Clubs

Not a moment of the day is wasted at Guildford High School.

Participation in clubs and societies complements time spent in the classroom. We see it as vital to pupils’ wellbeing.

mr will saunders, deputy head enrichment

We are a busy school and all pupils are encouraged to join clubs and push their boundaries. With more than 70 different activities on offer each week, the biggest problem pupils face is how to fit them all in. Clubs run before school, at lunchtime and after school every day and our extracurricular programme goes hand in hand with our academic programme. A sample of the types of clubs available to pupils in the Senior School can be found below.

 

 

Clubs on offer

Amnesty @ GHS

The Amnesty Group is a Sixth Form student-led branch of Amnesty International, which aims to promote and campaign for human rights.

Open to: Lower and Upper Sixth

Athletics

A squad training session for selected athletes to maintain their technique, core strength and fitness runs during the off-season (Michaelmas and Lent terms). In the Trinity Term, full training for selected team athletes and club athletes takes place at the Spectrum Leisure Centre (all-weather track) on Monday evenings. Other training sessions for track and field athletes take place at school during lunchtimes and early mornings.

Open to: All year groups

Badminton (6)

U12 and U13 Badminton

Open to all pupils in Years 7-8 who are interested in learning or improving their standard in this sport.

Open to: Years 7-8

U12 and U13 Badminton Squad

Selected players from Years 7-8 are invited to attend this practice session to prepare for inter-school matches, district and national tournaments.

Open to: Years 7-8

U14 and U15 Badminton

Open to all pupils in Years 9-10 who are interested in learning or improving their standard in this sport.

Open to: Years 9-10

U14 and U15 Badminton Squad

Selected players from Years 9-10 are invited to attend this practice session to prepare for inter-school matches, district and national tournaments.

Open to: Years 9-10

Senior Badminton

Open to all Year 11 and Sixth Form students to play recreational badminton or for extra U16 and U18 team practice.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

 

Biathlon

A training session for all potential biathletes to improve their running fitness and speed alongside other Cross-country runners. All ages and standards welcome.

Open to: All year groups

Big Band

Open to all pupils who play saxaphone, piano, bass, brass and percussion instruments at Grade 5 or higher.

Open to: All year groups

Book Groups (4)

Book Group (Year 7)

This extracurricular activity provides Year 7 pupils the chance to discover their inner book worm. Through reading a variety of newly published fiction, pupils can develop their enthusiasm for reading in the company of friends and sixth-formers, who lead the discussions. They develop their interests through being exposed to a wide range of new writing.

Open to: Year 7

Book Group (Year 8 & 9)

This extracurricular activity provides Year 8 and 9 pupils the chance to discover their inner book worm. Through reading a variety of newly published fiction, pupils can develop their interest in reading and begin to think deeper than the words on the page.

Open to: Years 8-9

Book Group (Year 10 & 11)

A twice-termly informal book group for Years 10-11. You choose the books and we chat about them over tea and cake!

Open to: Years 10-11

Book Group (Sixth Form)

An opportunity for all students in the Sixth Form to discuss contemporary novels and extend their love of literature beyond their academic subjects.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Brass Ensemble

This group is open to all Brass players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

Breakdance & Street

Action packed dance club teaching Break Dance, Street and Hip Hop moves and techniques. Pupils learn upbeat moves, tricks and routines to up to date music.

Open to: All year groups

CanSat

Gain practical experience working on a small-scale space project. Aimed at Year 11-Lower Sixth students, CanSat is a European Space Agency competition where you will design, build and test a miniature satellite that fits inside a small drinks can.

Open to: Years 11-Lower Sixth

Cello Ensemble

This group is open to all Cello players from Years 10-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Chamber Groups (7)

GHS hold seveen Chamber Group clubs: Chamber Group – Trio, Chamber Group – String Trio, Chamber Group – Wind Quartet, Chamber Group – String Sextet, Chamber Group – String Quartet, Chamber Group – Four Violins and Chamber Group – Piano Trio. Open by invitation to Music Scholars and Music Exhibitioners to extend Chamber Music experience, these clubs lead to an annual concert.

Open to: All year groups

Chamber Orchestra

For string players from Grade 7, and others as needed, auditioned from the Symphony Orchestra.

Open to: All year groups

Christian Union

Christian Union is for anyone interested in exploring the Bible with plenty of games as well.

Open to: All year groups

Clarinet Ensemble

This group is open to all Clarinet players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

Classics

A fun and interactive club where pupils can come to explore and engage with all elements of the classical world through a variety of exciting and inspiring activities ranging from creating Greek vase balloons to Trojan Horse piñatas.

Open to: Years 7-9

Climbing

This session is held at the Surrey Sports Park and taught by specialist instructors. Guaranteed to build strength, power and increase aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels. A wonderful new skill for some that could inspire a lifelong interest, particularly those who love the outdoors. This incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Cookery

At cookery club pupils will gain confidence in the kitchen, develop their cooking skills and have the opportunity to try new recipes.

Open to: All year groups

Corporate Communion

A service of holy communion with boys and staff of the RGS. The services alternate between being held at GHS and the RGS.

Open to: All year groups

CREST awards

CREST awards are an opportunity to complete a challenging and thought-provoking real-world STEM project (Bronze: Y7-9, Silver: Y9-11, Gold: Sixth Form). Your project will inspire you to think and behave like a scientist, engineer or designer. CREST awards are nationally recognised, and completing your project will demonstrate that you are a creative thinker and problem solver.

Open to: All year groups

Cricket

During the Michaelmas and Lent terms, an out of season training session is run for experienced hard ball players to maintain their standard and improve individual skills, whilst an additional Cricket Nets session is organised as a sport for all activity, developing individual softball cricket skills, particularly bowling and batting. All ages and standards are welcome to attend both of these. During the Trinity term, each age group has a designated weekly lunchtime practice that welcomes all team and club players to play and develop their game. Selected team players (U12, U13, U14 and U15) will have additional training sessions, either at lunchtime or early morning.

Open to: Years 7-10

Crochet

Set some mindful time aside and build on your crochet skills. Open to confident knitters.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Cross Country

An activity that blends runners of all ages and ability, including recreational runners participating for the benefit of enjoyment and physical wellbeing, as well as competitive athletes looking to improve their overall fitness and performance. The school cross-country teams are selected from pupils committing themselves fully to this weekly session.

Open to: All year groups

Cross-stitch

Cross-stitch is a mindful activity, providing an opportunity to connect with friends while working towards an individual goal, or simply for having a moment of calm and focussing on a small and satisfying creative task.

Open to: all year groups

Debating

The ability to speak eloquently and persuasively is continually cited as one of the key skills required in the 21st century. GHS tuns two clubs: the Debating Society (Years 9-Upper Sixth) and It’s Debatable! (Years 7-8). Both clubs give pupils the chance to speak on a range of issues, acquiring the skills to think on their feet, challenge information, organise their thoughts logically and quickly and to present a point of view concisely and fluently. In Years 7-8, pupils learn and develop their oracy skills through the weekly lunch time It’s Debatable! club, and from Year 9 they join the Senior Debating and Model United Nations (MUN) sessions. At all levels as pupils enhance and refine their skills, they compete in numerous debating, MUN and public speaking competitions with local schools and beyond; the senior debating team has an outstanding track-record, frequently progressing through to the advanced rounds of the ESU Schools Mace competition and having frequently represented the South East region at the European Youth Parliament national sessions. Alongside sending delegations of pupils to around seven MUN conferences each year, allowing pupils to explore a range of political, environmental and social issues from the perspective of different nations, we began running our own annual conference in 2018, giving pupils an opportunity to take ownership of the event and develop their skills as a team. All of the competitions and conferences are an excellent way to encourage taking initiative, effective and clear communication and to develop research skills.

Open to: All year groups

Design Ventura

The Design Ventura club is a chance for students to enter an international design competition in conjunction with the Design Museum. Students enter the competition in teams of up to six from across Years 9 to 11. They work together to respond to a design brief, set by the design museum.

Open to: Years 9 – 11

Digital

Explore digital technology through a variety of activities, including Minecraft for Education, Virtual Reality, 3D Printing and Raspberry Pis.

Open to: Years 7-9

DT

An opportunity for students in Years 7 and 8 to design and manufacture their own products to be sold at the GHS Christmas Fair.

Open to: Years 7-8

DT Lego Club

Faced with ambitious brick-building termly challenges, individuals or teams of LEGO® enthusiasts have the chance to let their creativity shine through in their builds. Projects include building a collaborative city-scape as well as monsters and city defenders.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Duke of Edinburgh

Delivery of an internationally recognised award that facilitates personal development in a number of key areas including resilience and self-reliance, and enables our pupils to achieve recognition for their wide range of skills and interests. We offer all three levels; Bronze (Years 9-Upper Sixth), Silver (Years 10-Upper Sixth) and Gold (Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth).

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Enterprise Activities

This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your enterprise skills and develop your own innovative product. You will have the opportunity to work as part of a team to create a business proposal, design your own unique product and then sell it on to maximise your profit!

Open to: Year 9

European Youth Parliament

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is an educational project which brings together young people to exchange ideas and debate current topics specific to the needs of young European citizens in a parliamentary setting. The EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative, facilitating the learning of crucial social and political skills. GHS students have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, forming friendships and making contacts across and beyond boarders.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Fashion Show

The Guildford High School Lower Sixth students run the school’s annual Fashion Show in aid of our school charity, the Alice Ramsey Trust. This charity was set up by the parents of a former GHS Head Girl who tragically died of a brain tumour whilst at university. There is an opportunity for Lower Sixth students to direct, produce, choreograph as well as deliver the marketing, technical and wardrobe aspects of the show. All pupils are welcome to take part in modelling or dancing and can put themselves forward for selection. The Fashion Show takes place once a year, usually in January.

Open to: All year groups

Fencing

A weekly session taught by a highly qualified peripatetic instructor, providing pupils with the opportunity to learn the three disciplines of this combat sport, i.e. épée, foil and sabre. Pupils who enjoy this activity often progress to joining the club after school, which incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Fit for Life

An opportunity for those not involved in sports teams and practices to use the fitness suite equipment in a relaxed, supportive environment. Pupils work to their own goals and comfort levels. This session is particularly aimed at anyone who lacks confidence in cross-country and other endurance events.

Open to: All year groups

Flute Ensemble

Pupils are able to join either the Lower School or Upper School Flute Ensemble. These groups are open to all Flute players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provide an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

Football

A fun, sport for all activity open to all pupils interested in this sport. Occasional fixtures are organised against other schools for those keen to participate more competitively.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Foreign Language Speakers

Open to any pupil who has had a lot of exposure to another language: perhaps having foreign parents, having lived abroad, or even having a passion for trying out a new language!

Open to: All year groups

French (3)

French Spelling and Translation

An opportunity for all students to improve their French spelling and translation skills in an informal setting.

Open to: Years 7-8

French Translation

An opportunity for Upper Sixth students to improve their translation skills from English to French, giving them plenty of practice in an informal setting.

Open to: Upper Sixth

GCSE French

Open to any GCSE French pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11

GCSE German

Open to any GCSE German pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11

GHS & RGS Joint Chamber Choir

An auditioned choir, comprising the most able singers from both Guildford High School and the Royal Grammar School. Maximum of 40 singers (20 GHS & 20 RGS). Many singers are awarded choral scholarships when they leave school. Challenging, SSAATTBB repertoire is performed.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

GHS & RGS Joint Parents’ and Staff Choir

The GHS & RGS Joint Parents’ and Staff Choir meet in the Lent Term biennially. They join the other school choirs and orchestra for a large scale concert at G Live or Guildford Cathedral. There is no audition and previous years the choir has consisted of over 200 members.

Open to: Parents and Staff

GHS and RGS Joint Orchestra

Open by invitation, the GHS and RGS Joint Orchestra meets for one term each year, leading to a concert at G Live or a tour. Previous tour destinations have included Sicily and Catalonia.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

GHS Pride

A social group that meets once or twice per half term, in conjunction with other local schools, to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on the LGBT+ members of our community.

Open to: All year groups

Golf Academy

All ages and standards, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join the school’s Golf Academy on Friday evenings. The session is professionally taught at Hoebridge Golf Centre, using their floodlit range and other practice facilities. Golfers with official handicaps are entered for county competitions, whilst all developing players are encouraged to represent GHS at informal inter-school matches.

Open to: All year groups

Green Team

Green Team is open to anyone wanting to do something more for the environment. Pupils can get involved with ideas and help to organise events in school alongside helping to open people’s eyes to the wonderful green options available to them!

Open to: All year groups

Guitar Ensemble

Enjoy learning guitar, building technique and playing together through the year.

Open to: All year groups

Gym Squad

This session is for selected gymnasts who train at a high level to represent the school in Surrey and national school competitions, in floor, vault, tumbling and sports acro.

Open to: All year groups

 

Gymnastics

A sport for all activity that encourages keen gymnasts to develop their skills, particularly those who would like to improve in order to gain selection into the school Gym Squad.

Open to: All year groups

Hockey

All ages and standards, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join the school’s Hockey Club that takes place at Surrey Sports Park. All players are given the opportunity to represent GHS in inter-school matches.

Open to: All year groups

 

Horseriding

Pupils of all ages represent the school in various equestrian events.

Open to: All year groups

Indoor Rowing

A wonderfully competitive, strength and stamina boosting activity that requires both individual and team effort on the rowing machines in the Sports Centre Fitness Suite. Sessions are attended according to age and are open to any standard, from newcomers to advanced rowers. Teams are selected for various competitions, including national and internal leagues. Some pupils extend their interest to rowing on water at external clubs and often continue to row at university.

Open to: All year groups

ISGA Gym Squad

The school’s top gymnasts are invited to train in this elite squad from which they can be selected to represent GHS at national schools’ competitions.

Open to: All year groups

Jewellery

An exciting opportunity to develop silver-smithing and stone setting skills to design and manufacture different items of high quality jewellery. You will be taught how to join metals together with silver solder using the brazing hearth as well as casting techniques and many more exciting processes.

Open to: All year groups

 

Junior School Classics

A fun and interactive club where pupils from our Junior School come to explore and engage with all elements of the classical world through a variety of exciting and inspiring activities. This club is run by Year 10-11 Classicists and supervised by Classics teachers from the Senior School.

Open to: Years 10-11

Knit and Natter

Open to all abilities, Knit and Natter will enable you to set some mindful time aside and build on your knitting skills. Bring along your own projects or support us in knitting for charity. This club is guaranteed to bring some calm creativity to a busy week.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Lacrosse (6)

U12 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 7 (U12A-D) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 7

U13 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 8 (U13A-D) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 8

U14 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 9 (U14A-C) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 9

U15 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 10 (U15A-C) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 10

1st & 2nd Lacrosse (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for selected team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

3rd & 4th Lacrosse (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for selected team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

Lacrosse Shooting Clinic

An extra training session for team players of all ages to improve their specific shooting and goalkeeping skills with the benefit of individually tailored coaching. All team goalkeepers are expected to regularly commit, whilst shooting is a more optional activity.

Open to: All year groups

Lower School Chamber Choir

An auditioned choir of approximately 45 pupils. These pupils must be members of the Lower School Choir.

Open to: Years 7-9

Lower School Choir

Do you love to sing but don’t want the pressure of auditions? Then this choir is for you. Available to those of all abilities in Years 7-8. The choir consists of approximately 80 pupils.

Open to: Years 7-8

Mathias Band

For woodwind, brass and percussion players ready to start ensemble playing up to approximately Grade 5, when they may move on into the Wind Band and/or Symphony Orchestra. The band is made up of around 60 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Maths Enrichment (4)

Maths Enrichment (Year 8)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 8 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 9)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 9 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 10)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 10 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 11)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 11 – by invitation

Mentoring

A select group of Year 12 students will act as peer mentors for other pupils in the school. They will have weekly meetings with their metees to help guide them through some academic or organisation issues.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Model United Nations

Model United Nations (MUN) is an activity in which participants assume the role of national ambassadors or representatives to debate and seek to solve global issues. Join this club for an opportunity to debate in and outside of school at local and regional events.

Open to: Year 9-Upper Sixth

Modern Languages Festival

An exciting opportunity for students to showcase their linguistic and cultural talents during this one week festival held at GHS.

Open to: All year groups

 

Mr Walden’s Music Project

Over the course of the year, Mr Walden records a song written by a pupil (or group of pupils) to radio quality to release on Spotify. This year, he is hoping to combine his two clubs so that the Production Club pupils can mix the track written by the other pupil.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Music Theory Lessons

Examine the elements that construct a piece of music, including notation, key signatures, time signatures, and chord progressions. This club provides pupils with the opportunity to prepare for the Grade 5 Theory exam.

Open to: All year groups

 

Netball (5)

U12 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 7 (U12A-H) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 7

U13 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 8 (U13A-F) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 8

U14 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 9 (U14A-F) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 9

U15 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 10 (U15A-D) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 10

Netball (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for all Year 11 and Sixth Form (U16A-D and 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Lower-Upper Sixth

Netball Shooting Clinic

An extra training opportunity for team players of all ages to improve their specific shooting skills with the benefit of individually tailored coaching. It is highly desirable for all team shooters to attend if they are able.

Open to: All year groups

New Views Play Writing

New Views Playwriting club is for anyone looking to begin, develop and hone their skills in writing. We will also go on a theatre trip together.

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Pantomime

Every year, the Lower Sixth write and produce the annual GHS Pantomime to be performed by the new Year 7s.

Open to: Year 7 and Lower Sixth

Piano Duets and Trios

This is an ensemble for piano pupils who would like to explore, learn and perform piano duets and trios.

Open to: All year groups

Piano Six Hands

This is an ensemble for piano pupils who would like to explore, learn and perform piano ensemble repertoire for six hands.

Open to: All year groups

Pilates

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: All year groups

Production

Mr Walden takes a small group of two to three pupils and teaches them the basics of recording, mixing and sound production using ProTools. They will also assist in mixing the track written by another pupil in Mr Walden’s Music Project.

Open to: All year groups

 

Prop Factory

The Prop Factory is a new club responding to real design challenges set by the Drama department. Students will manufacture specific props for in house productions throughout the year. There is a focus on fostering a love of making with both textiles and resistant materials, problem solving as well as building skills such as set management and leadership skills.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Recreational Swimming

An opportunity for pupils to enjoy a calm, relaxed and social swim or for those wanting a fun session with a group of friends. Individual swimming lanes can be made available on request for those preferring to use the time to improve their fitness.

Open to: All year groups

Research in Schools

This is a new club, where teams of students will be partnered with live research at universities helping researchers to analyse real data that has not been reviewed before. We will be working on the James Webb Space Telescope project, using spectral analysis to identify objects of interest for future observation.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

reSTEM

ReSTEM is a science club which is student-led and it focuses on research-related activities. It is open to pupils from Year 9 upwards and students will learn research skills through a variety of activities, with the aim of carrying out a research project as a group.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Robotics

Build a robot, and compete against other schools in a series of engineering challenges.

Open to: Years 7-9

Rock and Pop

This is a student-lead, staff managed band in which students choose the songs they want to learn, we then meet up to rehearse once a week in a fun, relaxed environment to have fun making music and learning to play in a band together. We aim to play at two or three events during the year, ranging from school assemblies to the RGS’s ‘Lockefest’.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Rounders

A sport for all activity, developing individual batting and fielding skills with game play. All ages and standards welcome.

Open to: All year groups

Rugby

A fun, sport for all activity open to all ages and standards. Pupils will play Touch-rugby, which does not involve the normal physicality associated with tackling etc.

Open to: Years 7-9

SATRO

Surrey Problem Solving Physics competitions run by SATRO, usually based around an Engineering problem. Participation in these events is by invitation from the Physics Department.

Open to: Years 8, 10 and Lower Sixth by invitation

School Newspaper

Fancy yourself as a journalist or editor? Our school newspaper is researched and produced by Sixth Form students for pupils. The newspaper contains stories, current school news items, book reviews, competitions, puzzles and interviews with pupils, staff and parents. It comes out every term and provides an exciting insight into life at our school.

Open to: All year groups

Science

A chance for Year 7 and 8 pupils to explore Science through exciting, hands-on activities that won’t be covered in lessons.

Open to: Years 7 and 8

Science in the Media

This club will focus on topical science stories from news and current affairs outlets. It is a discussion-based club with plenty of opportunity to bring along your own stories to discuss. We will also look at who reported it better, comparing the same story from different sources to see who gets closer to the scientific facts!

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

 

Senior Chamber Choir

Open by audition to pupils in Years 10-Upper Sixth. The Senior Chamber Choir provides pupils with the opportunity to perform at many concerts, services and other events throughout the year.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Senior Choir

Do you love to sing but don’t want the pressure of auditions? Then this choir is for you. Available to those of all abilities in Years 9-Upper Sixth. The choir consists of 80+ pupils.

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Senior Team Fitness

An additional training session for all 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th team players in netball and lacrosse, but also open to any senior pupil looking to improve their fitness for other sports.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

Sixth Form A cappella

If you love singing and would like to join like-minded students for a sing-a-long then this is the club for you. Students will learn, rehearse and perform pieces of music without instrumental accompaniment. This club is pupil-led.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Sixth Form Band

This is a student-lead, staff managed band in which students choose the songs they want to learn. The club meets up to rehearse once a week in a relaxed environment to have fun making music and learning to play in a band together. The band will play at two or three events during the year, ranging from school assemblies to the RGS’s ‘Lockefest’.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Sixth Form Enrichment

In the Michaelmas Term this session focuses on Oxbridge preparation. In the Lent Term it is offered as a Lower Sixth enrichment activity.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Skiing

An externally organised club involving weekly training sessions at Aldershot Ski Slopes for all experienced racers, with instructors coaching racing technique through gates. Racers represent the school in national indoor and outdoor ski racing competitions.

Open to: All year groups

Smarties Club

Mathematical puzzles, games and crafts – a different theme each week and tonnes of fun!

Open to: Years 7-9

Spanish (2)

Year 7 Spanish

An opportunity for any Year 7 pupil to begin or continue learning Spanish through fun and practical activities which will focus on developing speaking skills.

Open to: Year 7

GCSE Spanish

Open to any GCSE Spanish pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11

 

Stage Crew

This club looks at all aspects of Technical Theatre. Pupils will learn about and have a play with lighting, sound and audio visual equipment.

Open to: Years 8-Upper Sixth

Strength and Conditioning

Talented pupils on elite pathways and part of the school’s Aspiring Athletes Programme are invited to use this session for their individual, tailored strength and conditioning training under specialist supervision.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

String Orchestra

For string players playing up to approximately Grade 5 standard, after which they may move on to the Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra is made up of around 65 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Student Investor Challenge

Pupils are given a virtual £10,000 to invest in FTSE 100 firms of their choosing. By tracking their progress weekly and discussing strategies, pupils try to maximise the returns in their portfolio.

Open to: Years 10 – Upper Sixth

Swim Squad

All the school’s team swimmers, selected from Year 7 to Sixth Form, are expected to attend this weekly training session, which is led by a highly qualified professional coach. Every squad member is given the opportunity to represent the school in inter-school galas, whilst the more elite swimmers compete in district, county and national competitions according to standard.

Open to: All year groups

Symphony Orchestra

For auditioned players from about Grade 6. Doubling of wind and brass parts may be allowed to offer experience to more pupils with numbers limited to two or sometimes three a part. This orchestra is made up of 75 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Taekwondo

The lunchtime weekly session is taught by a highly qualified peripatetic instructor. Pupils who enjoy this activity often progress to joining the morning club session to work on gradings, which incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Teen Tech

A chance for pupils to learn more about opportunities in the science, technology and engineering industries. Groups can enter the Teen Tech Awards where they apply science and technology to real life problems with the help of industry contacts.

Open to: Year 8

Tennis

Each age group has a designated weekly lunchtime practice that welcomes all team and club players to play and develop their standard. Selected League team players (U12, U13, U14, U15 and Senior) normally have an additional training session, either at lunchtime or early morning.

Open to: All year groups

Trampolining and Vaulting

A fun, sport for all activity open to all ages, taught by a qualified member of staff. Choosing to participate in this club can also be helpful for pupils studying PE at GCSE.

Open to: All year groups

Wind Band

For woodwind, brass and percussion from about Grade 6 upwards. This band consists of around 70 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Yoga

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: All year groups

Zumba

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: Tuesday lunch

Amnesty @ GHS

The Amnesty Group is a Sixth Form student-led branch of Amnesty International, which aims to promote and campaign for human rights.

Open to: Lower and Upper Sixth

CanSat

Gain practical experience working on a small-scale space project. Aimed at Year 11-Lower Sixth students, CanSat is a European Space Agency competition where you will design, build and test a miniature satellite that fits inside a small drinks can.

Open to: Years 11-Lower Sixth

Christian Union

Christian Union is for anyone interested in exploring the Bible with plenty of games as well.

Open to: All year groups

Classics

A fun and interactive club where pupils can come to explore and engage with all elements of the classical world through a variety of exciting and inspiring activities ranging from creating Greek vase balloons to Trojan Horse piñatas.

Open to: Years 7-9

Corporate Communion

A service of holy communion with boys and staff of the RGS. The services alternate between being held at GHS and the RGS.

Open to: All year groups

CREST awards

CREST awards are an opportunity to complete a challenging and thought-provoking real-world STEM project (Bronze: Y7-9, Silver: Y9-11, Gold: Sixth Form). Your project will inspire you to think and behave like a scientist, engineer or designer. CREST awards are nationally recognised, and completing your project will demonstrate that you are a creative thinker and problem solver.

Open to: All year groups

Debating

The ability to speak eloquently and persuasively is continually cited as one of the key skills required in the 21st century. GHS tuns two clubs: the Debating Society (Years 9-Upper Sixth) and It’s Debatable! (Years 7-8). Both clubs give pupils the chance to speak on a range of issues, acquiring the skills to think on their feet, challenge information, organise their thoughts logically and quickly and to present a point of view concisely and fluently. In Years 7-8, pupils learn and develop their oracy skills through the weekly lunch time It’s Debatable! club, and from Year 9 they join the Senior Debating and Model United Nations (MUN) sessions. At all levels as pupils enhance and refine their skills, they compete in numerous debating, MUN and public speaking competitions with local schools and beyond; the senior debating team has an outstanding track-record, frequently progressing through to the advanced rounds of the ESU Schools Mace competition and having frequently represented the South East region at the European Youth Parliament national sessions. Alongside sending delegations of pupils to around seven MUN conferences each year, allowing pupils to explore a range of political, environmental and social issues from the perspective of different nations, we began running our own annual conference in 2018, giving pupils an opportunity to take ownership of the event and develop their skills as a team. All of the competitions and conferences are an excellent way to encourage taking initiative, effective and clear communication and to develop research skills.

Open to: All year groups

Design Ventura

The Design Ventura club is a chance for students to enter an international design competition in conjunction with the Design Museum. Students enter the competition in teams of up to six from across Years 9 to 11. They work together to respond to a design brief, set by the design museum.

Open to: Years 9 – 11

Duke of Edinburgh

Delivery of an internationally recognised award that facilitates personal development in a number of key areas including resilience and self-reliance, and enables our pupils to achieve recognition for their wide range of skills and interests. We offer all three levels; Bronze (Years 9-Upper Sixth), Silver (Years 10-Upper Sixth) and Gold (Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth).

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Enterprise Activities

This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your enterprise skills and develop your own innovative product. You will have the opportunity to work as part of a team to create a business proposal, design your own unique product and then sell it on to maximise your profit!

Open to: Year 9

European Youth Parliament

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is an educational project which brings together young people to exchange ideas and debate current topics specific to the needs of young European citizens in a parliamentary setting. The EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative, facilitating the learning of crucial social and political skills. GHS students have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, forming friendships and making contacts across and beyond boarders.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Foreign Language Speakers

Open to any pupil who has had a lot of exposure to another language: perhaps having foreign parents, having lived abroad, or even having a passion for trying out a new language!

Open to: All year groups

GHS Pride

A social group that meets once or twice per half term, in conjunction with other local schools, to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on the LGBT+ members of our community.

Open to: All year groups

Green Team

Green Team is open to anyone wanting to do something more for the environment. Pupils can get involved with ideas and help to organise events in school alongside helping to open people’s eyes to the wonderful green options available to them!

Open to: All year groups

Junior School Classics

A fun and interactive club where pupils from our Junior School come to explore and engage with all elements of the classical world through a variety of exciting and inspiring activities. This club is run by Year 10-11 Classicists and supervised by Classics teachers from the Senior School.

Open to: Years 10-11

Model United Nations

Model United Nations (MUN) is an activity in which participants assume the role of national ambassadors or representatives to debate and seek to solve global issues. Join this club for an opportunity to debate in and outside of school at local and regional events.

Open to: Year 9-Upper Sixth

Modern Languages Festival

An exciting opportunity for students to showcase their linguistic and cultural talents during this one week festival held at GHS.

Open to: All year groups

 

Research in Schools

This is a new club, where teams of students will be partnered with live research at universities helping researchers to analyse real data that has not been reviewed before. We will be working on the James Webb Space Telescope project, using spectral analysis to identify objects of interest for future observation.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

reSTEM

ReSTEM is a science club which is student-led and it focuses on research-related activities. It is open to pupils from Year 9 upwards and students will learn research skills through a variety of activities, with the aim of carrying out a research project as a group.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Robotics

Build a robot, and compete against other schools in a series of engineering challenges.

Open to: Years 7-9

SATRO

Surrey Problem Solving Physics competitions run by SATRO, usually based around an Engineering problem. Participation in these events is by invitation from the Physics Department.

Open to: Years 8, 10 and Lower Sixth by invitation

School Newspaper

Fancy yourself as a journalist or editor? Our school newspaper is researched and produced by Sixth Form students for pupils. The newspaper contains stories, current school news items, book reviews, competitions, puzzles and interviews with pupils, staff and parents. It comes out every term and provides an exciting insight into life at our school.

Open to: All year groups

Science

A chance for Year 7 and 8 pupils to explore Science through exciting, hands-on activities that won’t be covered in lessons.

Open to: Years 7 and 8

Science in the Media

This club will focus on topical science stories from news and current affairs outlets. It is a discussion-based club with plenty of opportunity to bring along your own stories to discuss. We will also look at who reported it better, comparing the same story from different sources to see who gets closer to the scientific facts!

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

 

Smarties Club

Mathematical puzzles, games and crafts – a different theme each week and tonnes of fun!

Open to: Years 7-9

Student Investor Challenge

Pupils are given a virtual £10,000 to invest in FTSE 100 firms of their choosing. By tracking their progress weekly and discussing strategies, pupils try to maximise the returns in their portfolio.

Open to: Years 10 – Upper Sixth

Teen Tech

A chance for pupils to learn more about opportunities in the science, technology and engineering industries. Groups can enter the Teen Tech Awards where they apply science and technology to real life problems with the help of industry contacts.

Open to: Year 8

Book Groups (4)

Book Group (Year 7)

This extracurricular activity provides Year 7 pupils the chance to discover their inner book worm. Through reading a variety of newly published fiction, pupils can develop their enthusiasm for reading in the company of friends and sixth-formers, who lead the discussions. They develop their interests through being exposed to a wide range of new writing.

Open to: Year 7

Book Group (Year 8 & 9)

This extracurricular activity provides Year 8 and 9 pupils the chance to discover their inner book worm. Through reading a variety of newly published fiction, pupils can develop their interest in reading and begin to think deeper than the words on the page.

Open to: Years 8-9

Book Group (Year 10 & 11)

A twice-termly informal book group for Years 10-11. You choose the books and we chat about them over tea and cake!

Open to: Years 10-11

Book Group (Sixth Form)

An opportunity for all students in the Sixth Form to discuss contemporary novels and extend their love of literature beyond their academic subjects.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Cookery

At cookery club pupils will gain confidence in the kitchen, develop their cooking skills and have the opportunity to try new recipes.

Open to: All year groups

Crochet

Set some mindful time aside and build on your crochet skills. Open to confident knitters.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Cross-stitch

Cross-stitch is a mindful activity, providing an opportunity to connect with friends while working towards an individual goal, or simply for having a moment of calm and focussing on a small and satisfying creative task.

Open to: all year groups

Digital

Explore digital technology through a variety of activities, including Minecraft for Education, Virtual Reality, 3D Printing and Raspberry Pis.

Open to: Years 7-9

DT

An opportunity for students in Years 7 and 8 to design and manufacture their own products to be sold at the GHS Christmas Fair.

Open to: Years 7-8

DT Lego Club

Faced with ambitious brick-building termly challenges, individuals or teams of LEGO® enthusiasts have the chance to let their creativity shine through in their builds. Projects include building a collaborative city-scape as well as monsters and city defenders.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Fashion Show

The Guildford High School Lower Sixth students run the school’s annual Fashion Show in aid of our school charity, the Alice Ramsey Trust. This charity was set up by the parents of a former GHS Head Girl who tragically died of a brain tumour whilst at university. There is an opportunity for Lower Sixth students to direct, produce, choreograph as well as deliver the marketing, technical and wardrobe aspects of the show. All pupils are welcome to take part in modelling or dancing and can put themselves forward for selection. The Fashion Show takes place once a year, usually in January.

Open to: All year groups

Jewellery

An exciting opportunity to develop silver-smithing and stone setting skills to design and manufacture different items of high quality jewellery. You will be taught how to join metals together with silver solder using the brazing hearth as well as casting techniques and many more exciting processes.

Open to: All year groups

 

Knit and Natter

Open to all abilities, Knit and Natter will enable you to set some mindful time aside and build on your knitting skills. Bring along your own projects or support us in knitting for charity. This club is guaranteed to bring some calm creativity to a busy week.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

New Views Play Writing

New Views Playwriting club is for anyone looking to begin, develop and hone their skills in writing. We will also go on a theatre trip together.

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Pantomime

Every year, the Lower Sixth write and produce the annual GHS Pantomime to be performed by the new Year 7s.

Open to: Year 7 and Lower Sixth

Prop Factory

The Prop Factory is a new club responding to real design challenges set by the Drama department. Students will manufacture specific props for in house productions throughout the year. There is a focus on fostering a love of making with both textiles and resistant materials, problem solving as well as building skills such as set management and leadership skills.

Open to: Years 9 – Upper Sixth

Stage Crew

This club looks at all aspects of Technical Theatre. Pupils will learn about and have a play with lighting, sound and audio visual equipment.

Open to: Years 8-Upper Sixth

Big Band

Open to all pupils who play saxaphone, piano, bass, brass and percussion instruments at Grade 5 or higher.

Open to: All year groups

Brass Ensemble

This group is open to all Brass players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

Cello Ensemble

This group is open to all Cello players from Years 10-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Chamber Groups (7)

GHS hold seveen Chamber Group clubs: Chamber Group – Trio, Chamber Group – String Trio, Chamber Group – Wind Quartet, Chamber Group – String Sextet, Chamber Group – String Quartet, Chamber Group – Four Violins and Chamber Group – Piano Trio. Open by invitation to Music Scholars and Music Exhibitioners to extend Chamber Music experience, these clubs lead to an annual concert.

Open to: All year groups

Chamber Orchestra

For string players from Grade 7, and others as needed, auditioned from the Symphony Orchestra.

Open to: All year groups

Clarinet Ensemble

This group is open to all Clarinet players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provides an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

Flute Ensemble

Pupils are able to join either the Lower School or Upper School Flute Ensemble. These groups are open to all Flute players from Years 7-Upper Sixth and provide an opportunity to practice together with plenty of performing opportunities.

Open to: All year groups

GHS & RGS Joint Chamber Choir

An auditioned choir, comprising the most able singers from both Guildford High School and the Royal Grammar School. Maximum of 40 singers (20 GHS & 20 RGS). Many singers are awarded choral scholarships when they leave school. Challenging, SSAATTBB repertoire is performed.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

GHS & RGS Joint Parents’ and Staff Choir

The GHS & RGS Joint Parents’ and Staff Choir meet in the Lent Term biennially. They join the other school choirs and orchestra for a large scale concert at G Live or Guildford Cathedral. There is no audition and previous years the choir has consisted of over 200 members.

Open to: Parents and Staff

GHS and RGS Joint Orchestra

Open by invitation, the GHS and RGS Joint Orchestra meets for one term each year, leading to a concert at G Live or a tour. Previous tour destinations have included Sicily and Catalonia.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Guitar Ensemble

Enjoy learning guitar, building technique and playing together through the year.

Open to: All year groups

Lower School Chamber Choir

An auditioned choir of approximately 45 pupils. These pupils must be members of the Lower School Choir.

Open to: Years 7-9

Lower School Choir

Do you love to sing but don’t want the pressure of auditions? Then this choir is for you. Available to those of all abilities in Years 7-8. The choir consists of approximately 80 pupils.

Open to: Years 7-8

Mathias Band

For woodwind, brass and percussion players ready to start ensemble playing up to approximately Grade 5, when they may move on into the Wind Band and/or Symphony Orchestra. The band is made up of around 60 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Mr Walden’s Music Project

Over the course of the year, Mr Walden records a song written by a pupil (or group of pupils) to radio quality to release on Spotify. This year, he is hoping to combine his two clubs so that the Production Club pupils can mix the track written by the other pupil.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Music Theory Lessons

Examine the elements that construct a piece of music, including notation, key signatures, time signatures, and chord progressions. This club provides pupils with the opportunity to prepare for the Grade 5 Theory exam.

Open to: All year groups

 

Piano Duets and Trios

This is an ensemble for piano pupils who would like to explore, learn and perform piano duets and trios.

Open to: All year groups

Piano Six Hands

This is an ensemble for piano pupils who would like to explore, learn and perform piano ensemble repertoire for six hands.

Open to: All year groups

Production

Mr Walden takes a small group of two to three pupils and teaches them the basics of recording, mixing and sound production using ProTools. They will also assist in mixing the track written by another pupil in Mr Walden’s Music Project.

Open to: All year groups

 

Rock and Pop

This is a student-lead, staff managed band in which students choose the songs they want to learn, we then meet up to rehearse once a week in a fun, relaxed environment to have fun making music and learning to play in a band together. We aim to play at two or three events during the year, ranging from school assemblies to the RGS’s ‘Lockefest’.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Senior Chamber Choir

Open by audition to pupils in Years 10-Upper Sixth. The Senior Chamber Choir provides pupils with the opportunity to perform at many concerts, services and other events throughout the year.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Senior Choir

Do you love to sing but don’t want the pressure of auditions? Then this choir is for you. Available to those of all abilities in Years 9-Upper Sixth. The choir consists of 80+ pupils.

Open to: Years 9-Upper Sixth

Sixth Form A cappella

If you love singing and would like to join like-minded students for a sing-a-long then this is the club for you. Students will learn, rehearse and perform pieces of music without instrumental accompaniment. This club is pupil-led.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Sixth Form Band

This is a student-lead, staff managed band in which students choose the songs they want to learn. The club meets up to rehearse once a week in a relaxed environment to have fun making music and learning to play in a band together. The band will play at two or three events during the year, ranging from school assemblies to the RGS’s ‘Lockefest’.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

String Orchestra

For string players playing up to approximately Grade 5 standard, after which they may move on to the Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra is made up of around 65 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Symphony Orchestra

For auditioned players from about Grade 6. Doubling of wind and brass parts may be allowed to offer experience to more pupils with numbers limited to two or sometimes three a part. This orchestra is made up of 75 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Wind Band

For woodwind, brass and percussion from about Grade 6 upwards. This band consists of around 70 musicians.

Open to: All year groups

Athletics

A squad training session for selected athletes to maintain their technique, core strength and fitness runs during the off-season (Michaelmas and Lent terms). In the Trinity Term, full training for selected team athletes and club athletes takes place at the Spectrum Leisure Centre (all-weather track) on Monday evenings. Other training sessions for track and field athletes take place at school during lunchtimes and early mornings.

Open to: All year groups

Badminton (6)

U12 and U13 Badminton

Open to all pupils in Years 7-8 who are interested in learning or improving their standard in this sport.

Open to: Years 7-8

U12 and U13 Badminton Squad

Selected players from Years 7-8 are invited to attend this practice session to prepare for inter-school matches, district and national tournaments.

Open to: Years 7-8

U14 and U15 Badminton

Open to all pupils in Years 9-10 who are interested in learning or improving their standard in this sport.

Open to: Years 9-10

U14 and U15 Badminton Squad

Selected players from Years 9-10 are invited to attend this practice session to prepare for inter-school matches, district and national tournaments.

Open to: Years 9-10

Senior Badminton

Open to all Year 11 and Sixth Form students to play recreational badminton or for extra U16 and U18 team practice.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

 

Biathlon

A training session for all potential biathletes to improve their running fitness and speed alongside other Cross-country runners. All ages and standards welcome.

Open to: All year groups

Breakdance & Street

Action packed dance club teaching Break Dance, Street and Hip Hop moves and techniques. Pupils learn upbeat moves, tricks and routines to up to date music.

Open to: All year groups

Climbing

This session is held at the Surrey Sports Park and taught by specialist instructors. Guaranteed to build strength, power and increase aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels. A wonderful new skill for some that could inspire a lifelong interest, particularly those who love the outdoors. This incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Cricket

During the Michaelmas and Lent terms, an out of season training session is run for experienced hard ball players to maintain their standard and improve individual skills, whilst an additional Cricket Nets session is organised as a sport for all activity, developing individual softball cricket skills, particularly bowling and batting. All ages and standards are welcome to attend both of these. During the Trinity term, each age group has a designated weekly lunchtime practice that welcomes all team and club players to play and develop their game. Selected team players (U12, U13, U14 and U15) will have additional training sessions, either at lunchtime or early morning.

Open to: Years 7-10

Cross Country

An activity that blends runners of all ages and ability, including recreational runners participating for the benefit of enjoyment and physical wellbeing, as well as competitive athletes looking to improve their overall fitness and performance. The school cross-country teams are selected from pupils committing themselves fully to this weekly session.

Open to: All year groups

Fencing

A weekly session taught by a highly qualified peripatetic instructor, providing pupils with the opportunity to learn the three disciplines of this combat sport, i.e. épée, foil and sabre. Pupils who enjoy this activity often progress to joining the club after school, which incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Fit for Life

An opportunity for those not involved in sports teams and practices to use the fitness suite equipment in a relaxed, supportive environment. Pupils work to their own goals and comfort levels. This session is particularly aimed at anyone who lacks confidence in cross-country and other endurance events.

Open to: All year groups

Football

A fun, sport for all activity open to all pupils interested in this sport. Occasional fixtures are organised against other schools for those keen to participate more competitively.

Open to: Years 10-Upper Sixth

Golf Academy

All ages and standards, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join the school’s Golf Academy on Friday evenings. The session is professionally taught at Hoebridge Golf Centre, using their floodlit range and other practice facilities. Golfers with official handicaps are entered for county competitions, whilst all developing players are encouraged to represent GHS at informal inter-school matches.

Open to: All year groups

Gym Squad

This session is for selected gymnasts who train at a high level to represent the school in Surrey and national school competitions, in floor, vault, tumbling and sports acro.

Open to: All year groups

 

Gymnastics

A sport for all activity that encourages keen gymnasts to develop their skills, particularly those who would like to improve in order to gain selection into the school Gym Squad.

Open to: All year groups

Hockey

All ages and standards, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join the school’s Hockey Club that takes place at Surrey Sports Park. All players are given the opportunity to represent GHS in inter-school matches.

Open to: All year groups

 

Horseriding

Pupils of all ages represent the school in various equestrian events.

Open to: All year groups

Indoor Rowing

A wonderfully competitive, strength and stamina boosting activity that requires both individual and team effort on the rowing machines in the Sports Centre Fitness Suite. Sessions are attended according to age and are open to any standard, from newcomers to advanced rowers. Teams are selected for various competitions, including national and internal leagues. Some pupils extend their interest to rowing on water at external clubs and often continue to row at university.

Open to: All year groups

ISGA Gym Squad

The school’s top gymnasts are invited to train in this elite squad from which they can be selected to represent GHS at national schools’ competitions.

Open to: All year groups

Lacrosse (6)

U12 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 7 (U12A-D) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 7

U13 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 8 (U13A-D) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 8

U14 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 9 (U14A-C) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 9

U15 Lacrosse

Weekly training sessions for all Year 10 (U15A-C) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 10

1st & 2nd Lacrosse (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for selected team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

3rd & 4th Lacrosse (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for selected team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

Lacrosse Shooting Clinic

An extra training session for team players of all ages to improve their specific shooting and goalkeeping skills with the benefit of individually tailored coaching. All team goalkeepers are expected to regularly commit, whilst shooting is a more optional activity.

Open to: All year groups

Netball (5)

U12 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 7 (U12A-H) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 7

U13 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 8 (U13A-F) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 8

U14 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 9 (U14A-F) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 9

U15 Netball

Weekly training sessions for all Year 10 (U15A-D) team and club players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Year 10

Netball (Senior)

Weekly training sessions for all Year 11 and Sixth Form (U16A-D and 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th) team players. Pupils need to be fully committed to represent GHS in matches and tournaments.

Open to: Lower-Upper Sixth

Netball Shooting Clinic

An extra training opportunity for team players of all ages to improve their specific shooting skills with the benefit of individually tailored coaching. It is highly desirable for all team shooters to attend if they are able.

Open to: All year groups

Pilates

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: All year groups

Recreational Swimming

An opportunity for pupils to enjoy a calm, relaxed and social swim or for those wanting a fun session with a group of friends. Individual swimming lanes can be made available on request for those preferring to use the time to improve their fitness.

Open to: All year groups

Rounders

A sport for all activity, developing individual batting and fielding skills with game play. All ages and standards welcome.

Open to: All year groups

Rugby

A fun, sport for all activity open to all ages and standards. Pupils will play Touch-rugby, which does not involve the normal physicality associated with tackling etc.

Open to: Years 7-9

Senior Team Fitness

An additional training session for all 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th team players in netball and lacrosse, but also open to any senior pupil looking to improve their fitness for other sports.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

Skiing

An externally organised club involving weekly training sessions at Aldershot Ski Slopes for all experienced racers, with instructors coaching racing technique through gates. Racers represent the school in national indoor and outdoor ski racing competitions.

Open to: All year groups

Strength and Conditioning

Talented pupils on elite pathways and part of the school’s Aspiring Athletes Programme are invited to use this session for their individual, tailored strength and conditioning training under specialist supervision.

Open to: Years 11-Upper Sixth

Swim Squad

All the school’s team swimmers, selected from Year 7 to Sixth Form, are expected to attend this weekly training session, which is led by a highly qualified professional coach. Every squad member is given the opportunity to represent the school in inter-school galas, whilst the more elite swimmers compete in district, county and national competitions according to standard.

Open to: All year groups

Taekwondo

The lunchtime weekly session is taught by a highly qualified peripatetic instructor. Pupils who enjoy this activity often progress to joining the morning club session to work on gradings, which incurs an additional cost.

Open to: All year groups

Tennis

Each age group has a designated weekly lunchtime practice that welcomes all team and club players to play and develop their standard. Selected League team players (U12, U13, U14, U15 and Senior) normally have an additional training session, either at lunchtime or early morning.

Open to: All year groups

Trampolining and Vaulting

A fun, sport for all activity open to all ages, taught by a qualified member of staff. Choosing to participate in this club can also be helpful for pupils studying PE at GCSE.

Open to: All year groups

Yoga

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: All year groups

Zumba

A sport for all activity that welcomes pupils of all ages, taught by a peripatetic instructor.

Open to: Tuesday lunch

French (3)

French Spelling and Translation

An opportunity for all students to improve their French spelling and translation skills in an informal setting.

Open to: Years 7-8

French Translation

An opportunity for Upper Sixth students to improve their translation skills from English to French, giving them plenty of practice in an informal setting.

Open to: Upper Sixth

GCSE French

Open to any GCSE French pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11

GCSE German

Open to any GCSE German pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11

Maths Enrichment (4)

Maths Enrichment (Year 8)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 8 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 9)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 9 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 10)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 10 – by invitation

Maths Enrichment (Year 11)

A club for pupils in Years 8-11 where problem-solving and mathematical discussion takes place in a variety of contexts.

Open to: Year 11 – by invitation

Mentoring

A select group of Year 12 students will act as peer mentors for other pupils in the school. They will have weekly meetings with their metees to help guide them through some academic or organisation issues.

Open to: Lower Sixth

Sixth Form Enrichment

In the Michaelmas Term this session focuses on Oxbridge preparation. In the Lent Term it is offered as a Lower Sixth enrichment activity.

Open to: Lower Sixth-Upper Sixth

Spanish (2)

Year 7 Spanish

An opportunity for any Year 7 pupil to begin or continue learning Spanish through fun and practical activities which will focus on developing speaking skills.

Open to: Year 7

GCSE Spanish

Open to any GCSE Spanish pupil who would like to revisit areas of the GCSE curriculum and practise their speaking skills.

Open to: Years 10-11