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www.battleabbeyschool.com

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100 Years of Education, 1000 Y

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Extra curricular programme

We encourage pupils to participate fully and to achieve their best, not only in the classroom but in all areas of school life. This booklet outlines some of the options available in our rich and varied extra-curricular programme.

Effective communication lies at the heart of successful relationships in all aspects of our lives. The average Battle Abbey pupil quickly develops confidence, self-assurance and the ability to stand up and be counted and our extra-curricular programme helps to develop these essential soft skills.

Both music and drama exist as curriculum subjects and there are productions and concerts on a regular basis. Most pupils will have the chance to be in a play and all will be given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Houses stage assemblies each week and the school regularly trains teams for public speaking and debating competitions. Performing before an audience and the preparation that lies behind it are life skills we consider to be very important.

We offer high level and committed coaching in many sports too. The major sports of football, hockey and netball are taken seriously and opportunities exist to play tennis, volleyball and cricket and to climb, to play golf and to enjoy athletics. We have a first class indoor swimming pool, which we use extensively both for competitive and recreational swimming. Pupils in the Senior School are coached by qualified specialists in their chosen sport each term, so that all pupils, not just the talented, receive the benefit of top quality instruction. Everyone is expected to take part in some form of exercise but if pupils don’t like conventional sports, then there are other avenues open to them including trampoline, dance, Zumba and horse riding.

A wide variety of other options are available too ranging from textiles to word games, from current affairs discussion groups to Chinese and Greek for beginners.

Many trips are organised for pupils at different ages to extend their horizons with exciting visits both to national and distant venues on other continents. There are regular visits to Europe for language exchanges, History excursions to the battle fields of the First and Second World Wars and a well supported ski trip. Pupils are equally encouraged to look beyond the school by taking part in fund raising for projects working in remote and desperately poor schools as well as for more local causes. Our pupils have learned that not everyone in the world is as lucky as they are and that giving time, effort and money (or all three) to help others is a very enriching experience.

Please Note: The Extra Curricular Activity Schedule will be subject to change from term to term particularly with regard to seasonal sports. This booklet is intended to give a flavour of what is on offer at Battle Abbey School but the Extra Curricular schedule will depend on demand and current staff skill sets and not all clubs listed here will run every term.

Sing your own song

Chamber Choir The Chamber Choir is a specialist group consisting of twenty members that performs regularly outside the School, including trips abroad. The Chamber Choir has sung in Salzburg Cathedral, Wells Cathedral and Bath Abbey and most recently gave a Centenary Recital in Canterbury Cathedral. It also performs more locally at churches, hospitals and charity events.

School ChoirThe School Choir currently has more than sixty members, featuring students from Year 7 through to Year 13, as well as some staff. A senior section of the School Choir combines with Battle Choral Society for performances of major works - most recently the Verdi Requiem and Beethoven’s Choral Symphony.

Ladies’ Choir The Ladies’ Choir works on a wide variety of repertoire, usually including a piece of music arranged by one of the girls in the Choir. The focus is on developing good vocal technique whilst working on material to be performed in and out of school. School OrchestraThe Orchestra has around twenty members and meets weekly. The Orchestra includes stringed instruments, brass instruments and, at one point or other, has included a wide range of other diverse instruments. The Orchestra performs in the end of term and Scholars’ concerts.

String EnsembleThe string ensemble plays more challenging music than the orchestra and is open to any string players of Grade 3 and beyond.

Peripatetic music lessons (paid extra)150 individual instrument lessons are taught each week at the Abbey including: Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Keyboard, Guitar and Drums (others available on request).

Creative Writing ClubEveryone welcome! The club discusses writers and books and thinks about what in particular they like about them. The club is not weighted heavily towards writing but attendees do look at what makes good writing and then experiment with different styles through a range of imaginative activities. Once the club are feeling confident enough, they share pieces of writing with each other and discuss what worked well and what aspects could be developed. There is an emphasis on a relaxed atmosphere, with each student working at their own pace and developing their own style.

KS3 Newsletter ClubThe team will (with the help of staff) create and run the KS3 Newsletter! Pupils are assigned positions as writer, photographer, editor etc. and all help to put together what should be an exciting and memorable document. The Key Stage 3 Newsletter will run monthly and students will be expected to attend lunchtime meetings, some after school sessions and to meet deadlines. A must for anyone interested in Journalism or who wants something eye catching and worthwhile for their CV.

Up for debate

KS3 Discussion GroupEncouraging pupils to follow developments in current affairs, to develop and defend their opinions and to enhance their critical thinking skills are crucial in today’s educational landscape. That is why, at Battle Abbey, the Key Stage 3 Discussion Group is a fantastic forum for promoting such skills and it gives students a platform to discuss and debate issues that will make them more interesting and will enhance their powers of communication - benefitting them throughout their professional lives. Pupils are invited to propose a topic for discussion and topics have included the likes of ‘Why Footballers are paid more than Nurses’, ‘Should Capital Punishment be introduced’ and ‘Is the Future of Capitalism under Threat’. Pupils are encouraged to argue, to challenge and to think – and the Group has always proved popular, educational and fun!

Book ClubThe Book Club is a fantastic opportunity for younger pupils to get together to discuss authors, books and what makes a particular book their favourite. Currently run monthly for KS3 to give pupils time to read and digest their book.

KS3 DebatingEach week the club agree a motion that is to be debated the following week. Each team will have two speakers arguing for or against the motion before it is debated by the ‘floor’, after which we will vote. The teams change each week. It can get heated!

MFL ConversationsThis MFL conversation club currently takes place on Tuesdays in the French room. The club alternates weekly between French and Spanish conversation and is mainly run by our committed international and multilingual students. The club is open to all pupils studying French and Spanish. It is also a drop-in and catch up opportunity for pupils who missed MFL lessons or need extra help with homework.

Latin (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced)Latin is a great differentiator on university applications for any subject. Latin is taught after school over three years, starting in Year 8 and working towards the GCSE at the end of Year 10. We cover Latin language (using a mix of old-fashioned reciting and a mobile app), Latin Literature

(a selection of prose and poetry on the theme of chariot racing) and Roman Civilisation (on the topic of Roman religion). Trips to Pompeii and Roman sites in Britain are planned. Attendance at the Latin club has helped to contribute to our as-yet unbroken record of A* results at GCSE!

Ancient GreekStudents are introduced to language and culture of Plato and Aristotle, while learning how to manipulate a complex body of grammatical law. An ideal subject for those who might wish to pursue a career in law, philosophy or classics, we now offer a GCSE qualification for those students ready to commit to two years of study.

Arabic for BeginnersWith no previous knowledge of the language needed, students can choose to study Modern Standard Arabic with a qualified teacher, learning how to read a new alphabet, make basic conversation and take the first few steps into a world that stretches from Mauritania and Morocco to the southern shores of Iran.

Broadening Horizons

Dance ClubDance club is open to all students and all levels of dance ability. Classes are lively, fun and high energy, covering a range of dance styles. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop their performance skills as well as technique and choreography. Towards the end of the year Dance Club students perform as part of the Senior Dance Show.

Dance CompanyBattle Abbey School Senior Dance Company is currently in its fourth year. It offers our most able dance students the chance to further their training, repertoire and take part in extra performance opportunities primarily in a contemporary dance style. To be selected as a Company member students in Years 9-13 must audition annually.

Production RehearsalsThere are usually three productions a year - two senior and one junior. Commitment and reliability are the most important qualities required. Rehearsals are after school and pupils will need to commit to some weekends for the play and a Saturday or Sunday session every week for the musical. We work hard, have fun and always produce exciting performances!

A chance to perform

Ballet (paid extra)Ballet classes are taught throughout the school and follow an examination syllabus up to Advanced 2.

Tech. clubA chance to learn about how the School’s stage lighting and sound equipment work and gain experience on how to operate it for productions and events. The club meet weekly and all year groups are welcome. Rise to the top and you will be the next Head of Tech!

Drama ClubKS3 drama enthusiasts meet to extend their drama skills through drama games, physical theatre and improvisation. Drama club gives us an opportunity to be a little more adventurous and challenging: One session was devoted entirely to bubbles! Later in the year we look at scripts and how to bring them to life through improvisation, different performance styles and theatrical conventions. Anyone is welcome to join.

Ballroom DancingVisiting instructor Mrs Carpenter takes pupils of all age groups through a modern take on Ballroom Dancing. Equally popular with girls and boys, the Ballroom Dancing club originated at the Prep School but was so popular with the pupils that they lobbied to be able to continue with it at the Senior School!

KS3 and KS4 Maths ClinicFor a variety of reasons a student can either miss the introduction of a new topic, need extra help with a difficult question set for homework, or just need reassurance that he/she is tackling a problem in the correct manner. The Maths Drop-in Sessions are here to help! Available at the end of the school day in the main Maths room, the club offers a non-threatening, supportive environment where staff will assist any pupil to overcome whatever Maths related issue is of concern to them. If the problem requires more than one session to resolve that’s OK.

Further MathsFor those Mathematicians in search of an extra challenge, the Further Maths GCSE offered by AQA provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare gifted students for A-Level Maths while adding an impressive examination result to their list of qualifications.

It all adds up

Duke of Edinburgh (paid extra)A Duke of Edinburgh programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, you just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by! Pupils achieve their Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if going for Gold) – Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and for Gold, a Residential.

Candidates will find themselves helping people or the community, getting fitter and developing new skills. The programme can be flexible enough to cover a variety of interests and ability levels and along the way pupils will pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with them for the rest of their life.

Mr Beach is on hand at the club sessions to facilitate ‘e-D of E’ online prep, including correct submission of documents, data entry and support for all sections of the D of E Award.

Outward bound

Battle Abbey School Art ClubThe Art Club aims to create a vibrant community of pupil artists who are engaged in, and appreciate, the visual arts. The Art Club hopes to enrich student lives, enhance their school experience and compliment school-based art education. Students will be encouraged to be experimental, to be challenged and to take risks with their work. They will be able to try out new projects and extend classroom activities. Above all they will enjoy the activities and have fun! The club is also designed to support those who require extra help.

Textiles ClubThis club is a chance for students to get one-to-one tutorials and individual help with their coursework or exam preparation sketchbooks. Additionally, students may wish to spend more time upon an activity they have covered in class to fully explore the possibilities a particular technique or idea has to offer. The club time is also an excellent opportunity for pupils who need to catch up due to absence or illness.

KS5 Photography ClubThe club is intended for KS5 photography students for project enhancement or to undertake extra curricular projects including darkroom work. Students are encouraged to use this time to investigate or experiment with new ideas and techniques to complement their coursework or to develop personal projects and skills. Students may also bring work undertaken outside of school for feedback and discussion. Numbers will be limited to five in the darkroom.

Express yourself

BAS EngineeringThe brand new BAS Young Engineering Club got off to a phenomenal start this year with plans already in place for building a work-shed, a weather station and a go-kart! Boys and girls from Year 7 to Year 13 meet weekly to discuss and develop their plans for these and exciting future projects. In addition to the projects mentioned above suggestions have included ambitious plans for the future including holographic projections and an attempt to photograph the curvature of the Earth. Pupils fully manage the project

throughout (under the stewardship of Mr Smallman and Mr Tumi) and decisions on designs, materials, dimensions and construction costs are all considered. Students also put their minds to raising funds for future projects. A very student led club, all the way down to the design of the fantastic Young Engineers’ logo!

Science ClubThe Abbey’s Science department really puts on the Ritz! Diverse and fun science experiments and trips to science events. Always popular, always fun!

Lego Robotics ClubFor students interested in solving real world problem using Lego EV3s. Pupils will also build, test and programme an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS Technology and solve a set of missions. Throughout their Lego experience pupils will need to work as part of a team to solve the challenges. Open to students from Years 7 to 11.

Minecraft ClubAll pupils are welcome to come and join the school’s own server based Minecraft World! The IT suite is turned into an atmospheric underworld, bathed in green for the sessions, which are incredibly popular with pupils of all ages.

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Oxbridge ClubIn order to fully prepare Oxbridge candidates for the rigorous Oxbridge admissions process, pupils listen to a range of talks by guestspeakers, engage in super-curricular activity, undergo mock interviews and practice entrance tests and participate in a range of Oxbridge preparation workshops.

Entrepreneur ClubIf you have a business idea, ambitions to develop an app, or anything else of a similar nature then Entrepreneur Club is for you. Each Thursday we work on our ideas, researching if there is anything like it already, creating a business plan and working out how we get the business off the ground. Our first success (by some of our youngest students) are Danny and Oliver in Year 7 who are the founders of BeachGems (as seen in the press!)

History SocietyStaff, Upper School (Years 10-13) pupils and guest speakers enjoy talks, debate and discussion on current affairs and a range of historical issues.

Chess ClubPupils meet on the chequered board for high octane, and often very competitive, games of this most intellectual of pastimes. Speed chess enthusiasts also welcome!

BAS Conservation ClubIn a 21st Century world where technology is king, there is an increasing need to provide young people the opportunities to engage first hand with nature. A developing link with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has already provided opportunities for students to explore very different natural environments further afield. Many exciting pro-jects suitable for all key stages are in the pipeline, including working with English Heritage on a 1066 nature trail to run alongside the current Battle Field Trail.

Enrich and Extend

Compete, achieve, succeed

Equestrian clubThe Equestrian Team represent Battle Abbey at NSEA Inter-school competitions in disciplines including: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Arena Eventing. Pupils compete on their own horses at a variety of different levels and students from both the Prep and Senior school are welcome. Competitions for teams and individuals start at grass roots level and build up to National Schools qualifiers and championships. Several famous riders, including Olympic Event rider Pippa Funnell competed at NSEA events whilst they were at school. Most of the competitions BAS riders attend are at venues in Sussex and Kent, but all members are eligible to attend NSEA events around the country.

Horse Riding lessons Battle Abbey students have the opportunity to attend horse riding lessons at Beauport Park Riding School. The lessons either take place in the fantastic indoor riding school facilities, or in the 340 acres of beautiful woodland at Beauport Park. The students are transported to/from the riding school, via our school minibus, for the lessons which take place on Mondays after school. There are two groups, catering for different levels of ability, from beginner to intermediate. It is great to see the progress that the students make - many have started as complete beginners and are now confidently cantering round a course of jumps in the higher group. Taster sessions are available before committing to a whole term of lessons, so this is an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill and experience this fun and unique sport.

Hockey (Various)Hockey clubs cater for all age ranges and abilities and gives students the opportunity to further develop their skills and drill practices among other Hockey enthusiasts. The sessions consist of around thirty minutes working on skills and set plays, before selecting and applying them to conditioned game scenarios and situations.

Junior, Intermediate and Senior Football clubOpen to Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 pupils this club aims to nurture the future of the game within Battle Abbey. This club reinforces and develops the skills and drills that are taught in the lessons that week and aims to develop our young performers.

Basketball Basketball is a new addition through our link with BADER. Students take the minibus to Herstmonceux where they receive coaching from highly experienced Canadian coaches with students supporting the sessions.

Gym SessionsThe school’s new fitness suite is available for use after school for Key stage 4 and 5 students (once an induction is completed). We currently have a range of cardio machines and some free weights, with more equipment to be added over the coming months.

Golf (paid extra)A useful skill to take into your professional career as well as great fun! Golf coaching is with the Pro [Sean Creasey] at Cooden Beach Golf Club. Equipment will be provided. No previous experience necessary, all are welcome! Please note that this club is one of only two Extra Curricular activities we charge for.

Whole School Netball (Junior / Senior) (Spring / Summer)Whole school Junior and Senior Netball clubs are opportunities to develop skills and confidence on the court. Each week there is a focus on a specific area of the game and attendees have plenty of game play time to put these into practice. Netball club also gives those students who are interested in umpiring and coaching an opportunity to build their confidence and lead aspects of the session. KS4 Sports Leaders often use the Netball club as evidence towards their junior umpiring awards. Elite KS3 players benefit from the opportunity to play with more experienced players. The current team are very successful against local schools. The team also embark on an annual Netball tour.

Rounders (Spring/Summer)Rounders club is for both girls and boys of any age or ability interested in improving their skills and understanding of the game. It is also a chance to enjoy this sport in the sunshine! Separate dedicated team practice takes place in games afternoons and at lunchtime. The club gives players from different teams and age groups the chance to play together weekly.

Swimming There are a number of early morning and after school swim sessions available. Competitive swimmers may bring their own club training schedule, or be coached by our experienced staff. However, there is always a provision for recreational swimmers who just want to swim lengths. The Senior Swim Squad represent the school in friendly and championship galas, we also occasionally combine with the Prep Swim Squad for events.

Tennis (Spring/Summer)Social tennis is one of the most popular clubs at Battle Abbey. Students really enjoy the opportunity to play against their friends in the sun after a day’s school. Formal tennis coaching is also available to those who wish to improve their competitive game.

Coaching Clinics (various throughout the year)Coaching clinics are offered in a variety of sports and are an opportunity to work on specific skills and techniques in smaller groups.

TrampolineRun for all year groups in a variety of sessions, Trampoline Club is increasingly popular and entertains a range abilities from regional champions to absolute beginners. A great way to stay fit and see the Abbot’s Hall from a new perspective!

VolleyballVolleyball is one of the world’s most popular team sports. The Battle Abbey Volleyball Club started in March 2015 and is primarily aimed at KS4 pupils but all pupils are welcome. A great way to keep fit and meet new people. Whatever your level of ability, the game provides varying degrees of competition from social/recreational games to more competitive league and cup opportunities. Anyone interested in taking up the sport will find it both rewarding and enjoyable. Our aim is to participate in an ever increasing number of volleyball tournaments and local competitions.

KS4 and KS5 PilatesPilates is a unique exercise system that gives rapid, yet lasting results. By focusing on precise movements that challenge your core stability, you are capable of creating a leaner, more sculpted body, increased abdominal and lower back strength and improved posture. Not only does Pilates offer all of the above, it is hugely beneficial as a way to relieve stress by concentrating on deep breathing, stretching, toning the muscles and improving self esteem. Pilates is perfect for any age or ability as each exercise can be adapted to the individual. For anyone who is into sport, Pilates strengthens and supports the body to complement your training and reduce the risk of injury.

Year 10 and 11 Spanish Exchange to Madrid Pupils take part in a yearly Spanish exchange with our partner school Colegio Joyfe in Madrid. Our pupils stay with host families in the centre of Madrid, attend lessons and go on a range of exciting excursions.

Year 7 and 8 French Exchange with ArrasKey Stage 3 pupils welcome pupils from our partner school in northern France and in return spend some days with them in Arras. Pupils travel to Arras before the Christmas holidays in order to enjoy the fabulous Christmas Market in this lovely town.

English Lectures Each year, the English Department take Year 12 and 13 students to London to listen to lectures on their set texts delivered by experts in the field of literature. Venues have included the Institute of Education and Conway Hall. These experiences not only enhance students’ understanding of literature but also offer them an insight into how they will be taught at university.

Harold’s Night The Harold’s Night Disco is one of the School’s longest standing (and most fun!) traditions. A chance for some of our younger pupils to party, cut a fantastic celebratory cake and perhaps see Harold’s ghost who is a regular visitor!

Charity Work and OutreachDifferent sections of the school run sponsored events, cake sales and a very popular Tuck Shop, to raise funds for a variety of charities each year.

Special events

Ski TripEvery year, the school offers a ski trip to top resorts throughout Europe. We even have the occasional trip over to the USA and Canada! This trip is very popular with both students and parents and places fill up fast. The trip usually takes place during the Easter Holidays.

EPQ PresentationsUniversities tell us that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Level 3 is an excellent preparation for undergraduate study as it gives real evidence of independent, critical thinking. It is a stand-alone qualification, an extension from studies, which enthuses students by offering the opportunity for open debate and research on their own topic. Students from Year 12 can opt to take the EPQ, alongside their A Level studies and will be taught skills such as researching effectively or time management. It is essential that students work independently, but have a supervisor and subject mentors who assesses their progress. There are annual Extended Project Qualification presentations where pupils present their EPQ to staff and parents.

History Presentations and TripsIn October the department hosts a 1066 Conference for A-Level History students from across the country. Year 9 take an annual trip to Ypres to visit important First World War sites. Year 7 visit Dover Castle, Year 8 the London Dungeons and Years 10 and 11 visit Berlin, whilst Year 12 and 13 travel to London for various A-Level Conferences.

Batt

le A

bbey School 1912 - 2012

10

0 Years of Education, 1000 Years

of H

isto

ry

www.battleabbeyschool.com