ECOCENTRIC COMMITTEE
When Monday 13:30–14:00
Where Geography ICT
Staff involved Miss Smith and Geography Department
Age range
All
Description We are a pupil-led group seeking to lead on climate action and innovation in the school. Run by Upper 6th students, the committee brings together all year-groups to contribute to environmental awareness and campaigns in the school. We are currently planning for a school garden with a view to receiving an award from the Royal Horticultural Society.
The committee follows the Eco Schools Environmental Award Scheme to encourage everybody to take responsibility for the school environment. We look at topics that include waste, energy, biodiversity and healthy living. Having achieved the Silver Award, our target is to work towards Green Flag status. We particularly need pupils who are interested in global issues and can encourage and motivate others to get the whole school involved.
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SENIOR DEBATING SOCIETY
When Thursday 13:20–14:00
Where Scriptorium
Staff involved Dr McLaughlin
Age range Lower 5th–Upper 6th
Description Debates on a range of contemporary issues of political, economic and social interest. Students representing their houses make short speeches and then respond to floor contributions. Students also prepare for and take part in national competitions.
TRETHOWAN SOCIETY
When Lower 6th: Tuesday 13:20–14:00
Upper 6th: Thursday 13:20–14:00
Where Helikon Centre
Staff involved Mr Scicinski
Age range Sixth Form
Description This is an intellectual society for the Sixth Form, particularly those with Oxbridge ambitions. Lower 6th meetings are very varied and focus on thinking clearly and quickly and being able to discuss and articulate thoughts and opinions, particularly about intended areas of study. Some sessions are run by guest specialists, focusing for example on rapid and critical reading or the psychology behind a quality conversation. In the Trinity Term a Project Based Learning group project is undertaken, and a fun session is run for E and A pupils from the Junior School.
The Upper 6th group is primarily a forum for talks by students themselves or guests they have invited.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DEBATING SOCIETY
When Tuesday 13:05–13:30
Where English 1
Staff involved Mr Watts/English Department
Age range Middle School
Description Have you got too much to say for yourself? Good. Here is a chance to put your views across in a forceful, persuasive way. You decide what you want to debate. We also take part in the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition in the Lent Term, where you have a chance to test your public speaking skills against pupils from other schools in Ealing.
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Ed Webster
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
When Fridays as required 13:20–14:05
Where History 5
Staff involved Miss Eades and Mr Joyce
Age range Lower 5th–Lower 6th
Description This is a society for those who are interested in politics and current affairs and want to develop their debating and research skills. The St Benedict’s MUN group attends conferences where they are allocated a nation, then discuss and debate various issues from the point of view of that country and attempt to reach agreements to solve world problems.
UPPER 4TH MASTERMIND
When Trinity Term Lunchtimes and after school
Where Helikon Centre
Staff involved Mr Scicinski
Age range Upper 4th
Description • Pupils compete for a shield
• One heat for each form, producing one finalist per form
• Specialist subject and general knowledge questions
CHESS/BOARD GAME CLUB
When Tuesday 13:20–14:00
Where RE1
Staff involved Mr Wijnberg
Age range All
Description Do you enjoy playing board games or see yourself as the next Grandmaster? Or possibly chess is a game you have always dreamed of playing, but no one could teach you. In addition to the more formal Tuesday sessions chess sets and other board games are available in the Library at lunchtime every day. Everybody is encouraged to participate in a major whole school chess tournament which takes place in the Lent Term.
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COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF)
When Monday 16:20–18:00
Where CCF Building and Black Pitch
Staff involved Capt. Hullis (Contingent Commander), SI Allwright OP, SI Fenlon, SI Sadiq HAC OP, 2 Lt. Hutchinson OP, 2 Lt. Montanez-Valle, 2 Lt. Nonoo, Lt. Billinge and Lt. Spivey
Age range Upper 4th and above
Description The CCF conducts military-style training with the support of the Regular Army. Cadets commit to attend every Monday afternoon, as well as regular training events each term and a week-long Summer Camp, and there are many other voluntary camps and courses throughout the year. Cadets have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including shooting, adventurous training and tactical exercises. Senior cadets are trained in leadership and given responsibility for younger cadets. Cadets may also complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze or Silver level as part of their CCF training.
CCF CORPS OF DRUMS
When Tuesday 16:20–18:00
Where CCF Building
Staff involved SI Sadiq HAC
Age range Lower 4th and above
Description Open to anybody in Lower 4th and CCF cadets only from Upper 4th. The Corps learns to play some of the oldest and most distinguished marches on the side drum, bass drum, tenor drum, flute, piccolo and cymbals. Drummers will be involved in public performances and events at school, locally and further afield. Drummers can attend two music camps a year.
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DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
When Monday (U4th Bronze) 16:20–17:20
Wednesday (L5th Silver) 16:25–17:25
Friday (L6th Gold) 13:15–14:00
Where Conference Room/The Cloisters/Scriptorium
Staff involved Mrs Brown, Mr Edgar, Ms Lee and Miss Perkins
Age range Upper 4th and above
Description The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme offers students the possibility of doing the Bronze Award in Upper 4th, the Silver in Lower 5th and the Gold in Lower 6th. The award consists of a service, skills, physical recreation and an expedition. Those joining the CCF can do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with the CCF and should contact Mr Sadiq to sign up.
‘A’ LEVEL RE CLINIC
When Tuesday 16:15–17:00
Where RE1
Staff involved RE Department
Age range Sixth Form
Description Revision and essay planning.
GCSE RE CLINIC
When Thursday 16:15–17:00
Where RE1
Staff involved RE Department
Age range Upper 5th
Description Revision of topics already covered and exam preparation.
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SIXTH FORM BOOK CLUB
When Monday 13:05–13:35
Where Library
Staff involved Mr McWilliams
Age range Sixth Form
Description An extended reading group for all Sixth Form students who demonstrate a keen desire to extend their reading. The aim is to expose students to a wider range of literary genres and authors. The group has a set discussion format focused on analysis and comparison of books. Reviews are produced in order to promote reading among other Sixth Form students.
UPPER FIFTH BOOK CLUB
When Friday 13:35–14:05
Where Library
Staff involved Mr McWilliams
Age range Upper 5th
Description This club discusses fiction books – plots, characters, twists etc. Members are encouraged to read outside their natural area of choice and to engage with others. Reviews are produced in order to promote reading among other Upper 5th pupils.
LOWER FIFTH BOOK CLUB
When Thursday 13:35–14:05
Where Library
Staff involved Mr McWilliams
Age range Lower 5th
Description This club discusses fiction books – plots, characters, twists etc. Members are encouraged to read outside their natural area of choice and to engage with others. Reviews are produced in order to promote reading among other Lower 5th pupils.
UPPER 4TH & LOWER 4TH
BOOK CLUB
When Friday 13:05–13:35
Where Library
Staff involved Mr McWilliams and Miss Wallace
Age range Upper 4th and Lower 4th
Description This club discusses fiction books – plots, characters, twists etc. Members are encouraged to read outside their natural area of choice and to engage with others. Reviews are produced in order to promote reading among other Middle School pupils.
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3RD FORM BOOK CLUB
When Monday 13:35–14:05
Where Library
Staff involved Mr McWilliams and Miss Wallace
Age range 3rd Form
Description This club discusses fiction books – plots, characters, twists etc. Members are encouraged to read outside their natural area of choice and to engage with others. Reviews are produced in order to promote reading among other 3rd Form pupils.
MIDDLE SCHOOL & L5TH PRODUCTION
When Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Before school
Monday and Wednesday Lunchtime
Some Sundays 10:00–13:00
Where Studio Theatre
Staff involved Mr Randall
Age range Middle School and Lower 5th
Description Michaelmas Term Production of ‘The Tempest’.
SCHOOL PRODUCTION
When Tuesday, Thursday & Friday After school
Some Sundays 11:00–14:00
Where Orchard Hall/Studio Theatre
Staff involved Mr Randall
Age range Sxith Form and Upper 5th
Description Performance of ‘The Addams Family’ February 2023
LAMDA
When Michaelmas and Lent Terms
Monday 16:20–17:15
Where Drama Classroom
Staff involved Mr Randall and Mr McAleenan
Age range Lower 4th to Upper 6th. Third Form will automatically be taking LAMDA as part of the curriculum.
Description Drama activities in preparation for LAMDA exams.
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DANCE CLUBS
When Sixth Form: Wednesday 07:45–08:30 (J School Hall)
Lower 5th & Upper 4th: Thursday 07:45–08:30
Lower 5th & Upper 4th
modern jazz: Monday 07:45–08:30
Wednesday 13:20–13:50
Lower 4th: Monday 16:20–17:15
3rd Form: Wednesday 07:45–08:30
3rd Form modern jazz: Tuesday 13:10–13:40
Dance Show rehearsals:
Monday and Thursday 13:10–13:40
Tuesday 16:20–17:15
Where Dance Studio
Staff involved Ms Kestenbaum and Mr Aguilar
Age range All
Description Dance training and activities leading to public performances, including the annual Dance Show.
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HISTORY LECTURE SERIES
When Friday 13:20–14:00
Where Sixth Form Centre
Staff involved Mrs Nichols and History Department
Age range All
Description The History Lecture Series is delivered by members of the History Department and, occasionally, outstanding pupils in the Sixth Form Centre mostly on selected Fridays at lunchtime throughout the year (lunch provided). The lectures are designed to stimulate a wider historical outlook, understanding and interest among the best pupils from the Sixth Form and Upper School, but are open to everyone.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY AND POLITICS SOCIETY
When Wednesday 13:05–13:30
Where History 1
Staff involved Miss Eades
Age range Middle School
Description The society aims to provide a range of enrichment activities for enthusiastic young historians. Pupils are encouraged to undertake independent research and make presentations to their peers. There will also be DVDs, games, quizzes and debates throughout the year and opportunities to discuss historical matters with pupils in the Sixth Form and Upper School.
LAW SOCIETY
When Red Tuesdays 08:00–08:35
Where Scriptorium
Staff involved Mrs Norris et al.
Age range Lower 5th–Upper 6th
Description This society encourages pupils (and staff!) to consider who and what law is for: its different fields; its limitations; its boundaries, and its purpose. We do this through a programme determined and led by pupils, incorporating guided discussion sessions, visiting speakers, a Trinity term mock trial and a visit to one of the central London law institutions. Attendance is required for any Sixth Formers considering applying to read Law/Law related subjects at university.
SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH CLUB
When Monday 13:00–13:30
Where Sociology Room 1EF
Staff involved Ms Comyn
Age range All
Description This club looks at examples of sociological research and the methods employed. Pupils will be given the opportunity to do some of their own research.
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PSYCLUB
When Red Thursday 13:05–13:30
Where Psychology Room
Staff involved Ms Lindau
Age range Lower 5th
Description This club looks at the latest studies and theories in psychology. Each week there will be a new article, video or podcast to discuss. There will also be opportunities to take part in fun experiments.
ANCIENT GREEK
When Various 13:15–13:50
Where Classics Department
Staff involved Classics Department
Age range By invitation
Description Introduction to Ancient Greek for able and interested pupils. Beginners’ classes for Lower 4th and Third Form. Intermediate classes for Upper 4th and above.
POLYGLOTS
When Yellow Tuesdays 13:30–14:00
Where MFL 3
Staff involved Dr Ennis, Mrs Brooks and Modern Languages Department
Age range Middle School
Description An introduction to a wide range of new languages. Food relating to the relevant language is always provided!
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MATHS PUZZLE CLUB
When Wednesday 13:40–14:10
Where Maths 5
Staff involved Mrs Jarvis
Age range All
Description A variety of fun puzzles and games to hone maths thinking skills
MATHS CLINIC
When Monday and Friday 13:05–13:35
Where Maths 4
Staff involved Maths Department staff and Sixth Form helpers
Age range All
Description Individual, informal help with maths, catching up with missed work and building confidence in maths.
CHEMISTRY CLINIC
When Thursday 16:20–17:20
Where Chemistry 2
Staff involved Dr Ragga
Age range Upper 4th–Upper 6th
Description Pupils should attend Chemistry Clinic as soon as possible when they are experiencing difficulty understanding a challenging concept. They should bring along a prep or textbook.
‘A’ LEVEL PHYSICS CLINIC
When Tuesday 16:15–17:00
Where Physics 1
Staff involved Physics Department
Age range Sixth Form
Description Bring any problems or prep questions for extra help.
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GCSE PHYSICS CLINIC
When Thursday 13:00–13:30
Where Physics 1
Staff involved Physics Department
Age range Upper School and U4th
Description Bring any problems or prep questions for extra help.
VEX ROBOTICS CLUB
When Tuesday After school
Where Helikon Centre
Staff involved Dr Curtis
Age range Lower 6th, Upper 5th and Lower 5th
Description What skills do you need to work with robots? Which subjects should you study? How can you start your dream career in robotics?
ENGINEERING SOCIETY
When tbc
Where tbc
Staff involved Dr Robb, Mr Bowles, Ms Allen and Mrs Hopgood
Age range Lower 5th–Upper 6th
Description This society is led by senior maths and physics students for younger pupils. The focus of the programme is on creation and design, and the aim is to enter one or more national competitions. Attendance is required for any pupils considering applying to read Engineering/Engineering related subjects at university.
Robots are the future, are already here and are everywhere! Many people are interested in pursuing a career in robotics. Robotics engineers are learners, masters of all trades and know a little bit about everything (at least everything important to robotics).
Robotics is a truly interdisciplinary career. If you want to work with robots you could study electronics, computer science, biotechnology, manufacturing, cognitive science…
Robot kits like Vex Robots are a good place to start computing with robotics, and we hope to qualify again for the UK Nationals with two teams this year!
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COMPUTING CLUB
When Thursday, Friday and Lunchtime Yellow Tuesday
Where ICT 1
Staff involved Mr Berard
Age range All
Description This club is a drop-in, informal get-together for pupils of all ages to get help with the syllabus or go beyond it. Topics covered include Python programming, processing (algorithmic art), SonicPi (algorithmic music), sound and video editing, AI for art/ music/literature and game design.
VIRTUAL REALITY CLUB
When Friday 13:20–14:00
Where Maths 5
Staff involved Mr Wijnberg
Age range Lower 4th and 3rd Form
Description Have you ever wished you could travel back in time? Have you ever wanted to meet amazing animals in their habitats or take a trip through our incredible human body? Would you like to explore our remarkable planet from pole to pole, delve into the earth’s beautiful biomes or experience some of its most extreme climates? Are you interested in walking with dinosaurs or visiting Ancient Greece? If so, the Virtual Reality Club is for you.
ART & DESIGN CLUBS
When Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 16:30–18:00
Where ADT Department
Staff involved ADT Department
Age range All
Description Monday:
• Middle School Design and Make Club (Mr Grodzicki)
• Photography Club (Ms Burns)
Tuesday:
• Animation Club (Mr Flanagan)
Thursday:
• GCSE Art & Design Club (Mr Pereira, Miss Linton & Mr Mendes)
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CALL THAT MUSIC??
When Friday 13:30–14:00
Where Economics Room (Sixth Form Centre)
Staff involved Mr McCarthy
Age range Sixth Form, Upper 5th and Lower 5th
Description The club is an opportunity to listen to albums from days gone by in their entirety – not just singles! This is followed by discussion. The albums are chosen by members of the club.
CONCERT CHOIR
When Monday 13:15–14:00
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Eastwood
Age range All
Description The main Senior School choir for boys, girls and staff. The choir went on tour to the Amalfi Coast in Italy in 2019 and to Paris in 2022.
CONSORT
When Thursday 08:00–08:35
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Eastwood
Age range All
Description This choir of boys and girls is by invitation only.
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GIRLS’ CHOIR
When Tuesday 08:00–08:35
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Miss John
Age range All
Description This choir is for all Senior School girls who enjoy singing. The choir sings at various events such as school concerts and ‘Party in the Park’ and toured to Paris in 2022.
SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
When Tuesday 16:20–17:15
Where Cloisters
Staff involved Mr Eastwood
Age range All
Description The School Orchestra focuses on romantic and 20th Century orchestral repertoire. Recent performances include Sibelius’ ‘Finlandia’, Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ and Shostakovich’s ‘Tahiti Trot’ Regular rehearsals for the full orchestra and sectionals ensure that all our players develop their ensemble and performance skills. Pupils should be approaching Grade 5 or above. For more details please contact the Music Department.
PAFTIES
When Tuesday 07:40–08:20
Some Fridays 16:20–17:15
Where Heritage Room
Staff involved Mr Thomas
Age range Sixth Form and Upper School
Description Small ‘close harmony’ singing group – repertoire varies from ‘barber’s shop’, Beatles, Beach Boys etc. to medieval music and madrigals.
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STRING ENSEMBLE
When Friday 13:15–14:00
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr MacManus
Age range All
Description The String Ensemble explores the string orchestra repertoire, a selection of which they prepare for performances in school concerts. All welcome.
BIG BAND
When Friday 08:00–08:35
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Field
Age range All
Description The Big Band features vocal soloists when required, and its repertoire ranges from Glenn Miller classics such as ‘In the Mood’ to contemporary film, TV and pop music. The band went on tour to the Amalfi Coast in Italy in summer 2019.
WIND BAND
When Wednesday 07:45–08:30
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Miss John
Age range All
Description An ensemble for all wind and brass players in the school. Weekly rehearsals lead towards various concerts, both large and small.
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SIXTH FORM JAZZ ENSEMBLE
When Tuesday 13:15–14:00
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Michael
Age range Sixth Form
Description A small ensemble which rehearses and performs jazz pieces and improvisation.
SENIOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE
When Monday 08:00–08:35
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Michael
Age range Upper 5th
Description Where musicianship becomes teamwork, the Intermediate Jazz Ensemble learns to improvise, interact and function as a slick unit, playing jazz, funk, Latin and arrangements of pop and rock songs.
INTERMEDIATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE
When Monday 08:00–08:30
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Michael
Age range Lower 5th
Description A small ensemble which rehearses and performs jazz pieces and improvisation.
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PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 1
When Wednesday 13:15–14:00
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Butterworth
Age range 3rd Form–Lower 5th
Description An ensemble for our progressing percussionists.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 2
When Thursday 13:15–14:00
Where Monteverdi
Staff involved Mr Butterworth
Age range Upper School
Description An ensemble for our senior percussionists.
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GUITAR ENSEMBLE
When Monday 13:15–14:00
Where Brahms
Staff involved Mr Scheuerer
Age range All
Description This group has the opportunity to perform at school concerts.
‘MIXCRAFT’ (MUSIC TECH CLUB)
When Wednesday 13:25–14:10
Where Stravinsky
Staff involved Miss John
Age range All
Description This club is for any pupil who wants to explore music technology and learn editing skills using Mixcraft. There will also be an opportunity to explore the new Music Studio and learn how to record music in a professional setting.
MUSIC THEORY CLUB
When Monday 08:00–08:35
Thursday 13:05–13:35
Where Brahms
Staff involved Mr Eastwood
Age range All
Description This club is for any pupil who is studying for an ABRSM theory exam and would like some extra support and guidance.
MOLVENO FOOTBALL TRAINING
When Lent Term (Upper 4th trip):
Friday (from half-term) 13:10–13:55
Trinity Term (Lower 4th trip):
Friday 13:10–13:55
Monday and Thursday (up to 07:45–08:30 half-term)
Where Sports Hall
Staff involved Mr Thomas
Age range Upper 4th and Lower 4th who are going to Molveno holiday and are selected for the squad
Description Training in preparation for the annual match against the local Italian team
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CRICKET TRAINING
When Monday 16:30–19:30
Friday 07:45–08:30
Separate sessions for all squads in Lent Term
Where Sports Hall
Staff involved Mr Newell and other coaches
Age range Michaelmas Term sessions for 1st XI squad and invitees only, then all age-groups in Lent Term
Description Each age-group will be assigned a weekly session in the Lent Term.
Once cricketers have committed to these sessions, attendance is essential.
FENCING CLUB
When Wednesday 16:30–18:00 (Lower 4th and 3rd Form)
Thursday 16:30–18:00 (Upper 4th–Upper 6th)
Saturday 09:00–11:00 (Lower 4th and 3rd Form) 11:00–13:00 (Upper 4th–Upper 6th)
Where Sports Hall
Staff involved Mr Sadiq, Mr Sloman, Mr Hamika, Mr Bela and Mr Conyard
Age range All
Description From squad members to absolute beginners all pupils are welcome. Pupils must have long white socks, fencing breeches, a glove and a mask.
ATHLETICS CLUB
When Monday (Trinity Term) After school
Where Perivale Athletics Track
Staff involved PE Department staff
Age range All
Description The club allows pupils to experience the sport and try out all event areas on our programme. Those who are members of the athletics squads and regularly represent the school will get extra training on their specific events with specialist coaching. Those who are looking to try out athletics or develop their athletic potential are always welcome.
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