Enrichment Activities  

We believe there is much more to school life than lessons between 9.00 and 3.30. At lunchtime and after school a variety of clubs and activities are offered to the pupils.

The school's musical strength is seen in wind bands, string bands and the choirs. Peripatetic music teachers are available for instrumental tuition during the school day. Many pupils are entered through the school for graded music examinations in a variety of instruments and achieve very pleasing successes. School productions, including plays, musicals and concerts, provide excellent opportunities for pupils to develop their talents, not to mention the delightful entertainment it offers us all.

Athletics, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby union, football and tennis teams all have fixtures with other schools. Pupils are encouraged to reach the highest standard possible and several have been chosen to represent York, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire, and two have competed for England .

The Outdoor Education Department provides residential opportunities for those pupils who enjoy individual or non-competitive physical activities. The school has a very active Duke of Edinburgh Award group involving expeditions, new skills and work in the community.

In addition to regular society meetings and practices throughout the year, we believe there is value in a period of time when the normal school timetable is suspended and pupils can concentrate on a particular skill or interest. In Year 9 an Activities Week is planned for the summer when pupils can develop skills in, for example, sculpture, camping, sailing, cooking, art, cycling, drama and orienteering.

Theatre visits are offered as social activities and as part of Drama and Literature courses. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to take advantage of courses and opportunities offered by City of York Council in music, sport and drama. There are many trips abroad each year which currently include a visit to France or Germany to strengthen pupils’ language skills, a ski trip, water sports trip, a History Department visit to the World War I battlefields and a Music Department concert tour.