Clubs and societies

Pi Club focuses on different aspects of mathematics such as paper folding and maths art, participating in Simon Singh’s parallelograms and team maths challenge preparation.

The annual Playwriting Competition is open to students in Years 7–9. This is an opportunity for all budding playwrights to develop their own script. The winning entrant works with the support of a member of the drama staff to put on their play as a lunchtime production.

Ever fancies yourself as a presenter on a podcast? Don’t wait – start now! As a team, we research a topic, write a series, and then record and distribute our podcasts to the world.

A space to explore the power and beauty of poetry in all its forms, where students can share a favourite poem, showcase something they’ve written, or simply soak in the creativity of others.

Explore political issues of the day through research and discussion, developing understanding and confidence in sharing ideas.

A chance to perform as an instrumentalist or singer in a band and to participate in a number of events at school and at other local schools.

This is an opportunity to explore what Psychology is, take part in replications of research studies and develop curiosity about why humans behave the way they do.

A range of enrichment opportunities are available, from expert lectures and university visits to exploring how Psychology helps us understand current affairs and the world around us.

Make time to relax and read fiction of your choice in a tranquil environment.

Opportunities to build robots from kits, modify to suit your own aims and code to compete in national and international competitions.

Rugby is taught in the PE curriculum and fixtures in touch-rugby take place with local schools.

Year 5 and 6 students learn to sail in their curriculum lessons. Other students learning to sail do so in pairs in Picos. We also have use of Laser Funboats and Fireflies depending on conditions and ability of the sailor. This activity carries an additional cost.

Sax Ensemble enjoys a range of pieces, with opportunities for students to experience playing other members of the saxophone family! Performances at a variety of concerts, including the school jazz events.

Each year the Sixth Form drama scholars develop their own individual projects. These might range from a club focused on a specific skill to theatre workshops or an original production. Details of these opportunities are announced and posted on the Drama Department notice boards each year.

Representatives from each year come together to address and discuss openly school matters including events, environmental initiatives and much more.

We aim to ignite our young scientists’ curiosity with engaging experiments and dynamic demonstrations.

We look at the ancient world from a variety of perspectives, including literature, art and architecture, archaeology, linguistics and gender studies. Great for anyone considering Classics at University, or with general interest in this area.

This Society offers students the chance to engage with contemporary themes beyond the A level curriculum. From Climate Change Awareness Fortnight to expert guest speakers, the society nurtures curiosity and critical thinking in a collaborative setting.

Senior lit soc, like Literati, explores aspects of literature and language that students are less likely to come across in lessons, from Old English riddles, to graphic novels, to the etymological trends in ‘Swifties’ culture.

Senior Politics Society offers the opportunity to go beyond the A level curriculum. The main focus is on producing the Politics Magazine ‘Coalition’ and researching and discussing contemporary issues.

The annual Senior production is open to students in Y11 – Upper Sixth and alternates between a play and a musical year on year. Students enjoy working as part of a large and creative cast. Plays offer the opportunity to focus on character and compelling plot lines, whilst musicals develop acting, singing and movement skills. Boys from local schools and theatre groups are invited to audition for principal male roles, giving St Helen’s students the opportunity to be part of a collaborative and talented senior cast. We also highly value the skill of students who support backstage and make sure that the show is able to run smoothly and look fantastic.

Senior Socratic Society is a space for thoughtful discussion, challenge, and reflection. Each week, we explore philosophical ideas behind current events, ethical dilemmas, and age-old debates, building our skills in argument, reasoning, and critical thinking along the way.

Sign language club is a brilliant way to learn a new form of communication and improving cognitive skills. It provides a fun and engaging environment to learn a valuable skill that promotors inclusion and understanding.

Performing a light, varied and accessible repertoire, Sinfonia gives performances throughout the year.

Playing a mixture of standard orchestral material and lighter works, Sinfonietta performs twice a year in February and June.

A collaborative sketchbook club where Year 9 students share ideas, experiment with new techniques, and build creative confidence in a fun, informal setting.

Spanish Grammar Club is open to all Sixth Form students studying Spanish to help get to grips with the harder grammar points of the course, including the all-important subjunctive.

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

Taekwondo is run by an external accredited coach and carries an additional cost. Students get the chance to gain accreditation in graded belts.

A space of calm to take time out of your busy schedule. No faith background or knowledge needed.

An informal concert series, mainly taking place in Chapel, Tea Concerts are open to anyone whether they learn in or out of school.

An opportunity for violinists to enjoy making music together and to focus on specialist string skills. Students learn the repertoire with their teachers then come together for a small number of rehearsals before each concert.