Beyond the classroom

Student Reporters Aimee Desai 9.6, Shivan Rughani 9.3 and Alyson Newman-Stewart 9.5 find out more about the extra-curricular activities on offer at Claremont High School 

Here at Claremont, a vast range of clubs covering many different topics is available – from sports to science, there’s even a ‘Mindfulness Club’. All together, there are over thirty clubs running at the school. These are scheduled weekly and are in addition to the Music Department’s ensemble groups and PE’s various activities. 

Our clubs set us apart from other schools as few offer such a large variety. They are run by teachers and some students (in Year 10 and above only) and are hosted throughout the week, during lunchtimes and after school. All the leaders agree on the purpose of their clubs: To provide the best opportunity to students. The benefits to pupils are numerous, including learning new things, improving teamwork skills and making new friends. 

Below are some highlights from the multitude of clubs available, with both teachers and students offering their views. With so much on offer, it’s clear that the excitement has only just begun. Which one will you sign-up to? 

Foreign Film Club led by Ms Cairns and Ms Francois 

Ms Cairns: ‘Ms Francois and I are both passionate about languages and wanted to convey it through cinema. We thought it would be a great medium for students to better their cultural awareness, something that they would not otherwise get at home or in lessons. Students are able to experience and explore different themes, such as friendship and perseverance amongst others, as well as gaining a better understanding of how other cultures work.’ 

Foreign Film Club member, Darius Afrasinei 7.1 said: ‘I joined the club because I thought watching films in other languages would be fun. I can learn different languages and see films that other countries produce, which I wouldn’t do at home.’  

Chess Club led by Ms Patel 

Ms Patel: ‘Mr Patel ran the club last year and it was very popular, so I wanted to continue it for all those enthusiasts. I’ve only recently learnt to play myself, so I learn a lot from the pupils - it’s the best way to improve! The students who come are of different abilities, but they all love a challenge. They get to meet lots of pupils from other year groups and learn to improve their chess skills from one another.’ 

Chess Club member, Nitya Rai 9.3 said: ‘I joined this club because I can play chess with my friends. It’s fun to learn other people’s optimal plays within the game, and to visualise how to “checkmate” them in the most tactical way possible. Sharing my vision and ideas and watching how others play chess brings me new ways to play, allowing me to switch and devise experiments I could try in the future.’ 

Druvi Paresh 9.4 adds: ‘I joined Chess Club because I wanted to learn how to play chess from my friends and to try to experience it. I play it on my phone but I wanted to enjoy it in real life. I most enjoy playing with my friends, spending time with them and learning new skills.’ 

Horrible Histories Club led by Ms Gammanpila and Ms Hirani 

Ms Gammanpila: ‘As History teachers, we believe the enjoyment of history should extend beyond the classroom and we wanted to create a fun and friendly environment for students with a particular passion for history to come together and create a lifelong love for the subject. From the activities we do, pupils build teamwork and collaboration skills, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and boost their communication abilities. All is related to history and building on students’ knowledge and understanding. The pupils have a lot of fun and are excited to attend each week. It is a safe and secure environment, which participants appreciate, spending time with their friends doing something they love.’ 

Horrible Histories Club member, Niyah Bonful 8.5 said: ‘I joined this club as History is my favourite subject and I really enjoy learning about it. I also enjoy the social aspect of the club, as my friends and I can attend with our lunch whilst doing something interesting and entertaining. Additionally, we already knew the teacher who hosts the club - we are comfortable with her too, making it a nice, welcoming atmosphere - so that gave us another reason to join!’