Extracurricular activities

Lower School Choir is open to anyone in Years 7 and 8 who enjoys singing. It performs at various events throughout the year.

Each week a different member of the MFL Department works with students on a range of different linguistic and cultural experiences. Activities include looking at music in different languages, creating Venetian carnival masks, making Matisse cut-outs and working at a Spanish ice cream stand.

This offers the opportunity for Lower School students to take part in a play or musical. There are opportunities to be involved either on stage as a performer or as part of the backstage team.

We invite anyone studying mathematics to volunteer to help organise, advertise and run activities, events and competitions on behalf of the Mathematics Department.

A weekly session for Lower Sixth students wishing to apply to study medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and other healthcare options at university. UKCAT/BMAT preparation sessions are also provided.

An opportunity to find out about and discuss all things political. No previous knowledge is expected.

This is usually a play, performed towards the end of Michaelmas term. It offers students the opportunity to work collaboratively as part of a team. Students can develop their skills both on stage as actors and backstage as crew.

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.

Classes designed to help those who wish to improve their aural skills.

A number of classes covering the basics of music theory and preparing students for ABRSM Grade 5 theory. An advanced (postGrade 5) class is also available on request.

An opportunity for students to learn and perform old favourites and new West End tunes. They perform in the Musical Theatre Evening in May.

Specialist coaches work with teams of all age groups who play regular fixtures against local schools. St Helen’s 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.

Senior Philosophy Society offers the opportunity to discuss the philosophical issues behind current news items. It is open to anyone in Sixth Form,
irrespective of subjects chosen for A level.

A chance really to explore the intriguing, realworld applications of physics, from physics in popular culture to ground-breaking physics in the news, the history of physics, and so much more.

An opportunity for students to explore mathematics in a wide variety of exciting and fun contexts. We look at a different puzzle or concept each week, broadening students’ understanding and knowledge of mathematics in the real world.

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.

Discussion and chat about some of the big moral questions of life. Includes exploring identity, self-worth, emotions, social media and friendship.

Rugby is taught in the PE curriculum and fixtures in touch- and full-contact 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.

The Saxophone Ensembles perform at a variety of events and always feature at the Jazz Evening and the summer Jazz Afternoon.

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 so much more.

Discover the ‘wow’ of hands-on science activities – with a different science focus each week: chemistry, physics, biology, and much more!

Our joint creative writing club with Abingdon School meets every Thursday to share writing and try out new techniques, aiming to enter competitions, produce publications and have fun being creative.

Senior History Society offers students the chance to enrich their A level study, covering a wide range of topics with a variety of activities such as reading new texts, listening to visiting speakers and presentations by members of the group.

An opportunity for Sixth Form politics students to deepen their insight into political issues and to contribute to the production of the annual St Helen’s politics magazine.

Sinfonia performs a variety of light and accessible music, giving performances throughout the year.

Sinfonietta tackles a mixture of standard orchestral repertoire and lighter material and performs twice a year in February and June.

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 is open to all year groups. Students get the chance to gain accreditation in graded belts. This activity carries an additional cost.

Meditations providing a calm, comfortable space in which to meet God. Inclusive, non-directive and experiential. No faith background or knowledge needed.