to be involved in a wide range of activities both within and outside of school
Enabling pupils to build resilience
Developing a sense of service & charity
AWARDING CRITERIA
Awards are open to pupils from Year 5 to Year 8
Pupils have one year to achieve each Endeavour Award
Pupils must achieve the awards consecutively (with exception for new pupils)
All pupils who wish to take part in the Endeavour Award will be provided with a booklet to record their achievements
All successes must be signed off by a member of staff
A member of SLT will sign off completed awards
Creativity
The Creativity Endeavour strand consists of an Art or Design project Examples include:
Create a product e g rocket, board game or cookery book/masterpiece
Design an app or computer programme
Write a piece of music, prose or poetry
Perform a dance or musical piece
Service
The Service Endeavour strand consists of Community, Charity & Volunteering Examples include:
Junior Librarian
Litter picking in the local community
Volunteering in a local care home, childcare setting, sports club etc
Demonstrate kindness to others
Environmental
The Environmental Endeavour strand consists of contributing to sustainability. Examples include:
Demonstrate a contribution to sustainability either within or outside of the School environment
Complete a project on the importance of sustainability
Promotion of Global Green initiatives
Attend Eco-Schools Club
Skill
The Skill Endeavour strand consists of learning a new skill Examples include:
Chess
Coding
Baking
Film making
Musical instrument
Leadership
The Leadership Endeavour strand consists of being a Role Model. Examples include:
Anti Bullying Ambassador / Club Captain / Buddy Scheme
Pupil Council / Charity Committee
Form Captain / DEI Group / Reading
Volunteer
Take a lead by initiating an activity/event
Adventure
The Adventure Endeavour strand consists of Sport, Activity or Adventure Examples include:
Regularly taking part in a hobby outside of school time
Accomplishing a challenge e.g. a charity run, hike or bike ride
Attend an overnight residential
ECO PROMISE
ECO SCHOOLS OUTDOOR LEARNING
The Outdoor Rangers is now part of our after school co-curricular activities. We have some hugely exciting projects planned for them that will enhance the learning experience for all of our Prep School pupils.
The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple, seven-step framework that answers this question whilst empowering young people to make a difference in their school, local community and beyond. Since 1994, millions of young people around the world have worked through the Eco-Schools Seven Steps before being recognised for their efforts with a prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Schools connect their activities to three or more of the Ten EcoSchools Topics. These topics break large, global issues like climate change into more manageable and directed themes that prompt young people to consider environmental changes that they can make in their school and everyday lives.
Wellingborough School's Eco Club secures the win in the Environmental and Sustainability Awards!
Emma Tansley, our Estate’s Bursar , sheds light on our approach: “All new buildings will exceed statutory sustainable regulations, paving the way for a greener future.”
BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community
What is it and what will I learn?
The BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community is achieved by thousands of youth group members each year and is one of our flagship qualifications
Learners can expect to study units including:
Developing effective teamwork skills (mandatory)
Preparing for employment
Personal development through adventurous wellbeing
Land navigation by map and compass
Developing leadership skills
It’s an ideal qualification to help strengthen higher education or job applications and looks great on a CV alongside academic qualifications.
Learners have the option to complete the qualification in a number of ways:
Blended learning via face-to-face or virtual delivery workshops
Paper workbooks and learning guides e-workbooks
Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
These all combine to create a flexible, interactive approach to the course.
ACTION AND ADVENTURE
Duke of Edinburgh
The school Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme offers the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and takes direct entrants at all levels. Bronze begins in Year 9 and most complete by the start of Year 10 when the Silver Award begins. Once a student turns 16 years old they can be enrolled on the Gold Award programme and it officially begins at the start of Sixth Form. Employers and Universities alike respect the commitment, resilience and teamwork skills gained by participating in this Award Programme.
Whilst the award is based on completing 4 sections – Physical, Skill, Volunteering and Expedition- the expedition is always the section where the most excitement occurs, and camaraderie is experienced. We are pleased to offer three modes of travel at Gold Expedition level: walking, canoeing and cycling. During expeditions, students have travelled the length of Britain and canoed the stunning Great Glen, cycled the formidable North York Moors and walked in the lofty heights of Snowdonia and the Lake District; memories have been made to last a lifetime.
DofE Bronze, Silver & Gold Weekly
Meetings (for enrolled participants)
CCF
A School tradition since 1900, the CCF aims to develop cadets’ personal qualities and leadership. Pupils start their compulsory CCF journey in Year 9 and apply for one of four sections: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force. At the end of Year 9, pupils may choose to continue with CCF, undertaking leadership training, working towards becoming a Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
The different sections summarised below:
If you are interested in water-based activities and ships, then the RN section would be the best fit.
The RM section has an entry test of best effort for press-ups, situps, a bleep test and a 1.5-mile run. Year 9 pupils who pass the minimum entry criteria for this test will be offered the RM section
The Army section is very much based on infantry tactics, field craft and weapons training.
If you have an interest in flying and aircraft, then the RAF section should be your choice, although activities are a mix between ‘blue’ (e.g., history of the RAF, aircraft recognition) and ‘green’ (weapons training, shooting, field craft, first aid).
All four sections experience an element of basic fieldcraft and cover first aid, leadership, teamwork, and navigation
LEADERSHIP
Sixth Form can participate in all the co-curricular activities offered and in addition they are encouraged to step into roles of leadership
Language Leaders
Why You Should Choose Language Leaders
By Sophie and Eve Year
11
Why we opted for it?
We chose Language Leaders as an alternative to CCF because we were not interested in training to be an NCO. The other options were Amnesty Club, Science and Maths Leaders, but we decided to choose language leaders because it seemed like a fun activity to do with our friends and we also had an interest in languages
What we did?
Since September 2, we have worked on 3 lessons overall, designing the activities and work for the Year 4 children with games, presentations and worksheets in Spanish or French – for example one group designed a battleships game which taught the children Spanish numbers. We also designed lessons to teach each other in more complex languages, like Chinese, which allowed us to find pitfalls and improvements to make in preparation for the real lessons with Year 4
Highlights
Our favourite part was teaching the Year Four. We prepared for a few weeks leading up to the lessons, and it was fun to work with them and see them learn from our activities The reaction from the children was really positive and this made it rewarding to see how we had influenced them by being positive role models
Would we recommend it?
We would recommend Language Leaders because it provides an opportunity to develop organisational and leadership skills and takes you out of your comfort zone It provided us with new experiences and skills that we will utilise in the future.
Lunchtime Enrichment – Year 7-10 take part in a variety of activities and these are mainly student led, from Dance to Musical Theatre.
Year 11 Leadership Training – Those students who choose not to complete their CCF leadership training can support with Year 11 leadership skills. This includes Language Leaders, Sports Leaders Science Leaders and Community Leaders.
Prefect Opportunities
Open Mornings – are key events that involve front of house duties, as well as helping the administrative side of things in order to ensure the events run smoothly. Prefects are expected to attend both the October and March events.
Charity days - positioned around the School bucket shaking and organising the Prefect Charity Day fundraising
Wellingborough Club/Assemblies – deliver and develop the Wellingborough Club assembly programme in the Michaelmas term and take regular School assemblies; Weekly meeting – attend, chair and contribute to weekly Prefect Meetings with the SLT
Initiatives – review and propose new initiatives to enhance the educational experience of the School community In general - even without the gown on you are still a School Prefect and therefore expected to deal with any situations which may occur e g manage lunch door
Doors - on average once a week you shall be required to manage the doors to Chapel and assemblies
Lunch Duty – supporting the duty member of the SLT and the Catering team in the Dining Hall, to make sure the queue remains orderly
Academic Evenings - generally 3 to 4 hours long split into two shifts including the set up and the clearing up of the venue;
Tours - you will be asked to do a number of these, however, this generally will be during your private study periods; there are some occasions where parts of lessons need to be missed;
Prefect Charity day
Once a year the School Prefects run the annual Charity Prefect Day, supporting the chosen School Charity. The Prefects dress up and collect money throughout the day.
There are also various Prefect-ran stalls on the Top Courts next to the Dining Hall, ranging from a water balloon firing range, penalty shootouts, pie face
and a cake sale during the Senior School lunch break The event finishes with the gunging of the Heads of School. All the stalls cost between £1.00£1.50 per activity, with every penny going to the School Charity.
Responsibility - you are the role models of the School and the way that you act is very often followed by the younger years in the School
Leadership - even down to the seemingly smallest things such as mobile phone usage, uniform, punctuality and attendance
Respect-Prefectsare constantlybeingwatched, whetherbystaff,parents ormostimportantly pupilswhoareyoungand impressionable.Therefore, someoneisalways watchingthewayyou treatothersandthe School
Decision making - in many situations a decision needs to be made immediately and therefore being able to make a decision quickly is vital
Key Prefect Qualities
Trustworthiness and reliability - as leaders of the School often tasks are asked of you and information given to you that needs to be handled with high levels of integrity and discretion
Teamwork - possibly the most important skill as without teamwork little will be achieved and is vital if you want to improve the School during your time in the role.
Empathy - more and more frequently younger pupils are approaching Prefects for help and guidance for which an empathetic approach is needed
Time management - the School Prefect role does absorb large quantities of time throughout the year and therefore the ability to work around commitments and complete work is important
SPORT
Sport
We strive to offer pupils every opportunity to enjoy sport and to experience success. Those who have the desire to excel and those who just wish to participate, benefit from expert coaching and positive sporting experiences. Wellingborough School has an enviable sporting reputation, and our ‘Sport for All’ ethos has uncovered many fine talents. We aim to give every pupil the opportunity to represent the School in a sporting event or fixture.
It is hoped that this superb provision for sport at Wellingborough School will instil a lifelong love for sport as well as providing individuals with the added benefits that sport provides such as self-discipline, teamwork and fair play.
154 TEAMS ACROSS UPPER PREP AND SENIOR SCHOOL
PARTICIPATION RATE
90% OF ALL STUDENTS
LINKS TO LOCAL PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
Sports
Hall
5 cricket squares and 8 artificial nets
2 athletics tracks
5 hard tennis courts and 12 artificial courts
8 rugby/football pitches including one floodlit Rugby pitch
2 full size floodlit artificial pitches
Inter-House Sports
The House system provides close pastoral support, but also gives a sense of identity to each of the pupils who generally strive hard to earn their House colours; earning academic commendations and competing in events which range from sports to quizzes, dodgeball, charity shows, debating, drama and music. Though pupils compete in House teams and meet within their House group, they also develop life-long friendships throughout the Senior School; good friends can be fierce rivals when they meet in key House finals!
SIXTH FORM ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT OPTIONS
British Sign Language Course
Assessment
Qualification
Learn British Sign Language
Certification in British Sign Language.
Commitment One Lesson/ Lunchtime per week
Content This course contains 10 lessons and covers:
Fingerspelling, Numbers, Colours, Deaf Awareness, Introductions, Family, Relationships, Descriptions, Hobbies Time, Money, Days, Months, & Seasons, Food & Drink, Emotions, Relationships, Animals, Clothing, and Conversation Also, specialist vocabulary for education, medical, retail, transportation and home settings
English Speaking Board
Each student is assessed by an external examiner - 25 minutes per candidate This involves students participating in group discussions and questions
There are four sections to the assessment:
Oral Presentation (40%)
Newspaper Review (20%)
Literary Recommendation (20%)
Assessment
Questions and Discussion (20%)
ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech Grade 8.
Qualification
Certification with UCAS points – 24-30
Commitment 1 lesson per week (if in timetable) or 1 hour a week if as co-curricular
Content Oral Presentation: Students deliver a presentation on a researched subject of own choice using audio/visual material.
Newspaper Review: Students lead a discussion based on an article from a quality online or paperbased news source.
Literary Recommendation: Students provide a literary recommendation and deliver extract of a novel, biography, drama, poetry or public address
Questions and Discussion: Students respond to questions and feedback from the group and the assessor about any section.
Assessment Qualification
Dissertation Investigation, Performance or Artefact
Requires a logbook to be written and a presentation to be carried out
Certification with UCAS Points 16-28 AS equivalent. Some universities will lower offers based on performance in this qualification.
Commitment Independent research
Content Students can choose to undertake a project on any subject area they choose A question / brief is identified with supervisor, research is carried out and the project is produced Lessons throughout the course cover key skills such as effective researching, academic referencing and formal writing
LIBF – Lessons in Financial Education (LIFE) Units 1,2 and 3
Assessment
Qualification On-line learning with unit examinations Pass or fail with two retake opportunities.
Certification
Commitment 1 lesson per week guided learning hours.
Content
Unit 1 – Your Personal Finances
1 Assess the principles of money 2 Determine how people can obtain money 3. Identify how money is spent and how to budget 4. Examine how to manage money 5 Identify the ways we borrow money 6. Identify how to protect ourselves financially 7. Define what is meant by responsible gambling 8 Identify the current to our own money
– Money Management for Your Generation pret the channels used to manage money 2 Identify the s of pay and pay calculations 3 Assess the key methods of g payments 4. Examine the cost of borrowing 5. Identify how money abroad 6 Assess the process to make informed ns about personal finance and understand the uences 7 Identify who to approach for different types of al advice 8. Identify how investments are different from s
–Financial Careers and Financial Sustainability
ify how to consider and prepare for careers 2. Understand es, careers, and sectors in the financial services marketplace tify good practice in financial wellbeing 4. Examine how nancial planning throughout the personal life cycle affects nancial sustainability 5. Interpret how external factors can your financial sustainability
CCF- Leadership Diploma
1 unit of Compulsory Coursework.
Assessment
Qualification
Commitment
5 units of demonstrated skill (some may require coursework dependant on choice).
BTEC – Personal Development and Teamwork level 2 - Diploma
Minimum 1 Term of weekly sessions. Sessions include practical tasks, tutor support and instruction
Content Unit 1 - Developing Effective Teamwork Skills
Unit 2 - Developing Effective Communication
Skills
Unit 6 – Land Navigation by Map and Compass Unit 7 – Expedition Skills
Unit 9 – Volunteering in the Community.
Unit 11 – Developing Leadership. Nine alternative units are available for candidates.
Sports Leaders Award - Level 2
Practical observations leading sports sessions. Written tasks.
Assessment
Qualification
Session plans and evaluations
Certification- Sports Leaders Award.
Commitment 24 hours consisting of tasks and leading sports sessions
Content Unit 1 Building leadership skills
Unit 2 Plan, lead and evaluate sport/physical activity sessions.
Unit 3 Assist in planning and leading a sports/physical activity event
Unit 4 Lead sport/physical activity sessions in your community.
Volunteering – ASDAN
short
course
Assessment
Qualification
Commitment
Studentlogbook60Hoursvolunteering
Certification-ASDAN.VolunteeringAward. ASDANissuitableforstudentswhoareaiming forcoursesandcareerswithacaringelement, eg medicine
Organise and undertake 60 hours of volunteering
Content Plan,log undertakeand reviewvolunteering.
