Extra-Curricular Activities

The wide ranging extra-curricular activities on offer contribute to the vibrancy and creativity of the school. Many subjects offer activities based on areas of the curriculum, such as Rosetta Stone language courses, inviting guest speakers into lessons or organising day trips and workshops.  There are annual exchange trips to both France and Germany. The school employs Language Assistants in French, German and Chinese, who provide additional curriculum support and extra-curricular opportunities for students. As part of the extra-curricular programme students also have the opportunity to try new skills based activities or to organise clubs and activities for younger students e.g. Art Club, Debating Society and Maths club. Most activities take place at lunchtime and after school, with occasional weekend experiences, day visits or workshops.

Drama and Theatre

As well as a weekly Drama Club, our vibrant and professional Drama Department stages two productions annually. In recent years the spring productions have included “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Oliver” and “Escape to the Forbidden Planet”. The summer fundraising production generally has a cast of over 120 and there are many opportunities for students to get involved either as performers, musicians or supporting as stage crew. All Year 7 take part in productions of both Dickens and open air Shakespeare as part of their English and Drama curriculum.

Music

Our thriving Music Department runs a wide range of clubs and organises performances throughout the year. Most activities welcome all those wanting to develop their skills and enjoy music with others. In addition to the School Concert Band, there is the Chamber Choir, Wind Band, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Recorder Group, Flute Group and Ukulele Band. There are regular opportunities to perform individually or as part of an ensemble in concerts and showcases. Peripatetic instrument lessons are offered through Essex Music Services.

Extra-Curricular PE

The Physical Education Department offers an exceptional range of extra-curricular activities, often on a ‘seasonal’ basis, with different activities on offer before school and every lunchtime. Some of the sports will have an additional team practice such as netball, football, rounders and tennis, but most clubs are open to all students who wish to participate for fun or exercise. Our school teams compete successfully at Local, District, Regional and National Levels. We have been very successful in recent years with our Netball, Athletics and Swimming teams. In the Upper School our students can take the Sports Leaders Award, a nationally recognised qualification which supports the development of leadership skills. The PE Department also runs a highly successful Gym and Dance Show.  Extra-curricular sports clubs currently on offer for various terms throughout the year include: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Dance, Fencing, Fitness, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Running, Rounders, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trampolining, Yoga, and Zumba. 6