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Extra Curricular Activities

At Central Newcastle High School, extra curricular activities play a very important part in the all round education we are able to offer pupils.  The information contained within this booklet is by no means exhaustive but gives a flavour of the activities currently available.  As the academic year gets underway new clubs will be formed and pupils are encouraged to put forward their own suggestions for new clubs.

Amnesty, Meets Fortnightly on Monday, 1.00 - 1.30pm

The group is run by Sixth Form girls with some help from staff.  We conduct assemblies to raise awareness of issues and get involved in campaigns against the abuse of human rights.

Art History, For Years 10 - 13, Meets Thursday 1.00pm - 1.30pm

The club hopes to provide a broad understanding of Art and its context in society through lectures and gallery visits.

 

Book Club, For Year 9, Meets Tuesday 12.30pm - 1.30pm

An opportunity for book lovers to read and discuss anything from Twilight to Cranfield, Skellig to A Moveable Feast.  We also discuss adaptations, plays and poetry.

 

Classics Club, For Years 7 and 8, Meets Tuesday 1.00pm - 1.30pm

Activities include acting in plays, dressing up and quizzes. We also learn the Greek alphabet and reconstruct the pediment of a Greek temple!

Classics Society, Meets at Lunchtimes

We invite visiting speakers to talk about a wide variety of Classical subjects and girls enjoy watching and discussing films on classical themes and organising activities such as ‘Call My Bluff' or a Roman feast.

The Classics Department runs a programme of other activities including trips to Greece, exploring major Classical sites, lectures and Sixth Form conferences, Classical Association Reading competitions, and classes in Modern Greek, Ancient Greek and Italian.

 

Christian Union, For Years 10 - 13, Meets Monday 4pm - 5pm

Christian Union gives girls an opportunity to explore and debate the Christian faith with other pupils.

Junior Debating Society, For Years 7 - 9, Meets Friday, 12.30pm - 1.00pm

Do you have a strong opinion on current issues and enjoy standing up for your rights? Then this society is definitely for you! Girls are given the opportunity to argue and debate a wide variety of topics. You will receive training through workshop sessions in debating procedures and discuss debating techniques, including parliamentary style exchanges. These skills will prepare you for the end of year competition and support your critical analysis of the wider issues in a variety of curriculum subjects and real life situations.

Senior Debating Society, For Years 8 - 13, Meets Monday, 4.00pm - 5.15pm

The Senior Debating Society is for those who want to practise their public speaking skills, with especial emphasis on British Parliamentary Debating.  Debating, as well as being fun, is an excellent way to develop confidence and communication skills.  Varied activities include short games such as ‘Just a Minute' and ‘Good News/Bad News', video analysis of speakers and bi-weekly live debates.  We run a House event and a new competition for Year 6, as well as taking part in schools' competitions in Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and Newcastle

 

Drama Club, For Years 7 - 9, Meets Friday 12.50pm - 1.30pm

Run by our AS Level Theatre Studies students, Drama Club is a chance for girls to extend their acting skills.  There are opportunities each year to take part in large performances at professional theatres and also in-house productions.  In Autumn 2009 we presented Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate at the People's Theatre and Macbeth at Northern Stage as part of the Schools' Shakespeare Festival.  Our next major production will be West Side Story.

EDNA, For All Year Groups, Meets Monday

EDNA is a creative writing group open to girls of all ages.  We meet to write and to share ideas and inspirations.  Our members have won prizes in national competitions and have been published.  We have occasionally sold our own publications to raise money for charity.

Go Green, For All Year Groups, Meets at Lunchtime on a Friday

Go Green is a Sixth Form led group that promotes environmental and ethical issues around the Central High community.  So far Go Green have implemented the use of reusable cotton bags, a green book swop as well as various fundraising activities for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.   We are currently working towards the Green Flag - an international award that recognises green initiatives in schools.

History Society, For All Year Groups, Meets Regularly Throughout the Year

The History Society is open to all girls who have an interest in exploring History and attending historical events.  In the past we have organised a variety of activities including visits to York and Edinburgh, lunchtime talks including ‘Growing up in Northern Ireland' and ‘Auschwitz and the Holocaust', a historical cookery competition, the showing of historical films including ‘All Quiet on the Western Front' and ‘A Man for All Seasons', a trip to the battlefields of the First World War, a historical quotation competition, dress the Tudor Doll and a visit to the City Archives (Sixth Form).

 

Ideal, For Sixth Form, Meets Monthly at the Salsa Club

Ideal is a club run in conjunction with Newcastle Philosophy Society and Gosforth High School. It gives students the opportunity to discuss philosophical issues in a more informal setting following the Community of Inquiry model.

Knitting Club, For All Year Groups, Meets at Lunchtime on Friday

Also known as the Knitter Natter Club!  This is for girls who want to learn how to knit or want to improve their skills.  Girls have made phone covers, scarves and jumpers.

The Kids' Lit Quiz, For Years 7 and 8

In the Autumn Term Years 7 and 8 will be invited to take part in our School Book Quiz and the top scorers will be asked to form our team for the Kids' Lit Quiz.  The Kids' Lit Quiz is an international annual book quiz with a very exciting atmosphere. There are Regional, National and International Heats.

Law Society, For Years 9, 10 and 11, Meets at Lunchtime on Thursday

The Law Society involves learning about the background of the English legal system for example types of court, legal procedure and the roles of different people within the court system.  We act out trials, discuss recent legal issues, and debate proposed legal reforms.

Modern Foreign Languages

The French Department runs a trip to the Château de La Baudonnière for Years 7 and 8 where they experience immersion in French language and culture whilst undertaking activities ranging from bread making to climbing.  Trips to the theatre to see plays such as Les Trois Mousquetaires are offered to older girls and theatre groups such as Théâtre Volant are invited into School. Years 12 and 13 will have the opportunity to go to France and experience work in places such as the local fire station, police station and magistrates' court. There is a club for film enthusiasts who enjoy films such as Un très long dimanche de fiançailles and Taxi.  Year 13 girls run a club for younger girls where they can enjoy practising their language skills in a fun environment - playing games, singing songs and generally experiencing language learning in a different way.

The German Department runs an extensive range of trips starting with an end of year trip to Dusseldorf for girls in Years 7 and 8 which gives them their first taste of life in Germany.  After this they can partake in an exchange programme to Stuttgart in Years 9 and 10 which allows plenty of opportunity to develop language skills and get to know German culture.

Finally girls studying A Level German can carry out work experience in a department store in  Rostock .  By now they are truly conversant with the German way of life and can make real progress with their fluency in the language.

The Spanish Department enjoys a regular trip to Córdoba during February half-term when girls in Years 8 and 9 go to school in the mornings and visit the town and surrounding area in the afternoons. Spanish lessons are fun at the Academia Hispánica and the language becomes real when it is needed during a shopping spree later on.  It is hoped to establish some new links next year for A Level girls to take on work experience in Spain.

Music Activities, For all Year Groups, every lunchtime and occasionally after School  

Musical life at Central Newcastle High School is lively and vibrant. All girls are encouraged to take part.  Membership provides the opportunity to improve musical skills and to play in concerts, along with the chance to make friends and enjoy music.   There are no auditions.  Nevertheless, we achieve high standards and have a growing reputation in the area.

We aim to foster the talents of all girls, whatever their musical skills, so all may take part.  Our strongest musicians enjoy the chance to perform major works for instance  Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Mozart's A Major Piano Concerto.

The Festival Choir repertoire is mainly classical and it has enjoyed success in local music festivals.  Highlights include the regular Carol Service at St George's Church, Jesmond. As well as shorter works, the Choir has also taken part in performances of major works such as the Fauré Requiem  and Haydn's Nelson Mass. The Choir has performed at the Sage alongside world famous soprano Hayley Westenra and also with Sir James Galway, who said he was ‘delighted to work with such an excellent choir'. 

The Choral Society is a new development.  In May 2008, girls, staff, parents and friends joined together to perform Handel's Messiah.  We  followed this success with a performance in April 2009 of Mozart's Requiem.

The First Orchestra caters for girls who play at Grade 5 standard and above.  The repertoire is by no means all classical, but every year the orchestra performs at least one classical symphony and often accompanies girls in concertos.  Recent performances include symphonies by Schubert, Mozart, Haydn and A London Symphony by Vaughan Williams.

The Second Orchestra nurtures the skills of girls who have not yet reached the standard required for First Orchestra and is open to all girls, from beginners to those of Grade 4 standard.  The repertoire is easier and often lighter than that of First Orchestra. 

Open to all, the Central Swing Band specialises in jazz and swing music.  Each year we hold a jazz concert and girls are encouraged to develop improvisation skills.

The Brandling Camerata is our advanced chamber orchestra.  It was founded in 2003 to provide opportunities for our more experienced string players.  Most of its repertoire is baroque concertos.  It has performed Telemann's Recorder Suite, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Bach's Double Violin Concerto and Brandenburg Concerto no. 4.

The Ukelele Orchestra is a fun, informal group brought together by the joy of this small and versatile instrument.  It was inspired by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. The group is very much in its infancy, but we hope to tackle a wide variety of repertoire.

Outdoor Activities

Allotment Group, For Year 10, Meets at Lunchtime on Tuesday

The Allotment Group was started in 2005 by girls in Year 8. By the end of last season we had grown a multitude of wonderful vegetables, including exotic and delicious butternut squashes, golden gooseberries, strawberries and rhubarb. We have also cultivated a flower garden and have begun work on creating a pond and clearing an area so we can grow our own fruit trees.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award, For girls in Year 10 and above

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is committed to providing for young people an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach. The award is a four-section programme with three levels:

Bronze (for those aged 14 and over - completed in Year 10)

Silver (for those aged 15 and over - completed in Year 11)

Gold (for those aged 16 and over - completed in Sixth Form)

Girls design their own award programme, which can be geared to their choice and interests. They can choose to start new activities or to develop a hobby or skill they are already interested in.   We are regularly out on Expedition. The Cheviots, Lake District and Durham Dales are regular venues for weekend hikes as girls learn about navigation and camp craft.

Outward Bound, Year 9 and above

An autumn weekend at the Outward Bound Centre on the shores of Ullswater has become a regular feature of School life. In September 2009, girls enjoyed a weekend of challenge and adventure. Activities included canoeing, rock climbing, gully scrambling, and an overnight camp in the mountains.  The girls were challenged to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and to exercise personal responsibility as a group member.

The Combined Cadet Force, For Year 9 and above

The CCF consists of a Navy and Army section and provides an exciting opportunity for girls to learn new skills such as sailing, diving, climbing, self-reliance, weapons handling, drill and shooting. With the support of the Armed Forces, girls can experience weekends away, field days and camps that may include taking a speedboat on the Tyne or even a helicopter flight.

World Challenge, For Year 11 and above

Girls have completed World Challenge expeditions to Tanzania, Chile and India.  The expeditions are a fantastic educational experience allowing the girls to experience other cultures and to see the reality of life in a developing country.  Girls grow in confidence during the expedition as they plan their own activities and make day to day decisions.  They have climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, trekked through jungle in India and climbed in the Andes mountains. They have completed projects in orphanages, schools, the Delhi slums and a refuge for battered women.  We hope to complete further challenges in the years to come.

Physical Education, For all girls Clubs meet every lunchtime and there are matches and practices every night after school.

Sport and PE are an important part of School life at Central High.  Every girl experiences a huge range of sporting activities in curriculum time, including traditional games such as Hockey and Netball; individual activities such as Cross Country and aesthetic activities including Gymnastics, Dance and Trampoline.  Extra curricular activities complement and extend the curriculum.  Teams play in all local, county and national competitions with a level of competition available for girls of all abilities.  The department is staffed by seven specialist PE and Dance teachers who offer teaching and coaching to the highest standards, whilst catering for all girls regardless of experience. The teaching staff are also supported by coaches in Tennis and Trampoline.  Our on site facilities are excellent, and we are looking forward to the addition of a Dance Studio. We use Coach Lane Astroturf for lessons and coaching in Hockey. Girls in Years 10 and 11 also attend Eldon Leisure, Parklands Golf and Northumberland Tennis Club.  Leadership opportunities are offered through the ‘Sports Leader UK' Community Sports Leader Award (CSLA).

Dance

Dance covers a lot of different styles in clubs and we work towards putting on a Dance Show every year.  The girls also have the opportunity to take part in the Global Rock Challenge competition.  Our Dance Clubs are for all ages and abilities and are great fun. 

Ski Trips

Three Ski Trips are arranged for next year.  In December 2009 Year 8 are flying to Les Menuires in the French Alps for a very exciting week. The Sixth Form Trip is in February half term, and this year we are going to Italy.  Year 10 will spend the first week of the Easter holidays in the resort of Sunday River, USA.  Skiing is a great part of these holidays but numerous other activities including ice skating, swimming, ten pin bowling and the inevitable disco and fancy dress competitions, also form important parts of the trips.

World Sports Tours

We are currently planning our next tour to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Dubai for July 2011!  In the past we have made some significant journeys.

In August 2005, 46 girls travelled to Australia for a 23 day Hockey and Netball Tour . The trip took in many locations in Eastern Australia including the unforgettable Barrier Reef. 

In Summer 2008 40 girls travelled all around South and North Island in New Zealand playing a series of very challenging Hockey and Netball matches.  The last two days were spent in Fiji where we played Netball on a grass court in the pouring rain!

In October 2009 two teams from Year 9 travelled to Spain to play in a Netball Festival Tournament. The girls had a fantastic time and brought the trophy home as a bonus!

Science

Medical Society, For Sixth Form, Meets Tuesday at 12.30pm

This is for girls wishing to increase their knowledge and understanding of the medical profession and discuss a range of related topics relating to current issues, different branches of medicine as well as work experience and university applications. Guest speakers address the group over the course of the year.

Science Club, For girls in Year 7, Meets Thursday at 1.00pm

In Biology we make slides and develop microscope skills, carry out taste tests, plant bulbs, grow plants from cuttings and make bird feeders.  In Physics, the club investigates robot design and in Chemistry girls fire write, make crystals, sparklers, crystal gardens and carry out practical project work.

Science Festival

Launched last year, the Science Department organises a series of Science Lectures presented by eminent Scientists.  Last year we heard from Professor Gatehouse who talked on the ethics of GM Foods, Dr Stewart on Fertility and Dr Kilcoyne impressed our younger pupils with his large scale chemistry experiments.  This autumn we are looking forward to talks from Dr Edwards on the Large Hadron Collider and Professor Hurlbert on the Window on the Brain.

Vet Club, Meets Fortnightly at Lunchtime on Thursday

The Central High Vet club was established last year and is run by members of the Sixth Form. Anyone interested in pursuing an animal related career or anyone who is simply keen to learn more about animal care is welcome to attend.  During meetings the club members discuss topical issues, do presentations and share any ‘animal experience' that they have.  Guest speakers are also included in our programme.

The North East Book Awards, For Years 7 and 10

The girls will read a shortlist of six books, and help to judge the winner, in these well-established Awards which are judged by young people from local schools.  Discussion will take place under the guidance of the Librarian, Mrs Elliott.  The Awards will be presented at special evenings when the judges have the opportunity to meet the authors.

Young Enterprise, For Sixth Form

The Young Enterprise programme gives the girls in Years 12 the opportunity to prepare themselves for the work environment by running their own company. The programme runs for one year and requires the girls to set up and run a business.  They will elect a board of directors, raise money and develop their own ideas as to a product or service that they can provide. Girls are encouraged to enter their team for the regional competition and also to do the Young Enterprise examination which is nationally recognised.

Year 12 Enrichment Programme

An enrichment programme, covering modules such as Cookery and Careers Advice, runs to supplement the Year 12 curriculum followed by each girl.  As part of the programme girls can also opt to do the Community Sports Leadership Award which leads to a qualification and focuses on the development of leadership skills through working on community based sports projects. All girls in Year 12, except those studying five AS levels, are expected to pursue the Enrichment Activities throughout the year.

EDNA

For all girls. Meets weekly in Eslington Tower.

 

EDNA is a creative writing group open to all ages.  We meet to write and to share ideas an inspirations.  Our members have won prizes in national competitions and have been published.  We have occasionally sold our own publications to raise money for charity.

This year we are very lucky to be able to make use of the new facilities in Eslington Tower so that we have a really good space in which to meet and to display our work.  If you are interested in joining EDNA then please speak to Ms Clare.

Sixth Form Vet Society

For girls in Years 7 and 13. Meets fortnightly on a Monday lunchtime

The Central High vet club was established last year and is run by a member of the Sixth Form, Rebecca Marr our Head Girl. Anyone interested in pursuing an animal related career or anyone who is simply keen to learn more about animal care is welcome to attend.

During meetings the club members discuss topical issues, do presentations and share any ‘animal experience' that they have.  In the future, the club hopes to invite numerous guest speakers and possibly organise some fundraising events in school to raise money for an animal welfare charity.

Sixth Form Film Society

For girls in Years 12 and 13. Meets on Thursdays.

 

A wide range of films are shown over lunchtime and after school.  They are designed to introduce to girls a variety of films and give them some appreciation of the history and variety of the cinema. Watching such films often leads to interesting discussion afterwards which the girls thoroughly enjoy. See Mr Beale if you are interested in attending the Film Society.

Amnesty Youth Group

Meets on Fridays

 

This groups' aim is to raise awareness of human rights issues and to campaign for a more just and peaceful world.  The group is run by Sixth Form girls with some help from staff.  We conduct assemblies to raise awareness of issues and get involved in various local and national campaigns against the abuse of human rights.

Young Enterprise

For girls in Years 12 and 13. Meets on a Wednesday lunchtime.

The young enterprise programme gives the students in Years 12 and 13 the opportunity to prepare themselves for the work environment by running their own company. The programme runs for one year and requires the students to set up and run a business.  They will elect a board of directors, raise money and develop their own ideas as to a product or service that they can provide.

Students are encouraged to enter their team for the regional competition and also to do the Young Enterprise examination which is nationally recognised. Students who participate in the programme can gain useful experience of numeracy, ICT, communication, leadership, motivation and much more.  No previous experience is required, just willing volunteers to get involved.

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