Clubs and Societies

Book Club (KS3) 

Following the successes of the Carnegie Shadowing Group and the KS5 Book Club, the English department has introduced a book club for students in Years 7, 8 and 9. The club will provide students with an opportunity to discuss literature in a less formal environment, promoting the importance of reading for pleasure across the key stage.

Book Club (KS4 & 5) 

This is open to students in Year 10 and above, who have an interest in reading and follows the format of an informal ‘reading group’.  We meet Friday lunchtimes over coffee to discuss a text the group has chosen which reflects their personal interests.  The society is useful if you want to broaden your reading or are applying to read English at university.

Carnegie Shadowing Group 

This club is a reading group aimed at Years 7, 8 and 9; joining schools across the country in shadowing the Carnegie Medal, a national award that is given to the best teenage fiction of the year.  When the shortlist is publically announced, the group replicates the actual process by judging the quality of the shortlist through group discussions and by posting reviews online.  Students can read as many books from the shortlist as they wish.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Parading every Tuesday after school. The CCF (RAF), along with the Air Training Corps (ATC), forms the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), better known as the Air Cadets. The CCF (RAF) is the Air Cadets section of the Combined Cadet Force. There are around 200 RAF Sections with approximately 7,800 cadets and 540 adult volunteers. The CCF (RAF) aims to offer an exciting and challenging cadet experience, based around flying and aviation and so inspire young people to learn and develop new skills.

Chaplaincy Room (next to SF7)

This is a quiet retreat room accessible by all students (and staff) for quiet prayer, meditation or contemplation during morning break and lunchtimes. Further details available from the school Chaplain and also check out the Chaplaincy noticeboards and the link on the school website under curriculum.

Chess Club

Students are invited to come along and develop their chess skills. 

CSI/STEM Science Club

CSI and STEM club is run by the 6th Form and takes place weekly over lunchtime.  Students learn and discuss various forensic techniques, look at cutting edge technology and work with the 6th Form to take what they learn out into the Junior school community for an outreach program.

Debating Society 

The Debating Society is run by Year 12 and 13 at lunchtime.  It assembles in a Westminster format (i.e. Chairman and two speakers for, and two speakers against the motion) and meets in AL1 on Tuesdays.  Sixth formers will usually chair the meetings (a member of staff shall be present throughout proceedings). All students welcome to attend, and speakers from all year groups will hopefully have had opportunities to debate by the end of the year.

Design & Technology Study Club

Every Tuesday lunchtime in the DT workshops.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Mondays after school in LG2 (3.30pm-5.00pm) & Wednesday lunchtime in LG2

English Breakfast Club

Running during form time English breakfast club is run by sixth formers to help GCSE students with parts of the course they want extra support with. It also comes with the promise of free breakfast bars!

Gender Equality Club

A club where all genders are welcome and we discuss issues surrounding gender politics and fundraise for girls in third world countries to get an education.

Geography KS3 Working Lunch

This provides support to catch up with class work and homework, alongside the opportunity to explore areas of interest in greater depth, and extend Geographical understanding by working on the departments 'Termly Challenge'. The club is led by a member of the Geography department. Laptops are available to support the work. Look out for further details on posters or ask your geography teacher.

Geography KS4 Study Group 

This provides support to catch up with class work, complete homework, solve any course related problems and a space to get some work done!  Computers are usually available to support students and the session is led by a geography teacher.  

Look out for further details on posters or ask your geography teacher.

ICT Club 

Come in and spend time accessing the technology to complete work using our computers. Managed by sixth formers, you will need to ensure that this room is only used for the purposes intended. No food or drink allowed. Monday – Thursday in FF5. 

LGBT+ Group (KS3)

The group for Years 7-9 and meets on Thursday lunchtime.

LGBT+ Group (KS4)

The group for Years 10 & 11 meets in A4 on Mondays.

LGBT+ Group (KS5)

The group for Years 12 & 13 meets in C2 on Fridays.

Marketing Club

Held in AL2 on a Thursday lunchtime, Marketing Club is for anyone interested in marketing or associated areas – we look at the fundamentals such as the 4 Ps in a very practical, hands on manner which material produced for a range of events.

Maths Breakfast Club

Running during form time, maths breakfast club is run by sixth formers to help GCSE students with topics in the course that they want extra support with. It also comes with the promise of free breakfast bars!

Maths in Motion

A group of up to 30 students from Years 7 to 13 gather weekly after school to race Formula 1 cars on a software based simulation package. Grouped in teams of two, they work as a racing pit-team, analysing a race circuit, optimising the mechanical settings for the car, deciding on fuel loadings and the tyre changes needed for a full Grand Prix race. The cars have to qualify for a grid position, and a variable weather forecast adds an extra dimension to their decisions. At each stage, the teams use various mathematical concepts to calculate the optimum car configuration. Adding in the fact that all of this has to be completed in limited time; the weekly race becomes a very competitive event! We follow the actual F1 racing calendar for 18-20 weeks, and compete in the international competition in March each year.  Sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover Cars, over 1000 schools participate each year and we have been very successful in this competition over the past 12 years. On ten occasions we have had at least one team reach the International Final, and each one has ultimately finished in the top three of their age group.  In 2009 we were overall Champions and most recently in June 2016, our team came fourth. The club is based in room R10 and takes place every Tuesday from 3.25 - 4.25pm. No prior racing knowledge is needed - just enthusiasm.

Medical Group

A Medical Issues group meets in C1 on Thursday lunchtimes to explore issues of medical ethics, preparations for studying medicine at university, and invites guest speakers in to give talks.

Music

There are over 20 musical ensembles rehearsing weekly at the school ranging from choirs (junior boys, junior girls and flute), junior ukulele, steel pans, rock bands, junior band, advanced vocals, karaoke club, barbershop, guitars, jazz and more!  These are held at Break, lunchtime as well as after school. Further details available from the Music Department section on the school website and from the following Ensembles’ timetable below. All dates and times are subject to change. 

*entrance by invitation/application – see Ms Hollman or Mrs Gibbons

Puzzle Club (MO6)

Tuesday lunchtimes in the maths department, hosting a variety of mathematical puzzles and board games for Years 7 to 9.

Science Supported Study

Science homework and support club runs weekly after school to support students with any science related work. Staffed by science staff, with access to IT facilities and resources this session is very useful for students across KS3.

Sport/Physical Activity

Sport is an integral part of school life. Throughout the year, we offer numerous opportunities for students to become engaged in sport. Our competitive sporting calendar is enviable, including Saturday fixtures and mid-week inter-school matches.  We compete in all major school sports as well as providing other opportunities in activities such as fitness where students can gain a positive practical experience in a non-competitive environment.