Activities and Clubs 2016 / 2017

INTRODUCTION

At St Helen and St Katharine we place great emphasis on our broad extracurricular programme. Life beyond the classroom is so important in offering girls the opportunity to explore and extend their wider interests, to make friends across age groups and to build confidence. It is this combination which embodies the ethos of the school.

Life beyond the classroom here is full. A wide range of sports, clubs and societies, music, drama, educational visits, lectures and expeditions are available. We encourage the girls to explore their interests and try new things. They can participate purely for fun, to broaden their interests or to follow their strengths and excel through selective teams and groups, music and drama

productions. We aim to inspire them to develop their learning and experiences, to enjoy all that is on offer and provide them with the space and opportunity to make their own choices and find their own niche.

We hope the following pages will inspire the girls and help them to plan enjoyable, interesting and fulfilling lives beyond the classroom, in preparation for rewarding lives beyond school. The dates and times are accurate at the time of printing but the extracurricular programme will continue to develop and grow throughout the year. The latest version of Beyond can also be found in the publications section of the school website at www.shsk.org.uk.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Clubs and Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Art and Design Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Art Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Art Scholars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4DT Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4GCSE Art Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4GCSE and A level Jewellery and Silversmithing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Lower School Craft Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Pottery Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Photography Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Pottery Open Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Textiles Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Books and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Classic Novels Made Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Digging Deeper: Close Reading Skills . . . . . .5Junior Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Lower School Creative Writing Club . . . . . . .5Middle School and Sixth Form Creative Writing Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Secret Shadowers Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Sixth Form Extension English . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Sixth Form Joint Literary Society . . . . . . . . . . .5

Chaplaincy Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Confirmation Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Senior Christian Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6World Prayer Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Chemistry Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Chess and Board Games Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Citizen Scientists Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Debating Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7DEMOS Politics Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Eco Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Engineering Education Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . .7European Youth Parliament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Geography Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Helicon Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7History Society/Politics Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Interact Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Investor Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Knit Chicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Language Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Lower and Middle School Debating Club . . . .8Lower School History Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8MedSoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Minecraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Model United Nations (MUN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Natural History Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Modern Foreign Languages . . . . . . . . . . . 8Joint MFL Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Joint MFL Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Mandarin Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Philosophy Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Physics Practical Olympiad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Sanskrit Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Schools Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9School Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Talking Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Young Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Audition Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Drama Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Drama Productions and Activities for 2016 / 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Bass Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Big Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Brass Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Camerata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Cantores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Chamber Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Chamber Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Chapel Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Clarinet Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Concert Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13First Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Flute Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Jazz Ensembles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Joint Choral Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Junior Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Lower School Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Music Aural Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Musical Theatre Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Music Theory Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Saxophone Ensembles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Sight-singing Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Sinfonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Sinfonietta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Tea Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Vocal Ensembles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Wind Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Music Activities for 2016 / 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Badminton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Biathlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Cricket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Cross-country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Equestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Fencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Fitness Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Group Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Gymnastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Indoor Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Indoor Rowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Lacrosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Netball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Netball Youth Umpires Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Rounders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Rowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Sports Leader Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Swimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Tae Kwon-do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Trampoline Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Expeditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Art and Italian Trip to Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Battlefields Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Berlin Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Star City, Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Ski Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Kilve Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Sixth Form Study Trip to Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Biology Field Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Junior Department Trip to Isle of Wight . . . . .20Geography Field Trip to Snowdonia . . . . . . . .20Art Trip to Cornwall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Spanish, German and Italian Exchanges . . . .20The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Learning Beyond the Classroom . . . . . . . . . 21Trips and Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Lectures and Dinners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21National Challenges and Competitions . . . . .21Thinking Suppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Staff List 2016 / 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Contents | 32 | Introduction

CLUBS AND SOCIETIESA wide variety of clubs and societies are available . Catering for all year groups and from general interest to specialist subject areas, there is a club or society for everyone, designed to spark a new interest or develop an existing passion .

Art and Design Technology

Books and Beyond...Art ClubArt Club enables girls to build on and extend their practical skills . Projects are set each half-term and include art, craft and design activities as well as competitions .

Who: Years 5 – 8When: Monday, 12.30pmWhere: Art 3 Staff i/c: HEM

Art ScholarsEach term there is a 6 week club for Art Scholars in Years 9 - U6, which is an opportunity to have an extended period of time outside of the taught curriculum to learn a new skill, have the opportunity to work with one another on collaborative projects and use materials not used in class .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: First half of each termWhere: Pottery/Art 1/Art 2 Staff i/c: BQD/WRC/HEM

DT ClubsStudents have the opportunity to design and make their own project using a variety of materials and techniques .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Tuesday, 12.30pmWhere: 3D2Staff i/c: ACL / TTWho: Year 11When: Wednesday and Thursday, 4.15pm – 5.00pmWhere: 3D2Staff i/c: ACL / TT

GCSE Art ClubAn opportunity for pupils taking GCSE art and design to extend their classroom work, do specialist art homework, experiment with media and discuss progress .

Who: Years 10 and 11When: Wednesday, 4.15pm – 5.00pmWhere: Art 2Staff i/c: JCM

GCSE and A level Jewellery and Silversmithing ClubPupils can learn how to design and make earrings, rings and pendants . No previous experience is required . Silver and semi-precious stones are available at cost if girls wish to use them .

Who: Years 10 – U6When: TBC, (Michaelmas term)Where: 3D2Staff i/c: ACL

Lower School Craft ClubLower School Craft Club gives pupils the opportunity to use a variety of materials and processes such as papier mache, embossed metal, mosaic, plaster casting and clay .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Friday, 12.05pm (Michaelmas and Lent terms)Where: 3D1Staff i/c: SMC

Classic Novels Made Fun This light-hearted group aims to make classic literature fun and accessible . Readers will be encouraged to dip their toes deeper into the world of English literature from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries . As well as having a go at reading the novels we will be exploring adaptations of classic novels through film, television, radio plays and graphic novels .

Who: Years 7 – 11 When: On a three weekly basis (day TBC) 4.10-5.00pm Where: Lecture Theatre Staff i/c: TBC

Digging Deeper: Close Reading SkillsWho: Year 11When: TBCWhere: D2Staff i/c: SHM

Junior Book Club We discuss and recommend books to each other, play games and take part in other book related activities .

Who: Years 5 and 6 When: Every fortnight (day TBC) 4.10-5.00pm Where: Ground floor library Staff i/c: TBC

Lower School Creative Writing ClubWe will meet approximately fortnightly to share our writing and try out new techniques, aiming to enter competitions, produce our own publications and have fun being creative . See English Department noticeboard for further details .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Fridays 12.40pm alternate weeksWhere: D2Staff i/c: TAN

Middle School and Sixth Form Creative Writing GroupWe discuss and share our individual projects . We also enjoy discussing and developing ideas for fiction together, then sharing the different directions we have taken in writing on shared themes . The group provides a source of inspiration, motivation and feedback . We meet on a half-termly basis . See English Department noticeboard for further details .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: See department noticeboardWhere: D2Staff i/c: TBC

Secret Shadowers Society Following the success of Carnegie Shadowing in School this reading group has been setup for pupils who enjoy reading and discussing contemporary young adult fiction . We generally read two books and discuss them at the meetings before members nominate and vote on the books to read for the next meeting . Titles selected are often on current awards shortlists . The group is run in collaboration with pupils and library staff at Larkmead School .

Who: Years 9 – 11 When: On a three weekly basis (day TBC) 4.10-5.00pm Where: Upper Atrium Staff i/c: TBC

Sixth Form Extension EnglishThe Extension groups offer Sixth Form pupils the chance to enrich their A level study with a broader and more challenging range of texts . They are particularly aimed at those who think they might like to apply for English at university .

Who: U6 (Michaelmas term) L6 (Lent and Trinity term)

When: TBCWhere: D5Staff i/c: CJN / FAM

Sixth Form Joint Literary SocietyWe meet with Abingdon School Sixth Form students to explore literature beyond the A level syllabus . We also invite visiting speakers and have an annual Literary Dinner .

Who: Year 11 and Sixth FormWhen: Tuesday, 4.15pmWhere: D2Staff i/c: FAM

Pottery ClubLearn to use the potter’s wheel and hand building projects .

Who: Years 9 – 11When: Tuesday, 4.15pm – 6.00pmWhere: 3D1Staff i/c: BQD

Photography ClubPhotography club will introduce pupils to how to take a good photograph, with your own camera or using school cameras . There will also be opportunities to learn new techniques in Photoshop and use Smartphones and iPads to take photographs .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Tuesday, 12.30pm (Michaelmas term)Where: IT2 / Lecture TheatreStaff i/c: JCM

Pottery Open StudioAn opportunity to continue working on 3D projects that are being constructed in lessons .

Who: Years 10 – 11When: Monday, 12.30pmWhere: 3D1Staff i/c: BQD

Textiles ClubLearn a variety of textile processes, using hand techniques and sewing machines . Complete a finished article that demonstrates your skills and personal style .

Who: 15 pupils from Years 8 – 10. The session will run for 10 weeks and then be repeated if oversubscribed

When: Wednesday, 12.30pmWhere: Art 3Staff i/c: ASW

4 | Clubs and Societies Clubs and Societies | 5

CREST Would you like a taste of being a real scientist, doing your own research? CREST is run by the British Science Association and is Britain’s largest national award scheme for project work in science, technology, engineering and maths . Through CREST you can undertake your own creative project work in an area that interests you .

Who: Year 9 Bronze and Year 10 Silver AwardsWhen: Tuesday or Thursday, 12.05pmWhere: C4Staff i/c: JES / ZLC / MW

Debating SocietyDebating is a dynamic and challenging activity and a fabulous skill to learn . Debating complements all subject choices and gives you an opportunity to discuss, and hear others discussing, the key ethical and topical issues of the day . We also enter teams in a number of competitions over the course of the year .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Thursday, 12.30pmWhere: Lecture TheatreStaff i/c: TBC

DEMOS Politics ClubAn opportunity to debate current affairs and discuss political issues in the media as well as literature and films .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Monday 12.40pm TBCWhere: Room 13Staff i/c: LMG

Eco ClubAn opportunity to get involved in ensuring that St Helen’s stays green, raising awareness among pupils and staff as well as investigating ways in which the school can become more environmentally friendly . This year we are working towards an Eco Schools Silver Award .

Who: Years 6 and 7When: TBCWhere: Geography OfficeStaff i/c: LJS

These informal groups meet weekly . If you would like to join one for your age group, please do come along . All welcome!

ActivateLiving out your Christian faith: top tips, fun, bible study, discussion and prayer .

Who: Years 9 and 10When: Friday, 12.30pm – 1.00pmWhere: The Living RoomStaff i/c: CEW

Confirmation ClassesFor anyone wishing to be baptised or confirmed as a sign of their Christian commitment .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Tuesday, 12.05pm – 1.15pm, Lent term onlyWhere: The Living RoomStaff i/c: CEW

QuestA chance to explore the Christian faith in a fun, informal way with games, food, craft and friendship .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Tuesday, 12.30pm – 1.00pmWhere: The Living RoomStaff i/c: Rev Katie and Sacristans

Senior Christian Forum A place to discuss questions and worldviews, in a relaxed atmosphere, with bible study and prayer .

Who: Years 11 – U6When: Wednesday, 12.30pm – 1.00pmWhere: The Living RoomStaff i/c: CEW

World Prayer Group For anyone wanting to pray for current affairs issues .

Who: Year 11When: Tuesday, 10.25amWhere: The Living Room Staff: i/c: CEW

Chaplaincy Groups Chemistry Club This club offers pupils the opportunity to experience a wide range of fun and entertaining practical chemistry . There will be lots of hands-on laboratory work, including fire writing, fireworks, golden coins, silver mirrors, blue bottles and much more .

Who: Year 8When: Thursday, 12.15pmWhere: C2Staff i/c: CJH

Chess and Board Games Club An opportunity to develop your thinking skills and showcase your mental tactics and strategy – and have a lot of fun in the process!

Who: tbcWhen: tbcWhere: tbcStaff i/c: JGH

Citizen Scientists ClubBe part of real science . Analyse real data from a range of projects around the world . Classify animals from Gorongosa National park, Mozambique . Search for fossils in Kenya . Monitor changing seasons . Spot whales and dolphins and deep sea creatures . Study the surface of Mars . Identify galaxies that few have seen before . Find planets beyond our solar system . Do all this from the science laboratory .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Monday, 12.15pmWhere: P2Staff i/c: ZLC

ComputingLearn to code or develop your coding . Learn a new language, tackle a new challenge, hack something interesting . All welcome .

Who: All yearsWhen: Lunchtime TBCWhere: IT1Staff i/c: LMS

Engineering Education SchemeTwice weekly meetings in conjuction with our partner company UKAEA to complete an engineering project .

Who: L6 PhysicistsWhen: TBC (Oct – April)Where: TBCStaff i/c: JKE

European Youth ParliamentA debating competition with a difference! Teams take on the role of a Committee of the European Parliament and debate issues concerning the governance and role of the EU . Teams from St Helen’s have reached National Sessions in the last five years and in April 2013 represented the UK at the 72nd International Session in Munich . If you enjoy debating, have an interest in politics and current affairs and can speak French (or another European language) confidently then EYP could be for you!

Who: Nine pupils in L6When: From January, time by mutual agreement Where: D2Staff i/c: CJN

Helicon ClubThis is a club for all ages interested in classical activities . No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required . Roman cooking and Greek vase painting, writing and performing in plays, games, films and jigsaw puzzles are typical pursuits of club members .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Tuesday, 12.40pmWhere: Room 20Staff i/c: LAS

History Society/Politics SocietyThe History and Politics Societies, which run on alternate weeks, offer sixth form girls the chance to enrich their A level study with the intended focus being on discovering a wider range of topics than we have time to cover in the classroom . There will be a variety of activities from reading new texts, listening to visiting speakers, presentations from other members of the group and much more .

Who: Sixth FormWhen: Wednesday 12.00pmWhere: Room 13Staff i/c: DJS / Sixth Form historians

Interact ClubInteract, Rotary International’s service club for young people, develops links with our local community . Working with members of the Rotary Club, we plan events and raise money for the school charity .

Who: Year 10 - L6When: Wednesday 12.30pmWhere: Biology break-out spaceStaff i/c: KHH

Investor ChallengeThe Investor Challenge is a UK-wide share trading competition for any interested students, with a top prize of a trip to New York .

Who: Years 10 – U6When: TBCWhere: TBCStaff i/c: SDG

Geography SocietyNational competitions, visiting speakers, research and projects around school are just some of the activities planned for Geography Society! In addition we host an annual geography dinner . Follow us on Twitter (@shskgeog)

Who: Sixth FormWhen: Tuesday, 12.40pmWhere: Geography Department OfficeStaff i/c: HSS / Sixth Form Geographers

6 | Clubs and Societies Clubs and Societies | 7

Modern Foreign Languages

Joint MFL Club A joint St Helen’s and Abingdon School Club . An opportunity to explore a range of languages and cultures in a fun and sociable way . Parents must complete and sign a permission slip committing to a full half-term’s attendance .

Who: Years 7 – 9When: TBC Where: Abingdon School / St Helen’sStaff i/c: LNP

Orlando This is a student led club for sixth form only that explores issues surrounding gender and identity . They invite outside speakers and discuss topics within the group .

Who: Sixth Form onlyWhen: as arranged by Sixth FormWhere: SHSK or AbingdonStaff i/c: AVV

Philosophy SocietyWe will be offering philosophy courses that span a number of weeks and will be advertised to the girls in advance .

Who: Sixth Form. Other year groups by invitationWhen: Thursday, 4.15pm – 5.00pmWhere: Room 24Staff i/c: KPM

Physics Practical OlympiadA nationally recognised competition run by the British Physics Olympiad to complete an investigation and produce a report .

Who: Year 11 and L6When: TBC (Sept – Dec)Where: P4Staff i/c: KEB

Sanskrit ClubIf you are interested in languages and how they work, why not have a look at one of the most ancient Indoeuropean languages in the world? It has such a precise, scientifically structured grammatical system that it was considered as an option for a computing language . We will look at the script and structure of the language, read some stories and start to use Sanskrit ourselves .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Friday, 12.40pmWhere: Room 23Staff i/c: DLH

Schools ChallengeA general knowledge schools quiz competition based on the TV programme University Challenge . Two teams will be put forward for the regional competition, including two ‘junior’ members (Years 7 – 10) and two ‘senior’ members (Years 11 – U6) . St Helen’s teams regularly reach the Regional Finals, so if you have a brain full of random knowledge come and join the try outs at the beginning of the Michaelmas term .

Who: Eight pupils from Years 7 – U6When: Friday, 12.05pmWhere: D2Staff i/c: TBC / Sixth Form

School CouncilMeeting of school council reps to discuss issues concerning the running of the School . Over the last two years, Council made a big contribution to the shape of the new Behaviour Policy, wrote the School Code of Conduct, consulted the School about uniform and reviewed school meals with Olivier . Council reps also commented on all aspects of school life, from St Kate’s Day and planners to homework and hand dryers .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Wednesday, 12.30pm once per half termWhere: Lecture TheatreStaff i/c: EJB

Talking SpaceAn informal discussion group meeting in the cafeteria once every half term . Each session will look at a different aspect of the world today, and how that might impact on you, your future and your choices . There will be an opportunity to explore a range of ideas about what it means to be female in the world today . Topics might include the depiction of women in the media, gender identity, career choices, and any ideas or concerns raised by you .

Who: Years 8 – 11When: Wednesday lunchbreak (once every half term)Where: CafeteriaStaff i/c: LAS

Young EnterprisePupils run their own company for a year designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling products . Starting with market research to help to define product ideas, they put together a business plan and a management structure which will enable them to run a successful company . They take part in trade fairs and area presentations which result in companies gaining awards in a range of business skills .

Who: Year 10 and L6When: Various days, 4.10pm – 5.00pmWhere: Orchard Room / Atrium Meeting RoomStaff i/c: CSC

Knit ChicksKnitting and handicrafts for all year groups . Come and learn a new craft or share your skills with other pupils .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Monday, 12.05pm – 1.10pmWhere: Ground Floor LibraryStaff i/c: DSP / KAG

Language Leaders Learning to lead and leading to learn; an opportunity for Years 9 and 10 linguists to take on a leadership role . Students will spend two terms preparing to deliver a language lesson to Years 5 and 6 students from St Helen’s and local primary schools .

Who: Years 9 and 10When: Wednesday, 12.35pmWhere: LLCStaff i/c: MCF

Lower and Middle School Debating ClubDebating is a dynamic and challenging activity and a fabulous skill to learn . An interest in current affairs and an understanding of politics are not a requirement but, even if you don’t have them before you arrive, you’ll soon develop them! We look forward to welcoming beginners and intermediate debaters, with the aim of improving your skills entering competition and holding a number of debates against local schools .

Who: Years 7 – 10When: Thursday, 12.40pm, Friday, 12.40pmWhere: Lecture Theatre (Years 7 and 8), D5 (Years 9 and 10)Staff i/c: ECH (Years 7 and 8) / TAN and ECH (Years 9 and 10)

Lower School History ClubFun activities for budding historians . Debates, film-making and creative projects help you appreciate the past in a lively atmosphere .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Monday, 12.40pmWhere: Room 5Staff i/c: SSM

MedSocA weekly session for U6 students (and L6 students in the post-AS period) wishing to apply to study medicine / veterinary medicine / dentistry including UKCAT / BMAT preparation . Lectures and talks about medical careers are also provided for Sixth Form students .

Who: Sixth FormWhen: Thursday form timeWhere: Biology break-out spaceStaff i/c: KHH

MinecraftThe chance for girls of all ages and experience levels to come and create something wonderful, be it a big design project, learning to use Redstone for engineering projects or coding in the game .

Who: All yearsWhen: Lunchtime TBCWhere: IT1Staff i/c: JGH

Model United Nations (MUN)This exciting simulation of the United Nations develops research and debate skills . Teams take on the roles of member countries to propose and discuss a range of resolutions . We take part in a number of MUN conferences over the year .

Who: Years 10 – U6When: TBCWhere: Room 13Staff i/c: LMG / JXS

Natural History ClubCome to bug club to discover more about the creatures in the world around us .

Who: Years 5 – 8When: Thursday, 12.10pmWhere: B3Staff i/c: TQB

Joint MFL Society An opportunity for like minded sixth formers from surrounding schools to socialise and discuss topical linguistic and cultural issues . Programme of events tbc .

Who: Sixth FormWhen: At least twice per termWhere: Largely based at St Helen’s or Abingdon SchoolStaff i/c: LNP / JM

Mandarin ClubA chance for girls to learn the language and find out more about the culture of China .

Who: Years 6 and 7When: TBCWhere: D13Staff i/c: TBC

Clubs and Societies | 98 | Clubs and Societies

DRAMADrama is a thriving part of school life . Productions take place throughout the year that allow pupils the opportunity to take part in technical support, design, stage management and front of house, as well as acting . Productions, where possible, join forces with Abingdon School . Original play writing is encouraged and supported through an annual play writing competition, the winning entry being staged as a lunchtime performance . A busy calendar of theatre trips to London, Stratford and other regional theatres support those studying GCSE drama and A level theatre studies including the Shakespeare Institute where pupils research original performance conditions in the 16th and 17th centuries .

Audition WorkshopsIndividual sessions are offered to anyone who is planning to audition for National Youth Theatre, drama school or university . It is an opportunity to build confidence, develop skills and get feedback from staff . N .B . It is not open to students auditioning for a school play .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: A lunchtime when you are freeWhere: Studio TheatreStaff i/c: EAJ / JMW

Drama Clubs Weekly drama clubs for each year group are offered at lunchtimes, supported by drama scholars and assistants, to provide opportunities for pupils to be involved in drama beyond the curriculum .

Who: Years 5 – 9When: Monday, 12.05 – Improvisation Club (LL) and

12.40 – Years 8 and 9 Drama Club (REP) Wednesday, 12.40 – Years 5 and 6 Drama Club (LL) Thursday, 12.40 – Playwriting Competition Rehearsals (SPC) Friday, 12.40 – Year 7 Drama ClubWhere: Studio TheatreStaff i/c: REP / SPC / AB

Lower School Production, The Lion King

Senior Production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Senior Production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Middle School Production, Alice

Drama Productions and Activities for 2016 / 2017

Description Staff i/c

SeptemberU6 Theatre Studies trip to Cymbeline at Stratford-upon-Avon

L6 and U6 trip to the National Theatre – Threepenny Opera

NovemberVisiting Watermill Theatre Company – Frankenstein (Year 10 – L6)

U6 Theatre Studies trip to Cymbeline at The Barbican

January

Senior Production at St Helen’s AVV

U6 Theatre Studies trip to the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon JMW

Joint senior production at St Helen’s JMW

FebruaryJoint senior production at Abingdon School

Middle School production at St Helen’s REP

March Playwriting Competition performance of winning entry SPC

June Lower School Production EAJ

July Junior Department Production NLT

NB Audition Workshops will continue to run next academic year, however Film Club will not.

Rehearsals

Lower School Production Mondays and Wednesdays after school

Middle School Production Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school

Joint Senior Production (AVV) Lunchtime TBC

Joint Senior Production (JMW) Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays after school

Anything Goes

Drama | 1110 | Drama

MUSICMusical activities lie at the heart of the school, with hundreds of pupils involved in individual music lessons . The Music department aims to provide opportunities for all pupils to participate and perform music, whatever their level of experience and expertise . Everyone who learns a musical instrument or has singing lessons in school or outside is strongly encouraged to join a group, ensemble or school choir . Groups and ensembles are directed by members of staff, visiting music staff and some by senior pupils .

Bass ClubFor anyone who would like to try playing the double bass or bass guitar .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: LunchtimeWhere: Percussion roomStaff i/c: MEH

Big BandThe Big Band performs at the Christmas Revue, the Jazz evening and summer Jazz afternoon, covering a range of traditional and contemporary Jazz .

Who: Any jazz players, Grade 5 level and above When: Friday, 12.05pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: DCM

Brass BandOpen to all brass players, the brass band performs at the February and June concerts .

Who: All brass playersWhen: Tuesday, 8.30am Where: Percussion StudioStaff i/c: DCM

CantoresCantores is open to anyone in Year 9 upwards who enjoys singing . They perform a variety of musical styles at a number of different events . They have taken part in tours abroad and featured on several CD recordings, available from the music department .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Wednesday 12.40pm -1.10pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: HKC

Chamber ChoirPerforming a variety of music, the chamber choir performs at school concerts and music festivals .

Who: Sixth FormWhen: TBCWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: Sixth Form pupils

Chamber MusicA large number of music ensembles are coached by visiting music staff and senior pupils . The groups have a special concert in February and participate in the Oxford Music Festival and school music festivals . A number of groups are selected to enter the national Pro Corda competition each year, and ensembles regularly reach the semifinal and finals stages .

Who: By invitationWhen: TBCWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: MJW

CamerataCamerata gives our most advanced string players an opportunity to tackle established string repertoire . They have taken part in tours abroad and in joint ventures with Abingdon School .

Who: String players, Grade 7 level and above (by invitation)When: Wednesday, 4.20pm – 5.00pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: MJW

Chapel ChoirThe Chapel Choir leads the school in weekly services, termly eucharists and special occasions such as Nine Lessons and Carols and the Confirmation service . The choir also performs in school concerts, the Oxford Music Festival and has taken part in tours abroad and featured on CD recordings, available from the music department .

Who: Years 9 – U6 (by audition)When: Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8.40am;

Tuesday, 12.05pmWhere: ChapelStaff i/c: HMR

Clarinet GroupAn opportunity for all clarinettists in Year 10 and above to play together and perform .

Who: Clarinet players, Years 10 – U6When: Wednesday 8.30amWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: CQS

Concert BandThe Concert Band is for our most advanced wind and percussion players and has taken part in tours abroad and featured on several CD recordings, available from the music department .

Who: Wind players, Grade 5 level and above (by audition)When: Thursday, 4.20pm – 5.00pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: DCM

First OrchestraFirst Orchestra performs in the two Senior Concerts each year in November and May, often giving concerto opportunities to advanced music scholars . They have taken part in recent tours to Tuscany (2008), Germany (2010) and Spain (2012), and have also featured on several CD recordings, available from the music department .

Who: Orchestral players, Grade 6 level and above (by audition)

When: Thursday, 4.20pm – 6.00pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: HMR

Flute GroupFor all flute players, performing at the February and June concerts and school music festivals .

Who: Flute players, beginner to Grade 5 levelWhen: tbcWhere: Percussion RoomStaff i/c: Sixth Form pupils

Jazz EnsemblesThe Jazz Ensembles perform at a variety of events and always feature at the Jazz evening and the summer Jazz afternoon .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: TBCWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: TBC

Joint Choral SocietyThe JCS includes pupils, parents and staff from schools in Abingdon and responsibility for its organisation alternates between St Helen’s and Abingdon School .

Who: Years 9 – U6 (boys and girls)When: Tuesdays 4.10pm – 5.00pmWhere: ChapelStaff i/c: HKC

Junior ChoirA choir performing a variety of material for any junior school pupil who enjoys singing .

Who: Years 5 and 6When: Thursday, 12.40pmWhere: M14Staff i/c: PKG

Lower School ChoirThe Lower School Choir is open to anyone in Year 7 and 8 who enjoys singing . They perform at the Christingle service in December, the Oxford Music Festival in January and at school concerts in February and June .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Tuesday, 12.05pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: HKC

12 | Music Music | 13

Music Aural ClassesA number of classes designed to prepare pupils for the aural requirements of ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall examinations .

Who: Years 5 – U6 When: Monday, 12.05pm, Thursday, 8.30am, Thursday, 12.05pm Where: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: EFD

Musical Theatre ClubAn opportunity for girls to learn and perform old favourites and new West End tunes, they perform in the Musical Theatre Evening in May .

Who: Years 8 – U6When: Thursday, 12.05pmWhere: Dance StudioStaff i/c: HKC

Music Theory ClassesA number of classes covering the basics of music theory and preparing pupils for ABRSM Grade 5 theory . An advanced (post Grade 5) class is also available on request .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Monday, Thursday, Friday, 12.40pmWhere: M20Staff i/c: HMR

Saxophone EnsemblesThe saxophone ensembles perform at a variety of events and always feature at school concerts and the summer Jazz afternoon .

Who: There are various groups of differing size and abilities

When: Wednesday and Thursday, 8.30amWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: PAF

Sight Singing Skills This club is for pupils preparing for ABRSM examinations and those who just wish to improve their sight-singing skills .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Monday and Wednesday, 8.30amWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: PKG

SinfoniaSinfonia performs a variety of light and accessible music, giving performances in two school concerts each year .

Who: Any instrumentalist of any standardWhen: Monday, 12.40pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: HKC

SinfoniettaSinfonietta tackles a mixture of standard orchestral repertoire and lighter material and they perform twice a year, in February and June .

Who: Any orchestral players from approximately Grade 3 level to Grade 5 level (by audition)

When: Tuesday, 4.20pm – 5.00pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: HMR

Tea ConcertsThe Tea Concerts are an informal concert series which take place in the school Chapel . Anyone of any standard is welcome to sign up for each concert, whether they learn in or out of school .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Three Fridays every term, 5.00pm – 6.00pmWhere: School ChapelStaff i/c: Music staff

Vocal Ensembles

There are a number of vocal ensembles which tackle advanced choral and close harmony repertoire, performing at a variety of events .

Who: Advanced Singers, by invitation or auditionWhen: Various mornings and lunchtimesWhere: Music DepartmentStaff i/c: PKG

Wind Band

The Wind Band performs at the February and June school concerts and members enjoy a range of music with an emphasis on enjoyment .

Who: Any wind players from beginner to approximately Grade 5 level

When: Friday, 4.20pm – 5.00pmWhere: YPHStaff i/c: PAF

Music Activities for 2016 / 2017

Morning Time Lunchtime Time After school Time

Monday

Sight Singing Club (PKG) 8.30am Music Aural (EFD) 12.05pmLower School Production (HMR / HKC)

5.15pm

Chapel Choir (HMR) 8.40am Sinfonia (HKC) 12.40pm

Music Theory (HMR) 12.40pm

Tuesday

Brass Band (DCM) 8.30am Chapel Choir (HMR) 12.05pm Joint Choral Society (HKC) 4.10pm

Chapel Choir (HMR) 8.40am Lower School Choir (HKC) 12.05pm Sinfonietta (HMR) 4.20pm

Lower School Production (HMR / HKC)

5.15pm

Wednesday

Clarinet Group (CQS) TBC Cantores (HKC) 12.40pm Camerata (MJW) 4.20pm

Sight Singing Club (PKG) 8.30am

Saxophone Ensemble (PAF) 8.30am

Thursday

Saxophone Ensemble (PAF) 8.30am Musical Theatre Club (HKC) 12.05pm Concert Band (DCM) 4.20pm

Conjuncto (PKG) 8.30am Bar 61 (PKG) 12.05pm First Orchestra: Strings (HMR) 4.20pm

Music Aural (EFD) 8.30am Music Aural (EFD) 12.05pm

Junior Choir (Year 11) 12.40pm

Music Theory Class (HMR) 12.40pm First Orchestra (HMR) 5.15pm

Friday

8VE (PKG) TBC Big Band (DCM) 12.05pm Wind Band (PAF) 4.20pm

Chapel Choir (HMR) 8.40amAccompaniment Coaching (EFD)

12.05pm Tea Concerts (Various) 5.00pm

Music Theory Class (HMR) 12.40pm

NB Chamber music groups and Jazz groups will meet daily (mornings and lunchtimes) to play together, rehearse for concerts, festivals and competitions.

14 | Music Music | 15

SPORTSport and Physical Education play a major role in life at St Helen’s . We strive to provide opportunities for every girl to enjoy participating in a wide range of activities both within and in addition to the curriculum, whether it be for competition, skill development or recreation . A busy and inclusive extracurricular programme allows all pupils to participate and reach their potential in activities that they enjoy . Clubs in all age groups are open to every girl and participation is actively encouraged . There are many opportunities for pupils to play and perform in matches and competitions both within school and through fixtures, competitions and local, regional and national tournaments . Days and times of clubs for each year group are published in detail at the start of each term and can be found on the School website at shsk.org.uk/sports and in the PE Department . New for August 2017: Multi-sports tour to South Africa for netball, swimming and Gymnastics for multi age-group (tbc) .

AthleticsAthletics clubs operate throughout the Trinity term and pupils compete in a range of fixtures against local, regional and national opposition .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Trinity term, Friday lunchtime,

Monday after school, TBCWhere: Sports fieldsStaff i/c: SEK and LET

BadmintonBadminton clubs run at lunchtimes for juniors and seniors . Teams compete in fixtures .

Who: Years 7 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms, lunchtimesWhere: Sports HallStaff i/c: SLW

BasketballBasketball is a popular sport played in Middle School and Sixth Form . Teams compete against other schools and in the county league .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms, lunchtimesWhere: Sports HallStaff i/c: TBC

BiathlonA popular choice to combine swimming and running, St Helen’s biathletes compete with great success regionally, nationally and internationally .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms,

swimming, before school, running, lunchtime

Where: Sports field and local poolsStaff i/c: NAL

CricketCricket is an emerging sport at St Helen’s and girls have the opportunity to play recreationally and competitively to regional level .

Who: Years 7 – 10When: Trinity term, lunchtimes by age groupWhere: Sports fields Staff i/c: ECA

DancePupils have the opportunity to perform in annual productions and local / regional competitions . Local dance schools offer a range of clubs in various styles of dance at St Helen’s . For ballet pre registration, contact: laura.oxfordcityschoolofdance@gmail.com Ballet classes carry an additional cost .

What: Dance clubs and Performance groupsWho: Years 5 – U6 by style and age groupWhen: LunchtimesWhere: Dance Studio

What: Ballet (Laura Addison)Who: Years 5 – 9 by gradeWhen: Monday, 12.10pm – 12.40pm and 12.40pm – 1.10pm

Friday, 12.40pm – 1.10pmWhere: Dance Studio

Staff i/c: MLU

EquestrianPupils have the opportunity to compete as a team representing the school . For enquiries please contact Arlina Mauree (arlina_import@yahoo .co .uk) . This activity carries an additional cost .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Weekend competitions as advertisedStaff: i/c: NAL

FencingFencing takes place after school for all ages, trained by an external coach . This activity carries an additional cost .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Thursday, 5.15pm – 6.15pmWhere: GymStaff i/c: NAL

Fitness SuiteOur new Fitness Suite offers state-of-the-art equipment and technology to offer opportunities for pupils from recreation to elite sport . Designed to be welcoming and accessible, this is a highly popular facility offering both individual training and fitness classes .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: Open every day to card holders, formal

sessions, lunchtimes and after school Where: Fitness SuiteStaff i/c: JQC

FootballFootball club takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent terms . Football is an increasingly popular sport, training towards the county tournament and National League .

Who: Years 7 and 8When: Tuesday, 12.05pmWhere: Sports fieldStaff i/c: SEK

Group CycleA popular and healthy lifestyle activity, group cycle runs in our new Group Cycle Studio .

Who: Years 9 – U6When: TBCWhere: Group Cycle StudioStaff i/c: JQC

GymnasticsGymnastics is a popular sport at St Helen’s . There are clubs for all year groups and we train junior and senior squads who compete in local and regional competitions .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Club Tuesday after school, 4.15pm – 5.15pm;

squad training Wednesday, 4.15pm – 5.15pm and Thursday, 12.05pm and 12.45pm

Where: GymStaff i/c: SLW

Indoor HockeyHockey is played in the curriculum and as a club . Girls are directed to local clubs as appropriate and many represent the county .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: LunchtimesWhere: Sports HallStaff i/c: ECA

Indoor RowingIndoor rowing is a highly popular activity at St Helen’s and recent investment into our new Ergo Suite has increased provision . Training will be focused on technique and there are opportunities for competitions in local and national leagues .

Who: Years 8 – U6When: LunchtimesWhere: Ergo SuiteStaff i/c: NAL

LacrosseLacrosse is one of the major sports at St Helen’s . Coaching is provided by specialist lacrosse coaches and regular weekend fixtures against local schools provide ample opportunity to develop match play skills . Teams also compete with great success at area and national level . St Helen’s pupils regularly achieve county, area and national representation .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms:

Clubs and squad practices by age group: lunchtimes and after school

Where: Sports fieldsStaff i/c: SEK

Cross-countryRunning and cross-country prove to be popular both as activities in their own right and as a supplement to fitness training . Pupils have the opportunity to compete in cross-country fixtures locally, regionally and nationally .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms, lunchtimesWhere: Sports fields and local areaStaff i/c: NAL

16 | Sport Sport | 17

NetballNetball is a major sport . Specialist coaches work with teams of all age groups who play regular fixtures against local schools . St Helen’s hosts area tournaments and enjoys significant success at County, Regional and National levels, regularly being crowned County champions at various age groups and progressing to Regional and National Finals .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Michaelmas and Lent terms: Clubs and squad

practices by age group: lunchtimes and after schoolWhere: Sports HallStaff i/c: ALW / LET

Netball Youth Umpires AwardGirls have the opportunity to qualify as a netball youth umpire by following the nationally recognised qualification during their curriculum PE lessons . There is an additional cost for this activity .

Who: Years 10 and 11When: Curriculum PE lessons for one termWhere: Netball CourtsStaff i/c: LET

RoundersRounders is a major summer sport, played at the highest competitive levels, with St Helen’s pupils currently represented at county, area and national level . Teams play regular fixtures against local schools and compete in national competitions .

Who: Years 5 – L6When: Trinity term: Clubs and squad practices

by age group: lunchtimesWhere: Sports fieldsStaff i/c: SLW

RowingSt Helen’s runs a beginners course for potential rowers, in partnership with Abingdon Rowing Club . This activity carries an additional cost .

Who: Year 8When: Trinity term after schoolWhere: Abingdon Rowing ClubStaff i/c: NAL

Tennis Tennis is a major summer sport with a full programme of clubs, squads and private coaching available during PE lessons, lunchtimes and after school sessions, provided by specialist tennis coaches . Private lessons continue all year round on Saturdays and Sundays . Please contact Head Coach Simon Parkes for further information at thirty15@live .co .uk . There is an additional cost for private tennis lessons .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: Trinity term: by age group: clubs and squad

practices at lunchtimes and after school sessions; All year: private / group lessons on Saturdays and Sundays.

Where: Hard Tennis CourtsStaff i/c: ALW

Trampoline ClubTrampoline Club is open to pupils of all abilities and provides the opportunity for competition against local schools .

Who: Years 7 – U6When: Lunchtimes by age group, 12.05pmWhere: GymStaff i/c: SLW

SailingPupils learning to sail do so in pairs in Picos . We also have use of Laser Funboats and Fireflies depending on conditions and ability of sailor . This activity carries an additional cost .

Who: Years 5 – U6When: September – October and the Summer term, one

evening per week after school, 4.15pm – 6.30pmWhere: We take pupils to Farmoor Reservoir after school

in the minibus. At the end of the session pupils can be collected from Farmoor or we can take them back to school

Staff i/c: GCW

Sports Leader AwardGirls have the opportunity to follow the Sports Leaders Awards at Level 1 and Level 2 during their curriculum PE lessons in Year 10 and / or 11 . There is an additional cost for this activity .

Who: Years 10 and 11When: Curriculum PE lessons for one termWhere: Sports HallStaff i/c: LET

SwimmingSwimming takes place throughout the year . Our competitive squads swim at all levels and are highly successful, enjoying regular inter-school galas and swimming regionally and nationally .

Who: Years 5 – U6, Swim SquadWhen: Thursday, 7.00am – 8.20amWhere: Radley CollegeStaff i/c: NAL

Tae Kwon-doTae Kwon-do is run by an external club after school and is open to all age groups leading to grading and opportunities to compete outside school . This activity carries an additional cost .

Who: Years 7 – U6When: Friday, 5.30pm – 6.30pmWhere: GymStaff i/c: External Coach

EXPEDITIONSFirst-hand experience is an essential part of developing life-long interests . We therefore provide a range of expeditions both in length and scope which offer opportunities for personal development for all ages, aptitudes and interests .

Art and Italian Trip to RomeWho: Sixth FormWhen: 13 – 16 October 2016Where: RomeStaff i/c: JCM

Battlefields TripAll Year 9 girls, accompanied by their form tutors and history teachers, spend two days in Belgium and France visiting battlefields, memorials and war graves; this brings their study of the First World War alive . Spending time together also helps to build bonds and friendships, with chocolate buying in Ypres an added highlight .

Who: Year 9When: 3 – 5 November 2016Where: France and BelgiumStaff i/c: HQN / SSM

Berlin TripThe Year 11 History trip to Berlin visits some of the key historical sites in and around Berlin relating to the Modern World GCSE course girls are studying . Sites visited include Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, The Wannsee Villa, Jewish Museum and Stasi prison .

Who: Year 11When: 13 – 16 December 2016Where: Berlin, GermanyStaff i/c: DJS

Star City, RussiaWe are very excited to be taking 18 girls on the ISSET Cosmonaut Leadership Experience at Star City this February half term . Following a short tour of Moscow sights, girls will be guided by Astronaut Mike Foale and expert instructors through a week of extensive activities, gaining unique insight into space travel training .

Who: Years 10 and 12When: 11 – 17 February 2017 TBCWhere: Moscow and Star City, RussiaStaff i/c: ZLC

Ski tripThis year’s ski trip will be returning to the world famous ski resort of Bormio, known for hosting many top ski race competitions . With instruction during the day and a range of evening activities, the ski trip is an action packed and enjoyable trip taking place in February half term . This year 60 girls and six staff will be taking part .

Who: Years 8 and 10When: 11 – 18 Feb 2017Where: Bormio, ItalyStaff i/c: LET

Kilve CourtThe annual residential trip to Kilve, Somerset, is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Year 7 and the one which many older pupils look back on with real fondness . Set in the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these three days are spent in a variety of outdoors activities . Having visited Cheddar Gorge to complete Geography fieldwork, pupils settle in at Kilve with a beach visit and night orienteering . Over the following days, pupils challenge themselves with a range of sports, including climbing and abseiling, mountain boarding, archery and the much-discussed Fantasy Trail!

Who: Year 7When: 1 – 4 March 2017Where: Kilve Court, SomersetStaff i/c: KLT

Sixth Form Study Trip to SpainL6 and U6 students of Spanish enjoy a week-long linguistic and cultural immersion in advance of their AS and A level oral and written exams .

Who: Sixth Form Spanish studentsWhen: 31 March – 7 April 2017Where: ValenciaStaff i/c: MCF

Biology Field TripA residential field trip to Orielton, Pembrokeshire for all L6 biologists .

Who: All L6 biologistsWhen: 4 – 7 May 2017Where: Orielton Field Centre, PembrokeshireStaff i/c: REJ

Expeditions | 1918 | Sport

Junior Department Trip to Isle of Wight The Junior department will visit the Little Canada PGL camp on the Isle of Wight, where they will have an action packed adventure holiday . Activities will include sailing, zip wires, archery and climbing, as well as work linked in with the geography topic on Coasts .

Who: Years 5 and 6When: 10 – 12 May 2017Where: Isle of WightStaff i/c: NLT

Geography Field Trip to Snowdonia This three day field trip is focused on developing Year 10’s investigative skills . Pupils study river processes and features, and investigate the impact of tourism in an upland glaciated environment .

Who: Year 10 When: 12 – 14 May 2017Where: SnowdoniaStaff i/c: HSS

The Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardThis nationally recognised scheme is identified by employers as the most desirable non-academic qualification in the UK . The Award operates at three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, each requiring participants to complete activities from each of the following categories: Volunteering, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions . At Gold a residential element is also incorporated .

Each level of the Award requires organisation, commitment and perseverance to ensure completion . Support is provided by the D of E office in school to advise and guide participants through their chosen Award . Expedition training, practice and assessment is provided in school for Bronze and Silver Awards, Gold participants are encouraged to participate in expeditions organised by external providers in Wild Country Areas .

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD EXPEDITION DATES 2016-2017

Description Award

January Expedition training Bronze

March Practice expeditions Bronze

March Expedition training Silver

April Practice expedition Silver

June Qualifying expedition Silver

Who: Years 9 – U6Staff i/c: GCW / CAW

Art Trip to CornwallAll Year 10 artists stay in a youth hostel outside Penzance, which has links with Tate St Ives, to spend three days working on an environmental project linked to their GCSE coursework . Pupils produce a finished sketch book having visited galleries, museums and gardens which are submitted with coursework for external moderation at the end of Year 11 .

Who: Year 10When: 22 – 25 June 2017Where: West CornwallStaff i/c: JCM

Spanish, German and Italian Exchanges Designed to enhance pupils’ linguistic and cultural knowledge, the exchanges run every year . Participating pupils are carefully ‘matched’ to like-minded pupils in our partner schools . The itinerary comprises a combination of time spent with the host family, at the partner school, and as a group on cultural visits .

Who: Year 11 (Spanish and German with Abingdon School; Italian)

When: Spanish / Italian visit: Michaelmas half-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Host: Lent German visit: Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Host: MichaelmasWhere: Santiago de Compostela, Bielefeld and NovaraStaff i/c: LNP / MCF / HHT / JEC

Trips and VisitsOur subject departments offer a variety of day trips and visits . Groups of girls in all year groups regularly take advantage of the proximity of Oxford’s lectures, plays and museums as well as travelling further afield, whether our PE GCSE and A level pupils and elite athletes attending the Girls Go Gold conference, Year 10 scientists hearing leading scientists such as Robert Winston speak at Science Live! or Year 7 investigating Roman life at Chedworth Roman Villa .

Lectures and DinnersEvening lectures and dinners provide the opportunity to hear experts in their fields and discuss their ideas in more depth . Recent speakers include Professor Chris Read of Warwick University on the Russian Revolution, Nick Abbott of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on the use of languages in his career in the Middle East, Colin Mayer, Professor of Management Studies at the Said Business School, speaking to the Joint Sixth Form Business and Economics Society, Professor Ruslan Mitkov, Professor of Computational Linguistics and Language Engineering at Wolverhampton University, speaking at the European Day of Languages .

The annual Radley Conference, now in its 17th year, brings together the U6 of St Helen’s and Radley College in November to hear a series of inspiring speakers and engage in heated debate . Following a TED talks format of unconnected 15 minute presentations, the students are required to work together in small groups to produce their own TED talks by the end of the day . The conference, which takes place at Radley, is always preceded by a debating dinner hosted at St Helen’s where group leaders get to know one another and explore the topics to be covered .

National Challenges and CompetitionsMany departments enter pupils into national competitions such as the biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and linguistic Olympiads, in which St Helen’s students achieve regular success . University essay competitions in law, English and history, national poetry and play-writing competitions the Language Perfect World Championships and Vocab Express League of Champions and challenges such as those posed by ARTiculation and the Institute of Chemical Engineers provide girls with opportunities to take their thinking further, if they wish to do so .

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMWe recognise the importance of broadening and enriching pupils’ understanding of subjects beyond the curriculum . We encourage exploration beyond the classroom in a number ways, some organised in school and others for girls to pursue independently .

Spanish exchange to Santiago de Compostela

Thinking SuppersAs part of our academic enrichment programme, recently introduced Thinking Suppers are a beneficial way to mix dining and debate for Years 9 and 10 . Every half-term, invited students are given the opportunity to meet up with Radley College students, either at their school or here at St Helen’s to discuss and debate complex topical issues that there might not be the opportunity to explore in greater depth in the classroom .

Four or five girls are invited from Year 9 and Year 10 to attend and are briefed on the topics in advance by teachers . The visiting school gets to choose, so that girls can research and do some critical thinking around the subject and develop their own ideas and opinions . Subjects can be discussed with teachers and parents beforehand to help build viewpoints and arguments, but ultimately it’s about what the students themselves think and feel about the issues that matter to our society and the challenges our world faces .

Thinking Suppers are aimed at developing critical thinking, confidence, self-belief and presentation skills . As the girls have found, not everyone is going to agree with what you think, but that’s the same in life, so it’s very useful preparation for what lies ahead .

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ACL Mrs Langston

ALW Mrs Wilson

ASW Miss Wardell

AVV Mr Verjee

BQD Mr Drew

CAW Mrs Walker

CQS Miss Scott

CEW Rev Katie

CJH Dr Holyoak

CJN Mrs Nash

CSC Miss Clarke

DCM Mr McNaughton

DJS Miss Smith

DLH Mr Hodgkinson

DSP Mrs Pocock-Bell

EAJ Miss Jewitt

ECA Miss Aston

ECH Mrs Haines

EFD Mrs Dickens

EJB Mrs Bedford

FAM Dr Macdonald

GCW Mrs Wilson

HEM Miss McCague

HKC Miss Coad

HMR Miss Rakowski

HQN Mrs Nash

HHT Mr Thomson

HSS Miss Spencer

JCM Ms McDonald

JES Dr Saba

JGH Mr Hunt

JMW Ms Watt

JQC Mrs Chilvers

JXS Mr Smart

KAG Mrs Gray

KHH Mrs Homann

KLT Mrs Taylor

KPM Ms Meuleman

LAS Miss Simon

LET Mrs Trumper

LJS Ms Snowdon

LMG Dr Gribble

LMS Mrs Stringer

LNP Mrs Probert

LQL Miss Lee

MCF Mrs Fisher

MEH Mr Heighway

MJW Mrs Walton

MLU Mrs Uezzell

NAL Miss Lydall

NLT Miss Talbot

PAF Mr Foster

PKG Miss Grant

RAP Miss Pawley

REJ Mrs James

REP Miss Pearmain

RPM Miss Millard

RQW Mrs Watson

SDG Mr Grant

SEK Mrs Keogh

SHM Mrs Hughes-Morgan

SLW Mrs Wilson

SMC Mrs McCullagh

SPC Ms Pullen-Campbell

SSM Mrs Scott-Malden

TAN Ms Nixon

TQB Dr Bainbridge

TT Mr Titchener

WRC Mr Cotterill

ZLC Dr Chater

ST HELEN AND ST KATHARINE STAFF 2016 / 17

22 | Staff List

St Helen and St Katharine Faringdon Road, Abingdon, OX14 1BE

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