Bablake Co-Curricular Brochure

Senior School

Co-Curricular

“Pupils broaden their life skills and gain experience through the comprehensive co-curricular programme, generously supported by the provision made by the School’s leaders and governors.”

ISI INSPECTION 2023

The breadth of our co-curricular activities continues to be one of Bablake’s great strengths.

Providing wide-ranging opportunities to develop, thrive and discover.

With over 85 activities across all year groups each week, there is always something new to try; whether physical, creative, thinking or expressive, these activities underline the rounded nature of our educational provision. Our clubs and societies are open to all year groups unless otherwise stated.

activities to choose from

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Food Voyager Club SHELLS

This exciting lunchtime club explores the rich culinary traditions of foods from around the world. Each week, pupils embark on a new culinary adventure: some weeks delicious dishes are made, whilst other weeks, a variety of global flavours are tasted. Discover, create and savour the diverse tastes that our world has to offer.

Jewellery Club

Pupils learn different techniques, from design to manufacture. How to sketch a concept, look at drawing techniques and how to be risky in design. Learn making techniques, work with Fimo, cast metal and even 3D printing as well as using many different materials and exploring how to be eco-friendly.

Textile Club LOWER SCHOOL

A creative club with a relaxed atmosphere where pupils can learn and explore all things textiles. Mini textiles projects run throughout the year including macramé dream catchers, hand embroidery and cactus pin cushions, Christmas decorations and many more.

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Junior Drama Club

SHELLS – YEAR 8

Drama Club

SHELLS – YEAR 11

Our Drama Clubs offer a dynamic environment where young performers can explore their creativity through engaging workshops and exciting performances. Pupils will develop confidence, communication skills and a love for theatre whilst making new friends. An unforgettable experience where imagination meets the stage.

Percussion Ensemble

An ensemble for all our percussionists. The repertoire is designed to fit what instruments are available and performances are a lot of fun.

Orchestra

The Orchestra is open to all players. Genres range from Classical to modern day pieces including music from Frozen, The Lion King and Les Misérables. This repertoire gives pupils the opportunity to appreciate a wide range of musical experiences and encourages enjoyable music making.

Brass Ensemble

The Brass Ensemble is a wellestablished group and perform pieces written by Telemann to Freddie Mercury. Open to brass players who are able to play a full octave. The emphasis is very much on fun music making.

Swing Band

Swing Band is an ensemble which performs music from the great American Song Book to Jazz arrangements of modern pop/rock songs. This group provides the opportunity for players to develop their improvisation skills, solo playing and performance techniques during rehearsals. Weekly rehearsals focus on preparing pieces for performance each term. Instrumentalists (woodwind, brass, guitar, piano and drum kit) and vocalists are welcome to attend.

String Ensemble

A friendly group that welcomes players of most levels, but a minimum of a Grade 2/3 standard would be a helpful starting level. All styles played from pop music to Classical, traditional and film music. Some recent performances featured Sam Smith, Lady Gaga and Vivaldi. The ensemble performs once each term and welcomes all string players: violin, viola, cello and bass.

Choir

Our school choir perform in a variety of concert performances throughout the year. For pupils who want to develop their love of singing, or just want to have some fun singing within a group. Choir is non-auditioned so you can just turn up and give it a go.

Wind Band

Wind band ensemble consists of instrumentalists from the woodwind, brass and percussion families. Our performers thrive playing diverse repetoire from modern popular music to Classical. Pupils will develop their ensemble skills, teamwork, collaboration and confidence. There will be the opportunity to perform at termly music concerts as well a multitude of other music events across the year.

Recorder Club

Pupils learn how to play a range of recorders (descant, treble and tenor) and a variety of different pieces. No experience necessary and any level is welcome.

Rock Band

On the popular music side pupils can join one of our Rock Bands. These are led by one of our visiting music teachers Mr Butler, a guitar specialist. Our Rock Bands rehearse weekly and have the opportunity to perform at termly concerts. A great opportunity to work collaboratively with other musicians and foster your own voice as a musician.

Vocal Ensemble

YEARS 10 - 13

The repertoire in this ensemble is varied and leads to contrasting and rich musical performances. Our vocal ensemble performs in each termly concert in addition to other events throughout the year, such as Remembrance Day assemblies. There is no need to audition just turn up with your enthusiasm for singing and join a fantastic group of musicians who share your passion for music.

Cello Ensemble

An opportunity for pupils to connect through music. Not only does this experience help with technique and general musicianship, it is confidence building and encourages team work and responsibility. Every term there is the opportunity for the Ensemble to perform in the School Concert which provides an on-stage experience. The repertoire is exciting, rewarding and appropriate for all abilities.

Education Outdoor

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award

DofE is an opportunity to have fun with friends, discover new interests and talents. It will develop essential skills for life and work, and is a recognised mark of achievement, respected by universities, colleges and employers.

Bablake School has been involved with the DofE programme for over 20 years. There are programmes at three levels, which when completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

The Award is achieved by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five for Gold) - Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and for Gold, a Residential. Pupils will get involved with helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and for Gold also taking part in a residential activity.

Combined Cadet Force (Army)

YEARS 9 -13

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, which operates in schools and is sub divided into Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force sections. Through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities, cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.

Gardening Club

Gardening is such a joyful process, germinating seeds, planting bulbs and tending to plants brings a sense of wellbeing and happiness. Pupils have the opportunity to get outdoors and learn more about how to build and take care of a garden. Our garden is 100% recycled, we have used old tyres, reused pallets, been given plants and seeds and pots to germinate and grow in. Working closely with the eco team our garden is as wildlife friendly as possible.

Climbing Club

Climbing Club is a fun and exciting activity to get to grips with. Whether a novice or a climbing pro, our indoor climbing wall is a great way to move the body and get the adrenaline pumping. We have a variety of onsite climbing activities to suit pupils. Pupils practise grip strength with challenging bouldering sessions or master the wall on exhilarating lead climbs.

Games & PE

Lunchtime and after school clubs are an important part of our sporting programme. We offer a balance of performance and recreational programmes in a variety of team and individual sports. We focus on developing a love of sport and physical activity and on developing individual skills and understanding, as well as lifelong skills including teamwork, communication and resilience.

Practice nights and fixtures are planned through the School Calendar so fixtures and team information can be easily accessed.

AUTUMN TERM

Girls’ Hockey and Netball clubs

Boys’ Rugby and Hockey clubs

SPRING TERM

Girls’ Hockey and Netball clubs

Boys’ Hockey club

Indoor Cricket nets (after half term)

SUMMER TERM

Cricket

Athletics

Tennis

Other Sports Clubs

Badminton

Designed to allow players to develop their skills through a variety of games. Sessions are packed with exciting drills and friendly matches. All levels of players will improve their badminton skills and techniques.

Basketball

Our coaches will introduce all players to the fundamentals of basketball in a competitive and fun environment. Our teams compete in the Coventry Leagues as well as the exciting NBA competition in Shells and Year 8.

Cross Country

Improve fitness, boost mental health and develop team spirit through weekly training sessions and competitive meets.

Recreational Tennis

Pupils develop their tennis skills whilst having fun and meeting new friends. Whether picking up a racket for the first time or looking to improve their game, recreational tennis club provides a supportive environment for players of all skill levels.

Strength & Conditioning

Access to our fitness room at lunchtimes and after school allows our pupils to follow strength and conditioning programmes that help them to develop co-ordination, balance, strength, self-confidence and self-motivation.

Swimming

Recreational swimming allows pupils to enjoy swimming under the supervision of our qualified lifeguards.

Table Tennis SHELLS – YEAR 11

For beginners to experienced players, this club will improve table tennis skills, fitness and give pupils the opportunity to make new friends in an exciting environment.

Science

MedSoc Junior

YEARS 9 – 11

The Junior MedSoc group meets to discuss topics relating to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine including antibiotic resistance, medical ethics and organ donation.

MedSoc Senior YEAR 12

The Senior MedSoc group focuses on different aspects of the Medical, Dentistry and Veterinary school application including: reflections on volunteering placements, UCAT examination preparation and technique. We welcome ex-pupils who are either medical students or professionals to speak with the group and offer their insight into the medical world.

Junior Science Club

SHELLS – YEAR 8

Joining Junior Science club is a fantastic opportunity to dive into hands-on projects, sparking creativity and innovation. Pupils connect with like-minded peers, collaborate on exciting challenges and gain invaluable skills for the future. Explore subjects beyond lessons, including biology, chemistry, physics, technology and engineering. This club will satisfy pupils’ scientific curiosity, they will participate in competitions and make some loud bangs!

Physics Drop-in

Pupils from all year groups are invited to drop-in to these sessions.

& Clubs

Societies Other

Alpha Maths

YEARS 8 – 9

Alpha Maths is a club for those in Set 1 who enjoy Maths and would like to explore other areas, such as puzzles, extension work to support Maths challenges, Olympiad competitions and inter-school team events.

Bridge

Bridge is an exciting card game where pupils collaborate to outwit their opponents. The club will challenge pupils’ minds and encourage strategic and mathematical thinking.

Chess Club

Chess Club runs once a week until Easter where players learn from one another in a friendly atmosphere. Players range in ability from beginner to expert. We also take part in tournaments with other local schools in a more competitive setting.

Chocolate and Chat SHELLS

Chocolate and Chat is a great way for pupils to form new friendships in a relaxed and fun environment. Pupils can play a variety of games, from Scrabble to Dobble, whilst chatting and enjoying a treat from the Pastoral Hub.

Classics Club SHELLS – YEAR 9

This is the perfect opportunity to explore the Classical world in a fun and creative environment. We explore a range of topics, from myths to Roman board games. Our activities often have a practical element to them, such as making theatre masks out of clay, to creating Roman villas from cardboard boxes. No artistic skill is required.

Classics Book Club

YEARS 11 – 13

For those pupils who want to explore all aspects of Classic literature by reading well-known high school Classic novels with weekly live discussions. Read books together, share book recommendations, discuss the lives of the greatest authors and analyse the characters we all know and love. From exploring literary moments to examining national literatures, this is a great way to expand pupils’ literary knowledge.

Code Club

YEARS 8 – 9

Our Code Club provides an inspiring space for pupils to dive into the world of programming and technology. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning, pupils develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a passion for coding. Whether beginners or experienced coders, our club fosters creativity and innovation while building lifelong technical skills.

Creative Writing Club

SHELLS – YEAR 8

Pupils explore their imaginations and hone their writing skills. They will learn to craft stories, poems, and essays, sharing feedback and inspiration. There is also the opportunity to enter competitions, showcase their talents and gain recognition for their creative efforts.

Debate Club

SHELLS – YEAR 9

Pupils sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking skills through weekly debates on diverse topics. Guided by mentors made up of staff and post-16 pupils, pupils learn to construct compelling arguments, engage in respectful discourse and develop confidence, preparing them for future academic and personal challenges.

Dungeons and Dragons

Our Dungeons and Dragons club is a pupil-led lunchtime activity which enables pupils to use their imaginations in this creative role play board game. Pupils will develop creativity, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills as well as making new friends.

F1 in Schools

SHELLS – YEAR 13

A multi-disciplinary challenge rooted in STEM, in which teams of pupils deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature gas powered F1 model cars. Creating their own version of an F1 team, they are able to compete in regional to World final events, where they race against other teams, as well as presenting to a team of judges, comprised of industry professionals. F1 in Schools is the world’s most exciting STEM-based educational project. Pupils taking part in the challenge are inspired to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/ teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

GCSE & A Level Support

Workshops for GCSE and A Level students who are looking for additional support, either with a particular subject, quantitative skills or exam techniques.. As exams approach, sessions will become more structured, aligning with the revision timetable.

• Music GCSE Theory Workshop

• Music Workshop

• Art Workshop

• Geography Workshop

• English Literature

• Modern Foreign Languages Workshop

• Economics Workshop

• Business Workshop

• Maths Workshop

• Chemistry Workshop

• Psychology Workshop

• History Workshop

Junior History Club

SHELLS – YEAR 9

Pupils discover some fascinating stories of the past and explore different eras in a fun way. Pupils play games and organise dinner parties for guests of the past.

Modern Languages Club

SHELLS – YEAR 11

An exciting opportunity for pupils to experience the cultures behind the languages we teach at Bablake. As well as watching films in the target language or learning about different traditions and festivals, there are arts and craft workshops such as maskmaking for Día de los Muertos or egg decorating for Ostern. The club also ventures to the Food Technology department to decorate Buches de Noël or make crêpes. There are regular Blooket tournaments to encourage pupils to put their vocabulary learning skills to the test.

Morning Prayer

Our Chaplain, Revd. Sacha Slavic is available for all members of the school community, to offer a listening ear and to provide a presence which reminds all of the spiritual side of life.

The Oratory is a ‘sacred space’ used for worship and private prayers only. There is a worship rota in place and offers a prayer space to Christians, Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus, Buddhist and Jewish worshippers. The Chaplaincy room is used for meetings, counselling, as a spiritual resources room and as a haven for pupils who need a quiet space.

Omega Maths

YEARS 12 - 13

Omega Maths is designed to prepare A Level Maths and Further Maths students in their preparation for preinterview assessments for universities. The club provides a place for mathematicians to consolidate their understanding of key mathematical principles.

Philosophy and Film Club

SHELLS – YEAR 9

A unique opportunity to explore deep philosophical questions through the engaging medium of film, fostering critical thinking and discussion skills. This club encourages thoughtful dialogue, helps develop analytical abilities and provides a fun and interactive way to connect with peers who share similar interests.

Pride Group

Open to all, a space for LGBTQ+ pupils and allies to find a supportive community at school. Meetings are held every week for pupils to participate in discussions on current LGBTQ+ topics or simply have someone to talk to about their experiences during our Chocolate and Chat sessions.

Rubik’s Cube Club

SHELLS – YEAR 8

For pupils of any skill level. Beginners can learn to solve the 3x3 Rubik’s Cube, or those of a more advanced level can compete against their friends and try our varied collection of speed cubes. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to make new friends whilst exploring and developing speed cubing skills.

Senior History Club

YEARS 10 – 13

This club sparks and encourages intellectual curiosity beyond the realms of the curriculum. Pupils discuss history in the news, evaluate articles, have quizzes and lead presentations on specific areas of their own interest. A couple of our pupils also enter into the Historical Assoiation’s ‘Great Debate’ to allow development of research and presentation skills alongside their interest in History.

Small Scale Modelling Club

SHELLS – YEAR 10

Our aim is to have a lot of fun and camaraderie while making, improving and enjoying the hobby of building scale models. For pupils who have a shared passion for making and displaying scale models of aircraft, ships and military vehicles as well as exploring the fantasy tabletop gaming world of Warhammer 40k, building, painting and gaming with armies across the universe of the future.

Environment & Sustainability

Global Eye

YEARS 9 - 13

Bringing together pupils who have a common interest in learning beyond the curriculum about environmental issues and sustainability across the globe, careers related to Geography, scientific research and more. Not all the pupils who attend are studying Geography, but all are keen to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing the planet.

Eco Council

Bablake Eco Council’s aim is simple, to help make Bablake a more environmentally conscious community. The range of activities is vast, from making eco-bricks and evaluating the School’s sustainability to running workshops that demonstrate how to make products out of recycled materials. There is something for everyone to get involved with, across the School and our wider community, making Bablake a greener, healthier environment.

Pupils attending the Eco Council will develop their communication skills and build their confidence whilst being creative and learning about the environment.

THE HOUSE SYSTEM

Our extensive programme of co-curricular activity is further supplemented by the House system which has regular fun-filled competitions that include a variety of sports, cultural and intellectual options.

Pupils are assigned to one of four Houses when they join Bablake, a membership they maintain throughout their entire Bablake journey.

These Houses serve as focal points for identity, cooperation, healthy competition and provide opportunities for a huge variety of activities. Activities include Hockey, Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Rounders, Badminton, Swimming, Football, Athletics, Chess, Squash, Reading, Public Speaking, Cookery, Art, Music, Drama and much more.

Bablake’s four Houses are named after benefactors and each consists of around 150 pupils.

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