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OPPORTUNITIES { Opportunity } noun An occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something.
“Oundle is the place where I founded my deepest rooted friendships, played sport seven days a week and broadened my education in the most beautiful of settings. I am incredibly proud to be an Old Oundelian and know how privileged I am to have had that opportunity.” Maximilian Harris (StA 05)
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INTRODUCTION
O
pportunity is an everyday word that contains within it the secret of personal growth. It is through recognising opportunity that we are able to experience things beyond what we already know. Every time we seize an opportunity we are changed into a more interesting, more knowledgeable version of ourselves. At Oundle we believe so strongly in the power of opportunity that it takes its place among the five things we value most: pupils, staff, opportunity, community and quality – minding about doing things well. In the Oundle Opportunities programme you will find a whole range of activities beyond the classroom to pique your interest and fire your curiosity to know more, to be able to do more. Your individual choices will enrich your education and make your school days and weeks even more varied and enjoyable. You are so lucky to have these opportunities available to you at school. Make the most of them and you will remember the new people you met as a result, what you learned and how you used it, for the rest of your life.
Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head
“The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” Neil Gaiman
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Pupil quotes; with particular gratitude to Charlie Martin (C U6) for his reflections.
CONTENTS How to make the most of Oundle Opportunities
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Working with your Tutor
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Your A – Z guide
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• Art
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• Academic Societies
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• Academic Surgeries
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• Charitable Ventures
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• DET
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• Drama
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• Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze)
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• Electives
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• Creative
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• Cultural
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• Intellectual
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• Physical
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• Spirituality and Service
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• Music
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• OSCAR Radio
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• Spirituality and Service
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• Sport
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Further opportunities for Fourth Form and above
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• Combined Cadet Force
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• Community Action
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• Duke of Edinburgh (Silver and Gold)
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Other Wednesday Afternoon Activities 33 Careers 4
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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF OUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES O
undelians do. It is part of what makes them special, and what marks them out in later life.
What follows is an introduction to the wide variety of different co-curricular activities. Each activity is run by an extraordinary person who is committed and passionate about their activity: they consider it life enhancing and even life changing, and they want to help you get involved. Each activity description is an invitation to you to do. There is no need for you to be especially good at anything or to have had any special experiences before now. Each activity is set up to encourage you and enable you to grow in confidence and ability. It does not matter one bit if you make mistakes and get things wrong. (In fact, it is usually a sign that you are learning and so a good thing.) I hope you agree that there is a huge range of very different things on offer. There is something for everyone, and we want Oundelians to be individuals able to express their individuality to its fullest. While this booklet is a useful starting point, your tutor and Hsm will be keen to help you find what suits you best and support you along the way. Talk to them and share your ideas. A word of advice from me: be open to new ideas and be willing to give things a proper try. When Old Oundelians come back to visit us, what they remember most (beyond the times they got caught being naughty!) and what still means the most to them is nearly always from the co-curricular. Often it is the area in which their life-long friendships have been forged. In short, it is the area which can give you delight and change your life. Be brave. Go and do.
Alistair Sherwin Deputy Head Co-Curricular
“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished – it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington
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WORKING IN PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H YOUR TUTOR
Y
our Tutor will discuss your ideas and aspirations with you in tutorials, setting goals at the start of the year and encouraging you to reflect on your progress on a week-by-week basis. You will be asked to set yourself targets under the following three headings:
1 2 3 LEADERSHIP/ ADVENTURE
CREATIVE/ CULTURAL
SERVICE TO OTHERS
You will also be challenged to attend at least one concert and at least one play and read at least one book for pleasure this term – and be able to have a conversation about them afterwards! Your Tutor will help you with the balance of your activities and will, at the end of the term, ask you to reflect on two key areas: WHAT ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU DONE AND WHAT DID YOU GAIN FROM THEM? Perhaps you: • made something beautiful or useful that didn’t exist in the world before? • made a new group of friends and found a common interest? • put yourself outside your comfort zone and achieved something you didn’t think you could do? • met a target that you set for yourself for your physical or emotional wellbeing and felt better for it? • had an idea for an activity or initiative which you got moving and others were inspired to join in? • have been an active bystander and stood up for someone when they needed your help? • stuck at something, even when it was difficult, and improved at it or completed it? • Or....?
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WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS DID YOU DISPLAY?
CONFIDENCE MODESTY CURIOSITY AMBITION CHARACTER DETERMINATION VOLUNTEERING UNDERSTANDING OTHERS ZEST CITIZENSHIP RESOURCEFULNESS COURAGE PERSERVERANCE
EMPATHY TEAMWORK SELF-DISCIPLINE OPEN-MINDEDNESS FAIRNESS
RESPECT
COMMUNITY-AWARENESS COMMUNICATION-SKILLS
HUMILITY
JUDGEMENT REFLECTIVENESS
KINDNESS LEADERSHIP HONESTY CRITICAL-THINKING
COMPASSION BRAVERY GRATITUDE TOLERANCE RESILIENCE JUSTICE GRIT INTEGRITY FOCUS COMMUNITY-SPIRIT SELF-CONTROL MOTIVATION
GROWTH-MINDSET
It is a good idea to keep a note of the things that you have been involved in during the course of the term, in preparation for your end of term Tutorial! Ann Meisner Deputy Head Pastoral
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“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings” Salvador Dali
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Y O U R A -Z G U I D E There are so many things to get involved in at Oundle, and this booklet attempts to give you a snapshot of what is available. All opportunities in this section are offered from First Form through to Fourth Form unless otherwise indicated. This is not to say, however, that if an activity that you would like to do is not included here, it can’t happen. Talk to your Tutor and who knows: perhaps you could be the person to get it started!
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ART Monday 5pm - 6.30pm
Thursday 5pm - 6.30pm
Targeted extension by invitation
Open to all, including those not studying Art
GCSE groups are mostly offered extra academic support.
Our 2021 - 2022 programme includes: • Architecture Elective • Master Class - with our Artist in Residence
Tuesday 5pm - 6.30pm
Friday 5pm - 6.30pm
Vols and Electives
Targeted extension by invitation
Open to all, including those not studying Art.
GCSE groups are mostly offered extra academic support.
Our 2021 - 2022 programme includes Portrait Painting, a pupil-led Elective
Wednesday
Sunday 2pm - 6pm
Life Drawing
Open to all, including those not studying Art
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ACADEMIC SOCIETIES Academic Societies give you the opportunity to explore subjects —whether you study them or not— outside the curriculum or syllabus. You can enrich and enhance your knowledge, debate and develop awareness of broader issues, and delve deep into areas you may not have known about. Academic Societies usually meet in the evenings or late afternoons and often attract visiting speakers eminent in their field, including politicians, poets, artists and musicians. Many of the societies have become an integral part of School life, with many pupils involved in running and leading them: you have a chance to influence and play a role in their development. Below is a list of some key societies at Oundle. More are detailed in the Electives section a little later on.
WHEN? As individually advertised, but mainly in the evenings from 7.45pm
• Alan Budd Economics Society
• Medical Society
• Senior French Society
• Chemistry Extension Group
• Pre-Uni Biology Extension Group
• Senior History Society
• Clare Society (English)
• Psychology Society
• Scott Society (Science)
• DÖSoc (German)
• Investment Society
• GeogSoc (Geography)
• Junior Psychology Society
• Theology, Philosophy & Religion Society
• Hispanic Society
• Junior Scott Society (Science)
• Law Society
• Senior Classics Society
DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING Weekly coaching sessions offer debating experience to all age groups and levels of expertise, from First Form to Sixth Form under the auspices of the Debating Society. Each year a cohort of experienced and dedicated senior debaters provide leadership and mentoring for those younger debaters who follow in their footsteps. There are many opportunities to attend and participate in debates in School. Key external competitions are the ESU Mace -Debating and ESU Churchill- Public Speaking. Contact Mrs Wells for further details.
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THOUGHTS FROM A PUPIL “I began Debating at the beginning of the Fourth Form, merely curious and having been told the value of the skill to argue. In the early days, everyone else seems extremely good and you wonder how you will be able to match that. However, after some practice, even the shyer debater gains confidence and begins to enjoy the thrill of ripping someone’s argument to pieces - in a civilised manner, of course. Not only that, you’ll be in prime position for participating in the House Debating competitions!”
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ACADEMIC SURGERIES
WHEN? At the same time as Electives, 5pm - 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays WHAT TO DO? Just turn up. Come armed with questions to ask the teacher, or an identified targeted topic with which you need help WHO’S IT FOR?
Academic Surgeries are the vital link between your work in class, Prep and your Private Reading time. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, you have the opportunity to seek individual help from teachers in each subject, giving you access to freely available specialised and knowledgeable support. If there’s something you’ve not quite understood in class, or a tricky concept that you didn’t quite capture in recent work, you should use an Academic Surgery to help put things right. The sooner you do this, the better, as most subjects continue to build on previous material throughout their course.
Everyone. You won’t be lost in the crowd and there’ll be help for every pupil.
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C H A R I TA B L E V E N T U R E S WHY GET INVOLVED? Charity at Oundle is very much pupil led. A key part of the educational aspect of this is the informed selection of a registered charity alongside organising an event to enhance your understanding of philanthropy and your leadership skills. It can be immensely fulfilling to reach out and support others and, with the freedom to identify charities yourself, you can do something wonderful and meaningful.
WHEN AND WHERE? Mentoring and support is available from Ms Barker during P0 on weekdays in CH4.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? The academic year starts with the annual Charities Fair. Each House selects a charity and designs a fundraising activity. You can support your House with the planning or support all Houses on the day. Fifth Form and above can engage with the Oundle Charity Ventures programme to develop their entrepreneurial skills to positive effect. All pupils can initiate fundraising for a registered charity with examples such as a 24-hour run, an aquathon, a virtual cycle challenge, a House cookbook, and themed dinners to inspire you.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS ON ME? To be innovative, outward looking, and enthusiastic. If you have a fundraising idea, expect to lead on this idea with guidance and support in place. When events take place, engage, and take inspiration. When a charity’s aims resonate with you, you may feel motivated to raise both funds and awareness.
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DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY THE PATRICK ENGINEERING CENTRE
Tuesday
Thursday
Craft and Design
Dave and Reb’s Design and Make
First to Third Form 5pm - 6.15pm
Academic Support sessions
for GCSE and A Level NEA projects 5pm - 6.30pm
Open Workshops
Third Form to Upper Sixth 5pm - 6.30pm
First to Third Form 5pm - 6.15pm
Saturday
(Week B only)
Vehicle Restoration and Motor Workshops 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Open Workshops
Third Form to Upper Sixth 5pm - 6.30pm
Academic Support sessions
for GCSE and A Level NEA projects 5pm - 6.30pm
Greenpower electric racing vehicle club
Sunday Vehicle Restoration and Motor Workshops 2pm - 6pm
First Form to Upper Sixth 5pm - 6.30pm
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DRAMA STAHL THEATRE The Stahl exists to ignite a lifelong love of theatre. Anyone can get involved! As you might expect, we have lots of opportunities to perform. We schedule a variety of School and House productions and cast sizes are large, typically between 20-30. But we also have numerous backstage opportunities. Every one of our seven inhouse productions are originally designed by one of our four theatre technicians. The Stahl workshops are open for pupils to drop in and help bring these designs to life. You can also learn about lighting, sound or stage management or work with our costume supervisor to realise her beautiful costume designs. Our inhouse work sits side-by-side with a diverse programme of professional touring productions that anyone can enjoy as an audience member.
WHY GET INVOLVED? The Stahl is often described as a family. Whilst of course we take pride in our work, it is a place where you can come with your friends and bond over a shared endeavour – or indeed meet new friends! Sessions are run by our dedicated team of highly skilled technicians, so it is also an opportunity to learn new skills. Skills in theatre are hugely transposable. Be these technical; sewing, screwing, painting or social; communication, timemanagement, negotiation – they are skills for life. THOUGHTS FROM A PUPIL
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? • Set and prop construction • Costume making and maintenance • Lighting and sound programming and operation • Acting. 3 School productions and 4 House plays this year
“Being in a production is a big time commitment, but it is certainly worth it - not only do you spend time with some amazing people both on stage and behind the scenes, but you also reap the satisfaction of an incredible result at the end.”
PLAYS AT THE STAHL School Plays are auditioned each term and external theatre companies come regularly to the Stahl. Sign up for tickets via your Theatre Rep in House!
WHAT EXPECTATIONS ARE THERE OF ME? All we expect is a positive attitude to the work and an open mind. You don’t have to commit to a certain number of sessions, but we hope that once you have learnt a skill you will want to come back to the theatre to use it. You will also be expected to work safely, adhering to the guidance given by our technicians.
WHEN AND WHERE? Drop-in sessions in the Stahl Workshops (behind the theatre) are at the following times: Tuesday 5.15pm - 6.30pm Thursday 5.15pm - 6.30pm On Sundays (times tbc), sign up to a costume making course with Jo Henderson
DID YOU KNOW...? Over the course of an average year
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pupils will have performed onstage
92
pupils will have worked backstage
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D U K E O F E D I N B U R G H (DofE) THIRD FORMERS UPWARDS
BRONZE
BRONZE AWARD
WHAT IS IT? The DofE Award Scheme is an award set up by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 65 years ago. There are 3 levels to the Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold. As a Third former, you are eligible to enrol for the Bronze level. Each level involves 4 sections (5 sections for Gold): Physical, Skill, Volunteering, Expedition. To obtain the Bronze level DofE Award, pupils are required to complete and submit evidence of the following: Section
Activity
Min number of hours
Min time span
Physical
Get involved in a physical activity (sport) – eg hockey
30 hours
6 months
Skill
Learn and develop in a skill - eg playing a musical instrument, or a non-sporting Oundle School elective activity
15 hours
3 months
Volunteering
Get involved in a Volunteering activity – eg helping out with a local Cub/Brownie group
15 hours
3 months
Expedition
Complete a 2 day assessed walking expedition, camping out overnight, following a training expedition and skills sessions
6 hours walking per day
2 days, 1 night
WHY GET INVOLVED? • A good way to be inspired to try new things and to be challenged • A chance for you to be rewarded/recognised for co-curricular activities you are involved in • A good way for you to get involved with helping out in the local community • Helps to develop independence, confidence, self-awareness, and life-long skills • A chance to have fun, work as part of a team with your friends/peers
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WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME? You will need to: • decide what activities you are going to do for each section and then sign up by submitting a form detailing these • attend weekly 45 mins sessions on Wednesdays between 5pm and 7pm • ensure you engage with each of your activities fully and proactively • keep a log of your activities and submit this as evidence along with a report from your activity supervisor
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“When you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.” DofE website
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ELECTIVES (from Latin eligere – to choose!) Electives are activities that you choose for yourself, and we encourage and challenge you to make the very most of them. They are • Encouraged for the 1st/2nd Form – talk to your Tutor about what best fits your programme • Compulsory for the 3rd/4th Form – your Tutor will monitor and encourage your progress • An opportunity for pupil leadership for the 5th/6th Form - under the guidance of a member of staff Electives generally happen in Vols time on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon between 5.15pm and 6.45pm but they can happen at other times too. Academic Surgeries are also available in Vols time for when you need help with a particular subject. You should take the initiative on when to use these with the help of your Tutor.
WHY GET INVOLVED? • Settling in, making new friends, having fun • Getting involved, expanding horizons, finding new interests and hobbies • Opportunities to lead, inspire and collaborate with others
HOW DOES IT WORK? There are four ‘rotations’ of six week courses during the year. Courses are ‘sign up’ or ‘turn up’ depending on the nature of the activity. Once committed to a sign up activity you will be expected to complete the course: attendance will be registered. This is especially important for courses which are being used to evidence DofE skills. You may also wish to pursue a personal project with your Tutor’s approval, whether that be taking time to pursue your own hobbies and interests individually or coming up with a group venture. Further ideas include: • Are you making, or writing, something, or keen to pursue an online course? • Do you and your friends want to put on a performance of some kind and need the rehearsal time? • If you love to read, then why not challenge yourself to write a series of book reviews and present these to your Tutor or the Library? • If you are musical and really need some quality time to yourself to practise, then this is your time and you can make use of it and update your Tutor on your progress. • You might even explore the possibility of running your own Elective with the help of a senior pupil or teacher if you have a worthwhile idea.
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CREATIVITY
CULTURAL
INTELLECT
WHAT IS AVAILABLE? Some examples of electives are provided on the following pages to give you a flavour. You will receive instructions about how to sign up for things that are available to your year group at various point during the year so keep an eye on email, Teams and the Daily Bulletin.
PHYSICAL
If you discover a passion and want to keep going back to a specialist area, for example the Patrick Engineering Centre, the Stahl Theatre, the Art department, Sport or the Music department, you can do this by arrangement with staff provided your Tutor is happy and provided this doesn’t come at the expense of your doing other things you would enjoy being part of.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE OUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES
Maya Angelou
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CREATIVE ELECTIVES ART
Including pupil-led Portrait Painting, Architecture and Master Class with the Artist in Residence.
BAKING
Learn how to make lots of delicious things.
BOOKMAKING
Create marvellous hand-made mini books.
CERAMICS
Make and paint with coloured glazes, geometric mandala tiles.
COSTUME DESIGN
Help in the design and creation of costumes for School and House productions at the Stahl.
CREATIVE CRAFTS
Explore your creativity through hand-made craft activities.
CROCHET
Make beautiful things for yourself or as gifts for others while learning a lifelong skill.
DAVE AND REB’S DESIGN AND MAKE
Hone your skills through a series of practical projects in the Patrick Engineering Centre Workshop.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB
Work with other players to create a story in a tabletop roleplaying game. No experience is necessary.
GREENPOWER
Work as a team to build an electric vehicle and compete in the international Greenpower competition.
OPEN DESIGN AND MAKE SESSION
Perfect if you have a personal project in mind to make in the Patrick Engineering Centre outside of lessons.
PORTRAITURE
Learn the art of Portrait Painting.
PRACTICAL ARCHITECTURE
Work as a team to design and build working models based on famous buildings and structures.
ROBOTICS
Build and programme a raspberry Pi powered robot from a kit using Python. Python experience is preferable.
SEWING
Make basic items such as pencil cases, cushion covers etc.
VEHICLE VOLS
Restore Classic and Modern vehicles.
VIDEOGRAPHY CLUB
Develop and hone your skills through a series of specific video projects.
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CULTURAL ELECTIVES BIRDWATCHING
Walk to Barnwell Country Park and learn how to identify birds.
BLUES GUITAR
Learn to play blues guitar in a relaxed group.
CHAMBER MUSIC AND OTHER ENSEMBLES
Open to players of any level who would like to play in a small group.
CHEESE APPRECIATION
Taste and learn about cheese in all of its glorious forms.
CHESS ONLINE
Gather together for online matches, tournaments and training.
CLASSIC FILM
Watch films over a series of weeks, with post film discussion groups.
CONCERTS
Set yourself a target to go to a certain number of concerts per term. Read up on the composers and form your own views about what music you like.
DRAMA
Go along to the Stahl to see House, School or professional productions – or audition for a play yourself.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
There are a variety of Music electives, including OSJOs, Chamber Orchestra, Music Practice and Music Theory.
QUIZ CLUB
Test yourself on the weird, the wonderful and the exceptionally wacky to win points against the clock. Remember that points mean prizes!
REELING SOCIETY
Learn a range of Scottish dances with help from the professionals, culminating in a end of season Ceilidh.
SING-A-LONG
Gather around the piano for a sing-a-long.
STAHL BACKSTAGE
Drop in to the Stahl Theatre and get involved in aspects of theatre production, including set & prop construction, stage management, lighting & sound.
YARROW GALLERY
Visit the exhibitions in the Yarrow and develop your knowledge and understanding of art.
“The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.” Michelle Obama OUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES
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INTELLECTUAL ELECTIVES BRIDGE SOCIETY CREATIVE WRITING CRIBBAGE CURRENT AFFAIRS DISSECTION ECONOMICS DISCUSSION SOCIETY FRENCH SOCIETY GERMAN SOCIETY HERALDRY HISPANIC SOCIETY HISTORY WORKSHOP JUNIOR BIOLOGY SOCIETY JUNIOR CHEMISTRY CLUB JUNIOR DEBATING TRAINING JUNIOR MATHS CLUB JUNIOR MEDSOC (PUPIL-LED) JUNIOR PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY MAT PREP MICRODEBATING MODEL UNITED NATIONS PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING PUBLIC SPEAKING STRATEGIC CARD SCHOOL TOUCH TYPING COURSE UK LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD
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PHYSICAL ELECTIVES BALLET INTERMEDIATE BASKETBALL CLIMBING CRICKET DEDICATED ATHLETE PROGRAMME FIVES FOOTBALL JUNIOR GIRLS’ RUGBY JUNIOR SQUASH KAYAKING LACROSSE NETBALL RIDING RYA YACHT NAVIGATION SMALL BORE RIFLE TENNIS
SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Learn how to relax your body, quiet your mind and awaken your spirit.
MINDFULNESS
This involves breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind, helping reduce stress.
TODDLER TIME
Come and spend time with Dr Oade and her toddler. We’ll drink hot chocolate, go for nature walks and play toddler games, helping her with dinner time, socialising and learning to talk.
YOGA
Learn how to improve strength, balance and flexibility, in turn enhancing energy, helping manage stress and improving sleep. OUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES
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MUSIC Music at Oundle operates on three levels: individual music lessons; ensembles; academic. ‘Music for all’ is a fundamental principle and we presently deliver around 950 music lessons every week. We aim to cater for any possible instrument you might wish to learn, every ability and all tastes in music, be it jazz, rock, music theatre or Baroque. The Gascoigne is stacked with resources, and houses over 30 teaching and practice rooms, as well as a separate recital room, technology studio, radio station and library. Every Boarding House has 2 pianos and a music room for you to use. With 8 full-time teachers (all acting as Tutors in the Houses) and around 42 Visiting Music Teachers, we have the resources to inspire you.
WHY GET INVOLVED? Participation in instrumental and choral forces is fun, if hard work! Ensembles inspire teamwork, confidence, and offers insight into excellence. Above all, they yield the greatest chance for rapid progress as you develop your skillset alongside other skilled musicians and friends. Many ensembles cut across year group, house and gender, thus they also offer camaraderie across the entire school. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? You can learn any instrument you wish (including the lesser known such as bagpipes, harpsichord, accordion and music production). We will find appropriate ensembles for you (we run over 42) – from Marching Band to Rock Bands, via Quartets to Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Bands to Music Theatre Choirs, traditional to modern – you name it, we do it! WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME?
DID YOU KNOW...? Every year of late, around 10 pupils attain Music Diplomas. 24
Pupils annually
gain places in National ensembles.
Last year, one pupil got signed by a
record label.
The best music-making comes from a partnership: always tell us what you would like to learn and participate in and we will try to make this possible. Above all, improvement offers fulfilment (perhaps the greatest source of fun)! So, commit to a realistic amount of time each week to practise, and commit to the ensemble you are given to work with.
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THOUGHTS FROM A PUPIL “Unlike some of my choral compatriots, I had not done much choir singing before coming to Oundle. I went to the audition at the beginning of Third Form very much just to have a go. It soon became a reassuringly familiar part of my Sunday morning and I have many lasting friendships from having done this most weeks for the last five years, including people outside of my own year. Don’t worry - you will soon get used to having several hundred blank, slightly sleepy faces staring back at you during an anthem!”
OSCAR RADIO
OSCAR Radio is the foremost pupil-run radio station in the UK and has been running since 1998. Typically, there are two broadcast sessions over the year, with pupils trusted to manage both programming and the shows. Supported by Mr Gardiner, Managing Directors lead on the programming while Technicians and Presenters take responsibility for individual shows. There are numerous opportunities to get involved and plenty of support across the School. OSCAR Radio takes pride in offering a wide variety in the type of shows put on, with high-brow political show and ethical debates sitting alongside music shows and quiz shows.
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THOUGHTS FROM A PUPIL “One of Oundle’s most unique points, OSCAR Radio is one of the most special opportunities available to pupils and it is extremely easy to get involved. You can simply club together as a group of friends - one of you can be the “techie” (press all the buttons!), others can present, perform, or whatever it is you wish to do. Few schools are lucky enough to have a functioning radio studio, of which for 45 minutes a week, perhaps, you take ownership. Give it a go - it is not as scary as it sounds!”
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S P I R I T U A L I T Y A N D S E RV I C E There are lots of things that you can do which fall into this category. Look out for Open House at the Chaplaincy, Confirmation (Anglican and Roman Catholic), and Electives which offer opportunities to nurture your own physical and emotional wellbeing and to help others. Remember that one of the most powerful ways you can elect to serve your community, or live a spiritual life, is to think about the feelings of others. Focus on doing at least one extra act of kindness every day: • The act may be large or small and the recipient may not even be aware of it. • It could be a compliment, a helping hand, or something else. • It may be being an active bystander when others are getting it wrong and need reminding of our community values. • Do at least one extra kind act each day for a week, ideally a different one each day, and make a list to review either on your own or with someone else. • Ideally your acts of kindness should be beyond the kind things you already do on a regular basis. • A smile costs nothing but can brighten someone else’s day more than you will ever know. Consider too how to be grateful: • You could keep a diary for a week of three good things that have happened every day and why you felt they were good – then tell others about them if you wish to too. • Why not think of three people to whom you are really grateful and consider why – then write them a letter to tell them about the impact that they have made on you?
Action for Happiness identifies Ten Keys to Happier Living using the acronym ‘Great Dream’. Have a think about your answers to the questions below and review them every so often. What do you notice? GIVING - Do things for others – what do you do to help others? RELATING - Connect with people – who matters most to you? EXERCISING - Take care of your body – how do you stay active and healthy? AWARENESS - Live life mindfully – when do you stop and take notice? TRYING OUT - Keep learning – what new things have you tried recently? DIRECTION - Have goals to look forward to – what are your most important ones? RESILIENCE - Find ways to bounce back – how do you look after yourself and get back on track in tough times? EMOTIONS - Look for what’s good – what are you feeling good about? ACCEPTANCE - Be comfortable with who you are – what is the real you like? MEANING - Be part of something bigger – what gives your life meaning?
WHO TO APPROACH If you are struggling with something and need help, find someone to talk to about it. Opening up can be difficult but it really can make a difference. There are lots of people in the community that you can approach, depending on the nature of the issue: your Tutor, Hsm, Matron, your peers and Prefects, the Chaplaincy, the Health Centre/Emotional Wellbeing Team at the Clayton Rooms, the Safeguarding Team etc. Further details are in the posters on House noticeboards. 26
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SPORT Oundle has some of the best facilities of any school in the country and, whatever your sporting level and ambition, you have the opportunity to get involved in a motivating and inspiring sporting programme which:
1 2
provides a wide selection of team and individual sporting options, offering opportunities to all.
ensures excellence at the top competitive level and stretches the most talented.
WHY GET INVOLVED? Sport is part and parcel of daily life at Oundle where we strive for every pupil participate and to leave School with a positive experience of sport, developing a lifelong interest and lasting enjoyment in a sporting activity that will foster good habits long into adulthood. Our ambition is to nurture a sporting culture where all have fun, strive industriously and all excel at whatever level they aspire to; where individuals can pursue their own sporting interests alongside representing the School in mainstream competition, and where the most talented are challenged to reach their potential. We aim to develop confident and creative sports players who enjoy participation and competition.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? Oundelians play sport at least three times a week, and there is scope to do much more.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME?
In First and Third Form, we guide pupils to particular team sports. Then, as you go up the school, the choice becomes wider and wider, and includes: athletics, cricket, rowing, rugby, football, tennis, cross country, fives, golf, cycling, swimming, netball, squash, badminton, sailing, dance, shooting, water polo, basketball, gym work, kayaking and climbing.
All we ask of you is that you are prepared to try and are open to new experiences.
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FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN FOURTH FORM AND ABOVE COMBINED CADET FORCE (CCF) Our Cadet Force is one of the largest in the country, with around 420 cadets parading on a weekly basis. Participating in CCF develops leadership skills, teamwork, self-reliance and a sense of service; for some pupils, it will introduce them to a career in the military. The CCF comprises six Sections: the Royal Navy (RN), the Army, the Royal Air Force (RAF), Adventure Training, Fire and Rescue, and the Marching Band. It is compulsory for all pupils in the Fourth Form, who must join one of the RN, Army or RAF Sections. Each section gives different opportunities. The RN Section specialises in rowing, sailing and power boating, the Army Section in infantry skills and tactics, and the RAF Section in flight training. WHY GET INVOLVED?
WHEN AND WHERE?
CCF offers something for everyone. It is fun, challenging and rewarding. For 4th Cadets it provides a constructive and enjoyable change of scene to the classroom. For senior cadets it provides leadership training and opportunities that can set you apart in your future careers.
Wednesday afternoons (Fourth Form and above)
All cadets undertake two Field Weekends per year and have the chance to go on an Annual camp in the Summer holidays too. During this time they gain qualifications as well as developing leadership and teamwork skills.
‘Fail, Learn, Win.’ British Army
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WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? At the end of their Fourth Form, cadets decide whether to explore other aspects of co-curricular programme or remain in the CCF. If they choose the latter, they can remain in their Service Section to complete NCO and leadership training, or join one of the specialist training sections (Fire and Rescue or Adventure Training). In addition to a small bore facility, the School has its own shooting range, The Elmington Range. At 500 yards long, it is one of just a few of its size in the country to be owned by a school. Rifle practice takes place at firing points at either 100, 200, 300 or 500 yards. Oundle runs additional camps including: • Annual summer camp
• Alpine skiing development, Switzerland
• Annual Adventurous Training, Wales or Scotland
• Annual Target Shooting, Bisley
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME? ‘Fail. Learn. Win.’ is the British Army’s recruitment slogan. It applies well to the CCF. We don’t expect perfection. We do expect that you strive to do better and seek to have the humility and self-discipline to learn.
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COMMUNITY ACTION (CA) The Community Action (CA) programme aims to cultivate a spirit of service in Oundle pupils and encourage an awareness of the needs of people from different sectors of society. It provides a wide variety of opportunities for them to support both the local and wider community throughout the week. WHY GET INVOLVED? The diversity of CA activities and initiatives provides Oundelians with opportunities not only to widen their perspectives but to develop personally. Through CA, many pupils find personal reward through helping others and learn much about themselves Some options also provide valuable work experience for careers in journalism, medicine, teaching as well as ‘service’ for Duke of Edinburgh awards.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE? • 660 club
• Flymo Squad
• Barnwell Country Park maintenance
• Special Needs Schools
• Berrystead supervision • Brownies, Scouts and Cubs
• Prince William School Tutoring Sessions
• ‘Have a Go Days’ and PHAB Club
• Nurseries
• Residential Homes (six local homes)
• Charity Fundraising for Marafiki and Kivuli Trusts
• Green Team
• Rowing for the Disabled • Nene Valley Railway
• Coaching Junior Sport
• Community Art
• Nene Valley Railway
• Crafts for Charity
• Oscar Radio
• Primary Schools (After School Club, Latin, Chinese and Maths mentoring)
• Oundle Chronicle • Oxfam and Air Ambulance
• Sleepout for St Basils
• School Archive • Stahl Backstage, Wardrobe and Front House
• Soup Kitchen • Special Needs Sport
• Visiting the elderly in • Titchmarsh Village Shop their homes • Veterinary Work
“I loved my time volunteering at a special needs school in Kettering as it gave me a real insight into the amazing work that all the teachers did there. It was an experience I will always remember and I hope the humility it has taught me will stay with me forever.” Phoebe Hornor (W 20)
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WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME? Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and contributions. With such a broad range of options, it is hoped that each pupil will find an activity where their contribution is both effective and rewarding in equal measure.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Quite simply, seven days a week in term time! A main slot is Wednesday afternoons but there are opportunities all week long.
DID YOU KNOW...?
320+ 50+ pupils and
staff are involved in Community Action
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50+
pupils provide classroom assistance in local schools and nurseries
500+
visitors attend our Have a Go Day 31
DUKE OF EDINBURGH (SILVER AND GOLD) You can start Silver Award in the Fifth Form and Gold Award in the Sixth Form. Mrs Raftery is the School’s DofE Award Officer. Miss Morris is the Silver DofE Manager and Mrs Waring the Gold DofE Manager. Further information about what the award involves can be found at www.dofe.org/do
SILVER AWARD It will take you at least 6 months for Silver if you’ve already achieved your Bronze, or 12 months if you’ve jumped straight into Silver. • Volunteering section: 6 months • Physical and Skills sections: One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months • Expedition section: 3 days/2 nights If you didn’t do Bronze, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
GOLD AWARD For Gold, you’ll need to do your programme for at least 12 months if you’ve achieved your Silver Award, or 18 months if you’ve started at Gold level without doing your Silver – even if you’ve done Bronze. The big difference at Gold is you’ll also do a Residential section – staying away from home for five days and four nights doing a shared activity with people you don’t know. • Volunteering section: 12 months • Physical and Skills sections: One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months • Expedition section: 4 days/3 nights • Residential section: Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights. If you didn’t do Silver, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.
GOLD AWARD PRESENTATIONS Achieving your Gold Award is a big deal. It shows that you have the skills, determination and mentality to really succeed. So, it’s only right you get a proper celebration of your achievement. All young people who achieve a Gold Award will be invited to a Gold Award Presentation (GAP), attended by a Member of The Royal Family, to receive their certificate.
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O T H E R W E D N E S D AY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES ART (LIFE CLASS) Sixth Formers studying Art can take Life Classes with teacher support, developing their skills in representing the human body.
BEEKEEPING Oundle has five bee hives and pupils are fully involved in every aspect of beekeeping, from learning about, and caring for, the bees to selling honey. For a surprising number of Oundle beekeepers, their experience of beekeeping at School leads them to keep bees in later life.
JOURNALISM: THE OUNDELIAN AND OUNDLE CHRONICLE Pupils have the opportunity to be editors, writers, directors and artistic contributors on two excellent publications. The Oundelian is the School magazine, published once a year, while Oundle Chronicle is a newspaper published twice a year and distributed to the local community.
MUSIC Pupils learning two or more instruments and at a Grade 8 level may opt for Music. The afternoon is divided into practice time, CCF Band (for some), performance opportunities, ensembles and Alexander Technique time; it is also a useful time to fit in an instrumental lesson if possible. All will be a part of the School’s Music Outreach Programme at some point during the year visiting Residential Homes/Special Schools, and all will be a part of the two Field Weekends that include diverse and stimulating activities.
PHOTOGRAPHY Led by the School’s professional photographer, pupils in the Photography Club take photos of various events in the spirit of being a service to the School, whilst also enjoying the opportunity to enhance their photography skills and creativity for their own portfolios, photo exhibitions, and to be selected for the School’s intranet ‘Photo of the Week’.
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PERFORMANCE SPORTS SESSIONS Bespoke sessions provide pupils with the opportunity to: • Work on individualised Strength & Conditioning programmes • Enjoy individual or small group sports specific coaching sessions, working on improving skill levels • Expand their skill set by involvement in dedicated outreach activities and coaching sessions.
NEW VENTURES This channels Lower Sixth pupils’ ‘inner entrepreneur/innovator’, taking them through the key steps required to turn their ideas into actions. Over a course of a year, they develop a full business plan and accompanying pitch presentation. The next time they have a business, technical, social, political, charitable (etc) innovation, they will know exactly what to do.
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C A R E E R S D E PA R T M E N T
T
he Careers Department is in Cloisters (head up the stairs near photocopying and turn left). Pupils are welcome to drop in during P0, break times and lunch times Monday – Friday. Advice and guidance is also available throughout the year by email, Teams or in-person appointment and there are staff available in a range of specialist areas:
Mrs Aubury (Head of Careers and HE) ema@oundleschool.org.uk Mrs Stubbings (Careers and Work Experience Adviser) hstubbings@oundleschool.org.uk Mrs Caffrey (Oxbridge Co-ordinator) pmhc@oundleschool.org.uk Mr Burman-Roy (Medical Applications Co-ordinator) sbr@oundleschool.org.uk Ms O’Brien (Overseas Universities Applications Counsellor) cob@oundleschool.org.uk
OPPORTUNITIES
EVENTS
Details of work experience opportunities, courses and taster days are published to pupils in Fifth and Sixth Forms throughout the year on the intranet, by email and on Teams.
To give you an idea, a general timetable of Careers Department talks and events for the academic year is below. Exact times for this academic year will be published to you.
When
Event
For
September
L6 Introductory talk
L6
U6 individual UCAS Support Visits in Houses
U6
LfL lessons on employability, work experience and CVs
5th Form
5th/L6/U6 Fulbright Commission US College Day (online)
5th/L6/U6
November
U6 Aptitude Tests (Oxbridge/medicine) exams in School
U6
December
5th Form Learning for Life lesson on A-level choices and Unifrog research
5th Form
L6 Oxbridge introductory talk
L6
L6 ‘Options after Oundle’ talk
L6
L6 Parents Zoom Q&A
L6
5th Form/L6/U6 “Ask the Experts” careers event
5th/L6/U6
L6 Lower Sixth Practice Interview programme
L6
L6 UCAS Day / Medics’ UCAT preparation day
L6
4th Form Unifrog personality profiling and careers research
4th Form
February
March
June
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We hope this has given you plenty of food for thought about what you can get involved in and look forward to. Other activities you might want to consider as you move up through the School include:
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All ideas welcome! OUNDLE OPPORTUNITIES
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www.oundleschool.org.uk
