Bloxham School Broader Curriculum Booklet

Bloxham’s
Broader Curriculum

2017-18

Contents Oudoor En
p. 23
Bloxham’s Broader
Curriculum; Physical Education
Overview p. 11-18
p. 3-4

Academic Enrichment
p. 19-22

Creative Arts
p. 5-10

A genuine all round education needs to expose students to a range of
experiences and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
Learning about life in its broader context will not only equip you for
whatever the future may hold, it also helps to build the essential skills
needed to embrace challenges, develop an expertise and be ambitious.

ngagement Inidividual
3-24 Arrangement

p.41-42

Clubs
p. 31-38

Community Services
p. 25-30

Exham Carousel
p. 39-40

This booklet seeks to give students an overview Bloxham’s Broader
Curriculum in order that they are able to make the most of the range of
opportunities open to them. During your time here, you should aim to
experience a range of activities and be brave enough to try something
new, as well as push yourself to be as good as you can be.

Bloxham’s Broader
Curriculum; oVerview

The aim of the Broader Curriculum is to offer the opportunity for both breadth
and expertise. Typically this will see students in the junior years doing more
options, with their tutors encouraging them to select from a spread of the
following categories;

Academic Enrichment
Clubs
Creative Arts
Physical

As students move up the school, those who wish to, are able to dedicate more
time to a given pursuit and there is no maximum option load.

Students in the First and Second Form will take part in the Exham Carousel on a
Tuesday afternoon and all Students in the Lower Sixth are expected to complete
a year of Community Service.

Some Students have specific needs and in this instance bespoke arrangements
can be sought. In the first instance it is best to begin discussions with the
relevant Housemaster.

First Form – Two options plus the Exham Carousel
Third Form – Two options plus Third Form Outdoor Education
Fourth Form – Three options, which must include at least one on a Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday
Fifth Form – Two options
Lower Sixth – One option, plus a Community Service choice
Upper Sixth – One option

How to sign up

During the first week of a term, you should use an individual log into the Broader
Curriculum database, to access your available options. Following a discussion
with your tutor, you should then make your options online. Details of how to do
this will be given to you in Week One. The majority of the Broader Curriculum
options will begin in Week Two.

3

Each option has details on how the selection process operates and please note
that many of these are done on a first come first served basis. In the event of you
not getting your first choice, you will be required to sign up to something else.

Some options are invite only. If you would like to attend these, but have not
been invited, please contact with the MIC directly.

Some options are compulsory for certain students. This might be for an entire
year group, or for award holders. Where this is the case, you will see this option
as pre-selected when you log into the Broader Curriculum.

Attendance

From the start of Week Two, you will be required to attend your
options as and when they occur. Usually this will be weekly and
your commitment will be for a term. Some however are for the
year. Your Broader Curriculum timetable is available in the
database and there are also electronic noticeboards in the main
school the will be showing what is happening on any given day.

Should you be absent for any reason, please make sure you let
the MIC of your option know that you would like to request
absence. Please don’t think that your Housemaster/mistress
will tell them.

It is hoped that the information in this
booklet will provide you with the
information needed to make a good
decision on what to sign up for.

However, something things don’t quite
work out and should you wish to change
your option, then you must go to see Ms
Lella in Food Technology and she will let
you have a Change of Option Form.
Once you have collected all of the
signatures required on this for,
you will be able to move
to another option
which has space
for you.

Creative Arts

Art

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Art School
Open to:
Selection:
MIC: Mrs R Lehman
Description:
Skills learnt:

Brass Ensemble

Day: Friday
Time: 1.20pm-2pm
Venue: SKMS
Open to: Invitation only
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: For budding brassers from all years, performing music together.

Chapel Choir

Day: Tuesday (Practice) & Thursday (Performance)
Time: Period 6
Venue: SKMS
Open to: Third Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: Audition
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: At the heart of the musical life of the school lies the Chapel Choir
which is for invited students to lead worship at school and beyond. This includes
Evensong at Lichfield Cathedral, St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s
and a stunning Carol Service at St John’s, Hyde Park, London.

5



Exham Chapel Choir

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: SKMS
Open to: First Form – Second Form
Selection: Audition
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: For top singers in the Lower School to play an integral part in the
musical life of the school through weekly Chapel services and termly concerts.

Harmonix

Day: Friday
Time: 1.30pm-2pm
Venue: SKMS
Selection: Invite only
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: For stellar singers in the senior years at Bloxham to perform
challenging works to an excellent standard.

Jazz Band

Day: Friday
Time: 1.20pm-2pm
Venue: SKMS
Open to: Invite only
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: Performing all the classics as well as arrangements of chart busters.
For instrumentalists and for those vocalists who fancy singing with a band!

Life Drawing

Day: Monday
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Venue: Art School
Open to: Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth Fine Artists only
MIC: Mr R Matthews
Description: Develop drawing skills though teacher led instruction using the life
model. A great benefit to those building a portfolio for Art college admission.

(Exham) Music Practice 7

Day: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: 1.25pm-2pm
Venue: SKMS
Open to: All
Selection: Book with Mr Redpath
MIC: Mr A Redpath

Music Practice

Day: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: SKMS
Open to: All
Selection: By agreement with your HSMS and Mr Redpath
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: A designated time for you to get better at what you do. Sessions can
be supervised by our Musician in Residence for piano accompanying and support.

Orchestra

Day: Thursday
Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm
Venue: SKMS
Open to: Invite only
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: For invited pupils of all ages to perform the music you
know and the music you don’t. The leading school ensemble for
those who play an instrument.

Photography

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Art School
Open to: Fourth Form - Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr R Matthews
Description: Opportunity for students to
develop their photography skills through
fun teacher-led experiments, or for more
experienced students they can complete
individual self-led projects supporting
DofE skills for assessment. Cameras are
provided but you may also bring your
own.
Skills learnt: Creativity, camera
use, lighting & darkroom
processes.

Radio Show

Day: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Time: 7pm-9pm – 1 hour slot per week
Venue: SKMS
Selection: First come, first served. Successful students will need to complete a
training session before being allowed on air.
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: Learn the skills you need to devise, produce and run your own Radio
Show. Turn that red light on and broadcast to the school!

Show Choir

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: SKMS
Open to: All
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: If you like your pop and are always singing the latest hits, this is the
choir for you. Guaranteed to perform the music you love, come and get involved!

String Orchestra

Day: Monday
Time: Period 7
Venue: SKMS
Selection: Invite only
MIC: Mr A Redpath
Description: For invited string players of all ages to perform excellent repertoire.
Run by the infectiously enthusiastic Mr Windass.

School Production

Day: Monday (Whole Cast) & Tuesday (Principals)
Time: Period 6
Venue: Great Hall
Open to: Cast members
Selection: Audition
MIC: Mr D Parker
Description: Students collaborate to produce the annual school show that takes
place in December – these rehearsals allow students the opportunity to work
collectively on the performance side of the piece, under the direction of the Head
of Productions.
Skills learnt: Rehearsal technique, acting skills, taking direction & teamwork

9



Physical Education

Badminton/Squash

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Dewey
Open to: Third Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr C Saunders
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their badminton and squash
skills, whether for competitive matches or social play. There will be some
teaching of rules and techniques, but the focus is very much on enjoyment and
participation. This is a game which can be played at any level and there will be
plenty of opportunity to build skills, whether a novice or more advanced player.
Skills learnt: Game play, confidence, pair work, social skills and co-ordination,
alongside stamina, agility and general fitness.

Basketball

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Dewey - Appropriate footwear required.
Open to: First Form – Second Form
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr M Moir
Description: Opportunity to learn new skills of handling, passing and shooting,
or to develop existing skills, where boys and girls can compete on a level.
Development of basic skills as well as strategies of play will be practiced in game
situations, as well as playing game conditions. Emphasis on fun for all by having
a go.
Skills learnt: Dribbling, passing and shooting, as well as rules. Fun and general
fitness also improved by putting techniques into game play.

11



Cheerleading

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Dewey
Open to: First Form – Second Form
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Miss L Akehurst
Description: An introduction to the sport of cheerleading. You will get to
experience elements of gymnastics, body conditioning, dance and teamwork.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Day: Tuesday (September-October half term & February half term–
Summer Term)
Time: 3.45pm-6pm
Venue: Offsite
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: Open
MIC: Ms P Eagles
Description: Opportunity for students to develop an existing or new
skill. All shots receive tuition and the opportunity to shoot for the
school in competitions.
Special note: Session charge is £32.50 which includes tuition,
clays cartridge and use of guns. Parental permission
needed. No fees when shooting for the school
team in competitions.

Cross Country

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Dewey
Open to: First Form – Second Form
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Miss R Odlin

Description: A chance to get out into
the Oxfordshire countryside and
practice the cross country
routes. For the more
serious, also a
chance to improve
your personal best
time.

Fives

Day: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Time: First Form – Second Form Thursday Period 6, Third Form – Fourth Form
Monday Period 6, Fifth Form – Upper Sixth Tuesday Period 7
Venue: Fives Court
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr S Batten
Description: Fives is one of the oldest and most traditional of all ball sports and
has been played at Bloxham since the early 1860s. Best described as being like
squash but played with gloves on each hand, but no racket. It is a fast and
exciting game suitable for boys and girls alike and for all ages.
Skills Learnt: The ability to play an old and traditional sport and the chance to be
selected for school teams. Fives is a sport in which playing in the right spirit is
more important than winning or losing!

Golf

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Driving range
Open to: Fourth Form - Upper Sixth (max 12 students)
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr R Matthews
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their golf skills through practicing
at the driving range over the road from the school. There is a charge of £5 per
session for a bucket of balls. All abilities welcome. Some golf clubs are available
from the range although this is limited and best to bring a selection of your own
to use.
Skills learnt: Golf technique, patience.

Gym

Day: Monday & Tuesday
Time: First Form – Second Form Thursday Period 6, Third Form – Fourth Form
Monday Period 6, Fifth Form – Upper Sixth Monday Period 6 & Thursday Period 7
Venue: Dewey/Astro
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Location: Dewey
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr S Beavis & Mr T Cowley
Description: An opportunity for students to develop physically, train sports
specifically and generally unwind from their daily routine. Whether you’re a
novice or the world’s strongest student everybody is welcome to join and will be
provided with a purposeful program to help achieve your personal goal.

14

Hockey Club - Boys

Day: Monday & Tuesday (Michealmas Term only)
Time: First Form – Second Form Monday Period 6, Third Form – Fourth Form
Tuesday Period 6, Fifth Form – Upper Sixth Tuesday Period 7
Venue: Dewey/Astro
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Location: Dewey
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr R Hobley
Description: The opportunity to get ready for the major sport next term and have
some fun. You will take a role as an umpire, performer or coach and develop
yourself as both a hockey player and a person. These sessions will cater for all
abilities and will include matches and skills training.
Skills: Everything from pushing, throwing overheads, receiving, carrying,
shooting, defending, 3D skills, drag flicking, logging, back hand hitting, glove
work, working within a team, taking responsibility, deflecting, communicating,
confidence, determination, kicking, PC skills, goal setting, self-discipline. If there
is something specific for you as an individual, we will focus on it.

Hockey Club - Girls

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Astro
Open to: Fifth Form - Upper Sixth
Location: Dewey
Selection: Invite only
MIC: Mr R Hobley
Description: This session will focus on one or all of the components listed
dependent on the needs of the team and it’s progress throughout the term:
match analysis (video or otherwise), specific tactical development (team
orientated) or specific skill development (individual orientated).
Skills learnt: Leadership, working together, creative play and performing under
pressure.

Life Saving

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 7
Venue: Swimming Pool
Open to: Fourth Form – Fifth Form
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mrs A Gill
Description: An introduction to basic lifesaving skills, leading to an opportunity to
go through the various levels of RSA awards.
Skills learnt: Aquatic skills, basic first aid & lifesaving.

15

Meditation

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Rpom 40
Open to: Fourth Form - Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Ms E Russell
Description: Offering pupils a chance to relax and meditate using a variety of
techniques which they will hopefully take with them into life. Students set goals
and are encouraged share ideas for promoting good mental health habits.
Skills learnt: Relaxation, meditation, mindfulness & breathing techniques.

Netball Club

Day: Monday & Tuesday (Michealmas Term only)
Time: First Form – Second Form Monday Period 6, Third Form –
Fourth Form Tuesday Period 6, Fifth Form – Upper Sixth Tuesday
Period 7
Venue: Dewey
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Miss L Manning
Description: We play netball! Come along if you love
playing the game. We will look at what it takes to
be a performance player by looking at the best
in the world and using video and other
techniques to help us learn. Learn the art
of flair and how we can build into our
game. We will prepare for the season
ahead as individuals, units and teams.
Skills learnt: Leadership, working
together, creative play and
performing under pressure.

Tennis Coaching

Day: Monday, Tuesday (Third Form – Upper Sixth), Thursday (Fourth Form, Fifth
Form & Upper Sixth)
Time: Period 6 & 7
Venue: Dewey & Park Close Courts
Open to: All
Selection: Via parental email to MIC Jenny Edwards [email protected]
Description: Individual or small group coaching available for a 6 week block.
Cost: £5-25 per session, depending on group size

Riding

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Offsite
Open to: All
Selection: Parental consent letter to Mrs White
MIC: Mrs J White
Description: Riding is a competitive and successful sport involving novice and
experienced performers. Weekly training is provided all year and a variety of
internal and external events are entered throughout the year including weekends
and holidays. Success at all levels is achieved, including national.
Skills learnt: Horsemanship, livery, team work & self-discipline.

Swimming

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Swimming Pool
Open to: All
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mrs S Heathcote
Description: 45 minutes spent lane swimming to improve fitness and technique
with individual help if required. Pupils benefit from regular swimming as a form
of relaxation and having their own individual space and quiet time in the pool.
Some benefit from more competitive swimming allowing to improve times and
personal stamina. Rehabilitation can also be beneficial, especially if injured.
Skills learnt: All strokes including diving if required.

17





Academic Enrichment

English Society

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 7
Venue: English Department
Open to: Fifth Form- Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served
MIC: Mr Saunders
Description: This new activity aims to provide a forum for discussion and
appreciation of literature in a relaxed/informal atmosphere. The aim is for the
Society to be more student than teacher led, choosing topics and texts for
discussion and looking at the broader aspects of literature and how these relate
to modern life. There will be opportunities for writing and reviewing and thinking
and reflecting. Be there at the embryonic stage. You do not need to be studying
English Literature at A Level to join, although it would be a good stepping stone
for anyone considering English at university.
Skills learnt: Speaking and listening skills (discussion and argument), confidence
and eloquence, knowledge and appreciation of a broader range of literature.

History Society

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: History Department
Open to: Fifth Form- Upper Sixth
Selection: First come, first served (even if you don’t study history!)
MIC: Mr Hudson
Description: The session will be influenced by the interests of the Society students,
and the skills they seek to gain from it, with the intention to read/discuss a
range of historical articles, and also look to organise external site visits and
possible lectures. Students will be encouraged to enter external essay writing
competitions, and this time can also be used to help prepare for this.
Skills learnt: Critical thinking, acquiring a broader range of historical knowledge,
gaining the confidence and skills to undertake self-directed learning.

20

MCAT

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Biology Department
Open to: Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth
Selection: Invite only
MIC: Mrs Perera
Description: If you intend to apply to study medicine or veterinary medicine, you
will be required to take admissions tests and should attend the MCAT activity to
help you prepare for these. We will work collaboratively to practise the various
skills required for BMAT, UKCAT and Cambridge Natural Sciences Pre-assessment
Tests.
Skills learnt: Abstract and verbal reasoning, problem-solving & critical thinking.

Scholars’ Society

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6 (Fifth Form - Upper Sixth) & Period 7 (Third Form - Fourth Form)
Open to: Academic scholars and exhibitioners and some other students from these
year groups identified from the previous year’s exam performances. Students will
be contacted and asked to sign up for the activity for a particular term.
Selection: Invite only (required attendance for one term during the year)
Description: An opportunity for students to stretch their thinking and explore
ideas/issues outside of the classroom environment. Assumptions will be
challenged and questioned. Topics for seminar-style discussion might include
feminism, fake news, medical ethics or a current affairs issue. There will be a
particular focus on the different areas of knowledge that make up our education
and on how we think about the ways these areas of knowledge relate to one
another.
Skills learnt: Critical thinking skills, communication skills, reasoning & formulating
independent perspectives and arguments.

Supervised study

Day: Monday & Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: VLR
Open to: Fourth Form – Fifth Form
Selection: Only available by HsMs approval first
MIC: Mr M Moir
Description: Opportunity to do academic work, supervised – normally because
prep time is taken by another activity or falling behind and extra time is needed.

21



Outdoor Engagement

Third Form Outdoor Education

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Third Form
Selection: Compulsory
MIC: Mr R Dann
Description: A programme designed to encourage sufficiency and appreciation of
outdoor activities.
Skills learnt: Navigation and map reading, rope work, kayaking, climbing, camp
craft, leadership.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Day: Thursday
Time: 3.45 – 5.15
Venue: CCF – Park Close
Open to: Fourth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: Open – but should have completed weapons handling training on the
A2 rifle.
MIC: Mr N Evans
Description: Military activities, adventure and leadership training. Two 48 hour
overnight exercises, range days and summer camp.
Skills learnt: A range of military skills as well as leadership.

Gold DofE

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 7
Venue: Physics
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: Open
MIC: M A Millington
Description: Train, plan and prepare for the practice and qualifying expeditions for

your Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. 23





Community services

Bloxham Pre-school

Day: Day to depend on free periods. To start from 25th September
Time: To fit with Lower Sixth timetable
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs J Cochran
Description: This service takes place at the local nursery. It looks after children 3-4
years and will involve helping to run activities with the staff or to lead an activity.
Skills learnt: Interacting with others, community cohesion, opportunities in education,
team working, creative thinking, developing responsibility, diplomacy, empathy

Bloxham Primary School Art Club

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr R Matthews
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their creative and leadership skills
working with primary school pupils on a range of self-initiated art projects.
Skills learnt: Creativity, Leadership, Project planning, Presentation, Social skills.

Bloxham Primary School Cooking activity

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their cooking skills whilst also sharing
this knowledge with younger students from the local primary school. A keen interest
in cooking/food preparation and helping younger students is required.
Skills learnt: Community service and cooking skills

26

Bloxham Primary School Maths Club

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs Merris
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their numerical and leadership
skills working with primary school pupils on a range of self-initiated art projects.
Skills learnt: Creativity, Leadership, Project planning, Presentation, Social skills.

Bloxham Primary School MFL Club

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Ms E Lesu
Description: Opportunity for students to consolidate their French or Spanish
language skills by planning and running workshops for primary school pupils
with the aim of further developing their language knowledge and increasing
their motivation to engage with the language learning experience.
Skills learnt: Skills learnt: French/ Spanish language skills, effective speaking,
presentation skills, building confidence, organisational skills, team work, building
rapport.

Bloxham Primary School Art Club

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr T Cowley
Description: Opportunity for students to develop coaching skills working with
primary school pupils across a range of sporting activities.
Skills learnt: Creativity, Leadership, Project planning, Presentation, Social skills.

Bloxham Primary School Reading Club

Day: Thursday
Time: period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs A Cooper
Description: an opportunity to help improve the reading and literacy of a group
of primary school boys. This can be done thorough word games, plays, reading,
quizzes etc.
Skills learnt: Activity planning and organising.

27

Charities Committee

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Father Michael’s office
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Father Michael
Description: Opportunity for students to lead the school’s Charity work. This
will involve prompting and directing a charitable mentality within school. It will
involve imaginative and co-operative leadership, presentational skills, lots of
motivation, and a readiness to work hard to improve opportunities for others
within society.
Skills learnt: Leadership, co-operation, motivation, presentational skills, planning/
development/delivery skills.

Foodbank

Day: Thursday
Time: 3.40pm
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr S Hussain
Description: This activity involves some collection of food for the foodbank.
It mainly involves checking the food, and sorting it by type and date at the
warehouse. There is also an opportunity to pack specific orders for individual
family groups.
Skills learned: This activity offers an insight into financial deprivation locally, and a
chance to work, with an established agency, to respond to those in need.

Green Pastures Nursing Home

Day: Thursday
Time: 3.40pm – 6pm
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Dr C Evans
Description:
Skills learnt:

28

Individual Arrangement

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: Via agreement with Mrs Cochran
MIC: Mrs J Cochran
Description: Some students are able to arrange their own community service
outside of the options listed here. This is encouraged and shows initiate and
gives the opportunity to shape a service option that is most applicable to you.

Lighting Tech

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Dr M Ruck
Description: An opportunity for those interested in sound/lighting to learn how
to operate and maintain the schools growing list of equipment. The aim is to
assemble a technical team to support the school’s drama activities and events.

Rainbows Nursery - Bloxham

Day: Day to depend on free periods.
Time: To fit with Lower Sixth timetable
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs J Cochran
Description: This service takes place at the local nursery, looking after children
from 3 months to 5 years. You will help staff to run/lead activities.
Skills learnt: Interacting with others, community cohesion, opportunities in
education, team working, creative thinking, developing responsibility, diplomacy,

empathy.

St Mary’s Primary School

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 5-6
Open to: Lower Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr Finch
Description: St Mary’s is a Primary School based in the centre of Banbury. They

are a school deemed to be ‘Good’ by their recent OFSTED inspection. They are

a diverse school who cater for children of all abilities and cultures. We take 2

students into the school to help teach their more able students in Years 5 and 6.

Skills learnt: Planning and Evaluation skills, Marketing, PR, Public Speaking,

differentiation 29





Clubs

Amnesty International

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Business Studies
Open to: Fifth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr S Hussain
Description: Amnesty International School Bloxham is a global human rights
organisation which promotes awareness, undertakes in activism, and raises its
voice against some of the most critical current human rights infringements. In
the club, students will work to educate their peers about issues, help plan school
events, and occasionally fundraise. Students will have the opportunity to voice
their opinions and design creative solutions to help more people understand the
issues dominating the globe.
Skills learnt: Event planning, fundraising, team-work, research and IT skills

Animal Club

Day: Monday & Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Biology
Open to: Exham – Third Form (Monday), Third For – Upper Sixth (Tuesday)
Selection: Open
MIC: Mrs K Perera & Mr D Finch
Description: Animal Club allows you to get to know the animals we have in
Biology and learn how to look after them. You will also feed and clean the
animals out so you gain experience of what it takes to be responsible for looking
after animals.
Skills learnt: Team work, life skills, leadership, and responsibility

32

Astronomy

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Physics
Open to: Third Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Dr M Ruck
Description:
Skills learnt:

Race For The Line: Bloodhound Challenge – Rocket
Powered Car

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: First Form
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr N Hollingworth
Description: This is a yearlong project where students will design and make a
rocket powered car, which will then be raced in the Race for the Line Challenge
in the summer of 2018. All First Form Students can and should get involved over
the course of the year.

Cerebral Board Games

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Chemistry
Open to: First Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr N Evans
Description: Chess, Draughts, Scrabble, Go, Risk and other brain burning games.

Coding

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: Fourth Form - Upper sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr A Gray
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their programming skills either
by developing simple games (beginners) or for more experienced students where
they can complete individual self-led projects.
Skills learnt: Programming and game design.

33

Cooking

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Venue
Open to: First Form – Fourth Form
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs S Heathcote
Description: Experimenting with food to create something edible!
Skills learnt: Basic cooking skills, food hygiene, broadening of palate.

Debating

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: English Dept
Open to: Fourth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs C Summers
Description: The Debating Society aims to develop skills of rhetoric
and an interest in current affairs. Weekly debates take place on topics
chosen by the students and all students are given the opportunity to
participate or to contribute from the floor. The House Competition
takes place during the Lent term giving students the opportunity to
participate in national competitions in public speaking and debating.

Debating and Public Speaking

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: English Dept
Open to: First Form – Fourth Form
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mrs C Summers
Description: Public Speaking and Debating aims
to prepare students to represent the school in
a number of regional and national speaking
competitions, such as Youth Speaks and
Debating Matters. Students will be coached
in public speaking and debating skills,
as well as researching topics
and rehearsing prior to
participation in
selected
competitions.

DT – Project Work

Day: Tuesday (Lent Term)
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: Fifth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr T Skevington
Description: Designed for those who have taken on large and complex projects
to allow specialist help and advice outside of class time. Tasks such as welding,
turning, milling and routing may be activities that will be undertaken.
Skills learnt: Workshop Skills

DT – Stage design and construction

Day: Tuesday (Michaelmas term only)
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: Third Form - Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr T Skevington
Description: Designing and building the set for the School production, Lord of The
Flies. It will also require the scouring of materials and components. Some of the
features will be a forest and part of a full sized airplane.
Skills learnt: Construction, material and tool manipulation.

Investor Challenge

Day: Thursday
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: Fourth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Mr A Gray
Description: Students will form teams of 4 to take part in the Student Investor
Challenge competition (http://www.studentinvestor.org/), this involves teams
investing virtual money on the London Stock Exchange. Students will need to
keep their portfolios healthy by following the ups and downs of the market,
judging when to buy and sell in order to make a profit.
Skills learnt: Business analysis, financial analysis, investment management,
teamwork, communication

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Junior Book Club

Day: Monday
Time: Period 6
Venue: VLR
Open to: First Form – Fourth Form
Selection: First come first served.
MIC: Mrs S Swann
Description: As a group we will choose the titles we discuss. Pupils will be
expected to devote their own time to reading between sessions as well as during
the meeting. During the Lent and Summer Terms we will read and discuss titles
on the Carnegie Long and Shortlists.
Skills learnt: We aim to promote a life-long love of reading, challenge
pupils in their choice of title and develop their ability to listen and
discuss their ideas within a group.

MFL Film Society

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Room 2
Open to: Third Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Miss E Lesu
Description: Opportunity for students to take part in a
film competition oragnised by Oxford University
by watching a French film with English
subtitles and re-writing the ending in
English (or French!) in no more than 1500
words (it can be screen-play, play-script,
prose, prose with illustrations, filmed
YouTube entries). A prize of £100 is
awarded to the winning student, with
runner-up prizes of £25.
Skills learnt: Creativity, problem solving,
written and spoken communication,
team work

Model Club

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Engine Shed
Open to: Third Form – Fourth Form
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Padre Duncan
Description: The Model Railway’ Engine Shed is located in the science block and
boasts a fully functional model railway. Students meet to operate the layout
and to build models and scenery that contribute to the railway’s appearance.
Along the way you will learn about electronics, construction and the art of scenic
modelling.

Philosophy Biscuit Club

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Venue
Open to: Fourth Form – Upper Sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Miss A Garcia
Description: Opportunity for students to learn about and discuss philosophy with
their peers over a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Textiles

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: RTC
Open to: Third Form - Upper sixth
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Miss A Garcia
Description: Opportunity for students to develop their textile skills either by
developing simple projects in conjunction with the teacher (beginners) or for
more experienced students where they can complete individual self-led projects

Scrabble

Day: Tuesday
Time: Period 6
Venue: Liddon Chapel
Open to: Third Form – Fifth Form
Selection: First come first served
MIC: Dr D Herring
Description: Opportunity for students to learn to play and practise the popular

board game Scrabble. This will develop their English vocabulary, social skills and

concentration. 37



Exham Carousel

The Exham carousel is a creative and academic programme that all
members of the First and Second Form and a part of. It is designed
to give them exposure to a range of new interests and sees them
work through eight options throughout the year.

Science club Mr M Sitsapesan

Art Mr R Matthews

Cooking Mrs A Hickling

Music Mr A Redpath

Current affairs Mr T Tuthill

Latin projects Miss E Lesu

Chess/board games Mr D McCellan

Climbing wall Mr A Millington

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iNDIVIDUAL aRRANGEMENT

It is common for students to join Bloxham already with a particular
passion, not listed above, that takes up a significant amount of
time outside of school. In this circumstance, it is possible for them
to be given the option of selecting “House Arrangement” for one
of their broader curriculum choices. This should allow them time to
use effectively during the school day and hopefully allow them to
become as good as they can be.
Students wishing to select this option, must seek their
Housemasters/Mistress’ permission beforehand. This discussion
also provides a good format to discuss how else the school might
support you in achieving your ambitions.

Boarding Arrangment

Day: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Time: Period 6 & 7
Venue: Boarding house
Open to: All
Selection: By agreement with your Housemaster/mistress
MIC: Housemasters
Skills learnt: Time management, self-discipline & communication.

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