Co-Curriculum Clubs & Activities

Extracurricular Clubs and Activities List

PE Departmental Activities

Super-Curriculum - Education outside of timetable

Super-curricular learning takes place outside of students’ directed teaching time at school and is independently led by students. It could include building upon an area of interest or they may wish to explore something entirely new.

The range of super-curricular learning activities is vast, for example:

Competitions: Many universities and organisations run academic competitions for school-aged students
Online subject masterclasses
Online Resources: The internet is home to a wealth of other resources from online lectures to wider reading.
Podcasts: Podcasts are possibly the most convenient method of engaging with super-curricular learning. You can listen to them anywhere at any time.
Reading: Reading represents a great starting point for super-curricular learning. Gathering reading recommendations is easier than one may think; students should speak to their schoolteachers and consult university course pages as most will refer specially prepared reading lists for prospective applicants.

Many of these activities are freely available and as such developing a passion in a subject does not have to be a costly business!

Why supercurricular activities are important:

They can develop students’ ability to:

Research independently
Take on board new information
Think critically

With regards to applying to university, taking part in super-curricular learning activities will allow students to test the extent of their interest in a chosen subject. By exploring a subject in more detail, students will better understand their interest/s and crucially be in a stronger position to determine whether they would like to study it for at least 3 years at university.

Additionally, admissions tutors, especially those at the most selective universities, will want to be convinced of a student’s genuine passion for the subject they are applying for. Talking about the super-curricular learning students have engaged within their personal statement (and at interview should the course require one) will demonstrate the extent of their interest.

In order to help prepare students with this a Supercurriculum Teams page has been created where all students will be able to access different materials from different subjects. This will include suggested webinars and reading recommendations. Teachers will signpost opportunities throughout the year that arise.

Student Voice

All students are actively encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community. Student Voice elections are held each September for representatives of all Year Groups. Student Voice meets weekly with a Senior Leader to discuss student matters and work on projects within the school. In the past these have included improving the facilities, extending the range of healthy food served in the canteen, student wellbeing and input into the school rewards policies and procedures. Student Voice members publicise the Jack Petchey Award and choose the award recipient from nominations each term. Members of Student Voice have represented the school at local Student Voice Conferences and have been elected onto the Essex Young Assembly.

Extracurricular activities also provide students with further opportunities to develop their skills in organisation and leadership. For example students can choose to become Literacy, Language or Sports Leaders, promoting these areas of the curriculum through assemblies and other activities. Senior students often run or support with clubs for younger students.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Click for information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award at CCHSG

Jack Petchey Foundation Award

Jack Petchey Volunteers work on a garden Jack Petchey Foundation website

Jack Petchey came from a disadvantaged East End background but became one of the most successful businessmen in Britain. The Jack Petchey Foundation, was set up to recognise the positive attitudes and contributions young people make to their schools and the local community in London and Essex. It also supports clubs and societies for young people both in, and out of school. At CCHSG we are proud to run the Achievement Award Scheme. We have 9 awards each year of a badge, certificate and £200 to recognise those who help provide opportunities for others. Students, parents and staff can make a nomination each half term and the winners are decided by Student Voice and presented with their awards in school assembly. The money can then be spent on any item of the students’ choice, provided that students within the school benefit in some way from the expenditure.

Please see The Jack Petchey website for further details

Jack Petchey Foundation website

The Catherine Bullen Foundation

The school has a special link with the Catherine Bullen Foundation, set up by Linda and Roger Bullen in memory of their daughter Catherine who was a former student at the school. Catherine tragically died of severe gastro-enteritis in Namibia, having been in Africa to gain medical experience for her elective placement in her fifth year of medical school at Bristol University. Her parents set up the Foundation which funds community based projects including the provision of fresh water supplies, medical and educational facilities in the Omaheke region of North East Namibia. Students and staff regularly contribute to the Foundation raising money through a range of activities. Mr and Mrs Bullen present an annual achievement award to a Year 13 student who is progressing from CCHSG to study Medicine.

Namibia Aid Website

Colchester County High School for Girls