St Birinus School

Extra-Curricular Activities Booklet

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Sport

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After School, WeeklyAll pupilsKey Stage 3 students are given the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at areas of art they have not yet encountered (Photoshop, Papiermache etc.) or practice their skills in everyday materials in a more laid back environment.

GCSE catch up days for Art students take place twice a week, giving students the opportunity to use the facilities available and

have more focussed time with their

teachers. S

Terms 5 and 6All pupilsPupils are encouraged to come along and improve their Athletics technique in a variety of events and aim for their own Personal Best. Pupils who achieve a good standard may also be selected to compete in South Oxfordshire

Athletic Championships.

ART ATHLETICS

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After School, WeeklyAll pupilsThe School Band plays music in a wide range of popular styles - film, swing, jazz, blues etc. It caters for wind and brass players from about Grade 3 upwards. We also have room for drum kit players and a few guitarists. Some of our players have reached very high standards, winning competitions such as the National

Festival of Music for Youth in

Birmingham.

Terms 1 and 2All pupilsA chance for pupils to come and improve their basketball skills developed during curriculum lessons.

Sessions will focus on tactical awareness

and game play.

BASKET-BALL

BAND

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AthleticsBasketballBush CraftCricketFootballRugbySwimmingTennisWeightlifting

ArtBandChoirGuitar ClubMusic LessonsMusic TechnologyMusicalPhotographyWriting Creatively

Breakfast ClubDeutsch ClubLanguage SurgeryLingua LatinaWorld Culture Club

Activities WeekCouncilHousesMore

Arts

Languages

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Book GroupChristianity ExploredCookeryEco ClubEnterpriseFormula SchoolsGames ClubGardeningGravity RacersHomework ClubMock Magistrates TrialPress ClubPuzzle ClubScience ClubWarhammer

Clubs

Other

It gives me great pleasure to provide this overview of the extra-curricular opportunities available at St Birinus School.

As much as we focus on ensur-ing the very highest standards with regards to teaching and learning, we also know that students gain immensely from being involved with a range of extra-curricular pursuits, which broadens their educa-tion, enriches their experience of school and better prepares them for life after St Birinus.

I am also aware that some parents believe that it is only at ‘private schools’ that excel-lence in extra-curricular op-portunities can be achieved. I hope you agree that this book-let shows the great breadth of opportunity that your son would enjoy at St Birinus School over and beyond the ‘normal’ curriculum.

The booklet isn’t exhaustive - and we are always open to ideas from students about other clubs and activities they would like to get involved with. It is my aim that this booklet should continue to grow!

Best wishesAlwyn Richards

Headteacher

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Lunchtime, WeeklyAll pupilsFor anyone who enjoys reading and talking about books! The group also occasionally goes on trips, such as a visit to the Oxfordshire Book Award Presentations

where members met the author

Malorie Blackman. L S A

After School, WeeklyKey Stage 3Are you the next Bear Grylls? All intrepid explorers can take part! This activity takes place at Long Wittenham with pupils learning a number of

survival skills, such as building

shelters.

Before School, 1st two Wednesdays of each termYears 10 and 11, G&T pupilsAn initiative which fuses culture and language. Pupils develop their knowledge of the world around them, fuelling a passion for languages. The club has regular guest speakers from local and national companies. There are also small group

language sessions focussing on key

areas of study.

Lunchtime, Twice WeeklyAll pupilsA non-auditioned choir that performs works in both popular and classical styles. The choir has worked with Ian Partridge, Neil Jenkins and David Fanshawe, performed in our twin town Meylan (France) and Chirstchurch Cathedral (Oxford), and with the Oxford Symphony Orchestra and Didcot Choral Societies. They perform throughout the year, including the

carol service and the summer

fundraiser.

BOOK GROUP

CHOIRBUSH CRAFT

BREAKFAST CLUB

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Lunchtime, WeeklyAll pupilsWhat’s the meaning of life? Is there a God? Christianity Explored is a club run for students to discuss the big questions of life and find out more about the Christian faith. And what’s more, we do all this whilst enjoying fine food and drink! As well as our weekly meetings, we also have termly after school sessions where we look at bigger

issues, and a fun-packed weekend

away!

After School, WeeklySixth FormBefore heading off into their adult lives, students can learn to create a range of healthy and easy-to-cook meals by having

hands-on experience preparing their

favourite food.

COOKERYCHRISTIAN-ITY

EXPLORED

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Terms 5 and 6All pupilsPractices take place in the Leisure Centre. Fixtures are played

at all age groups in County

Competitions. S CC

After SchoolAll pupilsFormula Schools gives pupils the chance to design, build and drive their own fuel- engined RC car. It brings together skills from engineering, electronics,

aerodynamics and working with

a range of materials.

Terms 1 and 2All pupilsPupils are encouraged to come and improve their football skills that they have developed during curriculum lessons. Some players will be picked to represent the school

in Vale, County and National

competitions.

After School, WeeklyAll pupilsPupils are given the chance to develop their business skills by completing a range of activities. Recently they have looked at designing venues for the Olympics whilst considering their carbon footprint, designing apps and looking at financial issues. The club has

worked with Barclays and Bright

Futures in the past.

CRICKET ENTER-PRISE

FORMULA SCHOOLS

FOOTBALL

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Lunchtime, DailyAll pupilsCome and join us

in playing a range of classic and

modern board games!

Lunchtime, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and ThursdaysAll pupilsAiming to learn about, grow and look after as many different crops as possible, which can be harvested during term times. There will also be the opportunity to take part in after school sessions once

a week to further an understanding

of caring for crops.

GARDEN-ING

GAMES CLUB

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Lunchtime, WeeklyYears 7, 8, 9 and 10The club is looking at working towards a target of a 5% reduction in School Energy use and increasing recycling across the school. The club gets to train with Groundwork Thames Valley, including learning how to use the Recycling

Bus and giving demonstrations.

ECO CLUB

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Lunchtime, WeeklyAll pupilsPreparatory club for pupils who have done some German at the Primary level, but complete beginners are also welcome. Covering language and cultural aspects of German-speaking countries which can lead into the

introduction for the German GCSE

course in later years.

DEUTSCH CLUB

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After SchoolAll pupilsMembers of Gravity Racers meet to design and build a gravity-powered car. At the end of the year they then compete against other schools and professionals to see

who has created the fastest and

most efficient vehicle! A

After School, WeeklyYears 10 and 11This new club is run by local professional guitarist Russell Payne. It is designed to improve guitarists’ ensemble playing skills, perhaps in preparation for examination coursework. Pupils

outside years 10 and 11 may also be

invited to join.

GRAVITYRACERS

GUITAR CLUB

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Lunchtime, WeeklyAll pupilsPupils have an introduction to Latin and Classical Civilisation, and are exposed to the experience of recognising the Latin derivations that are embedded in English language. This gives them an insight that Latin is very much omnipresent and not, as often perceived, as ‘a dead language’. We combine several sources and follow the Cambridge Latin Course which covers a

variety of language aspects and life

in the Roman Empire.

Lunchtime, Weekly (until the end of the competition)Year 9Working as a team, pupils learn how to defend and prosecute legal cases. They then enter the national secondary school competition (judged by magistrates) with the aim to progress from local, to regional

and hopefully to national levels!

MOCK MAGIS-TRATES TRIAL

LINGUA LATINA

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Lunchtime, DailyAll pupilsPupils can tackle

their homework with the support

of Teaching Assistants.

HOME-WORK CLUB

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Lunchtime, Several days a weekAll pupilsSupport available for conversation, grammar and controlled assessment for all four languages - German, Italian,

French and Spanish - at KS3

and KS4.

LANGUAGE SURGERY

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Various timesAll pupilsThe school has a large number of boys learning a wide range of orchestral and other instruments. Many of them play in the School Band and high quality ensembles at County level, including the County Youth Orchestra. Tuition (subject to availability) is offered on many instruments, including: piano, electric keyboard, electric guitar, bass

guitar, drum kit, orchestral strings,

brass and woodwind. A A A

After School and WeekendsAll pupilsAn annual joint musical between St Birinus School and Didcot Girls School, with each school taking it in turns to produce the show. Recent shows have included Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, The Wizard

of Oz and Return to the Forbidden

Planet.

After School, WeeklyBy invitation onlyLooking at how to record a band, how to mix the individual tracks together, and produce and master the track professionally. Students learn how to use the music technology recording studio, operate a mixing desk, and choose the type and placement of microphones. They also use sequencing software (Cubase)

to mix the tracks, adding effects to

create a good overall mix.

After School, twice WeeklyGCSE pupilsCatch up days for Photography students take place twice a week, giving students the opportunity to use the facilities

available and have more focussed

time with their teachers.

MUSIC LESSONS

PHOTO-GRAPHY

MUSICALMUSIC TECH-

NOLOGY

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Terms 1 and 2All pupilsCome along and improve your rugby skills that have been developed during curriculum lessons. Some players will be picked to represent the school

in Vale, County and National

competitions.

After School, WeeklyYears 7, 8 and 9Science Club is about having fun with science and learning at the same time. We do lots of experiments - methane bubbles, passing fire balls, turning copper into gold, building bridges, competitions (I’m an

SBS Student Get Me Out of Here) and

much, much more.

SCIENCE CLUB

RUGBY

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Lunchtime, WeeklyYears 7, 8 and 9Pupils meet to exercise their brains by tackling a range of

puzzles, ciphers and other challenging

games.

PUZZLE CLUB

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Lunchtime, twice weeklyAll pupilsThe perfect opportunity for any budding journalists, photographers or designers. Pupils help create the school magazine, Celebrate, and meet weekly to plan articles and do research. They then interview relevant people, organise photo shoots and draft their final content before helping format it for the printers. There are several editions a year

giving everyone a chance to report

on a range of topics.

PRESS CLUB

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After School, WeeklyAll pupilsThe club offers lifesaving teaching from Lifesaving 1 to Bronze Medallion level. Tuition is by qualified instructors and pupils can be entered for a variety of awards. There is an emphasis on personal safety at all levels. Instruction aims to develop stroke technique, teach new water skills and life saving techniques for water rescues. Members can also

regularly compete in swimming

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After School, WeeklyAll pupilsThe club has more than 80 members drawn from every year. Members can battle in friendly fashion in three formats: Fantasy, 40K and Lord of the Rings. Alternatively, students can choose to paint their miniatures, club scenery or play other strategy games.

Painting and battle competitions

held regularly.

Terms 5 and 6All pupilsCome and develop tennis skills, with the chance of being picked

to play in competitive fixtures at County

level.

After School, DailyAll pupilsThe club has been in existence since 1979. Since 1996 we have been lifting in a purpose built weightlifting centre funded by the National Lottery. We currently have about 25 active members and we have lifters competing at every level from Schools, to European, Commonwealth and World Championships. At the start of the school year there will

be a chance for year 7 pupils to come

and try the sport.

SWIMMING CLUB

WEIGHT-LIFTING

WAR-HAMMER

TENNIS

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After School, last 2 Thursdays of each termYears 7, 8 and 9A chance for pupils to learn about different cultures and traditions from around the world. Each session will focus on a different culture,

often relating to current events

or occasions.

Lunchtime, WeeklyYears 7, 8 and 9For pupils gifted in English, this club offers the chance to take part in activities including Story Cubes, Alphabet Soup, Word Wit and other games to inspire creativity. Sessions will be on vocabulary, creating characters, writing

effective dialogue, poetic form and

much, much more.

WRITING CREATIVE-

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WORLD CULTURE

CLUB

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HOUSES

For the last week of the academic year, lessons are replaced with a selection of activities. These range from weeklong excursions abroad to 1 hour sessions within school. Each year the activities on offer change, but in the past have included:

Pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of activities and it is a great way to see out the end

of the year!

St Birinus School Council is an essential element within the whole school. The School Council structure is currently made up of elected pupils. There is one for every tutor group (small tutorial council meetings in tutor time linked to their PSHEE); two of these reps from each year group are then elected to represent their year group at the formal school council meetings. Our Council is constantly developing with day-to-day and long-term initiatives, which aim to meet the needs of the students, the school and the community. It is an essential element within the whole school where ‘pupil voice’ is valued. The School Council also seeks to broaden political awareness beyond the confines of PSHEE and gives students an opportunity to meet with senior leaders, local council representatives and local MPs to discuss important issues. Some recent issues our Council have been working on are the Mary Portas ‘Save Our Streets’ campaign, anti-bullying, uniform review, and the development of school and local facilities. Come

and join us to see what it is all about!

As well as being part of the whole school community, we at St Birinus believe in healthy inter-house competition. The house system has been a part of St Birinus since the school was established in 1936 and pupils are as committed and competitive within their houses today as ever. Each pupil is allocated to a house, of which their are four - Athenian (blue), Corinthian (green), Spartan (red) and Trojan (yellow), each with their own motto. Didcot Sixth Form students support staff as House Leaders and there is a wide variety of house events: sporting events culminating in the traditional Sports day, Birinus Has Got Talent, The Great Birinus Bake-Off, Maths Challenges, Chess, Composition Competition and Attendance Matters to name just a few! Houses meet termly to plan teams and strategies for beating the other houses and results from house competitions are celebrated.

‘Get involved’ is the main aim of the house system. Remember - your House needs

you!

The clubs and groups already listed meet on a regular basis; however, there are also a range of other activites that occur occasionally throughout the year. These have included: many trips abroad to much of Europe and beyond; the chance to take part in volunteering at events such as the Summer School and the Primary Schools International Day; and one off

trips to paintballing and Wimbledon.

We also have new clubs starting all the time; for example, GeoExplorers is being set up by the Geography Department for years 7, 8 and 9 to further explorer geographical matters.

If you would like to know more about the clubs on offer just ask any member of staff who can direct you to the club’s current leader - or head to our website where there is an up-to-date list.

Finally, if there’s an activity you think we’re missing, or you have an idea for a new

club, please let us know!

ACTIVITIES WEEK

COUNCIL MORE

• visits to Bletchley Park

• birds of prey demonstrations

• graffiti sessions• kayaking• a trip to Le

Touquet• golf days• training with the

Navy• trips to Warwick• cooking

• model car building and racing

• animation• tennis • trips to Youlbury• film critique• chess• Warhammer• skateboarding• fishing• gokarting• sports in school

St Birinus SchoolMereland Road

DidcotOX11 8AZ

01235 814444

reception@st-birinus.oxon.sch.ukwww.st-birinus-school.org.uk

Twitter: @StBirinusSchool