Co-Curricular Programme
At Chipping Sodbury School we provide a huge variety of co-curricular activities.
All co-curricular clubs are free to attend, supervised by staff and are open to all ages and abilities. ‘Sport for all’ is an ethos that we at Chipping Sodbury School firmly believe and practise.
As a result of a successful co-curricular programme, Chipping Sodbury students are able to participate in a variety of competitive fixtures across South Gloucestershire. Currently, Chipping Sodbury School stands as county champions in Year 7 girls’ netball, Year 8 athletics and U16 girls' badminton.
The highlight of the sporting year ends with a fantastic evening of celebration at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, where we hold our annual ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ awards evening. At this awards ceremony we celebrate, not only our successes, but the progress, commitment and endeavour of all our students who participate and represent the school.
We believe that providing a varied and exciting co-curricular programme, which is accessible to all, allows students to develop their confidence, competence and team work skills. We have seen that this can have a positive impact on students’ behaviour, attainment and sense of community within the school.
Ten Tors
Ten Tors is an annual challenge open to teenagers across the South West of England, hosted on Dartmoor and run by the 43 (Wessex) Brigade of the army.
400 teams of six take part in the challenge to complete the course over one weekend in May. There are three different course lengths, depending on the age and ability of the team:
- 35 miles
- 45 miles
- 55 miles
The idea of the challenge is for the teenagers to visit ten nominated tors on Dartmoor, be self-sufficient for the weekend by carrying everything they need and make their own decisions.
At Chipping Sodbury School the event is open to year 10s (35 mile route) and year 12s (45 mile route) depending on the teams that have been assigned to us by the organisers. The training begins in March and takes place in the local area, the Brecon Beacons and the Mendips as well on Dartmoor itself.
The training and event couldn’t take place without the dedication of several members of staff and other volunteers that give up their own time at weekends to support the students. Even if students do not make the final team of six they gain valuable experience of team work and resilience, often in the face of challenging weather conditions.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award
2013-14 saw the reintroduction of the Duke of Edinburgh programme at Chipping Sodbury School. The school have invested heavily in obtaining a licence and equipment for the expedition section of the process. The aim is for students to obtain their Bronze Award by starting the programme in year 9 and completing it before Christmas in year 10.
Why is this a good thing to do?
Students have the opportunity to enjoy lots of new experiences, discover talents they did not know existed, challenge themselves and also meet lots of like-minded people. Plus students will do things they will genuinely love and get a kick out of. It’s a real buzz!
Then there’s all the other stuff…
…achieving an Award will give students skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
...Students will get recognition for doing things they want and like to do (and may even be doing already).
...Student activities will make a difference to other people’s lives and the wider community. Also students often end up fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last a lifetime.
…Students can use the award for future UCAS points
Above all, it is great fun - the question should really be why wouldn't you bother!
WHAT DOES THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD ENTAIL?
Students can do a Bronze DofE programme once they are 14 (or nearly 14, which sometimes happens when you and your friends decide to start your adventure together).
A Bronze DofE programme has 4 sections, volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. You must do a minimum of 3 months activity for each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections. You must also complete an expedition.
Students also have to spend an extra three months on one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections. It’s the students choice as to which one and, though they can change your mind later, they should decide which section they want to do for longer at the beginning. Knowing how long you’re going to do something for, helps select the activity and set goals for each section.
It will usually take at least 6 months to complete your Bronze programme.
Further links
Skills section (1 hour a week) 3MONTHS
Physical section (1 hour a week) 3MONTHS