Imagine Co-curricular Guide 2020-2021

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2020 ~ 2021

possibilities…

CO-CURRICULAR LIFE

the

a world of

“The pursuit of a goal brings order in awareness because a person must concentrate attention on the task at hand and momentarily forget everything else.”

Last year, feedback from fellow students not only highlighted the joy, fun and freedom the co-curricular programme gave them, but also highlighted how much more efficient they became in their day to day lives. When they were working, they spent less time procrastinating, essentially because they had less time and had to get on with it:

“I have to be super organised if I want to take part in the sports teams and Orchestra. When I sit down to work, I have less time but because of that I’m focused. I’m also tired, but good tired, I sleep really well.”

The old adage of ‘healthy body healthy mind’ could never ring truer that at this moment. Covid-19 and the lock down period has given the time for many people to reassess their exercise routines. The Sports programme at WHS is outstanding; professional in its outlook and comprehensive in its provision. As we return to school, the plans to provide as many opportunities as possible at this time have been rigorous, with one eye on remaining as flexible as possible should restrictions ease. Likewise, the Music and Drama programmes have been well thought through and designed this year around restrictions, and at the same time continue to provide opportunities for all girls who would like to join these programmes. At times rehearsals and events will be virtual and where possible

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

The programme will continue to give the time to move away from academic pursuits and provide opportunities to pursue individual passions and develop new interests. Crucially, it will offer the arena to maintain and enhance personal well-being through socialisation within and across year groups as well as extending individual talents. The time away from the academic rigours of academic life, promotes effective study and the drive to fulfil potential by helping to prevent or relieve feelings of anxiety, should they occur. We are seeking to achieve moments of ‘Flow’ and in the words of the Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, when describing ‘Flow’, the moment when we are so engrossed in an activity, that nothing else matters:

possibility…

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Even during these unusual times, I am delighted that co-curricular provision remains at the forefront of the WHS experience, albeit for now, in a different guise. The aims remain the same, to offer breadth and inspiration in order to promote healthy and active lives both in body and in mind.

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2020 2021

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

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they will be ‘in person’. As we know, this might switch multiple times and we have designed the programme to accommodate these changes. Either way they will be engaging, challenging and fun and will give the opportunities to socialise and work together towards a performance opportunity.

Outside of the Music, Drama, and Sport provision lies a further world of co-curricular opportunity. The Academic Extension programme will continue, not just for academic scholars but for all students who would like to broaden their horizons outside of the academic specifications. We have harnessed the success of the summer term electives and have a club category entitled, Masterclasses, further details later in this booklet. In addition, every member of staff offers a club of some form, and as a result there is something for everyone; if not come and see me! These clubs come in the form of PaWHS (Pause at WHS), more mindful and relaxation periods of time; Raise Your Voice, which gives students the chance to learn how to express their thoughts and opinions in a logical and coherent manner, and Skill Development, which provides opportunities to learn something new whether this is coding or sign language, for example.

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So that you can really focus on your clubs and societies this year, they will be operating during specific weeks. You will be asked to sign up for each block on SOCS; once you have done this you are expected to attend every session throughout that block of time. Registers will be kept on SOCS and monitored by your tutors. If you find you are enjoying your choices, you can stay with them for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th blocks, if something is just not for you then you have

the opportunity to switch before the next round starts.

Block 1

W/C 14th September (5 weeks)

Block 2

W/C 2nd November (5 weeks)

Block 3

W/C 18th January (4 weeks)

Block 4

W/C 22nd February (4 weeks)

Please note: Where you are specifically working towards a performance or competition your club may run outside of these weeks. This will normally apply to Drama, Music and Sports activities.

Next Steps 1.

Please read the rest of this booklet or follow this link to continue to read what clubs are available to you, you’ll find the A-Z of activities and online you’ll also find the day, time and location for each club.

https://whs.fireflycloud.net/co-curricular

2. Decide what you would like to do, then go to the SOCS sign up page to choose your clubs. Instructions can be found on the link below; your tutor will also help you.

https://whs.fireflycloud.net/ co-curricular/on-line-cocurricular-sign-up

Once you have signed up, the lead member of staff will be in contact and you will also be added to that club’s TEAM, then you’re good to go!

I do hope you enjoy this year’s programme.

Best wishes Ms Jenny Cox Director of Co-curricular & Partnerships

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Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

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Drama

Here’s the plan so far…

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

We intend to run Year 8 weekly drama club sessions where you can enjoy some drama activities and work on monologues, duologues, small (safe) scenes, and acting through song, to prepare a Year 8 Drama Revue to be ideally performed and filmed in real time, like a concert (or in separate virtual sections if necessary) and then streamed. A high volume of interest may necessitate a rota. In the Summer term we hope to present a KS3 Summer Musical either for live audiences or streaming to the wider school community.

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As you get used to a new routine, Year 7 will have designated time in your Music and Drama lessons during the Autumn term to work in your class groups to produce the Year 7 Pantomime which will be filmed in sections, edited and streamed to parents and the wider community. In the Spring term you can prepare for the Monologue competition, either via self-tape or live depending on the circumstances. In the Summer term, we hope to present a KS3 Summer Musical either for live audiences or streaming to the wider school community.

See the updates online for all opportunities to become involved in Drama.

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We are committed to providing opportunities for all girls who wish to take part in co-curricular Drama this year. The safety of the girls and staff within our school community is paramount and, as a result, things will look and feel a little different this year.

We know we can rely on our students to be engaged and enthusiastic but also flexible and understanding of the challenges we face creating performance work, and indeed, performing it for audiences. We are happy that, given the current advice, our plans are realistic, achievable and safe. And we know we will have lots of fun.

Please make sure you sign up quickly and show your interest when requested so that you don’t miss out, and so we can make the logistical arrangements necessary to get the projects up and running as soon as possible as some projects will need longer than usual to prepare, given that we will be working with smaller groups than usual in rehearsal.

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Year 9 students will have the opportunity to be part of a 30 minute version of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. The piece will be filmed and streamed as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival ‘One Night of Shakespeare’ and then streamed to the wider school community on a later date. It is likely that different sections will be performed by different groups to ensure we can work safely. We are also looking for students to prepare additional monologues/duologues for inclusion in our filmed and streamed WHS Shakespeare Celebration. In the Summer term we hope to present a KS3 Summer Musical either for live audiences or streaming to the wider school community.

Year 10 and Year 11 will be working separately, and in small groups, to produce a 60-minute version of the fantastic musical We Will Rock You, which includes so many amazing Queen songs. Different groups of students will perform specific sections and although it may just be possible to perform this as a live event, it is likely to be filmed and streamed. Sign up quickly if you want to be involved, whether in a leading role or in the chorus.

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You can also look forward to the unique opportunity to create a documentary film to share your experience of rehearsing Lord of the Flies for performance last year, only to see it cancelled due to the Lockdown. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in a play or performance event in the Summer Term.

Sixth Form actors can sign up for a very funny play by Peter Schaffer called Black Comedy and the musical theatre performers will be working on a semistaged concert production of Sunday in the Park with George, by Stephen Sondheim.

Both pieces will hopefully be performed to audiences from within the Sixth Form bubble and filmed and streamed to the wider school community.

All year groups are invited to take part in the Musical Theatre Concert in the Summer term which may run virtually again like this year or might possibly be a live, outdoor event. Students from all year groups will also be encouraged to submit monologue self-tapes for the Monologue Competition. It is intended that the finalists’ performances will be shared with the wider school community as part of a streamed event where the winners will be announced.

Private LAMDA lessons are available for students from all year groups and will be run virtually to start with, until we are able to hold them in school once more. WHS students have continued to achieve outstanding results in LAMDA exams despite the challenging lockdown circumstances we have been experiencing.

We are also offering Theatre Tech Club, where students learn about sound, lighting, stage management, costume and prop management. Sessions will need to run on a rota to accommodate students from different year group bubbles at different times and some sessions may be delivered on-line via Teams.

Ms McDowell Head of Drama

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Music

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We cannot wait to start making live music again, with our interactive and busy timetable of rehearsals, concerts, events and big performances.

We will be running as many of our different music clubs and ensembles as we are able, using a new timetable of after-school slots. Larger clubs, such as Canto and WHS Symphony Orchestra, will continue virtually for the time being. Peripatetic lessons will take place in person for students in Years 7 to 13, using the Senior Music rooms.

See the updates online for all opportunities to become involved in Music.

Autumn 2020 Concert Series

Year 7

Our exciting concert series this term is themed around the idea of ‘exploration’.

As such, we will have recitals and concerts themed around the idea of exploring.

This might be exploring unfamiliar voices – see our Scholars’ Recital at the end of September exploring music by artists that are under-represented in the musical canon – or an exploration of new musical techniques in our Young Musician of the Year series. Or it might be exploring how music links to other subjects in new and interesting ways.

We are excited to be working with the Drama Department on a new project for all pupils in Year 7, taking place during academic music and drama lessons in the Autumn Term. The whole year group will be working on producing a Pantomime in their bubbles, brought together virtually for the end of term. It’s a chance for every pupil in Year 7 to be involved with some acting and music-making and promises to be excellent fun. Get your panto quotes at the ready…

A Cappella

Our weekly Friday Jammin’ series will also be happening, hopefully live in year group bubbles, which will be recorded to Firefly to enable people to watch from home. More information to follow.

Finally, we would love to have your musical contributions – if you have an idea, pop in and see the music team and we can work together to find a solution that keeps us all safe and allows our musical creativity to shine.

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A Cappella will be meeting weekly! We can only have a maximum of 15 students from the same bubble rehearsing at the same time, and this has been allocated to short lunchtime rehearsals for students in Year 10-13. If more than 15 students are keen, we will alternate between live and virtual rehearsals following week A and B. This is super exciting and will allow us to work towards Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2020 (yes, we’re thinking about Christmas…!) If you want to be in A Cappella drop Mr Bristow a line – we’d love to have you onboard.

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Live Music

Mr Bristow Director of Music

Virtual Music

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

All of our other clubs are running virtually on Teams after school. They start at either 4:15pm or 5:00pm, allowing you time to get home after the end of school. These virtual rehearsals are workshops and might include whole group discussions, examples from the peripatetic staff, and smaller break-out sessions with the club ambassadors to help work on tricky passages. This will allow these groups to be involved with the various concerts happening this term. It keeps these groups together so that when we are allowed to rehearse live again, we can!

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Sport

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

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Despite the limitations and the (necessarily) pared back programme we are offering, Sport will remain an integral part of life at Wimbledon High.

During this year, all girls will take part in physical activity in a wide variety of sports and at different levels. By providing inspiring teaching and highlevel coaching we ensure that each girl at Wimbledon High is supported to reach her potential and participates with enjoyment!

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As you will appreciate, we are restricted with the quantity and breadth of our offering as we begin this academic year, so the focus is on the ‘major’ sports at Wimbledon.

Girls will be able to readily participate in Hockey, Netball and Rowing and maintain some of their Gymnastics and Swimming training alongside.

We have managed to offer a few extra clubs too, including some Ball Girl Training (Years 9 & 10), Badminton (Years 9 & 10), Cross Country Running (all), Dance (Years 8 & 9), Football (Years 8 & 9), Tennis Academy (e-mail Barbara tennis@wim. gdst.net) and Yoga (this will be an online session open for all year groups).

The Golfers, Rugby players, Skiers, Strengths and Conditioning enthusiasts and others amongst you, please be patient - your time will come later in the year, I’m sure!

We are very much looking forward to being together again as an active community.

Ms Coutts-Wood Director of Sport

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

See the updates online for all opportunities to become involved in Sport.

The majority of co-curricular Sport this term is scheduled after school, with a few sessions before school and at the weekend.

Please do ask the PE Department if you have any further questions.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Academic Extension We are introducing an online Rosewell/Explore series on a wide variety of topics, which will be accessible to all students.

Our STEAM+ Manifesto

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No scholar or discipline can exist in isolation: discourse and community are central to the progression of knowledge and understanding.

In education, STEM sought to encourage interdisciplinary thinking between Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Connecting these subjects takes learning beyond the syllabi and into the real world.

Adding Arts – to create STEAM – increases the problem solving potential further.

STEAM offers the chance to approach complex social problems through powerful critical thinking and freeing collaboration between disciplines.

A Wimbledon High education is forward thinking and holistic. It is liberating. Whilst still maintaining the integrity of STEAM as a powerful tool for social problem solving, we decided to scaffold our educational philosophy to encourage greater interdisciplinary learning. Wimbledon High’s innovative STEAM+ ethos allows all our subjects to be woven and intertwined together. We can find meaningful connections in our learning: we can look at things through new and different lenses, or look at new things through lenses in which

The finalised schedule is still to be released, and if you have any suggestions on who you would like to speak then please contact Mr Addis (daniel.addis@wim.gdst.net).

Our academic masterclasses offer an excellent form of enrichment. We will also be reinstating Tea and T’inking, a relaxed academic extension club for those who are looking for a relaxed space to think through the big questions (see more in the A-Z of this guide).

we are already experts. With different twists of the academic kaleidoscope, we can tinker and play with ideas, exploring the blurred edges of subjects in which unusual and compelling ideas dwell.

We aim for every student to stride out, prepared to shape the society in which she lives and works. STEAM+ nurtures curiosity and wonder through all aspects of a WHS education. We empower our students to think creatively and independently, showcasing mental elasticity in all they do.

It facilitates stretching of all of our minds beyond our collective imaginations.

Masterclasses The academic arm of the co-curricular programme, the masterclasses come in different forms this year.

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Club Categories Electives: these are 4-week bursts of lectures/discussion groups in a specific area of staff interest that is not covered in any exam specification at WHS. These electives are definitely based around learning something new for the love of learning.

Cross-Curricular Masterclasses: These include two or more departments teaming

up to provide more than one perspective on a particular area. For example, racket-research investigates tennis players (and how they use their rackets) from both a scientific and a sports perspective.

PaWHS

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A student-led initiative which promotes activities that are just for fun or which provide a more mindful experience. They give the moment in the school day to move away from the hustle and bustle and play a board game, sew, knit, or bake with your friends.

Raise Your Voice Expressing your opinions and thoughts clearly and coherently in small groups or in a larger arena is a life skill. Signing up to something in this category will help give you those skills. Whether it’s through Women of Wimbledon (WoW), Model United Nations (MUN), Debating or Black Lives Matter, each will build your confidence in public speaking and help form your arguments clearly. Many of these clubs are led by student ambassadors.

Skill Development Sometimes you just want to learn something new and different, if so sign up to one of these skill development clubs. It may include Sign Language, Teen Tech, Coding, or Photography.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

And remember to look out for all the detail of our Music, Drama and Sport clubs and activities online…

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Abstracted Landscapes Led by: Ms Phaophanit Years: 7 Primary Aims Explore a range of media and techniques, creating individual interpretations of the theme.

Afrikaans

Led by: Frau Venter Years: All year groups Primary Aims This club aims to develop the spoken and written Afrikaans of native speakers.

We explore the history, literature and culture associated with the language.

There will be specific focus on spelling and grammar, as well as on increasing sophistication in expression.

Air Pollution Research 14

Led by: Mrs McGovern Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims

Part of the novel scientific research cluster. As per the elective. I will be running the “Air Pollution” (Novel Scientific Club) and it will run for 6-8 weeks (approx. half a term).

The club will require the girls to interrogate the UK Air Data Archives (DEFRA) from which they may carry out their own research using the freely available data. They will compile a report on their findings with the aim to focus mainly on the effect of Covid-19 on air pollution in a particular area in the UK.

Akenkan

Led by: Mrs Pett Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims

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AKENKAN means ‘Read Along’ in Twi, a local Ghanaian language. In the Akenkan club, students write, illustrate and professionally print their own series of bespoke storybooks for children in rural Ghana.

You will liaise with teachers in Ghana to ensure that our stories are appropriate in level and content. These books are of high quality. This means that we are looking for dedicated and talented artists, writers and fundraisers to create beautiful books and to make a real difference to the education of children in Ghana.

Led by: Ms Phaophanit Years: 7 and 9 Primary Aims

This drop-in session is an opportunity for you to get some extra help with your classwork or homework.

You will have the support and guidance of the Art staff, allowing you to extend your current skills or try new techniques to help you develop your ideas.

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Art Drop-in Session

Art Workshops

Led by: Art Department Years: All year groups Primary Aims These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for you to get some extra help with your classwork or homework.

Whatever your year group, you will have the support and guidance of the Art staff, allowing you to extend your current skills or try new techniques to help you develop your ideas.

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Astrophysics and Cosmology Led by: Mr Dunn Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims Astrophysics and Cosmology is all about developing our understanding of the universe, from its beginning to the cutting edge technology of space exploration today.

Together we’ll learn about new ideas as they are published and grow our understanding of the current theories using the GCSE Astronomy specification as a loose guide to build a solid foundation.

Bioinformatics

Led by: Dr Roper Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims

Advancements in technology has meant that DNA can now be sequenced in seconds, and there are literally thousands of genomes and unknown proteins available to explore, but not enough scientists to study them. Not many school students ever have the opportunity to participate in ‘real’ research that could be published in scientific journals… but we do!

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Bioinformatics is all about computer-aided biological research on a molecular level (i.e.

DNA, RNA and proteins). Computers have meant that enormous volumes of data can now be processed and analysed at home by anyone who understands the basics (i.e. some GCSE level biology and a bit more about the data processing tools and how to interpret the results).

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

BLM - Nubian Jak

Led by: Mrs Philip Years: All year groups Primary Aims Develop your knowledge using a multi-award-winning board game which teaches black history, in a fun way.

It combines questions on historical facts with pop trivia, to highlight some of the achievements by people of colour globally.

Book Club

Led by: Ms Toffoli Years: All year groups Primary Aims Looking for a diversion from all that is going on around us? Want to connect with other book worms? We will be discussing your favourite books.

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Recommend books for the library; Practice for the Kids Lit Quiz; Nominate books for the GDST Book of the Year shortlist; Organise literary (online) events for the senior library; and much more!

Bronze DofE

Led by: Mr Daws Years: 9 and 10 Primary Aims The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a long-established scheme bringing together physical challenge, learning new skills and volunteering experience.

We always have large numbers of girls participating in the award - it’s a chance to push your boundaries, make new friends across your year group and broaden your horizons by freely giving of your time to those who need it. There will be a practice expedition and a qualifying expedition, both with overnight camping.

Chemistry and Poetry …@WimbledonHigh

Led by: Ms Gashi Years: 12 and 13 Primary Aims

Part of the science masterclass bundle - what happens when poetry meets chemistry and vice versa...

Led by: Mr Richardson Years: 12 and 13 Primary Aims

Data modelling, predictions and simulations are vitally important. Bad algorithms produce bad results! Computer simulations can be applied to Science, Geography, Engineering, Economics or any field of study which uses data.

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Coding for University

The aim of this mini course is to give you an introduction into the wonderful world of computer programming, looking to equip you with basic programming skills, some examples of their application in science and an understanding of the power of data.

Cooking/Baking Club Led by: Ms Tamang Years: All year groups Primary Aims To develop your understanding of food and nutrition, learning how to make quick, easy to prepare and well-balanced meals that are low cost and delicious.

To develop your technical skills when cooking and baking.

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Digital Art Club

Led by: Mrs Evans, Ms Tamang and Mrs Owens Year: 8 Primary Aims Your touchscreen laptop can be used to create everything from fine art to graphic novels, animation to photography.

Come and explore the possibilities in this club which brings together art, design and digital.

Drug Discovery: Past, Present and Future

Led by: Mrs Nicholas Club Ambassador: Izabella W Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims

The human aspect of the pharmaceutical industry will be discussed, from the ethics of drug design to gender and racial equality in scientific research and drug development.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

We will delve deeper into the origins of some of our most used medicines, explore current pharmaceutical development and look to the future of drug design.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Dungeons and Dragons Led by: Mr Dunn Years: 7 - 13 Primary Aims Adventuring, miraculous deeds and general heroics. Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role playing game where you create your own character and set off into a world limited only by your imagination.

Have you ever dreamt of setting off to seek your fortune in the distant mines beneath the Broken Anvil? Perhaps you are already a famed warrior known the world over for your fight against the tyrannous Kyrignis. If either of these sounds like you, then you need D&D! No previous experience necessary, active imagination essential!

Eco Committee

Led by: Ms Sinclair Club Ambassador: Lucy F Years: 7 - 13 Primary Aims

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The Eco-Committee is a group of staff, students and parents working together to put the UN’s Global Goals for 2030 at the heart of the WHS community. Whatever your passion, be it the environment, tackling poverty and reducing inequality or raising awareness, come and help us make a difference!

The Eco-Committee meets every two weeks, however, members work together on specific projects outside of that time.

Economics Society

Led by: Mr Finch Club Ambassador: Eloise R and Lili K Year: All year groups Primary Aims Explore and debate contemporary issues in Economics.

From Brexit to Money Laundering and everything in-between, Economics Society gives you the opportunity to present or discuss topics beyond the syllabus.

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Exploring Wellbeing Led by: Ms Cutteridge Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims Wellbeing plays a key part in flourishing and thriving both in and out of school.

As an example, there are several studies that prove that academic performance is enhanced through meditation as well as Physical Activity.

In week 1 and 2 we will explore what wellbeing is and the human body’s response to stress from a theoretical perspective. In the following weeks, we will look at a range of practical wellbeing tools which can be used to enhance your wellbeing. The course will be theoretical and practical based and you will study several subject areas including Psychology, Science and Physical Education.

Led by: Mrs Philip Year: By Invitation Primary Aims

Subject specific development and learning, for students doing Fashion and Textiles, linked to curriculum. Invitation only.

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Fashion and Textiles

Figure Drawing

Led by: Ms Kemp and Mrs Owens Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims Drawing the figure is an integral part of Art and this class for artists in Year 11,12 and 13 is designed to help build skills.

This will help refine drawing skills for all subject matter. The classes will be planned to gradually build confidence through experimentation with a range of materials.

Figure Drawing

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Led by: Ms Jackson and Ms Kemp Year: 10 Primary Aims Drawing the figure is an integral part of Art and this timetabled session for Year 10 artists is designed to help build skills.

As part of the GCSE course, this will help refine drawing skills for all subject matter. The classes will be planned to gradually build confidence through experimentation with a range of materials.

First Lego League

Led by: Mr Sajadah Club Ambassador: Veronica O Years: 8 - 9 Primary Aims

1. Build and programme a Lego robot to complete a range of different missions on the huge game board!

2. Investigate and solve a problem in the local community.

This year’s theme is re-designing the world around us to give people more opportunity to play and get active.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

How can we use technology to improve the lives of others? Calling all Designers, Constructors and Problem-Solvers! First Lego League is a Global STEM Challenge, where you will need to work as a team to:

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Gardening Club

Led by: Ms Sinclair Club Ambassador: Poorna B/Verity Q Years: All year groups Primary Aims Take time to appreciate the natural world around you and develop your green fingers!

The gardening club aim to transform some of our green spaces, growing edible crops as well as plants for wildlife.

It is a supportive and friendly community to share your gardening triumphs and disasters at home via our Gardening Club Team.

Geog On!

Led by: Dr Harel, Ms Johnston and Ms Page Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims

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Explore complex, contemporary geographical concepts and issues, develop critical thinking skills and attempt to solve the challenges facing our world today.

Gold DofE

Led by: Dr Neumann Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims Once you are 16 you can start the Gold DofE. You don’t need a previous level to do GOLD. There are five sections to complete and they involve helping the community/ environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and working with a team on a residential activity.

We have bi-weekly drop-in sessions for advice or help and there are school based activities and training with Activ Adventures as follows: First Aid; Kit & Equipment; Safety & Trangias; Route Planning, Practice Day Walk, Practice expedition and finally the Qualifying expedition.

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History Girls

Led by: Ms Anderson Club Ambassador: Sophia M and Lucy F Year: 10 - 13 Primary Aims A series of student and staff led masterclasses exploring...whatever you like! We will start this year exploring the constructs that have shaped and continue to shape society – such as race, gender and nation.

Come and join the debate! All those in Year 11 and above warmly welcome. Please note that History Girls runs alternately with Politics Society.

Led by: Ms Seetharaman Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims

This masterclass will explore the idea of madness through history from the ancients to present day, examining how culture and society have been shaped by popular ideas of insanity.

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History of Madness

Against a backdrop of profound social and political changes, we will chart the development of the psychiatric profession, the rise of asylums and how the diagnosis of ‘hysteria’ still haunts women today.

Incredible You (Reading Group) Led by: Ms Croucher Years: 7 - 9 Primary Aims Reading group focused on personal empowerment for young women. Take the time out of your busy lives to focus on yourself and personal growth.

You will have the opportunity to discuss inspirational books and learn practical tools which you can apply to everyday life.

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Insights into Medicine Led by: Ms Seetharaman Year: 13 Primary Aims Interview preparation for medical school interviews.

Insights into Medicine Led by: Ms Seetharaman Year: 11 and 12 Primary Aims This club is to offer support to students applying or considering applying for medical school.

It will help you decide whether you are suited to being a doctor, build knowledge of common conditions and provide insights into medicine as a career.

Led by: Miss Gilchrist and Ms Lindon Years: All year groups Primary Aims Do you dare disturb the universe? It’s Critical is our weekly exploration of all things literary, led by you and members of the English department who share their areas of expertise and enthusiasm in a friendly, open-table discussion.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

It’s Critical

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

John’s Gospel

Led by: Mr Gunn Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims The Fourth Gospel “…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn 20:31).

Never read a Gospel? Never immersed yourself in textual criticism? Never really thought about who the Gospel writers thought Jesus was? Here’s your chance to plunge into the depths of John, evangelist and interpreter, and find out what he wrote and why he wrote it.

More information can be found on the Firefly page.

Junior Debating

Led by: Mme Treseder Years: 7 and 8 Primary Aims

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This club will allow you to develop your skills of rhetoric and critical thinking, as well as providing a space in which you can engage with some of the big questions of our time.

KS3 Close Harmony Singers Led by: Miss Green Years: 7 - 9 Primary Aims A Chamber Choir for up to 20 singers who can confidently read music and hold their own harmony line.

Membership is by audition only.

KS3 STEM Club Led by: Dr Risso Years: 7 - 9

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Primary Aims The club will provide exciting opportunities to discover and explore aspects of science and engineering that go beyond the school curriculum.

This will include fun online activities, quizzes and competitions when these become live again.

Led by: Sna Marchena, Snr Matas Chamorro, Frau Serafini, Frau Venter, Mme Baty and Mme Moloney Club Ambassador: Marina L Year: All year groups Primary Aims Bring your flair and creativity in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin or indeed any foreign language to the modern foreign languages’ magazine of WHS - Linguistica.

Be part of the team who blogs, writes, performs and creates fun in other languages to publish termly blogs and an annual paper copy.

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Linguistica

Mah Jong

Led by: Mrs Fawcett and Mrs Johnson Years: All year groups Primary Aims Like playing cards but would like something different? Come and play Mah Jong.

Everyone welcome. Whether you are new to the game or a master at it. Teams for all levels.

Led by: Mrs Fang Club Ambassador: Emily K Years: 7 - 9

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Mandarin Primary Aims

Learning Mandarin Chinese opens up a world of rich culture and fascinating history.

It is an excitingly different language to learn.

Merton Against Trafficking Led by: Sna Nullens Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims Merton Against Trafficking (MAT) was set up by Raynes Park Community Church in order to tackle and eventually eliminate the trafficking of people for exploitation in the Merton borough. Human trafficking is a fast-growing international crime which directly affects people within our community in Merton.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

The vision of MAT is that nobody should be bought or sold, and it aims to uncover the extent to which trafficking is a problem in Merton and ultimately take action to stop this injustice. As well as fundraising, WHS students have become ambassadors for the charity and have begun investigating what can be done to raise awareness about human trafficking in the local area. If you are interested in finding out more about this issue and supporting them in their endeavour, do come along to the club. The vision of MAT is that nobody should be bought or sold, and it aims to uncover the extent to which trafficking is a problem in Merton and ultimately take action to stop this injustice. As well as fundraising, WHS students have become ambassadors for the charity and have begun investigating what can be done to raise awareness about human trafficking in the local area. If you are interested in finding out more about this issue and supporting them in their endeavour, do come along to the club.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Minecraft and Modding Led by: Ms Hasan Years: All year groups Primary Aims Come and immerse yourself in the world of Minecraft.

Explore maps with your friends, craft new items and explore the ways in which your programming skills can be used to create incredible structures and to change the game for everyone.

Missing Maps and More

Led by: Dr Harel, Mrs Johnston and Ms Page Years: 7 - 9 Primary Aims Weekly KS3 Geography club. Activities including Missing Maps (map vulnerable locations around the world) exploring books and films depicting geographical issues, both past and present, and much more!

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Mixed Media

Led by: Ms Jackson Year: 8 Primary Aims Mixed media club will help you understand and explore the differing properties of a range of materials.

We will be making a range of creative things in both 2D and 3D. This will give you the opportunity to work creatively and imaginatively.

Model United Nations Led by: Miss Gilchrist Years: All year groups Primary Aims

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Change the world! At MUN we simulate the discussions and debates of the United Nations and prepare for inter-school conferences.

You will act as the delegate for a member state of the United Nations, arguing on their behalf and collaborating to create resolutions. If you are interested in debating, current affairs and international development, this is not to be missed! We are a friendly club, open to all.

Led by: Mr Finch Years: All year groups Primary Aims Money Matters club provides a comprehensive, online programme of interactive learning.

Fun and interactive incorporating videos, games and quizzes, guiding you through key concepts of money and finance. We will also take part in inter-school investment challenges to apply what we learn online.

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Money Matters

Nature Reading Club Led by: Ms Lindon Years: All year groups Primary Aims Read and discuss a range of fiction, poetry and non-fiction all linked by a concern with nature and the environment. Some texts will be chosen for you and some will be your suggestions.

An opportunity to explore our relationship with the natural world and to develop your confidence and range as a reader.

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New Views

Led by: Mr Daws Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims Calling all budding playwrights! New Views is a scriptwriting club, run in collaboration with the National Theatre. Over the course of the year, you will each write your own one-act plays, through weekly workshops and a one-on-one mentoring visit from a professional playwright.

At the end of the year, following a national competition, your play has the chance to be fully produced and performed at the National Theatre, with a further ten from around the country being staged as rehearsed readings by the NT company.

Spaces are limited, there is no requirement for you to study English or Theatre Studies just bring a passion for the theatre and a love of words!

Led by: Mr Dunn Year: 12 Primary Aims To work alongside scientists from UCL on original research to find out more about exoplanets. Students who are studying any two A levels from Maths, Physics and Chemistry are welcome to apply to join the ORBYTS group.

We will be working with students from other schools as well as scientists who are experts in space science. We will be using spectroscopy data from the Twinkle Mission to unravel the story of planets in our galaxy.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

ORBYTS

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Philosocoffee

Led by: Mr Cawsey Years: All year groups Primary Aims Come along to Room P for the best discussion of the week!

We debate the key ideas of Philosphers as well as different issues of the day.

A warm welcome to all.

Philosophy of Science Led by: Mr Patterson Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims Philosophy of Science: What do we mean when we say something is scientific?

What questions can science answer and how do scientists go about answering these questions? How and why can we rely on “scientific explanations”?

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These are some of the questions we will explore in Philosophy of Science Club.

Politics Society on Tour

Led by: Ms Beckwith Club Ambassador: Annabel W Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims A series of interdisciplinary masterclasses with History Girls, It’s Critical, Senior Philosophy Society... and a masterclass on US Politics too.

Pop Up Cards

Led by: Mrs Carpenter Year: 10 Primary Aims Ever wanted to make that special card for someone, one that looks different and shows you care?

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Come along to find out how to create some distinctive cards choosing from relatively simple through to more elaborate templates.

Led by: Mr Cawsey Years: All year groups Primary Aims This is a discussion-based support group for our LGBTQ+ students and friends.

Everyone is welcome!

Pop along for a coffee and a chat! Students regularly lead talks and a full schedule will be sent out in September.

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Pride Club

Printmaking

Led by: Mrs Owens Years: 11 Primary Aims Learn how to create a screen print and etchings. (Max 10 per half term).

This class will explore elements of print and pattern and allow your design to be printed onto a range of materials including textiles such as T-Shirts and papers.

Problem Solving for Poor Communities 27

Led by: Ms Aremo Years: All year groups Primary Aims

Bring your critical thinking skills! In this club, you will encounter some of the misconceptions surrounding poor communities and cultures around the world.

You will learn that there is more to these communities than what they lack. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of creative techniques to provide sustainable solutions.

You will work collaboratively with your peers and present proposals.

Psychotropic Drugs: Neurobiology, History and Culture Led by: Ms Seetharaman Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims

Beginning with neurobiology and the physiological basis of addiction, we will also explore substance misuse psychiatry and the myriad of ways drugs have been woven into culture and history around the world.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

This masterclass will examine human’s interaction with mind-altering or psychotropic drugs.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Public Speaking Skills Y10-12 Led by: Ms Foster Years: 10 - 12 Primary Aims A course planned for nervous speakers and those to whom presenting doesn’t come naturally. The sessions are designed to build your confidence about giving speeches or presentations and will be delivered through a mixture of drama games and some more analytical activities.

We will look at body language, writing/structuring a speech, vocal projection and meaningful delivery (among other things), but the main aim is to have fun! By the end of the course hopefully you will feel more confident about planning and fluently delivering speeches and presentations in a variety of contexts.

Puzzles and Mindfulness

Led by: Ms Brown and Mrs East Years: Open to all but targeted at years 7 and 8 Primary Aims The green room. A tranquil lunchtime space to do puzzles and other quiet activities such as origami, colouring and gardening.

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Opportunity to connect, slow down and be mindful.

Puzzles and Mindfulness 2

Led by: Ms Brown and Ms East Years: Open to all but targeted at Years 7 and 8 Primary Aims A quiet lunchtime space to do puzzles and other quiet activities such as origami, colouring and gardening.

Opportunity to connect and slow down.

Racquet Research …@WimbledonHigh

Led by: Dr Roper and Mrs Coutts-Wood Club Ambassador: Vera K and Lizzie B Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims Ever wanted to be involved in a largescale research project that is both really novel and valuable to the scientific community…AND something unique to Wimbledon?!

You have found your niche. This club will enhance your research, IT and maths skills and give you the opportunity to be an author of real science in an academic journal, something not even many university undergraduate students achieve.

Led by: Dr Neumann Years: 11 - 13 in a rota.

Primary Aims The purpose of dissecting a rat in these two, weekly sessions is to explore the internal structure and function of basic mammalian anatomy.

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Rat Dissection Club

Rubik’s Cube Club

Led by: Ms Lloyd Years: All year groups Primary Aims Learn how to solve the Rubik’s cube, no prior knowledge needed.

Or hone your skills, improve your time and techniques, or try different cubes.

Scientific Society

Led by: Mr Patterson Years: 11 - 13 Delve into a range of scientific topics including cosmology, special relativity, science and poetry, philosophy of science, dissections and many more topics across all the science disciplines.

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Primary Aims

The club will be run a series of masterclasses by science dept staff and guests.

Senior Debating

Led by: Mr Courtenay Clack Years: 9 - 13 Primary Aims Test your mettle in the British Parliamentary debating chamber.

This club will allow you to develop your skills of rhetoric and critical thinking, as well as providing a space in which you can engage with some of the big questions of our time.

Led by: Mr Gunn Years: 11 - 13 Primary Aims

A chance to discuss issues of philosophy and ethics in contemporary Britain.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Senior Philosophy Society

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Sewing for Charity

Led by: Mrs Philip Club Ambassador: Abbie E and Maddie W Years: 8 - 13 Primary Aims Use your textiles skills to give something back.

We make dresses and shorts, mainly Sri Lanka and Rwanda, via the charity ‘dress a girl around the world’.

Sign Language Led by: Mrs Frost Years: 7 - 9 Primary Aims Beginners and Intermediate Sign Language.

A great life skill and fun language to learn.

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Silver DofE

Led by: Mr Daws Years: 9 and 10 Primary Aims The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a long-established scheme bringing together physical challenge, learning new skills and volunteering experience.

We always have large numbers of girls participating in the award - it’s a chance to push your boundaries, make new friends across your year group and broaden your horizons by freely giving of your time to those who need it. There will be a practice expedition and a qualifying expedition, both with overnight camping.

Social Robots

Led by: Mrs Evans and Mr Richardson Years: 10

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Primary Aims Can robots be helpful, playful and aids to learning? Or are they worrying or even a bit frightening? In Social Robots club we explore all these ideas by learning to code and develop projects with our endearing robot animals, Bit and Byte.

No coding experience necessary. We’ll be learning and using Blockly and Python. But do bring your best critical thinking skills as we explore the future.

Led by: Mrs McGovern and Ms Seetharaman Years: 10 - 13 Primary Aims Reading group focused on developing scientific curiosity and inspiring multidisciplinary thinking.

Meetings will be once a term, with ongoing discussion / support on Teams. The book will be voted on by the group, prior to the first meeting.

…@WimbledonHigh

STEAM Book Club

Tea and T’inking Led by: Mr Addis Years: 9 - 13 Primary Aims Want a space to think about the big questions? Want an opportunity to dig deep into a wide variety of topics? Want to drink some tea in a friendly warm environment? Then come to Tea and T’inking!

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It is an unapologetically intellectual club where we take the opportunity to think big questions. What is the purpose of laughing? Is meme culture actually a new language?

What would make a perfect governmental system? It will be a combination of discussion about topics from a variety of angles along with some presentation opportunities for students. A relaxed, but engaging voyage of the mind, come along to stretch yourself and, of course, have some tea.

TGIF

Led by: Mrs Green and Ms Aremo Club Ambassador: Eleanor H Years: All year groups Primary Aims A friendly club open to all students in all year groups. We meet to investigate Christianity and Culture and to study various parts of the Bible and the gospel.

Each week a guest speaker gives a short talk and there is always time for discussions around the subject.

Led by: Mr Patterson Years: All year groups Primary Aims

Women of Colour in STEM aims to learn about and discuss the many achievements and contributions women of colour have made and continue to make in STEM careers.

We will look at the biographies and achievements of these women with the goal of viewing how their decision to pursue STEM careers was influenced by their backgrounds and personal goals.

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Women of Colour STEM

Co-Curricular Life 2020 ~ 2021

Wellbeing Space

Led by: Ms Beckwith Years: 11 and 13 Primary Aims A tranquil space for Year 11s and Year 13s, with a carousel of rejuvenating or mindful activities.

Year 10 Lord of the Flies Documentary Led by: Mr Daws Years: 10 Primary Aims Make a documentary film about the experience of having your drama production cancelled due to Lockdown.

Young Reporters 32

Led by: Miss Gilchrist Years: Open to Year 10 and upwards Primary Aims Young Reporters is a rare work experience scheme run by the Local Guardian newspaper, where you can be a real freelance journalist and see your work published online.

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The scheme runs from October to April, where you will write eight short articles. If you are considering a career in journalism or the media, this is a superb opportunity to develop a portfolio of your writing and photography.

Just do what works for you because there will always be someone who thinks differently.

Michelle Obama

Wimbledon High School, Mansel Road, London SW19 4AB 020 8971 0900 • info@wim.gdst.net • www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net Head: Ms Fionnuala Kennedy