Co-Curricular

A group for students who have a passion for biology where we explore the many different facets of biology such as microbiology, rewilding, agriculture, ecology, animal behaviour, marine biology and zoology as practically as possible (for medicine related interests see Med Soc). As a new society we hope to develop into a more student-led society and welcome suggestions for content, visits, experience and speakers so that sessions are tailored to your interests. This is a relaxed group where we aim to create a supportive and welcoming environment. Suitable for Year 11, L6th and U6th students.

Students take part in a programme of activities to build teamwork and leadership. Training in school follows six main strands Weapon Handling, First Aid, Navigation, Drill (marching), Fieldcraft and Shooting. Interspersed with this we carry out command tasks and communication exercises to help further develop cadet's teamwork and leadership skills.

Charities is a student-led group wherein students design and develop fundraising activities and events for the School's Charities. These include such events as colour runs, dodgeball competitions, pancake races, Christmas candy canes, food stalls, and much more. If you want to volunteer, support and make a real difference in other people's lives, then join the Charity Team.

Chess is a game played between two opponents on opposite sides of a checkerboard containing 64 squares of alternating colours. Each player has 16 pieces: 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 2 knights, and 8 pawns. The goal of the game is to capture the opponent’s king. Playing chess offers many benefits that help you better your life. Such as, expands one’s perspective, improves memory and recall, attention, focus and concentration are strengthened, develops logical and critical thinking; strategic thinking, tactical planning and vision, develops creativity and imagination, helps to analyse problems and use reasoning to think through them, teaches patience, strengthens self-control, builds self-confidence, develops social skills by making friends and socialising better, can help to relax from the stresses of the day.

Not currently available during the Autumn Term

Competitive Application Workshop

The sessions are designed to give you confidence in cooking independently in the kitchen as well as to equip you with a range of dishes to enable you to be able to cook for yourself now and in the future. The skills of preparing and cooking food are essential. Alternatives are always
provided for those pupils who are GF, have allergies, lactose intolerant, vegan, vegetarian etc.

By application / invitation only - Summer Term

Not currently available during Autumn Term

Creative writing is a place for students to embrace their creativity in a relaxed space, while learning about how different industries tell stories. So far this year we have collaborated to write a Christmas film, and we are currently learning how to write a choose-your-own-adventure story.

CREST awards are an opportunity for students to choose their own subject and methodology and complete a hands-on investigation in a STEM area of their choosing. This is a nationally recognised scheme run by the British Science Association which allows students to develop their investigative and practical skills. Projects can be internet based, or can involve laboratory research or construction and can be presented in a way of your choosing, be that a video, presentation or written report. Awards can be completed individually or as a group and you are limited only by your own thinking!

DofE is an amazing, all encompassing opportunity that Felsted School offers. It obviously teaches you outdoor-style skills, such as cooking on a trangia, putting up and sleeping in a tent, and map-reading and orientation skills.

The group is open to all pupils who have a genuine interest in these issues and want to play an active part in making the school community as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Activities in our sessions might include watching and discussing a documentary on a relevant political figure, or debates in which pupils are encouraged to share their views on current issues such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Me too’.

Students participate in team based games (at the moment Rocket League), and play teams of 3. Those playing for the school team will take part in weekly fixtures against other schools throughout the school year. Playing eSports is an opportunity to work as part of a team, building on communication skills as well as offering the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills. Additionally it can provide an outlet for
stress!

Explore is an opportunity to literally 'explore' some big (or small) questions we may have about our world and who God is and what that might mean for you. Each session starts with welcoming games and snacks before looking at a question and what the Bible has to say.

Felsted Farm involves helping to look after the three rabbits we currently have including cleaning them out! You need to be prepared to get your hands dirty! We do also go on dog walks around the school site. It is an opportunity to get out of the classroom and get back to nature with some animal therapy! The activity is for anyone who likes being outside and likes animals. It is a great way to destress after a busy day.

Helps fuel pupils’ curiosity about the subject, answer big questions about our world and dig deeper beyond what we learn in class. ‘Who should pay for climate change mitigation policies?’ ‘Why might skiing become a sport of the past?’ ‘How do symbols like flags become popular and or controversial?’

Not currently available in the Autumn Term

All pupils can opt in on the sports survey (sent out in the Summer Term) for the golf activity running on a Tuesday between 1.30pm - 5.00pm (weather permitting). It is normal for pupils to opt in for either the Autumn, Spring or Summer or all depending on their other sporting commitments. This is organised by Mr Knightley. You will be contacted if you expressed an interest in the survey, but please email sportsadmin@felsted.org if you missed that opportunity.

The History Society is open to pupils from all year groups and you do not even need to be studying History to become a member of the Society! All that is required is a sense of curiosity about the past and a willingness to engage with some of the 'big questions' thrown up by the subject such as: why do revolutions and wars happen? Who has had the greatest impact on world history? Is the pen mightier than the sword? Is historical change always for the better? What kind of History should we study in school? Who deserves to be in a 'History Hall of Fame?' Which event from the past has had the greatest impact on the present? We will be debating all these issues and many more besides. Students will also have a chance to discuss and review films with historical themes, work on producing their own History magazine and to find out a bit more about how 'real' historians research and make sense of the past.

Our activities are based on the festivals and important cultural events going on around the world at that time. We might make presentations, watch documentaries, try foods, learn languages, do craft activities, listen to speakers, research and take part in quizzes.

The Felsted School Jazz band is one of the flagship ensembles at Felsted. With the main focus being jazz, this ensemble plays music from a variety of genres. Being a musician in the jazz band is a great way to improve your creative and collaborative skills as well as providing many performance opportunities throughout the year.

This is an ideal opportunity for students with a creative personality and with a passion for creative/descriptive writing and photography to develop their talents and see their work published. Students planning to do journalism or media at university should benefit
from this activity as well.

Years 9, 10 and 11 - Autumn Term Only

Years 9 & 10 - Spring Term Only

Years 9 & 10 - Spring Term Only

Medsoc at Felsted School is a great opportunity for those students who wish to pursue or find out more about medical jobs in the UK or across the world.
In many sessions we listen to talks from experts or past students who have thrived at university and the medical field. These talks are helpful in teaching us about medicine, veterinary, dentistry and many more medical expertise as well as preparing us for life outside of Felsted, learning how to write personal statements, the grades we need or the process of studying medicine at a university.
Furthermore we have conducted experiments improving our science skills but also expanding skills of teamwork and problem solving.

During the weekly sessions we explore current affairs that are of global significance and go on to consider how they might be viewed from different countries' perspectives. There are opportunities to attend conferences in other schools and other countries throughout the year and varying roles are available depending on a student's individual preferences.

Students get the opportunity to learn new music and work with other musicians. Chance to develop ensemble playing skills, listening skills and teamwork. Lots of performance opportunities and the chance to discover new music.

Peer support is when people use their own experiences to support their peers, based on the principles of respect, shared responsibility and mutual understanding for each other. A peer supporter can assist in achieving and maintaining a positive school culture and mentor and support their peers. The main characteristics of a peer support student are being accepting of others, empathic and supportive. The skills that you can enhance or develop further are verbal communication, recognising body language, active listening, recognizing and breaking down barriers to communication, basic counselling skills, providing supportive information.

Philosophy society is an academic society wherein we explore philosophical topics together. These include such topics as the mind-body problem, free will, morality, the existence of God, scepticism, death, the meaning of life, and much more.

Not available during Autumn Term

The activities will include Robotics, Astronomy and Electronics. The Robotics will involve the building and controlling of the VEX Robotics kits. Astronomy (weather permitting) will focus on using the schools telescopes to look at the objects visible in the night sky. The Electronics will include the building of simple control circuits as well as the construction and soldering of electronics kits.

Autumn Term - Senior Show, Spring Term Yrs 9 & 10

Students debate some of the key issues facing our world, as well as some more amusing topics. They are encouraged to plan and develop arguments, think on their feet and articulate their ideas out loud and in public. They are also coached in oracy skills, including body language and use of Standard English at all times. This is the antidote to sloppy thinking and speaking.

The Roberts Society has been designed for Years 9-11 to enable academic enrichment outside of the curriculum. It promotes interest, intellectual curiosity, a love for enquiry and personal challenge. Thinking about big questions, from current affairs to comedy, from medicine to the destruction of art.

The practical experience of performing music can be transferred to many other academic pursuits and careers. You'll have the chance to develop your team work skills, organisation, confidence as well as being a good way to 'destress' and have fun.

By application / invitation only - Summer Term

In Travel Media we look to explore the world through photos and video clips and to discuss what we discover. In the past in Travel Media, we have 'travelled' to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru, the glaciers of Argentina, the 'Treasury' at Petra in Jordan and the dramatic cityscape of New York. We also discuss key issues affecting these countries and the wider world and prepare students to be more informed global citizens.

A number of the Senior School students participate in Friday afternoon weekly volunteering work as part of their holistic education. These include helping in local residential care homes (e.g. dementia, old age, physical disability, sensory impairment), visiting residents in sheltered accommodation, helping in charity shops - sorting clothes, books and toys etc. and helping in primary schools. Volunteering can count towards CAS hours for IB and volunteering requirements for DofE. Can contribute towards personal statement/CV - demonstrates that a person can be reliable, flexible and work well with others. Can provide specific work experience for various professions such as medicine, nursing, social work, teaching, business.