Senior School & OLA 6th Co-Curricular & Clubs
OLA Co-Curricular Life
“I was always at my best when I was learning, when I was curious. When I had yet to see past the next horizon.” Reinhold Messner (Italian mountaineer, explorer, and author)
Every pupil at OLA is presented with a vast range of opportunities to develop, progress, excel or simply enjoy themselves beyond the classroom. OLA Sphere is our co-curricular programme, offering all pupils an array of activities which help them to expand their sphere of learning, capture their curiosity and interest as well as realise their potential in a variety of ways.
The co-curricular life at OLA is not seen as an “add on” that pupils can opt into but is very much part of our curriculum. We recognise that academic progression is not just limited to a classroom. Whether pupils enjoy Sport, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Art or Drama the education of the whole person is considered and vast range of enjoyable opportunities are available.
There is something to suit everyone’s interests in the sphere; why not try something new or build up your skills?
This Term's Clubs
Michaelmas Term Clubs, click on the year group below to download the clubs list:
Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13
Swimming Clubs
Tuesday (Year 9 up). Wednesday (Years 7+8).
Early Morning Swim- 07:00-08:00
For competent swimmers as many lengths are covered including swim sets, starts, turns and all 4 strokes. Those doing swimming as one of their sports for GCSE ideally should attend. Swimmers ready to get in the water for 7am with a plastic bottle of water and fins (if they have them). Expected to bring a healthy breakfast to eat after in café mall. Teacher is Mrs Doy.Thursday (Year 7-9) Fun Swim- 16:00-16:45.
Use of balls, large floats, sinkers. Time for play in the water. Suitable for all abilities although for safety some pupils may be asked to stay in the shallow end. Teacher is Miss Didcock.Friday, week B (All years) Water Polo- 12:30-13:55.
Pupils come straight from P3. Anyone is welcome but it is predominately deep end based- lots of treading water. We are planning a House Water Polo competition at the end of this term, this will be for those attending the club. Attending pupils will be provided with a packed lunch. Teacher is Miss Didcock.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a popular co-curricular activity at OLA, with most pupils in Year 9 taking up the challenge at the Bronze level. About half of these continue with the Silver Award during Years 10 and 11. Students in the Sixth Form progress onto the Gold Award.
Senior School Council
The Senior School Council meets each half-term, over an OLA chocolate brownie to discuss topical issues affecting OLA life. Council members are encouraged to make their voice heard by gathering and collecting views on learning, curriculum, sport, clubs, activities and anything else that needs to be considered that affects school life.
The co-curricular life at OLA is not seen as an “add on” that pupils can opt into but is very much part of our curriculum. We recognise that academic progression is not just limited to a classroom. Whether pupils enjoy Sport, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Art or Drama the education of the whole person is considered and vast range of enjoyable opportunities are available.
There is something to suit everyone’s interests in the sphere; why not try something new or build up your skills?
For Year 7, the transition to a Senior School can be a daunting one and taking part in new activities or clubs is a common route for pupils to meet new friends with similar interests. Students in Year 11 and the Sixth Form can build on their experiences and enhance the enjoyment of clubs for younger pupils not only by getting involved, but also by helping to organise and run their own clubs.
Clubs usually take place during lunch breaks or after school and the activities on offer change each term. Pupils may sign up for clubs via their PE Teacher and Co-Curricular Coordinator.
