The co-curricular activity programme got back underway this week after a hugely successful first term. The sessions, which take place for the majority of year groups on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, give pupils an opportunity to further pursue existing interests or take up new skills.
Students are given a vast choice of activities to sign up for. Some choose to spend more time on areas which they enjoy in the curriculum, such as Art, Drama or Music. Several other subjects such as Media and Chemistry also offer clubs to further enhance pupils’ understanding of relevant topics. Head of Chemistry Dr Ashok Khare explains: ‘Chemistry club meets twice a week. The focus of the activity is to strengthen knowledge gained during classroom teaching by solving worksheets and conducting further practical experiments.’ Meanwhile, the design club worked on a number of interesting projects last term, including redesigning the Henley Round Table Christmas Float.
Many of the clubs are less academic-focussed. The outdoor education programme develops an entirely different skill-set. Pupils gain confidence and an appreciation of their surroundings in activities such as canoeing, archery and mountain biking. Sailing was also popular last term, with the College establishing a great relationship with the Dinton Activity Centre.
Pupils were faced with the difficult decision of choosing whether to continue with their existing activities or moving on to something new for the Spring Term. Some choices were a no-brainer. For example, the Sixth Form dancing scene is expected to hot up ahead of the Shiplake Come Dancing Ball in March.
Programme leader Mr Nick Brown commented: ‘The activities have made a flying start this term. Sound recording is bursting at the seams with 19 members and cookery club is as popular as ever. The Art Department was buzzing. Two brand new clubs for 2015, Current Affairs and Computing, were also launched this week.’
Click here to view full details of all the clubs and societies on offer.
