Co-Curricular Handbook 2023-2024

Jesuit education is about formation of the whole person, both inside the classroom but also more broadly through the experiences that help young people form their characters and identify their purpose in life.

The history of the College provides us with a template for the key aspects of an all-round education that helps facilitate this personal growth. These are: Adventure, drawing upon a history of Jesuit exploration, scientific innovation and global travel; Chaplaincy, ensuring our key identity as a Jesuit Catholic school remains at the heart of all we do at the College and in our wider community; Performing Arts where we continue to develop our ability to articulate what we believe in and the confidence to say it before others; and Sport where the shared endeavour of a community that has always been integral to the College comes through most clearly.

Ultimately, what the co-curricular programme aims to achieve is to create well-rounded men and women who can go out into the world with a set of skills and experiences that set them apart, giving them qualities which allow them to become leaders in our world and the catalyst for positive change. Our College motto is Quant Je Puis, As Much as a I Can, and it is this key message of doing more than is easy, more than is expected, more than others would which lies at the heart of the co-curricular programme at Stonyhurst.

Tim Hanley Assistant Head Co-curricular

The Stonyhurst Diploma

The Stonyhurst diploma recognises the contribution of pupils to the other half of a Stonyhurst education. The award has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

In Lower Grammar, all pupils should achieve a Bronze Award, combining as a Playroom community in shared endeavour across the four strands of the co-curriculum. They will serve a year in Junior Company in the CCF, complete the Faith In Action Bronze Award, take part in the LG Play and commit to representing the College in sport.

In Grammar and Syntax, pupils must choose to continue this all-round commitment to secure a Silver Award. Over their GCSE years, they must ensure they engage with activities in each of the four strands.

In Higher Line pupils must take on the mantle of leaders, ensuring traditions are maintained, strengthened and passed on to the next generation of Stonyhurst pupils. The Gold award recognises those who take up that challenge.

Through the Stonyhurst Diploma, those who go above and beyond and contribute meaningfully to the traditions that make us who we are, are recognised by their teachers and peers.

Adventure

The Adventure strand of the co-curricular programme is all about getting pupils out into the beautiful surroundings of Stonyhurst. The landscape has inspired generations of pupils and staff, most famously Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Through the Adventure strand, we hope to inspire the next generation of pupils by helping them explore their surroundings, test themselves physically and spark a sense of the adventurous spirit that has characterised Stonyhurst pupils throughout our history.

Activities include:

CCF Lt. Col. Barber, WO1 Livesey

The Corps first mustered in 1900 in the Ambulacrum and has been an integral part of Stonyhurst life ever since. Every Playroom is represented within to Corps and enrolment is compulsory for Lower Grammar and Grammar. There are two Field Day exercises for Cadets where they plan operations and camp in the local area and there is also an annual camp at Easter where pupils stay on a military base and go on exercises overseen by serving military personnel. Many OS leave Stonyhurst to take up military careers and 7 OS have won the Victoria Cross and are commemorated in the Top Ref.

Dry Slope Skiing Lt. Col. Barber

Pupils can travel to Pendle Dry Ski Slope to develop their skills and ensure they are ski-ready when the season comes around.

Dog Walking Mrs Chadwick

A very leisurely way to explore the Stonyhurst Estate and the beautiful surroundings of the Ribble Valley!

Duke of Edinburgh Lt. Col. Barber, Lt. Wilmore

The Duke of Edinburgh award is an internationally recognised qualification. Pupils of the College can take part in the Bronze Award in Grammar and the Gold Award in Poetry. There are four main sections of a DofE programme: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. Gold participants will also complete a Residential section. DofE contributes UCAS points to university education but more importantly helps instil values which align closely with a Jesuit education.

Fishing Mrs Gibson

The ponds on The Avenue historically provided essential fish for Friday observance to the pupils of the College. Though we thankfully have other ways of getting our fish and chips on Fridays now, the pupils have the opportunity to learn the arts of a traditional country sport, both course fishing and on the fly.

Horse Riding Mrs Ortega

Pupils have the opportunity to travel to Longsight Stables to ride. This can be a first foray into equestrian sports or developing and building upon existing skills.

Mountain Biking Mr Jackson-Reed, Mr Kinder, Mr Laemmer

The rugged terrain of the Stonyhurst Estate provides a perfect environment for mountain biking. Pupils can explore the trails on Longridge Fell or go further afield on courses across the Ribble Valley.

Target Rifle Shooting Capt. Lloyd, WO1 Livesey

Pupils train in the College Range under the aegis of the CCF. The College competes at the annual Bisley shooting competition against schools, CCFs and ACFs from across the globe.

Chaplaincy

Stonyhurst is the leading Jesuit school in the world and the Ignatian foundations of the College inform everything that we do at the College. The directive to become “men and women for others” is at the heart of the Chaplaincy co-curricular programme, alongside curating and developing the religious lives of students, parents and teachers. Pupils of all religions and none are encouraged to engage with our core values, outlined in the Jesuit Profile, and to live this out through the wide range of opportunities to provide service to their peers, the wider Stonyhurst community and beyond.

Activities include:

Altar Serving Mr Whittle

Altar Servers support the religious life of the College, serving on the altar at all Stonyhurst Masses and special Feast Days. Pupils in Higher Line may be appointed as Head Sacristan.

Arrupe Programme Mrs Crombie

Poetry pupils work on a variety of social justice project both off and on-site following the Jesuit principles to go where the need is greatest as men and women for others. Examples of projects include a Coffee Stop for retired members of the local community, a reading programme for primary school children and assisting in our second-hand uniform shop, among others.

Confirmation Mrs Crombie, Mr Ryan

Pupils in Grammar Playroom and above are invited to complete a catechetical course to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Catholic Church. These weekly sessions include sharing of scripture, studying the teachings of the Church and reflecting on our personal relationship with God.

Crafts Dr Millard

Pupils carry out creative sewing, knitting and crochet projects to create items for sale at various pupilled charity events.

Environmental Society Mrs Crombie

Pupils carry out active projects in school to reduce the College’s environmental impact and carry out awareness raising campaigns on issues of global significance.

Eucharistic Ministers Mrs Crombie

Pupils in Rhetoric have the option to join this formation programme to prepare to be Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers at College Masses.

Faith in Action Bronze Mrs Crombie, Mrs Ryan, Miss Phillips

Lower Grammar pupils may join this nationally recognised CYMFed Award scheme, taking a leadership role in the faith life of the College through involvement in prayer and worship and social justice work.

Faith in Action Silver Dr Millard

Open to Grammar and Syntax, pupils may continue the Faith in Action award scheme, progressing to this second stage of leadership in prayer and worship and social justice work.

Faith in Action Gold Mrs Crombie, Mr Morley

Pupils who have completed their silver award may progress to this final level, becoming pupil leaders of the Chaplaincy programme through high-level involvement in organising and delivering prayer and liturgy and large-scale social justice projects.

Sodality Prayer Group Mr Turner

This prayer group has been continuously running since the school’s inception in St Omer. Pupils and staff meet weekly to pray the Night Prayers of the Church and reflect on a variety of religious topics.

Performing Arts

The Jesuits were some of the church’s most famous missionaries, carrying the word of God across the globe. The ability to stand up before an audience, whatever its makeup, and perform is therefore one of the qualities it was essential for every young Jesuit to have. This has translated into their educational model where performance on stage gave birth to the Playrooms, where each form would put on productions for their peers. Whether it be playing a musical piece for one’s friends in a Playroom assembly or playing the lead in one of our school productions, building that confidence to perform before others remains central to a Stonyhurst educational experience.

Activities include:

Ensembles

The College has a number of ensembles where specialists can push the limits of their instrument and share their talents with like-minded musicians. These include:

• Brass Mr Banks

• Cello Mrs M. Turner

• Strings Mrs White

• Guitar Mr Marks

• Flute Mrs Whewell

• Saxophone Mr Henderson

Dance Ms James

Pupils can take lessons in Modern, Street Dance and Ballet provided by our visiting Dance Teacher, Ms James from DanceWorks. Pupils develop their skills to achieve dance examination qualifications and build a routine for the Dance Showcase.

Drama Club Miss Fenton

A practical theatre club building towards a small-scale performance. The chosen play will be tailored specifically to the group and will culminate in a performance to an invited audience.

The Jazzuits Mr Henderson

Producing music every bit as good as this pun, this ensemble draws together our jazz musicians and will headline the inaugural Jazz Evening this year.

Junior

Debating Mrs Ashworth

Pupils develop debating skills whilst tackling challenging issues. Pupils represent the College at the Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating Competition.

Lights and Sound Mr O’Connor

A crucial cog in the Stonyhurst drama machine! The Lights and Sounds team provide technical support for all productions, developing practical skills to a professional level.

Model United Nations Mrs Kirkby, Mr Ryan

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. Stonyhurst hosts its own MUN conference welcoming schools from across the country to debate the key issues of our time.

New Views Miss Fenton

This is a National Theatre script writing competition. The sessions are focused on building skills to support producing a 30 minute play The programme includes a workshop with a professional National Theatre playwright and if a script wins the competition, it is performed on the National Theatre stage.

Orchestra Mr Haynes

The largest musical ensemble at the College, the orchestra welcomes pupils of all abilities to perform a wide repertoire of classical and contemporary music. The orchestra provides the finale to all our major concerts.

Schola Petri Mr Henderson

Schola Petri is the main College choir. They perform at all Stonyhurst Masses and Feast Days as well as performing at Farm Street for the annual Association Carol Concert. They often sing alongside professional and visiting choirs and are the leaders of Stonyhurst’s proud tradition of congregational singing.

The Lower Grammar Play Mr Abbs

Continuing the centuries old tradition of Playroom Plays from which our common rooms take their name, every Lower Grammarian contributes to their own production. This year’s production of Treasure Island comes to the Great Academies stage in November.

The Stonyhurst Union (Senior Debating) Mrs Ryan

Like the slightly less famous Oxford Union, students debate the key issues that affect them, their school and the world. Pupils represent the College at the ESU Schools’ Mace, Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition and the Cambridge Union Debating Competition.

The Whole School Production Miss Fenton, Mr Haynes

The ultimate showcase of theatrical and musical talent at Stonyhurst! This year’s production is Sweeney Todd which will be performed on the Academy Room stage in February. Pupils from all Playrooms come together to provide actors, dancers, back-stage hands, lights and sound as well as costume design, makeup artists and hospitality.

Vocal Ensemble Mr J. Sharples

Members of the Vocal Ensemble must be recommended by the Director of Music to be eligible. Their repertoire transcends the musical canon, and their performances are a highlight of any Stonyhurst concert.

Sport

Stonyhurst education is synonymous with sporting excellence and the dedication of our student athletes and the tribalism of our supporters is well known on the circuit. Alongside our frontline sport teams, every single pupil is encouraged to stay fit and healthy through our Games programme but also through a wide range of co-curricular sporting activities.

The Higher Line Games programme provides a wide variety of sports for pupils to experience. These include:

Basketball

Badminton

Cricket

Cross Country

DanceFit

Football

Hockey

Netball

Rugby

Swimming

Tennis

Yoga

Zumba

The Lower Line Games Programme focuses on our major sports:

Cricket

Hockey

Netball

Rugby

Swimming

Cross Country Club Mr Wilmore

An opportunity for keen runners to push themselves against pupils of all ages running routes across the Stonyhurst Estate.

Cricket Nets Mr Haasbroek

Pupils can be selected to take part in nets sessions year-round to perfect their bowling and batting skills under the supervision of the Head of Cricket.

Erg Rowing Miss Hill

Pupils can develop their rowing skills year-round using our Concept 2 rowing machines and inbuilt virtual race system.

Fencing Mr Kiss

Pupils can sign up to learn a new skill or develop their fencing in any discipline under the tutelage of two time Olympian, Robert Kiss.

Strength and Conditioning Mr Kinder

This is a programme of specialised exercise overseen by the Head of Strength and Conditioning. Senior teams are invited to squad specific sessions and pupils can also attend an open session.

Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Mr Kinder

This is an opportunity for Lower Line pupils to learn how to use gym equipment effectively and safely. They are shown the correct exercises for their age and fitness goals.

Golf Simulator Mr Malone

Pupils can develop their skills year-round using our newly installed state of the art golf simulator. Pupils can also sign up to the Stonyhurst Golf Academy and be coached one-to-one by our visiting gold professional, Mr Malone from New Generation Golf.

Student-Led Societies

Stonyhurst pupils are given the opportunity to start their own societies, as well as taking on the leadership of traditional societies that have been handed down from generation to generation of pupils.

Activities include:

3D Printing

Through the generosity of parents, pupils have the opportunity to learn about the vast application of 3D printing and develop products themselves to be printed.

The Conon Doyle Society

Named for Conan Doyle’s scientific credentials rather than his literary reputation, this is a society of scientific lectures organised by senior pupils and open to all. Topics range from AI to cutting edge medical research

Poetry Academies

An idiosyncratic discussion group which meets in the Square Library, formerly the Jesuit Common Room. Pupils discuss topics in a relaxed context where the art of disagreeing agreeably is valued above aggressive debating style.

Changemakers

This pupil-led co-curricular focuses on social justice topics chosen by the group. These topics form the basis for group discussion and awareness-raising projects within College. Past topics have included the experience of refugees and environmental issues.

Coding Society

Future programmers meet to share and develop skills for the job sector of the future.

African Society

Pupils meet to celebrate pan-African culture and organise events to share with the wider College community.

Hispanic Society

Pupils meet to celebrate Hispanic culture and organise events to share with the wider College community.

Italian Society

Pupils meet to celebrate Italian culture and organise events to share with the wider College community.

Library Committee Mrs Brennan

Pupils help to manage the Library collection, learn about Library organisation and the Dewey Decimal System and ensure the Library is a vibrant collaborative workspace.

Germanic Society

Pupils meet to celebrate German culture and organise events to share with the wider College community.

Hong Kong and China Society

Pupils meet to celebrate East Asian culture and organise events to share with the wider College community.

The Eagle (Student Newspaper)

Aspiring journalists write pieces sharing personal passions, reflecting on global events and interviewing experts and commentators.

The Eye (Student Magazine)

The place for pupils to put their concerns in black and white. The Eye offers commentary on College life, reports on College events and offers the opinions of Stonyhurst pupils on all aspects of school life.

D&D/Warhammer Club Mr Cook

Model enthusiasts and fantasy aficionados meet to share their passion for miniatures and narrative gaming.

Drone Racing Mr Mellows

Pupils build and race drones in scenes reminiscent of Star Wars pod-racing.

Academic Enrichment

Alongside our varied curriculum, Stonyhurst provides a range of opportunities for pupils to engage with knowledge for its own sake, either complementing existing interests and studies or offering the chance to engage with something totally new.

Activities include:

Art and Design Club Mr Hardcastle

Pupils can take part in still life classes, explore new techniques or find some artistic expression amidst their other studies.

Athenaeum Mr Allanson

A lecture series where experts across the academic and professional spectrum present to pupils, teachers, parents and guests.

Astronomy Society Mr Sieroslawski

Based in the Victorian Observatory, the birthplace of “The Stonyhurst Lens” still used by astronomers worldwide, the Astronomy Society continue to collect data for the Stonyhurst Archives, picking up the astronomical work the Jesuits started over a century ago

ChemSoc Rhetoric Chemistry Challenge Dr Bewick

This competition aims to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry and will provide an excellent experience for anyone considering taking their studies further.

ChemSoc Olympiad Dr Bewick

Budding chemists will develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations. They could even find themselves representing the UK at the prestigious International Chemistry Olympiad.

Chess/Boardgame Club Mr Walmsley

Whether it’s riding the wave of competitive chess following the success of The Queen’s Gambit, or submersing yourself in a 10 week game of Risk, this is a great context to interact with pupils from all Playrooms in person, not on your phone!

Club De Jeux De Société Mrs A Turner

A fun way to practice French over a boardgame!

Crest Award (Silver) Ms McGarry

CREST is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

EPQ Mrs Allanson

EPQ is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop pupils’ abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or their future career.

French Film Club Miss Baumgartl

A great way to develop French skills via a different means of learning.

History Club Dr Quigley

Lower Line pupils can come to discuss their historical passions, complete projects and push their knowledge beyond the curriculum.

iDEA Mrs Rushworth

The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international award winning programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills. Pupils can work towards gaining industry-recognised awards.

Illustration Club Mrs Brennan

A society that looks at the art of illustrating books and graphic novels, combining drawing skills with a love of literature.

The Waterton Society Mrs Flatley

Named for Charles Waterton, one of Stonyhurst’s most colourful and influential alumni, this society continues his interest in flora and fauna though talks, discussions and practical dissection.

Lancashire Book of the Year Mrs Joseph

Pupils take part in choosing the shortlist and nominating the overall winner for this prestigious award through a project of supported reading and discussion.

Lower Line Chemistry Club Mrs Rigby

Chemistry at its most explosive…literally.

Maths Challenge Dr Farmar

The UK Maths Trust is the leading charity that advances the education of young people in maths. Pupils complete mathematical challenges to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

MedSoc Mrs Rigby

Aspiring medics of all ages can join this group that discusses medical research and for Higher Line pupils gives them practice and relevant material for university entrance examinations.

Robotics Mr Mellows

Pupils use their engineering skills to build robots to compete in the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, an international competition where young people pit their developing skills against others to complete challenges which test their creations.

Schools’ Challenge Mr Hanley

Based on University Challenge, pupils compete regionally, nationally and internationally, testing their general knowledge against their peers at other schools.

The Budget Challenge Mrs Chadwick

The chance to represent the College in a national competition that will help pupils to learn more about economics, develop their writing, research, and analytical skills, and give them a better understanding of the policy issues and challenges facing national decision makers.

The Line Competition

The Line Competition is one of the weekly highlights of College life. All pupils are assigned a Line named for an aspect of Stonyhurst history: Campion, after St Edmund Campion SJ, the greatest of the English Catholic martyrs; St Omers, after the site in modern-day France where the school was first founded; Shireburn, after the Shireburn family who passed the Stonyhurst estate to the Weld Family; and Weld after Sir Thomas Weld who donated the estate to the Jesuits. Weekly events are fiercely contested but the Line Competition is primarily about fun and sharing experiences with other Playrooms.

Events in the Christmas term: