Activities: An A to Z Guide
Aerobics Clubs: (Seniors and Juniors): Opportunities for all girls who wish to keep fit by exercising to music and as a member of a group, encouraged by Mrs Baldwin and Mrs Marvin respectively.
Alexander Technique: Being aware of posture is important as it affects every aspect of our health and well-being. It also affects our ability to perform any activity from giving a presentation, to playing a musical instrument, or even riding a horse. Lessons are taught individually and tailored to a girl's specific needs and interests.
Art: (Junior Artists’ Studio): For keen Artists to develop their skills with additional support from Art Staff. This is an open activity, particularly suitable for those who love Art.
Art School Open (Juniors): A chance to work on art/craft based activities outside lesson time. You may work at your own projects or on group activities.
Art School Open (Seniors): For Artists to spend additional time on their own projects. Non-GCSE Artists welcome too if previously arranged with the Art Staff.
Art: Life Drawing (Sixth Form): A course attended by all Sixth Form Art students at which, subject to the availability of space, Non-Exam Artists are welcome by prior negotiation with the Art Staff.
Astronomy Club (all years): A new venture for Autumn 2011. This will run on Fridays after supper to provide the chance to learn more about the universe and its stars, planets and galaxies including, weather permitting, the opportunity for some stargazing! Further information from Mr Auckland.
Ballet Lessons (All years): Ballet is available as a paid extra activity to girls in all year groups; two, one hour sessions run weekly, with girls divided according to their experience and standard.
Challenge 500 (MIV, UIV and LV Forms): An enterprise-based activity that challenges teams to turn £10 into £500. The teams have to agree upon, plan and project manage a series of events and mini-enterprises to raise money for the Prince’s Trust. Participants in Challenge 500 will develop team-work, leadership, negotiation, project management and communication skills. They will also develop their business skills by writing a business plan, conducting market research, making sales and organising finances.
Christian Union: Open to all UV and Sixth Forms - an informal hour of lively discussion on relevant topics concerning Christianity, led by UVI Form. Films, music, visiting speakers and free snacks! All you need to bring is yourself and any questions you may have!
Confirmation: Father Peter and Mrs Giles prepare girls for Church of England Confirmation which takes place in the Parish Church near the end of November. The majority of girls prepared are LV Form but girls from other years are welcome too. Roman Catholic girls may also join the course; they will be confirmed separately and receive additional instruction from our local Roman Catholic priest. Any new girl interested in joining Confirmation Classes should tick this on the Evening Activities Choice sheet and find Father Peter to discuss it. (His office is next to the Chapel.)
Cookery (LIV to LVI Forms): Open to all year groups. Learn to prepare a range of appetising snacks, and suppers plus treats to take back to share in House. Sessions offered both before and after supper on Monday and Thursday, with groups of 8 generally drawn from no more than two adjacent year groups.
Cookery (UVI Form run for LIV Form): Returning by popular demand, a Wednesday evening Cookery Session for LIV Form run by members of the UVI Form. Girls sign up for one session at a time and suggestions for recipes and menus are welcomed by the UVI Form leaders.
Cookery UVI Form Supper Club: Apopular activity for UVI Form, run by Mr & Mrs Brown in House on Friday evenings, providing the chance to cook and enjoy delicious meals. Available to all UVI Form on a week by week basis.
Dance Club (Fourth Form): Re-started for 2011 and now run on Friday evenings by LVI Form, this is open to all Dance enthusiasts in the Fourth Form. It will be great fun and will include different types of street dance (eg Jazz, Hip-hop, Popping and Locking).
DofE – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Bronze/Silver/Gold: Popular voluntary activity programmes with four sections: a Volunteering, Physical, Skills and a Team Expedition (+ a Residential for Gold) with activities chosen to suit your individual interests. Bronze starts in UIV Form, Silver in LV, UV or LVI and Gold from age 16. Everyone welcome - further information from Mrs Paddock.
Drama Society (LIV and MIV Form): Lots of fun for everyone exploring Drama in the Delscey Burns Theatre. No previous experience needed – actors and non-actors welcome for exciting projects which may include masks, theatre games, creating characters and dramatic presentations. There is no limit on group size and this activity runs for an hour per week each term. The highlight of the Summer Term is the Junior production.
Drama: Shakespeare Schools’ Festival (UIV Form): UIV Form girls will have the opportunity to perform ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the Egg Theatre, Bath for this year’s National Theatre Shakespeare Schools’ Festival. This is an excellent opportunity for the girls to work as a mini theatre company performing with other schools in a professional venue. The ensemble will be involved in a cast workshop with professional directors from the SSF and then they will showcase their piece with other schools. It is a fantastic opportunity, but one that needs complete commitment as all girls must attend all rehearsals which will take place every Thursday between 7pm-8pm. On Tuesday 20th September there will be an afternoon cast & crew workshop at the Egg Theatre, Bath; this will mean that girls will miss afternoon lessons. On the first Fixed Exeat, Sunday 2nd October, there will be an all afternoon rehearsal starting at 1pm. The performance will take place at The Egg on Tuesday 11th October.
Drama/Music: Les Misérables, the Senior School Musical: With a cast of Fifth and Sixth Form, this venture is already in preparation prior to performance before Half Term in October. There will be opportunities for supporters to assist as crew and front of house.
Drama: Junior Production (LIV and MIV Form): The Junior Production, usually involving all the girls in LIV and MIV Forms, is an important feature of the Summer Term. The 2011 productions of ‘The Pilgrimage’ (LIV Form) and ‘The Circle’ (MIV Form) were very well received; the 2012 production will be chosen and cast during the Spring Term.
Drama: LAMDA Lessons (All year groups): LAMDA lessons are offered as a very popular paid extra activity to girls in all year groups. Lessons may be either individual or paired and girls usually work toward the LAMDA grade exams in Acting or the Speaking of Verse and Prose.
Fencing Lessons (All Year groups): Offered as a paid extra activity, lessons are taught by Mr Tim Miles to two groups (Beginners and Improvers) each of up to 12 girls.
First Aid (DofE): Courses run in the Autumn Term for all new Fifth and Sixth Form who will be involved in DofE Expeditions and in the Spring Term for all UIV Form as preliminary training for Bronze Expeditions. The training follows the St John Ambulance Young First Aider course and is tailored to the needs of outdoor First Aid.
Fitness Suite (Fifth Form use): The Fitness Suite is available for use by Fifth Forms on Friday evenings between 7pm and 8.00pm. LV Form will receive a full induction into the Fitness Suite from the PE Department and must not use it on Friday evenings until this induction has taken place.
Fitness Suite (Sixth Form use): The Fitness Suite is available for Sixth Form use during Community sessions in the evenings. New members of the Sixth Form: please note that you will be receive a full induction into the Fitness Suite from the PE Department and must not use it except in PE lessons until this induction has taken place.
Fitness Clubs (Fifth and Sixth Form and Senior Teams) A chance for Senior girls to improve and maintain their fitness, following a staff led, structured fitness programme.
History of Art Society (UV and Sixth Forms): An opportunity for UV Form and Sixth Form to discuss and interpret works of art and architecture in a relaxed environment. Suggestions for themes for discussion are very welcome. You do not have to take History of Art to come along – further information from Dr Wickson.
Lecture Programme (Sixth Form): All Sixth Form attend the Lecture Programme from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday evenings. Visiting speakers cover a range of topics including those of relevance to academic subjects, current affairs and gap year and career planning.
Life Support (First Aid) LV & LVI Form: A First Aid qualification, run by the Royal Lifesaving Society. It is useful as a preliminary requirement for the Bronze Medallion Lifesaving Course and as a freestanding First Aid revision course before DofE Expeditions. It is suitable this term for LV who are not too busy and will also be offered next term.
Music Appreciation Club: A chance for Sixth Form Music students to listen to and talk about interesting and enjoyable pieces of music from a range of genres, and share their own favourite pieces of music with each other. The club also supports the A level music syllabus by broadening students' musical awareness.
Music: Chamber Choir This is open to enthusiastic singers from UIV Form up by audition, with a repertoire extending from sacred music to pop and jazz. The choir sings Cathedral services, gives local concerts to raise money for charities and tours abroad. It has also made radio broadcasts, sung on television and sung for the Queen. New girls interested in joining the Chamber Choir should see Mr Whiting in the first week of term.
Music: Flute Group: Made up of IV Form flute players, this group meets on a Wednesday break. It is an opportunity for beginners and more experienced players to play exciting and fun repertoire appropriate for their level, to develop tone and ensemble skills and to rehearse for performances through the school year.
Music: Junior Choir: All the LIV and MIV Form girls sing together as a choir at lunchtime on Fridays each week, as part of their musical education. They contribute to the school community by performing at major school events such as the Carol Service, the Spring Concert and Founders’ Day.
Music: Jazz Band: An enthusiastic group of players, generally of at least Grade 4/5 standard that includes saxophones, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, keyboards, bass and guitar. It rehearses weekly and plays in concerts in and out of school. Band members have a lot of fun and gain a great sense of achievement and progression. Possible new band members should see one of the Music staff.
Music: Opera Group: The Opera Group is the perfect showcase for confident singers interested in musical theatre and exploration of the repertoire, and keen to demonstrate their talents in public at concerts and other school events. Those interested should see Mrs Fryar or Mrs Malcolm.
Music: Piano Trio: A forum in which Senior Musicians may develop their ensemble playing and further their expertise in performance. Similar groups may be established to meet demand – further information from the Music Department.
Music Recording Sessions: The Studio Sessions that take place on a Thursday evening are an opportunity for any student to record music and the spoken word for posterity, and to learn about the processes involved. Any level of performance is welcomed, from pieces prepared for an examination or well loved, learnt for fun, a work in progress or even those intended as a gift! A technician and accompanist are available to help and advise. Sessions are booked in advance.
Music: Sinfonietta: This group rehearses weekly and gives an opportunity for all younger instrumentalists to play in a large ensemble. The Sinfonietta is designed to be a fun and interactive session that supports basic musical skills – it’s like practising with all your friends!
Music: String Groups: To encourage string ensemble playing and explore the repertoire with players of similar expertise and experience, groups include three String Quartets and String Sinfonia.
Music: Symphony Orchestra: All instruments very welcome. Players are generally of approximately Grade 5 standard or above and have the opportunity to play music in a wide range of styles and to perform in concerts in and out of school. There is a weekly one hour rehearsal for all players, and an additional shorter rehearsal for the string players to explore music specifically for string orchestra. If you would like to join, see one of the Music staff.
Music: Vocal Ensembles: (Currently LVI Form and UIV Form)Enthusiastic groups of singers who enjoy practising and performing a range of musical numbers.
PE: Gymnastics Club (Junior): The opportunity for keen Gymnasts to hone their skills in a weekly, evening club. Further information from Miss Shuttleworth.
PE: Hockey Club (Junior): Weekly evening club open to Fourth Form girls who are keen to play Hockey in the Autumn Term and develop their skills purposefully but informally.
PE: Lacrosse Clubs: Weekly evening clubs for a) Fourth Form including beginners and b)Seniors, to play and improve your Lacrosse in a structured but informal setting.
PE: Netball Club (Junior): Improve your Netball skills in a weekly club session – run in the Autumn Term and open to all Fourth Form.
PE: Team Practices: Run weekly for most team sports at lunchtimes and for the 1st Hockey Team on Mondays at 5.30pm. Aspiring new team players should look out for Team Trials notices on the PE board or speak to a member of the PE Staff. Fourth Form Team Practices are attended by all members of the year groups.
Photography Club: Open to all year groups and run by Miss Davis. This group meets weekly and alternates practical sessions with more technical, theory-based sessions in the classroom. Everybody welcome - no photographic experience is necessary!
Politics Club (UV and Sixth Form): An opportunity for UV and Sixth Form to develop and discuss their interest in Politics through a weekly session run by Mr Jukes.
Pottery Club (Fourth Form): A chance to work on pottery based activities and maybe make something to give as a present. Group size 10.
Riding: This is possible from school or, if convenient for your families, from home. The following options run at present and Riding is timetabled to fit with your school and family commitments:
Riding at Pewsey Vale (all year groups): Group or individual riding lessons arranged by school or your parents at Pewsey Vale Riding Centre. Group Riding Lessons will take place at Pewsey Vale on Monday evenings (out of school 5.45 – 8.15pm) with groups for both novice and more advanced riders. Anyone interested in joining this activity (parental permission required) should see Miss Dickson to be added to the waiting list.
Riding (other options): Group or individual lessons on your own horse with Helen Cole at Stockley Farm http://www.helencoleeventing.co.uk/ Parents of potential new riders wishing to consider this option for their daughter may visit the yard, as long as an appointment has been booked in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Booked appointments are required to ensure that a member of staff is available and free to give a tour of the yard. Riding as an evening activity at home or your local riding school, arranged by your parents. For very serious riders: Riding at home during eg Games Afternoon or at other times as agreed with Dr Wright.
Scholars' Programme (By Invitation): All academic scholars and exhibitioners automatically become part of the Scholars’ Programme whereby they are invited to attend sessions led by members of staff or outside guests. The sessions are demanding, often cross-curricular, and are designed to take the girls out of their classroom comfort zone. Ultimately these girls are likely to apply to high-ranking universities and the work we cover with them will stand them in good stead for potential interviews. The Scholars are normally divided into Junior (LIV-UIV) and Senior (LV-LVI) although these boundaries change according to the content and wish of the speaker.
Ski Team Race Training: Organised by Mrs Baldwin, this will run at Avon Ski Centre on selected Friday evenings during the Autumn Term, in preparation for the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races in France in the Spring Term.
Sports Leadership Award (Fifth Form): ‘Sports Leaders UK awards and qualifications use the medium of sport to help people to learn to lead. They learn the essential skills of leadership: communication, organisation and motivation, but in addition to this they grow in confidence and self belief. The personal journeys that people undertake whilst learning to lead, stand them in good stead for their future careers and life itself.’ (http://www.bst.org.uk/). Sessions will run on Tuesday evenings at 7pm; see Miss Carruthers for further information.
Swimming (Team Training): Weekly training sessions are run for Team swimmers, to help develop your Swimming in preparation for competitions. Fourth Form Team swimmers meet on Tuesday evenings and Seniors before school on Wednesday mornings.
Swimming (Development Squad): A weekly training session for all LIV Form and MIV Form who are not Team swimmers, to help develop their technique, stamina and confidence.
Tennis Coaching: (All year groups) Tennis Coaching is available as a very popular paid extra activity to girls in all year groups; most opt for coaching in pairs and weekly sessions last 35 minutes.
Textiles ‘The Crafty Needles’: Try new skills or develop your expertise. Would you like to learn how to knit or improve on your existing abilities, learn how to crochet, or how to create tapestries or samplers? Come along and have a go. Everyone is welcome and several sessions will be offered each week.
Young Enterprise Company Programme (LVI Form): An opportunity for teams of pupils to set up and run a real business over the course of one academic year. Throughout the year of trading, companies will be supported and guided by Young Enterprise business advisors. Each company will elect a board of directors, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their choice. At the end of the year, they will present a report of their accounts to their shareholders. Anyone that joins the Company Programme must show real commitment, responsibility and enthusiasm, as running a business is really hard work! If interested, tick it on the evening activities choice sheet and speak to Mr Cleaver.