The wide ranging extracurricular activities on offer contribute to the vibrancy and creativity of the school. Many subjects offer activities based on areas of the curriculum.
Guest speakers are invited into lessons and also give talks to students during lunchtime clubs. For example, MedSoc frequently hosts former students who are currently studying Medicine or related areas and talks are given by professionals working in a variety of scientific fields. The school employs Language Assistants in French and German, who provide additional curriculum support and extracurricular opportunities for students.
As part of the extracurricular programme students also have the opportunity to try new skills based activities or to organise clubs and activities for younger students e.g. Tamil Club, Art Club and Debating Society. Most activities take place at lunchtime or after school, with occasional weekend experiences, day visits or workshops.
The MFL Department offers many extracurricular activities, such as Rosetta Stone language courses, inviting guest speakers into lessons or organising day trips and workshops. The school employs Language Assistants in French and German, who provide additional curriculum support and extracurricular opportunities for students.
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 “Return to the Forbidden Planet” and “Les Miserables”. 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 Shakespeare as part of their English and Drama curriculum.
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 Choir, Wind Band, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Kazoo Group, Recorder Group and Flute Group. 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.
The Physical Education Department offers an exceptional range of extracurricular 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 Year 10 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. Extracurricular sports clubs currently on offer for various terms throughout the year include: athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, dance, fitness, football, netball, running, rounders, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trampolining, yoga, and zumba.
As part of the extracurricular 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, BioSoc, Debating Society, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Maths club and VetSoc. Most activities take place at lunchtime and after school, with occasional weekend experiences, day visits or workshops.
