Extra Curricular
Orchestra has been a great experience for me in Junior School. I have been in the orchestra since Year 3 and have seen many wonderful instruments like ‘cellos, violins, violas, drums, recorders, cornets, flutes, clarinets, bassoons, piccolos, trumpets and many more! In Junior School people can join the orchestra whatever grade they are. We play at the Harvest Festival, the Spring Concert and Prizegiving; we also play at assembly. Every week I look forward to Thursdays because that’s when we have orchestra practice.
Jazz Band is one of my favourite things in school. We can also learn but socialise and have fun too. I feel it brightens up the day with saxophones, trumpets, clarinets and even the euphoniums. It started at the beginning of the year because of the pupils’ interest in brass instruments and we’ve learned to play a number of tunes, my favourite is ‘The Bear Necessities’!
When I joined Philosophy Club I didn’t know what it would be like but it has been so much fun. I have met girls from different classes and different year groups and we have had good discussions like: ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Where does the world come from?’ I didn’t think it would be so much fun and when the bell goes for the end of break we are always in the middle of a very interesting discussion and everyone goes ‘oooohhh’!
If you are the sporty type, St. Helen’s is the place for you! We have so many sports clubs at lunchtime and after school. There is netball, pop lacrosse, cross country, gym and dance, rounders and swimming squad. If you are very good you can be picked for the team and then you play matches with other schools. There is such a wide variety of choice you are sure to find your talent.
I have been in the choir for two years and I love it. We learn new songs each term and we sing at concerts and in assembly. When you get into Year 6 you can take part in the Merchant Taylors’ Spring Concert which is a choir of adults and children. I felt very special singing with so many other people.
The best thing about Junior School is the clubs, which run throughout the year. Think of any kind of club and it will probably be on the list: Origami, Cookery, Painting, Japanese, Scrapbooking, Computer and Chess to name but a few. There are many sport clubs too. The teachers run the clubs and they help you and teach you new skills. In the winter, there are loads of clubs which is nice because you can stay indoors, in summer there are less clubs so that we can enjoy the sunny weather and play in the camps.
St. Helen’s has given me opportunities to improve my swimming and train after school in the amazing pool.
