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Co-curricularActivitiesProgramme
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Co-curricular Activities at BGS The co-curricular programme at BGS is as vital a part of the School’s identity as your academic studies. Have a look through this booklet to find out more. We have a vibrant sports programme which extends beyond timetabled Games sessions. Squad training is put on for those who wish to represent the School in competitive fixtures against other schools and we also put on a variety of sports sessions to which all are invited, irrespective of ability. We believe that every BGS pupil can find something to get passionate about in our wide sporting programme whatever your current level of fitness. Our aim is to prepare young people for life after School by teaching them to enjoy being active as part of a healthy lifestyle. Music is equally important at BGS. We have an astonishing range of musical ensembles starting with the Junior Orchestra and Junior Choir (all welcome). From there, you might get involved in smaller groups like the Dixieland Crackerjacks or the Close Harmony Group, or you might find your way into the Concert Band, Junior Rock Band or Samba Band. Pretty much every musical genre is covered and again, we aim to put something on to inspire young musicians of all ages, interests and abilities. Continuing with the theme that every BGS pupil should find something to inspire them in our co-curricular programme, we put on opportunities to volunteer, to get involved in campaigning, to pursue interests in Politics and Philosophy, Coding, Robotics and Lego. We have clubs like the Classics Society and Science Club which allow you to follow an interest you first found in the classroom, you can get creative at our Art Clubs, the Handmade Club and painting tabletop miniatures. And the list goes on! This booklet is intended to give you a flavour of what is on offer to you in the BGS co-curricular programme. The very best thing to do, is just get stuck in; turn up to your first rehearsal or sports training session, have a go at something new. It might be your fist steps in something which will become a lifelong passion. Paul Merckx, Assistant Head (Development)
A note about Coronavirus The majority of clubs, societies and activities listed in this booklet are operating despite Coronavirus. Some are able to run as normal; others have had to change what they offer for now. For example, national sports governing bodies have made recommendations which we follow so that we can offer our usual wide sporting programme albeit, at the time of writing, with changes to the way we train and without fixtures. Our debating clubs have been able to run their usual lively events by moving online. It is harder for music ensembles to practise together within current government guidelines but as soon as restrictions ease they will be up-and-running again and of course, BGS students are still having lessons in School and are raring to go at the first opportunity. Operating with (or despite) Coronavirus restrictions shows BGS at its best; we focus on what we CAN do, and we get on with it. Hoc Age!
Sports Training Beyond the curriculum
Biomedical Journal Club
Discussing current and relevant issues within the world of Biology which include: presentations from students to facilitate learning and broaden understanding of topics outside the syllabus; presentations from Old Bradfordians who share their experiences from applying to University and as successful professionals; presentations from professional people who work in related disciplines. Classics Society If it’s connected to the world of the Greeks and Romans (and that includes most things), it’s fair game for the Classics Society, from talks to board games, and from quizzes to craft activities. All welcome.
Debating (Junior) A weekly debate for lower school years; a more informal setting to try your hand at debating in a range of styles on a range of topics!
Debating Club and Debating Squad A weekly debate on a pre-set motion. Open to Years 11+. The Debating Squad enters some of the most prestigious schools’ competitions in the country. New members always welcome.
Sports Training Every School team trains at lunch times, some (usually older age groups) also train before or after the School day, typically a couple of sessions per week. We aim to promote a life-long love of sport by putting on challenging but enjoyable training sessions, nurturing team spirit and giving every pupil the opportunity to represent the School in their chosen sports.
Philosophical Society The Philosophical Society is open to the whole School community. We encourage students to enter into philosophical discussion and debate. The Society is led by students who lead on a variety of philosophical issues and topics such as: how do I know what is real? What is time? Am I truly free? Is there meaning and purpose to the universe? Our meetings are there to extend and challenge students in a fun, relaxed and informal environment.
Micro:bits Making creative projects using the tiny micro:bit computer. No previous experience of micro:bits, nor programming needed.
Python Code Club Advanced Python programming to push your knowledge beyond the curriculum solving complex challenges from Code Wars or Hackerrank.
PiWars Design, build and program a robot which is controlled by a Raspberry Pi to enter the national Pi Wars competition.
First Lego League Build and program Lego Mindstorms robots to solve challenges as part of the national First Lego League competition. No previous experience of Lego Mindstorms robots, nor programming needed.
Beyond the curriculum
Cybersecurity Enter several national competitions including Cyber Centurion, Cyber Discovery and Cyberfirst for Year 8 Girls.
Historical Society Weekly presentations by pupils on a wide range of historical topics, with discussion and occasional guest speakers.
Mock Trial Club A new club in the BGS programme. Work with practising barristers and prepare your case. Experience the atmosphere of a real court in our Mock Trial Competition against other schools.
Science Club Science Club is open to all pupils in Years 7 and 8, giving them the opportunity to develop their scientific thinking outside of the normal classroom environment. Each half term, pupils are set a challenge linked to a real-life scenario and they have to draw upon their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to come up with an innovative solution, whilst having fun in the process. Weekly prizes are up for grabs for those that are methodical, creative or good team players and of course, there is a competition for the best solution to the challenge!
Citizenship & Global Issues
Fairtrade Tuckshop Open every break time, selling ethically-sourced snacks to get you through to lunch time.
Interact Club Junior section of the Rotary Club. Meetings are to organise fundraising activities for chosen charities (one local, one national, one international).
Volunteering at Chellow Heights School (CHS) Year 7 pupils, in small groups, take turns volunteering in slots lasting up to four weeks at CHS. This is an opportunity to help in classrooms, working with experienced teachers to teach pupils with very different life expectations to your own. Full information will be provided to your form room when you have an opportunity to volunteer.
Christian Society Worship discussion and prayer with students from Life Church College.
AGE UK Volunteering in Wellbeing group for older people.
Creative Arts
Art Club (All) The Art department is open to all students who would like to use the facilities to develop set homeworks and also to generally explore techniques and materials of their interest. GCSE students are encouraged to use the department to support their coursework and seek support from the subject teachers strengthening their individual portfolios.
BGS Bugle The BGS Bugle is the school newspaper written by pupils for pupils. We are always looking for talented writers, who enjoy working as a team, have a keen eye for detail and who have lots of brilliant ideas, to contribute to the publication.
Handmade Come and make various seasonal creative projects using a range of skills. Come and try your hand at crochet, sewing and other crafts.
Tabletop Miniatures Painting Club Come along and paint miniature figures for use in tabletop wargaming and roleplaying sessions. Bring your own models and paint or use what is provided. People of all ability levels welcome, from novices to experts.
Origami & Paper Crafts Learn a new skill, or just enjoy a relaxing break from the hurly-burly of life in a busy School!
Games
Health & Fitness
Chess Club From beginners to the more experienced, learn to play chess and develop your game. Talk to Mr Schofield and join the club.
Fantasy Football Club Try your hand at being a Premier League football manager - are you the next Pep Guardiola?
Games society Come along and try your hand at a range of boardgames, tabletop wargames, roleplaying games, and card games. Bring your own or use what is provided. People of all ability levels welcome, from novices to experts.
Yoga A short class suitable for any level of experience (including none!). Yoga can help you to feel more relaxed and focused, so come along already changed into loose, comfortable clothing, and be ready to take off your socks! Mats are provided, but there is a limit to mats and space
Performing Arts
Big Band A jazz ensemble comprising brass, saxophones, rhythm section and pianist. The group performs at all the large concerts throughout the year.
Clarinet Group A small ensemble for all players of the clarinet (B flat and bass). The ensemble performs in the small Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Close Harmony Group A small acapella SATB ensemble, performing pop, jazz and spiritual songs. Think Billy Joel and the Pentatonics. The choir performs in all the large concerts throughout the year and the Carol Service.
Concert Band A large ensemble for those more advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players (approximately grade 5 and above). The group performs in the large school concerts, and outside school, at the Grassington Festival and plays a variety of popular music.
Dixieland Crackerjacks Dixieland Band, performing in the large school concerts throughout the year. The ensemble normally comprises of rhythm section, banjo, clarinet and brass. This is an ensemble for advanced performers.
Drama Society (Senior) Drama society is an opportunity to explore plays and prepare for upcoming performances.
Friday Drama Club A club for Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils that meets in the Hockney Theatre once a week for warm-ups, games, mini-performances and lots of fun. In the summer term we put together a showcase so that friends and family can see the skills and confidence developed throughout the year.
Intermediate Guitar Group A small ensemble for players of acoustic plectrum/classical guitar, approximately grades 1-4. The ensemble performs in the small Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Junior Brass Group A small ensemble for players of all brass instruments, approximately grades 1-4. The ensemble performs in the smaller Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Woodwind Ensemble A small ensemble for all performers of woodwind instruments, flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. The group performs in all the Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Junior Choir A large ensemble for all pupils who love singing in Years 7 and 8. The choir is open to everyone! We sing a variety of music, from classical to pop, rock to gospel. No previous singing experience needed! We perform at the Christmas Concert, Carol Service in the Cathedral and Leavers’ Concert.
Junior Flute Choir A small ensemble for all players of the flute approx. grades 1-4. The ensemble performs in the small Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Junior Orchestra A large ensemble for all instrumentalists (approximately grades 1-4). The group performs in the large school concerts and plays a variety of music, ranging from film soundtracks to Classical repertoire.
Junior Rock Band An ensemble for players of electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboard and vocals.
Junior Saxophone Group A small ensemble for saxophonists (soprano, alto, tenor and baritone), grades 1-5. The ensemble performs in the smaller Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Lunchtime Recitals
A relaxed and informal opportunity to perform in front of friends, teachers and parents. You may want to try out a piece you are currently practising or have a trial-run for your exam or GCSE performance. You can volunteer yourself (have a word with Mr McOwen in the Music Department) or your instrumental teacher will sign you up. A draft schedule is produced at the beginning of term - if you are on this then your parents will get an invitation. Any standards, any instruments, and styles very welcome!
Samba Band A group for all percussionists whether you are having lessons or are interested in performing in a percussion ensemble. The group performs at all the large school concerts throughout the year.
Senior Brass Group A small ensemble for all players of all brass instruments approx. grade 5 and above. The ensemble performs in the small Chamber Concerts throughout the year and the Carol Service in the Cathedral.
Senior Chamber Choir A smaller, auditioned SATB choir for pupils already in Senior Choir. Admission is by auditions held at the beginning of the autumn term. The choir performs in the large concerts throughout the year, and the Carol Service, and performs a variety of advanced repertoire.
Senior Choir An un-auditioned SATB choir - open to everyone. Performing a variety of Classical, Pop, Rock, Jazz and songs from Musicals. The choir performs at all the large school concerts throughout the year, Founders’ Day, the Carol Service in the Cathedral and the Saltaire Christmas lights switch-on. You must be a member of this ensemble if you are in Senior Chamber Choir or Close Harmony Group.
Senior Guitar Group A small ensemble for more advanced players of acoustic plectrum/classical guitar, approximately grades 5+. The ensemble performs in the small Chamber Concerts throughout the year.
Senior Soul Band A band comprising of horns (saxophones), vocals, backing vocals, keyboard and rhythm section. The band performs at all large concerts throughout the year and performs soul music repertoire.
Chamber Music Group A small ensemble for the more advanced string players in the school. The ‘quartet’ is often expanded to a quintet or larger to accommodate our most advanced performers. For players of the violin, viola and cello.
The Wickermen An ensemble specialising in the performance of modern folk music, think Mumford and Sons and Bellowhead. The ensemble comprises of standard ‘band’ instruments with the addition of other instruments as needed; strings, woodwind, accordion and even a bodhran! Attendance is by invitation/conversation with Mr McOwen and Mr Cook. The group performs at all the large school concerts during the year.
