HORIZONS - Berkhamsted School · 2020. 11. 30. · British Biology Olympiad Year 13 students are encouraged to enter this competition which challenges and stimulates students with

HORIZONS

AIM HIGH WITH INTEGRITY | BE ADVENTUROUS | SERVE OTHERS

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT BERKHAMSTED

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL 32 BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL

CONTENTSArt 6-7

Biology 8-10

Chemistry 11-13

Classics 14-16

Drama 18-21

Economics 22-23

English 24-27

Geography 28-29

History 30-31

ICT 32

Mathematics 34-35

Media Studies 36-37

Modern Foreign Languages 38-43

Music 44-47

Religion & Philosophy 48-49

Physics 50-51

Politics 52

Food & Nutrition 53

Psychology 54

Sociology 55

Careers 58-59

Clubs & Societies 60-69

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30

44

18

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CHEMISTRY

HISTORY

MUSIC

DRAMA

MFL

INK magazine is Berkhamsted school's award winning, student run publication. INK provides a fantastic medium for you to express your ideas and opinions; to explore your creativity through creative writing or original artwork and to develop video-editing or web design

skills. All members of the student body are welcome to contribute to the magazine and to benefit from the amazing opportunities that INK provides, including the chance to have your

work displayed in a professional magazine. So, please get involved!

If you would like to get involved please visit inkstudents.co.uk to find details of relevant Section Editors or alternatively email Chanté Bohitige (Editor-in-Chief) Section Editors or alternatively email Chanté Bohitige (Editor-in-Chief)

or Sebastian Fage (Deputy Editor).

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BE ADVENTUROUS

We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.Kurt Vonnegut



ARTSenior SchoolOpen Studios

Open Studios sessions take place after school throughout each term (Kings: Tuesday and Thursday; Castle Tuesday – Thursday Inclusive). These give you the brilliant opportunity to spend time in the department working on your project or separate work, with the help and advice of a member of the art staff.

Photography Club

A large number of boys in Year 7-9 opt for the Photography Club. Here you will get the opportunity to develop your own film in the extremely well equipped dark room as well as experimenting with photograms and working on the Macs using digital photography and Photoshop.

Jewellery Making Club

Jewellery Making Club at Kings is a popular option where you can learn to make beautiful and unique items using a wide range of materials and the expertise of Miss Gent.

Resident Artists

The department is lucky to have a Resident Artist Technician scheme, where a 2 year rolling residency programme gives you first-hand experience of working with a professional artist. As an Art Scholar, you work closely with this artist within your various projects, getting together weekly to exchange ideas,

once at Castle and once at Kings. There is another opportunity to work with the Resident Artist Technician as part of a co-curricular Club, this time focusing on pattern. Here you will be developing your own patterns and using lino to print on both paper and fabric. This club will explore different contexts of pattern-making in Art, Craft and Design.

Extended Curriculum Week

Towards the end of the year in extra curriculum week, there is a half day art activity delivered to Year 7. Here you need to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as developing your skills artistically throughout the afternoon while working on an exciting project.

Trips

In Year 10 and Year 11 you will benefit from day trips to top London galleries, where you are given the opportunity to conduct individual research towards your GCSE project.

In Year 10 you are taken to a London gallery in Extra Curriculum Week to supplement your second GCSE Coursework project.

In Year 11 you may also have the amazing opportunity to come on our biannual Year 11-13 trip to Venice. If you decide to come you will be able to experience the magnificent Venice Biennale, the oldest and largest contemporary art fair in the world.

Sixth Form

Venice Trip

We run a fantastic biannual trip to Venice for Year 11-13, where you will benefit from the incredible opportunity to spend a whole day in the Venice Biennale, the oldest and biggest contemporary art exhibition in the world. You will make several site visits, such as St Mark’s Basilica, not to mention enjoying the experience of spending a few days in such an incredible city.

Life Class

In both Year 12 and Year 13, you are given the valuable opportunity to take part in life class every week of the Michaelmas term. Here we experiment with a wide range of media and techniques to broaden your visual vocabulary.

Open Studio

Open Studio sessions, which take place on Tuesday – Thursday evenings every week of term, give you the brilliant opportunity to spend time in the department working on your own project or separate work, with the help and advice of a member of the Art staff.

London Photography Trip

As a Year 12 artist or photographer you will have a day trip to London in the calendar, but in both Year 12 and Year 13 you are very much encouraged to take advantage of our excellent location by visiting London galleries as much as you can when not in school. This allows you to deepen your exploration into your chosen artists or topic.

Work Experience

Our Year 13 artists have the chance to do a week’s work experience in a local primary school, the culmination of which involves you delivering a half day activity, in pairs, to pupils between Reception and Year 5.

Upstairs Gallery

Each year there is the chance to be selected by the Upstairs Gallery in Berkhamsted to present your work in a professional context the following September. This really is an outstanding opportunity as organising an exhibition requires a huge number of skills.

Dacorum Young Painter’s Award

A number of students per year apply for the Dacorum Young Painter’s award, a prestigious local prize for those over the age of 17. If you are shortlisted your work will be included in an exhibition and the winner is presented with their prize on the night of the Private View.

Sixth Form Art Commission

Regardless of whether you are taking Art or Photography A Level, all Sixth Form students are invited to apply for the Sixth Form Art Commission, the lucky winner of which will have access to a professional studio for one month of the summer holidays. You will work on a project of your own design based on a changing cross curricular theme devised by Mr Petty and Mrs Ferguson. The school purchases and frames your work (if appropriate) so it is quite an honour.

Open Studios is a relaxed environment where you can find help and finish off work.

Life class was different to what I expected, but was really fun and very useful for proportion and drawing feet and hands.

You have a lot of freedom in KS4 to go where you want to with your work while improving artistic skills.



drawings in schools and highlights the benefits of combining art and science. Click on the winning images to find out about the specimens and view the last year’s shortlist on Facebook.

Independent reading

Reading the following online magazines available in the library is highly recommended:Catalyst: The science magazine for students aged 14-19 years. This topical magazine will bring your science to life, with insights into cutting-edge research and practical applications of complex science in the world around us. Catalyst is published 4 times each

academic year: October, December, February and April.

www.stem.org.uk/catalyst

How it works: How It Works is the science and technology magazine that feeds your eager mind and hopefully inspires a sense of awe and wonder in the world around you.

www.howitworksdaily.com

Local Independent Visits that we encourage you to visit:

Tring : Natural History MuseumFrom anglerfish to zebras, meet the

stars of their free galleries and find out how one man built a world-leading private collection that formed the basis of the Museum at Tring - See more at: www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

College LakeOnce a chalk quarry, College Lake is now one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s flagship nature reserves. This thriving nature reserve now supports more than 1,000 different wildlife species. An eco visitor centre offers stunning views of the lakes.

BIOLOGYSenior School

Year 9 Skern Lodge

In Year 9 you will have wonderful opportunity to foster a positive relationship with the environment at the start of the IGCSE Biology course. Fours days at start of the Easter vacation are spent on the North Devonshire coast where fun outdoor activities are interspersed with a study of the coast habitats. Spaces are limited for this adventure which is available to a mixed group from both Castle and Kings.

Year 10 Biology Challenge

Biology Challenge is open to all Year 10 Biologists and aims to nurture your interest in biology beyond the school curriculum as well as stimulate an interest in the natural world. Biology Challenge is an online competition which takes place in school. Questions will be set on the school curriculum but the Biology Challenge will also reward your knowledge of the subject that has been increased by reading books and magazines, watching

natural history programmes, taking notice of the news media for items of biological interest, and by being generally aware of our natural flora and fauna. The Challenge consists of two 30 minute papers. Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate are awarded.

The Nancy Rothwell Award

Age Category 12-14 and 15-18

If you are a talented artist this award is for you. It celebrates specimen

What is true for E. coli is also true for the elephant.Jacques Lucien Monod (9 February 1910 – 31 May 1976), a French biologist, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1965, sharing it with François Jacob and Andre Lwoff “for their discoveries concerning genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis”.



Sixth Form

British Biology Olympiad

Year 13 students are encouraged to enter this competition which challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. In offering a wider syllabus than A level, it allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and to be suitably rewarded and publicly recognised by the award of certificates. It is hoped that competing in the Olympiad will encourage those of you already interested in this valuable, wide-ranging and rewarding subject to continue your study beyond A level.

Intermediate Biology Olympiad

The new competition is open to all of you in Year 12. The online paper will consist of multiple choice questions. Questions will be set on topics you are likely to have covered at GCSE and in your first year of A level.

The Nancy Rothwell Award

(Age Category 15-18)

If you are a talented artist this award is for you. It celebrates specimen drawings in schools and highlights the benefits of combining art and science. Click on the winning images to find out about the specimens and view the last year’s shortlist on Facebook.

Biology Lecture Programme

A varied programme of 4/5 lectures delivered by academic and research scientists is run after school over the course of the year. The purpose of the lecture is to stretch and challenge you whilst making you aware of the relevance and changing nature of biology.

Peterhouse Cambridge Essay Competition

(Kelvin Science Prize) (2000-4000 words)

The competition is only open to Year 12. Your essay must be submitted as PDF document online but it must first be verified by a member of the Biology Department that it conforms to the guidelines given in terms of length and content. There is a limit of 2 entries per school.

NIMR Essay Competition

(1000 words)

This essay competition is run by the Nuffield Foundation and Berkhamsted School has a proud record of entry to this competition. Ask your Biology teacher for further details.

Nuffield Research Placements

A four to six week research placement in a university, research institute or company where you will have responsibility for your own research project. With expert supervision, you’ll work on a project that will be useful to professional scientists, engineers, technologists or mathematicians. You’ll write a project report, receive a certificate of achievement, and have plenty to tell your friends when you get back to school. You will also get the chance to enter your project for a British Science Association CREST Award, and could attend regional, national and international science fairs - giving you the chance of being named UK Young Scientist or Engineer of the Year.

Medical Research Centre at Harwell

Year 13 Biology students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or scientific research, have the opportunity to visit the Medical Research Council facility at Harwell, near Oxford which specialises in Mouse Genetic Research. You get to see the animal housing units and some of the high tech equipment used within the laboratories to transfer nuclei from one cell to another. If you are lucky enough you may even to see nuclear implantation and the creation of chimeras.

Independent Visits that we encourage:

Wellcome CollectionWellcome Collection is the free visitor destination for the incurably curious. Located at 183 Euston Road, London (opposite Euston Station), you can explore the connections between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. The venue offers you contemporary and historic exhibitions and collections, lively public events. Together with the permanent exhibitions; Medicine Man and Medicine Now, there is always something new and exciting on exhibition.

International Biology Field TripThis trip is available every 2 to 3 years and has afforded Sixth Form students the unparalleled opportunity to experience a variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Some of the places visited in the past include the rainforests of Honduras and Costa Rica, the savanna plains of the Serengeti (Tanzania), the bushveld of the Kruger Park (South Africa) and the Namib Desert of Namibia. Keep a look out for information on future trips.

Dr. Ikemoto repeatedly told me that we should not perform research that simply reproduced somebody else’s results. Rather, we should do something unique.Shinya Yamanaka (4 September 1962 – Present), a Stem Cell Biologist to whom The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012 was awarded jointly with Sir John B. Gurdon “for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent”

CHEMISTRYChemistry, unlike other sciences, sprang originally from delusions

and superstitions, and was at its commencement exactly on a par with magic and astrology.Thomas Thomson, 1773 to 1852



Senior School

Institute of Education Lectures

Five sessions from leading chemists in academia and industry will inspire the scientists of the future. From the elements to energy, poisons to perfume, this programme is engaging, challenging and entertaining. A special session on examination success will ensure that you are equipped with the tools to excel. All Year 12 Chemists are invited to this exciting and informative lecture series and often exposes students to careers in Chemistry that they have not yet considered.

Top of the Bench Competition

This annual regional and national competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry is an inter school Chemistry competition. It pits teams of 4 chemists from Years 9, 10 and 11 against each other with use and knowledge of the Periodic Table, problem solving tasks and wider questioning outside of the standard curriculum. The local regional event is held at St Benedicts’ School, Ealing in November, with the top teams going to the national finals. Berkhamsted has entered this competition for years and now we enter 2 teams to pit the boys against the girls. Last year the boys just pipped the girls, so will the scores be drawn back level this year?

Science Club

Year 7, 8 and 9 Science Club members have been doing some fun Science at Castle and Kings. If you join the club you will make ‘Ferro Liquid’, an amazing liquid that when subjected to a magnet and behaves like a solid in that it has a defined shape. You will also have the opportunity to carry out electrolysis of sliver ions to create really cool fractal patterns in silver metal. When we did this experiment last time, we had to be careful to dispose of our reagents as there is a risk of explosions if they are left! The Chemistry laboratory provides excellent conditions for growing crystals as our ‘Alum’ Crystal Garden showed us all. Back to electrolysis, this time electroplating copper on to brass plates. Would you like to protect some of the brass in patterns? Choose two tone patterns – they could make great gifts. Finally, we know that stalactites and stalagmites take may thousands of years to form in nature but in Science Club we can shorten that process to less than a week.

House Chemistry Competition

The Year 8 Chemistry Festival is an inter house competition which takes place every April. Two students

from each House compete to win a handsome trophy for their House. There are two competitions; one at the Girls’ school and one at the Boys. In the competition, the you must research new tests that haven’t been seen before and use these to identify 4 unknown compounds. You must also balance equations and write chemical formulae. The competition ends with a series of demonstrations and explosions just before the awards ceremony when the School Head presents the trophy.

Henry Kitchener Prize

Whatever year you are in, there may be an opportunity to enter a national competition like, ‘The Henry Kitchener Competition,’ which was entered by Year 8 in 2015. This challenge was won by David Saunders (Tilman) for an essay on how our changing diets have affected brain development.

Sixth FormBen Topolczy: What I do at University.

University is often considered to be a big step up for students, especially compared to the transition from GCSEs to A-levels, and while this is true, it is still definitely manageable. By far and away the most dramatic change is the independence required and loss of structured timetables, though this is less obvious in subjects like Chemistry due to higher levels of contact time. You can literally do whatever you want to, with hundreds of different clubs and societies available outside of your course, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you can slack off of work (as easy as it is to do). The most important thing is finding a balance between work and leisure, and speaking from both my own and my friends’ experiences, the universities should give you lots of time to try and work this out; the most important thing is to not overstretch yourself too much, and of course have fun.

With regard to Chemistry, the biggest change outside of the A-level syllabus is the ability to actually test, question and debate the theory you’ve previously learnt, as well as actually using your own ideas to explain trends. At the university level, a much greater emphasis is placed on lab-work and report writing, with the major focus being on whether you can suggest possible explanations

for the findings you make from your own experiment. Instead of learning the theory and then performing the experiment to prove it, you do your own experiment first then research to find a possible explanation for the results you have seen. There aren’t any right or wrong answers, as long as you can find evidence to back your findings and ensure your theories are relatively comparable to previous work.

From my own personal experience, this shift in teaching style has allowed for a much more interesting breadth of practical work application into Chemistry; from my first week learning how to code in Python (a requirement at Imperial College London), to creating a UV-Vis Spectrometer out of Lego, and even investigating and changing the ‘click’ reaction in the synthesis of 1-Benzyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole (which sounds a lot more complicated than it really is!), all of these experiments have had a level of personal involvement and investigation previously undiscovered in Chemistry at school. These experiments can and do inevitably go wrong, but if you can explain why and evaluate to improve your experimental technique, that is what the lecturers and lab-coordinators are really looking for in the report.

Overall, while the examples can get a lot more complicated, and the Chemistry behind them can

sometimes be obscured, the same principle of applying and evaluating what you already know will always be present, no matter what level of Chemistry you are working at. Besides, a lot of the stuff you actually cover, such as Quantum Mechanics, sounds a lot scarier (and cooler) than it actually is.

Chemistry Olympiad

The Chemistry Olympiad is offered to a select group of students in Year 13 and to some exceptional Year 12 students. It is a great way to increase problem solving skills and will challenge the way you think about Chemistry. The paper includes synoptic questions, so that knowledge that has been gleaned over Year 12 and 13 can be used to solve problems. It is an extremely valuable way to stretch and challenge thinking in Chemistry and can lead to prizes and travel for competition, as far as California.

Chemistry, unlike other sciences, sprang originally from delusions and superstitions, and was at its commencement exactly on a par with magic and astrology.Thomas Thomson, 1773 to 1852



Greece Trip

Older pupils in Year 11 are able to participate in the Classics Trip to Greece held every two years in the October half-term. The group flies to Athens and then tours the main archaeological sites of Greece. You will have a chance to visit amazing sites, such as Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae. The trip lasts for a week and is a fantastic way to extend your knowledge of the ancient Greek world.

London Trip

In Year 8 we often take our Classical Civilisation students on a lightning trip to London to visit the British Museum and the National Gallery. The theme is Classical mythology and we look at a small selection of art to see how ancient myths are depicted through the ages. A central theme for us is the Trojan War.

Cambridge Ancient World Film Competition

Win fame and a (small) fortune in the Cambridge Ancient World Film Competition. You are invited to form a team of up to four members in Years 9-13, that is aged between 13/14 and 19. You then need to select an object or a topic to focus on, and consider how best to present it. Remember that film is a visual thing, so it has to look interesting as well as sound interesting. Even 4 minutes seems like hours if your video doesn’t have some visual interest and variety in it! This is a national competition with a £500 prize fund. Have a look at www.greeksromansus.classics.cam.ac.uk to see the amazing quality of last year’s entries.

Golden Sponge Stick Competition

The golden Sponge Stick Competition is open to Latin pupils in Year 7. This is a creative writing competition with a very special prize for the winner. If you have read anything by Caroline Lawrence, you will know what a great

writing she is. Her Roman mysteries series is set in the ancient Roman world. Have a look at her website here: www.romanmysteries.com/ You will not be disappointed. The task is to write in English a mystery story or an exciting thriller set in ancient Pompeii. The more you include references to topics you have studied in class, the better. Why not try to put in short Latin phrases like “salvete!”

Useful links

www.quia.com (Great for testing your Latin vocabulary)

www.quizlet.com (Another great site for testing yourself)

www.cambridgescp.com/Upage The most important website for Latin students at Berkhamsted. Here you can use the online tester, see the iPad textbooks for all stages of the Cambridge Latin Course and access e-learning resources. It is also great for GCSE Classical Civilisation students, as there is much on the OCR City Life: Rome topic as well.

CLASSICSSenior SchoolItaly Trip

Italy trip for Year 7 Latin pupils. Each year we organise a trip to Rome and the bay of Naples. This trip is offered to pupils who study Latin and it is organised to widen understanding of the ancient Roman world. “Must see” places include the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in the city of Rome as well as the House of Caecilius in Pompeii. It is a great trip and the educational value of it is enormous. Be warned that we limit numbers to forty pupils maximum.

An Informal Evening of Classical Entertainment

We hold this event in Old Hall each year and we invite participation from classes which are learning Latin or Classical Civilisation. Everyone is welcomed to attend and to show in an informal setting one aspect of their work. It could be a short presentation or PowerPoint on a topic of interest or perhaps a chance to dress up in a toga and present a short play in English or indeed in Latin. A great occasion for younger pupils to see what is going on in the lessons of older groups. Parents love it too.

JACT Latin Summer Camp

This is a residential summer school held each year at Wells Cathedral School and students from Berkhamsted are invited to attend. Not only is there excellent preparation and revision for GCSE Latin students, but there is also a wealth of fun activities to join. The focus is Latin language, literature and culture, but after that there are organised excursions to Bath and Wales, followed by an informal Classical drama production and workshops on Roman cookery.



Sixth Form

Omnibus

Both libraries subscribe to the Classics’ sixth form magazine “Omnibus”. The latest magazine is the seventy-first issue, so it has been going for some considerable time. It contains articles on the Classical world, including an update of competitions to enter. Interesting articles in this edition include “Did the Romans love their children?” and “The role of the gods in the Odyssey”. The magazine is very much to be recommended to you. Here is a link to follow: www.jact.org/publications/omnibus.htm

Informal Evening of Classical Entertainment

The Informal Evening of Classical Entertainment usually takes place in March in Old Hall. It is a great opportunity to show younger pupils what goes on in sixth form lessons. You are warmly invited to be involved. Perhaps we can prepare you to recite a small section of one of your Latin set texts – always a high point in the evening. Alternatively, you could form a small group with others and present a short scene from a Greek tragedy or ancient comedy you are reading

– Aristophanes’ Frogs tends to go down extremely well. The audience comprises of interested parents and plenty of younger pupils.

The British Museum

The British Museum is an important London location for all A-Level students of Latin and Classical Civilisation. The department encourages you to visit it regularly to ensure that you can widen your exposure to the ancient world. The website here can be used to see whether there are relevant or imminent exhibitions to interest you. Getting to the British Museum could not be easier: a train journey for 30 minutes, followed by a ten-minute walk. All very easy and a very useful place indeed! www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on.aspx

A Level Study Days

Sovereign Education offers a series of A Level study days on parts of your Classical Civilisation or Latin syllabus. These tend to take place in a venue that is very close to Euston Station, so access from Berkhamsted is very easy. In recent years we have attended courses on Greek tragedy and

Homer’s Odyssey, but there are also other courses which could well interest us on Latin set texts. Here is the link:www.sovereigneducation.co.uk/

The Greek Trip

The Greek Trip is a great way to widen your knowledge of the ancient world especially as it allows you to give depth of understanding to your studies, so instead of just talking about the oracle at Delphi, you can actually see for yourselves where the Pythia sat and gained her inspiration in the sanctuary of Apollo.

Other useful links:

twitter@berkoclassics

kahoot.it Kahoot is a free game based learning platform that makes it fun to learn – try quizzes on Greek art and Greek tragedy.

Access to the OCR website is very important, as both Latin and Classical Civilisation courses in the sixth form follow OCR specifications:www.ocr.org.uk/

AIM HIGH WITH INTEGRITY



DRAMA

There are very many opportunities for you to get involved in Drama at Berkhamsted beyond the classroom and we hope you will be encouraged to join one or more of the events or activities available during the year.

School Productions

Everyone has the opportunity to be in the cast for one of our co-curricular productions each year. Sometimes our productions are ‘straight’ plays, whilst others are musicals, so there is usually something for everyone! Whether you are an experienced performer or someone who is considering acting in a school show for the first time, we hope you will come and join in. The atmosphere is always warm, friendly and rehearsals are a lot of fun. Performances are high budget and usually staged in the Centenary Theatre to take full advantage of all its facilities, equipment and staff.

Directors, Musical Directors & Choreographers

Some of our co-curricular productions are musicals and these offer further opportunities for you to try your hand at musical direction or choreography. There are also positions in the orchestra/band for competent musicians to provide the live music in productions. Some students appreciate the chance to learn how to direct a play and it is not unusual for staff directors to work alongside student directors in our plays.

Technical Theatre Club

If performing is not your thing, then do consider getting involved in a backstage role. No previous experience is necessary as training is given either during rehearsals or as a part of the Clubs and Societies programme. Our brilliant Theatre Manager and Theatre Technician run training sessions in stage lighting, theatre sound and stage management so that you can enjoy a hands-on role during productions for a particular area and learn to use all the latest equipment in our theatre.

Costume – Volunteering

In addition to the Technical Theatre Club, our Head of Theatre Wardrobe is able to mentor any pupils who are interested in costume design, costume making or dressing in performance. Whilst pupils from all years are welcome, please note that if you are in Year 10 or 12, you may use this as your ‘volunteering’ section for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze/Gold award. We always need an army of pupils to help with make-up and hair, so please consider getting involved if you are creative and enjoy working as part of a team.

Digital Theatre Club

This is run by one of the curriculum staff as part of the Clubs and Societies programme and is open to pupils from across the age range. You will get the chance to watch filmed productions and discuss them with your peers in a relaxed and friendly forum.

Musical Theatre Club

This club runs either for boys or for girls in the Senior School as a part of the Clubs and Societies programme. You will have the chance to learn to sing, dance and stage the best numbers from your favourite musicals.



Summer Residential Trips To The Edinburgh Festival

This arts festival is the largest in the world and takes place across four weeks in August each year. Every two years, all sixth formers have the chance to perform at the festival as a part of a professional-style company, which is a very special opportunity. In recent years, all Berkhamsted’s productions have all attracted 5-star reviews, which are highly coveted. In the interim years, sixth form drama students may enjoy a ‘revel’ trip, to experience the festival as audience members. This trip allows you take in the wonderful array of dramatic, dance and musical performances by companies from around the world. Either way, performing or reveling, you will not quickly forget your ‘Edinburgh’ experience.

Theatre Visits and Workshops

Each term, we organise a number of trips to the theatre for various year groups. These may range from mainstream plays and musicals in the West End to smaller productions in fringe venues or local theatres. We have also arranged for theatre

companies to perform in our own Centenary Theatre, some of which are supported by workshops run by the company for you as well as standalone workshops led by top professionals. Occasionally we take advantage of some of the ‘digital theatre’ screenings shown in local cinemas, which have also been excellent.

Speech and Drama Lessons

Private extra drama lessons are available to all pupils at Berkhamsted

to enable you to explore texts (acting) or songs (musical theatre), to devise drama and/or hone your communication and public speaking skills in very small groups or individually. Participants have the opportunity to take exams validated by LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Drama Art) in all disciplines up to Grade 8. These are highly valued by employers and universities and enhance your academic profile. For example, if you were to pass Grade 8 with a Merit (or more), that is

equivalent to an A Grade at AS Level for your university entrance application (UCAS). Each discipline (e.g. Acting, Devising, Public Speaking) is counted as a separate subject so it is possible to rack up a lot of UCAS points in a number of subjects. When you sign up for lessons, you do not start with Grade 1: new starters in Year 7 usually start at Grade 3 level, whilst those in Year 12 start at Grade 6 or 7. Those who have been studying LAMDA throughout the Senior School usually manage to achieve their Grade 8 by Year 12.

Berkhamsted Actor of the Year Competition

This is an evening during which actors from across the Senior Schools and Sixth Form (Year 7 – 13) sign up and perform a short scene, either

individually or in a pair. The audience is made up of fellow performers, their friends and parents and is always highly enjoyable. The night finishes with feedback from a visiting adjudicator who also presents a number of awards for the star performers of the night.

House Drama Competition

This is a hugely exciting biennial event for all pupils in the Senior School houses. Each house presents a short dramatic programme at the end of the first half term of the academic year, in which all members of your house are involved. The quality of drama is extremely high, with the day of the competition providing a wonderful opportunity to see old and new faces in each house. You may have the opportunity to work in a backstage capacity as well as, or instead of, in

the cast. At the end of the event, an external adjudicator decides on prizes and awards, which contribute to the House Cup. The next House Drama event is due to be October 2017.



ECONOMICSBank of England Target Two Point Zero Interest Rate Challenge

This is a competition that gives teams of Sixth Form students the chance to take on the role of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.Each team will assess economic conditions and the outlook for inflation and then set the interest rate that will meet the government’s inflation target of 2.0%. The teams will present their analysis and monetary policy decision to a panel of judges from the Bank.

A Berkhamsted School team of Omar Hatteea, Robert Barrow, Stuart Frame, and Ben Van Vlyman came third in their semi-final in February 2016.

Economics Club

Students meet each week and take it in turns to deliver a presentation on an area of Economics in which they have an interest. This then forms the basis of a question and answer session with the rest of the students.

There is also an opportunity to conduct debates about current economic issues such as Brexit, globalisation, and the rise of China. There may also be the possibility of conducting some experimental economics.

In addition, films such as The Big Short can be watched and discussed. The club is run for and by the students.

Investment Club

Students meet each week and, by investing £100,000 in UK listed shares, attempt to earn a profit. The club is run for and by the students.

National Essay Competitions

For the serious academics:

• The RES/Tutor2u essay competition

• The Marshall Society essay competition

• The Institute of Economic Affairs essay competition

Young Enterprise

The Young Enterprise Company programme is for Year 12 students at the School. Pupils in groups of

Young Enterprise Handout

roughly 10-12 form companies for a whole academic year and are insured to trade in public such as on Berkhamsted High Street. They develop their own products, assign roles within the company and raise share capital in order to buy stock and develop goods and services. Students are given the opportunity to sell in various locations outside Berkhamsted such as the Watford INTU centre and Hemel Old Town. It is competition based and groups have made it to the East of England finals at the University of Cambridge as well as the national finals in London. Typically they learn the importance of teamwork, communication skills as well as problem solving and entrepreneurial abilities during the process, keeping profits if they make any.

For more information about the role of a business advisor please contact Victor Fung (In charge of Young Enterprise at Berkhamsted School) on 07584 213513 or by email [email protected]

The school run the Young Enterprise ‘Company programme’ and more details can be found at: http://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/what-we-do/secondary-programmes/ company-programme/

How many boxes does your new business idea tick? Is it truly innovative?

Doesitmeetarealneedthathasn’tyetbeenmet?

Will your potential customers like your product or service idea?

Willitreallybepossibletobothdevelopandsell your product or service in time for Christmas?

Willyoubeabletogetsupportandadviceforthis idea from your friends and family?

Doyouknowwhowillbuytheproductorservice, how much they will pay for it and if the potential marketislargeenough(atleast£500ofsales)?

Willyoubeabletoselltheproductorservice tothegeneralpublicinadditiontotheSchool, family and friends?

Willyoubeabletoprovidetheproductorservice toahighenoughqualitystandard?

Does the idea meet environmental or local community needs?

Areyousurethatyouwillbeabletosellthe productorserviceatagoodprofit?

Form a company - groupsof10-12

Brainstorm businessideas

Decide on product/ service to develop Carry out market

research

Finalise company nameandregister

company Appoint directors

Developproduct(s) or services

Designcompany logoandmarketing

materials

First Trade sales event at Festival of Light,Berkhamsted

More sales events includingSaturdayMarkets to exploit

Christmas Trade

Last sales event at Watford

Prepare and write report of your

‘businessyear’andsubmitforjudging

LocalAreafinalsat Ricksmansworth.

TradeStandandslide presentation

-SEPT

- OCT

- NOV

-DEC

- JAN

-FEB

- MAR

Timeline

CompanyProgrammeforYear12

2015-16B E R K H A M S T E DS C H O O L

Every new business starts with a great idea!s Overthesummerholidaystrytothinkofsomegoodideasfor products or services that your company could market and sell.

s Beforeyoustartbrainstormingideasit’simportantto understand the parameters your idea should fall within:

s Youhavealimitedtime-SeptembertoNovember- togetyourideareadyforChristmasmarkets. sComplicated or expensive products/services are goingtobedifficulttoproduceinsuchashorttime. s Focusonsimple,easytoproduceorsourceitems. Somethingyoucanmakeyourselvesoraddvaluetobyrepackaging.

s Here are some product/service areas you could consider: sNEED-Isthereaproductyoucanthinkofthatdoesn’texistatthemoment? sTREND-Isthereatrendorfashionthatyourproductcouldfitinto? sSKILL-Canyoumakeuseofaskillwithinyourgroupthatyoucouldsell? sECO-FRIENDLY-Isthereaneco-friendlyalternativetoanexistingproduct? sIMPROVE - Can you improve a product/service that already exists?

s Recentwinnershaveincluded:Bowls,cakestandsandclocksmadefrom oldvinylrecords;Growyourownherbkits-seeds,compost,plantpotsin apack;Cheeseboardsfromflattenedglassbottles;Woodendesktidies; Healthdrinks;Specialityteas;Hand-madescentedcandles.

s

Set up and run your own real company.s

Appoint aboardofdirectors.

s Market a product or service of your choice and sellittothepublic.s

Develop yourenterpriseknowledge,andskillsin

abusinesscontext.s

Learn bydoing.Copewithachangingand

evolvingbusiness.Developessentialskillssuchas teamwork,communication,problemsolving, managingrisk,creativity,innovationand leadership.s ...andyou’llget help and support from a volunteeradvisorfrombusiness.s

AttheendofyourbusinessyearYoungEnterprise

companiescompeteintheHSBCEnterprise Innovation Awards.

On the back page there’s a timeline of your ‘business year’ and a check list to help you turn your ideas into business propositions. You’ll find more help on brainstorming ideas in the

YE Company Brochure.Aboveallenjoytheexperienceandhavefun.You’lllearnhowarealcompanyworks,make

somemoney(thatyoucankeep!!)andhaveaworthwhileadditiontoyourUCASformorCV.

CompanyProgramme

forYear12

2015-16

B E R K H A M S T E D

S C H O O L



Poetry By Heart

Poetry By Heart is a national competition designed to encourage pupils aged 14-18 and at school and college in England to learn and to recite poems by heart. Not in an arm-waving, props-supported thespian extravaganza, but as the outward and audible manifestation of an inwardly-understood and enjoyed poem.

The Old Berkhamstedians’ Public Reading Competition

All students in Year 7 to 11 are encouraged to enter this annual public reading competition. The first rounds take place in lessons, during Trinity term; the best reader from each class moves forward to the semi-final and three students from each Key Stage are then selected for the grand final. Reading with understanding is essential, as are poise, confidence and clear diction. Simply choose a piece of prose or a favourite poem and practise reading aloud.

Theatre Trips

From Year 9 upwards, you will have opportunities to take part in theatre trips. Often these trips will be organised to give you the chance to see the production of a text you have been studying, but theatre trips will also introduce you to texts you have not studied in class and these can be a great way to enhance your appreciation of the subject.

BBC Writing Competitions

The English Department is committed to showcasing the best of your writing talent in national competitions. Year 7 and Year 8 students may choose to enter the BBC’s 500 Word short story competition. We have enjoyed success in promoting pupils through the rounds in this prestigious contest for budding wordsmiths. For Year 9 students, you can enter the BBC Comedy Classroom competition in which you are invited to produce entertaining sketches and stand-up speeches to be reviewed by the BBC Entertainment Team.

Key Stage 3 Spelling Bee

We shall be launching a new venture for those students who have a gift for spelling. If you have a photographic memory for words or you are a linguist who draws on the patterns and idiosyncrasies of the English language, this is a chance for you to shine on stage.

Bibliotech

Building on the Year 7 Go for Gold scheme, students in Year 8 share their reading recommendations through the creation of their own websites. If you enjoy fusing a love of literature with digital exploration, this is a superb opportunity for you to publicise your talents.

ENGLISHSenior School

Whether you are a voracious reader, an aspiring writer, a debater, a public speaker, a theatre-goer or just someone who loves the subject, the English Department provides many avenues for you to explore.

Go for Gold

A wider reading opportunity for all Year 7 students! Challenge yourself to read 5 books to achieve a Bronze Award. Keep going through Silver and Gold until you have read 50 books - for those who reach these dizzying heights, a much coveted (but rarely bestowed) Platinum Award awaits!

Creative Writing Competition

Students in Years 7 to 9 are encouraged to enter the annual Creative Writing Competition. An imaginative response of around 500 words on a given theme is all that is required to be crowed Creative Queen or King.

Rotary Essay Competition

Run by the local Rotarians, this is a competition open to all students in Berkhamsted. Submit an essay (either analytical or creative) to a panel of judges and see how you get on. Both prize money and prestige are available!

Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.Ezra Pound

What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye



Sixth Form

In the Sixth, enrichment opportunities are designed to enhance your A Level studies and to prepare you for studying English Literature, English Language, Creative Writing or even Linguistics at university level. For a successful applicant, wide reading is essential; enrichment opportunities in the Sixth will help you to explore the English literary canon and will encourage you to discover where your passions lie.

Weekly Extension Classes

The English Department offers weekly extension classes for all A Level students. You will be encouraged to sign up for at least two sessions per half term (although if you are intending to apply for a university course we suggest that you attend more regularly.) In the Michaelmas

Term, sessions will be run by members of the English Department, but from the Trinity Term onwards, you will be encouraged to lead sessions - an excellent way to develop specialist knowledge of a particular writer, genre or period.

AS Level Creative Writing

As part of the Clubs and Societies programme, we offer you the opportunity to study towards an AS Level in Creative Writing.

The Thomas Campion English Prize

Run by Peterhouse College, Cambridge, this is a prestigious annual competition which requires applicants to research and write an extended essay on an aspect of literature. If you wish to study English at university, we will encourage you to tackle one of the set questions, all of which require high level critical skills. The best two essays will be put forward for the Thomas Campion Prize. Over the past few years, three of our students have gone on to study at Oxford or Cambridge, having impressed the judges with their submissions for this award.

The Arnold Poetry Prize

This is an annual competition run by the English Department which aims to encourage aspiring poets. Entries in response to a given theme will be welcomed by all A Level students. With the chance of a prize on Speech Day up for grabs, this is well worth a punt!

The Old Berkhamstedians’ Public Reading Competition

Five students from each A Level class enter this pubic reading competition every year. The competition takes place at the start of Michaelmas Term and gives you the opportunity to either develop or to showcase your reading skills. Although you enter as a team, individual prizes are also available for the best male and the best female reader - again with prizes to be presented on Speech Day.

Examples of past questions from the Peterhouse Thomas Campion English Prize

Write an essay of between 1,500 and 2,500 words on one of the following questions. Include a Bibliography and, if necessary, a Web-ography.

1. “Nuns fret not at their convent’s narrow room; And hermits are contented with their cells… …In truth the prison, unto which we doom Ourselves, no prison is: and hence for me, In sundry moods, ‘twas pastime to be bound Within the Sonnet’s scanty plot of ground…” (Wordsworth) Consider the possibilities and constraints of poetic form.

2. “I ent have no gun I ent have no knife but mugging de Queen’s English is the story of my life.” (John Agard, from ‘Listen Mr Oxford Don’) Is it important for postcolonial writers to mug the Queen’s English?

Fiction is like a spider’s web, attached ever so lightly perhaps, but still attached to life at all four corners.Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

Bodkin by Vona Groarke

A word from a dream, or several, spiked on itlike old receipts. Something akin to a clavicle’s

bold airs; a measurement of antique land;a keepsake brooch on a quilted silk bodice;a firkin, filled to the brink with mead or milk;

a bobbin spinning like a back-road drunken bumpkin;borrowed, half-baked prophesies in a foreign tongue;

a debunked uncle’s thin bloodline; a Balkanfairy story, all broken bones poked inside out;

a bespoke book blacked in with Indian ink;a bobolink in a buckeye or a bare-backed oak;

a barren spindle, choked ankle-high with lichen;a fistful of ball bearings dropped on a bodhránBody skin. Kith and kin. Other buckled things.

Write 500 words in response to this poem. Send your response to Mr Grant.



GEOGRAPHYSenior School

Whether you are an avid traveller, someone who is fascinated by landscape or an individual concerned with global issues, Geography offers many chances to tackle problems, seek explanations and explore new environments.

Exploring New Environments

Over the course of the Senior School Years you will be invited to participate in a variety of trips both local and further afield. In Year 7 you might take a boat along the Thames to look at how the capital tries to protect itself in times of potential flooding. In other years there are visits to Kew Gardens, an action packed trip to explore caves, quarries and tourism in the Peak District in Year 9 and finally in year 11, a field study along the Dorset coastline, looking at dramatic landforms near to the World Heritage Site at Swanage.

Selfie Photo Competition

Last year the challenge was put out to Senior School Geographers to enter their most geographical selfie, in a competition that received popular support. A fun and entertaining event, the winner is shown here. If you feel you have a rival offering, then enter the competition.

Wideworld Publication

In Years 10 and 11 you will receive your own copy of the Wideworld magazine which is published five times a year. Wideworld is a really good way to keep up with the latest developments in Geography. Modern case studies,

examination tips and comment on many different topics, it will help to inform you and broaden your understanding of what Geography is all about.

Geographical Association: Senior Lectures

Following the success of the lectures that we have been holding for many years for the Sixth Form we intend to roll these talks out to you as student geographers in the Senior School. Often breaking new ground and certain to inform, we hope to look at Global Warming and how it could affect us all.

Without Geography, you’re nowhere

Sixth FormIn the Sixth, enrichment opportunities are designed to broaden your geographical understanding and to prepare you for the challenges of Geography at Undergraduate level. Geography is a synoptic subject, where making links between various components enables us to understand the complex realities of landscape and society relationships.

Geographical Association Lectures

On at least two occasions in the year, you will be invited to participate in lectures offered by subject specialists. Berkhamsted School is the regional centre for the Geographical Association, one of the national associations of Geographers. Over the years, we have been able to attract a variety of high profile personalities including Stephen Sackur, Nick Crane and Prof Iain Stewart. Lectures are chosen to be complimentary to the A level course and extend geographical understanding.

Geography Review Magazine

Geography Review is a colourful and dynamic publication specifically produced for you as A level geographers. Full of in depth articles on a variety of topics, it aims to compliment your studies at School but also to broaden your background knowledge of the subject with up-to-date examples and skills. There is always something new and interesting here to learn about!

Field Trips

Whether local or far afield, these aim to intrigue and promote your knowledge of places and issues. Every other year, geographers visit Iceland, one of Europe’s most inspiring and different landscapes. Glaciation, plate tectonics, marine processes and ecology, leisure, tourism, energy and economics as well as a landscape with a true wow factor, all are encompassed in this excursion. Locally the impact of HS2 proves to be equally controversial with divided opinions and environmental consequences.

Essay Competitions

Have a go at the chance to win a prize and show your expertise. The Geographical Association Essay Competition was a popular addition to our extension activities last year. Potential Oxbridge Candidates also enter the Trinity College Geography Competition with a prize of £300 for the winning entry.

The Geography Travellers Club

A new club for you as a sixth former to plan your Gap Year Travel Destination.

Web Link : www.rgs.org



HISTORYSenior School

Are you interested in people? Do you care about the reasons the world around you is the way it is? Do you want to know more about the way things were? Whether you are awed by the Americas, excited by the Elizabethans or fascinated by the French Revolution, the History Department has something for you.

Historical Research Club

What happened to the US Marines in Faluja? Were the Vikings terrifying warriors or peace loving traders and farmers misrepresented by their Saxon foes? Was Anne Boleyn more than just Henry’s lover? Whether it is something that there just wasn’t time to discuss in class or a curiosity about something you have never studied then Historical Research Club may be just the opportunity you are looking for. Pick a topic, delve deep and see what you can discover.

First World War Commemoration Activities

With the centennial of the First World War well underway there are a number of programs taking place around the school to commemorate the conflict. Whether you are a researcher, cinematographer, musician, actor, designer or debater there are opportunities for all to take part. Please contact Mr Falder for more information.

Challenges and Competitions

The department runs various competitions throughout the year.

These are designed to increase interest in the subject. Please watch noticeboards on either campus for details.

Trips

From Years 7-11, the History Department offers trips to a range of locations:

• Year 8 Hampton Court

• Year 9 Normandy in France to remember D-Day Landings of 1944. This happens in May half-term.

• Year 10 Annual trip to Berlin in the Easter Holidays to link to IGCSE studies on Nazi Germany and The Cold War.

• Year 11 Annual trip to The First World War Battlefields in Belgium and France in October half-term.

These trips offer a great opportunity to engage more deeply with some of the topics studied in class and to experience some really special historical landscapes. Of course it’s not all hard work and there will be plenty of time to unwind with your friends, perhaps with an evening spent bowling or playing in the sun on a Normandy beach.

Sixth FormWith so much focus on the curriculum in class the enrichment opportunities provided by the History department are designed to give you a chance to explore further afield and pursue your own passions and interests from reading and seminars, essay and competitions.

Oxbridge groups

A passion for the subject is what brings many people to study history and these sessions provide a chance for students and staff to share that passion in an informal environment. Sessions will be run by a member of staff but students will also be encouraged to put forward ideas for topics and to lead seminars on subjects that interest them. A must for those looking to study History at university, these sessions are a great way to indulge a personal interest or find out about a period you may never have thought to look at. Contact Mr Savill for more information.

Lecture Program

Each year the History Department hosts the annual Dingwall History Lecture which sees a prominent historian visiting the school to talk to students about a range of topics that are not covered in the curriculum. We also regularly have experts visit to provide a different perspective on the topics you will be studying. All of these lectures are an enjoyable way to improve your historical knowledge and understanding with the added bonus of a chance to pose your questions at the end.

History Film Club

Whilst some would suggest that Hollywood never let the truth get in the way of a good story, cinema provides an interesting insight into our attitudes to the past and how they have changed. History Film Club meet after school to watch a series of films focusing on a new theme each term with films and themes being proposed by club members. The club is open to

all students in sixth form, enthusiasm is mandatory, popcorn encouraged. For more information contact Mr Bridle.

Essay competitions

Our students regularly enter for prestigious competitions set up by the University of Cambridge. This is a marvelous opportunity to complete an extended essay on any topic of your choice.

There is also the annual Holocaust essay competition set up by Roger Moorhouse, an historian and old boy

of the school, where you can write an historical essay, fiction or reflective piece on this wide-ranging topic.

Trips

The History Department offers a number of trips to students in years 12 and 13 ranging from the biennial visit to Russia to smaller visits to historical sites and museums in London. These trips are a valuable opportunity to get a deeper insight to the people and cultures you will be studying as well as a fun way to improve your knowledge and understanding.



ICTIn Year 7 students follow a very broad and varied curriculum while in Year 8 and 9 students focus on improving their skills and gaining qualifications in Microsoft Office applications. There is plenty of scope however, for developing your interest further.

Movie Making

Movie making is a club that runs for Years 7-9 and uses iMovie on the iPad that allows you to initially create entertaining ‘Trailer’ movies to developing your filming and editing skills.

Animation

Animation club is a creative and fun opportunity for students in Years 7-9 to work on group stop-motion animation projects using iPads. We make short films with 2D and 3D materials including paper, plasticine and playmobil toys!

Scratch

In Year 7 you will learn how to code with Scratch. You can take this further at Scratch club, Scratch helps you to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.

Coding

As well as coding in Scratch, in Year 7 you will extend the coding that you may have done at Prep School by working on the Hour of Code website. This website contains enough challenges for even the keenest coder!

Micro:Bits & PI-eces

Students from across years 7 - 9 will have the opportunity to experience programming and computing during an exciting and interactive Club

entitled: “Pi and Bits”Using the new BBC Microbit and Raspberry Pi micro-computers, students will learn the basics of programming and even have the opportunity to design an experimental project that may take to Space as part of the payload on the Berkhamsted School Space Agency(BSSA) High Altitude Balloon(BerkoHAB).

A Day Out

A visit to the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park is recommended!



Emmental Cube

What#proportion#of#the#cube#has#been#removed#by#the#cylinder?

What’s the angle?

A#tetrahedron#has#four#faces,#each#an#equilateral#triangle.

How#big#is#the#angle#(labelled#")#between#any#pair#of#faces?Senior School

Whether you are a budding Emmy Neother, Richard Feynman, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, or someone who just enjoys tackling puzzles, the Mathematics Department offers a host of opportunities to explore mathematical ideas and develop reasoning skills.

Individual Maths Challenges

Students have the opportunity to take the UK-wide Individual Mathematics Challenge, a one-hour multiple-choice test designed to test your problem solving skills beyond the syllabus. Students in Years 7 and 8 take the Junior Challenge and those in years 9, 10 and 11 the Intermediate Challenge, aiming to achieve gold, silver or bronze certificates. High-scoring candidates each year take part in the follow-on rounds including the Mathematical Olympiad paper. Past papers can be found here.

Hans Woyda Team Competition

This is an annual Mathematics competition against other schools in the London area. The competition requires a team of four students to work both individually and as a team on challenging problems against the clock, covering a wide range of topics. The team comprises one student from Year 9, one from Year 11 and two from the sixth form. See Dr Khare if you are interested in being part of the team and getting involved in the training.

Extension Problems

Each term you can challenge yourself to solve a set of mathematical brain teasers set by the Mathematics Department. These are designed to stretch your thinking and communication skills. To succeed, you will need to submit written solutions which demonstrate clear mathematical reasoning. The problems will be available online to all students and there will be prizes for the most elegant solutions. Speak to your Mathematics teacher for more details.

Maths Clubs

A variety of clubs run by members of the department are open to students each term. These offer an opportunity to explore extension problems that you will encounter on the department website, on Nrich.org and in the various competitions. Board games involving the use of Mathematics are also available for Years 7-9.

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.Albert Einstein

MATHEMATICSSixth Form

In the sixth, enrichment opportunities in Mathematics are designed to build upon the A-level curriculum in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and develop your interest in the subject. You will be aiming to develop the essential reasoning skills that are required for studying Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering or Economics at university.

Mathematics Extension Problems

The department offers materials and support sessions for students wanting to challenge themselves on extension problems. These will be designed to test and improve your skills in reasoning and proof, and are strongly recommended for those wishing to study STEM subjects at university. There is plenty of opportunity for Sixth Form leadership, and students will be encouraged to contribute ideas or lead discussions on Mathematics that they have read about in their own time.

STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers)

Mentoring and help are available for those students who are required (or encouraged) to sit either the STEP in Mathematics as part of a university undergraduate offer in Mathematics,

Computer Science or Engineering, or the Oxford Physics Aptitude Test. The papers are more similar in style to the type of Mathematics that you will encounter in your undergraduate studies. Please speak to your Mathematics teacher at the earliest opportunity for more details.

Hans Woyda Team Competition

Sixth-form Mathematics students are encouraged to put themselves forward to represent the school in the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition (see above). Two places in the team are available to sixth form students, but all students with an interest in developing their Mathematical skills have the chance to get involved in training and pit their skills against the clock.

UKMT Individual Senior Maths Challenge

Whenever allowed by term timings, students get the opportunity to sit the ninety-minute individual Senior Challenge and the follow-on rounds if they score particularly well.

Web Links

Here are a few web sites with Mathematics enrichment activities and articles to help develop your interest in the subject:

www.nrich.maths.org

www.plus.maths.org

www.mathworld.wolfram.com

Here is the website for the UK Mathematics Trust individual Maths Challenges. Follow the links for past papers and solutions. You can test your skills for fun and practice for the coming year’s challenge:

www.ukmt.org.uk/individual-competitions

TED Talks

Here are some links to interesting TED talks on mathematics:

Maths is Forever

Symmetry: Reality’s Riddle

The beautiful mathematics of coral

To those who do not know mathematics it is difficult to get across a real feeling as to the beauty, the deepest beauty, of nature. …If you want to learn about nature, to appreciate nature, it is necessary to understand the language that she speaks in.Richard Feynman



Whether you are looking to pursue a career in one of the most diverse and popular industries in the UK or you just have an interest in the media and enjoy being creative, you will find an abundance of opportunities, both in and out of school, that will enable you to enrich and develop your knowledge and interest.

House Media Competition – Years 7-10

The House Media Competition is an opportunity for budding producers, directors, camera operators, performers etc. to showcase their skills and passion.

The aim to engage as many students in each house to get involved in in the creation of media text for a specific audience. The competition involves planning, collaborating and reviewing and so provides a great opportunity for a shared learning experience. It is also a great way to display your skills to your peers and to staff.

The House Media Competition takes place every other year starting Lent term – 2016.

Join Surreel Media And Marketing Club

One of the most important ways to show universities and future employees that you have a passion for the media is to make media products. It is even more valuable to be part of a team as this shows a wider range of skills such as the ability to collaborate and to meet deadlines.

With these goals in mind, the Media Department has introduced SURREEL,

a new and exciting Media Marketing and Production Company open to students from Years 11-13. SURREEL offers a range of services within the school including the filming of events, the creation of video content as requested, promotional videos as well as promotional artwork.

If you have an interest in the media and are keen to develop your production and marketing skills, this is the club for you. Examples of roles available include:

Script writers

Reporters

Presenters

Film crew

Editors

Artwork editor

If you are in Years 7-10 and would be interested in getting involved then please contact Ms Bohitige as there may be other ways in which you can be involved.

MEDIA STUDIES

Our creative industries are a real success story. They are worth more than £36 billion a year; they generate £70,000 every minute for the UK economy; and they employ 1.5 million people in the UK.GOV.UK - Department for Media and Sport

Research And Reflect

It is important to be engage with a range of media texts that go beyond your own personal interest. By doing this you will gain a greater understanding of context and of debates linked to the industry itself and the impact that may have on other industries. A valuable starting point is to follow us on twitter @Berkhamsted Media where you will find links to current articles which will educate, inform and direct to you further independent research.

Share Your Experiences

We are always keen to see how students engage with the media so share your work with us. Whether you have made a film, game, documentary, photographed an event or written a review of something you have enjoyed, please share it with me, Ms Bohitige – [email protected]. See a range of examples of students work on our YouTube site – Berkhamsted Media.

Take Time To Explore

Warner Bros Studio Tour is almost on our doorstep (Leavesden, Hertfordshire) so why not book a visit to the making of Harry Potter. Visit the site to book your tickets - Warner Bros Studio Tour

BBC Shows and Tours offer a 90 minute behind the scenes tour and costs under £10 per person. The London studios are currently closed but the studio tours in Birmingham are open.

BFI Southbank has a library and cinema with various events running through the year – Check out the website for a range of information and lists of upcoming events.

Watch a film on the big screen. The BFI IMAX at Waterloo has the biggest cinema screen in England and is great cinematic experience so make it an even more amazing experience the next time you see the latest blockbuster.

The Cinema Museum in Kensington gives an insight into how movies have changed and costs £10 and under. This is great if you have an interest in film and technology.

National Media Museum in Bradford is free and has seven floors of galleries, research facilities and three cinemas.

Watch A Show Being Filmed

Be an audience member for a television show. This is a great way to see how a stage is set, cameras are positioned and how filming happens. When the programme is aired on television, you will be able to reflect on the editing process and how meaning is made. Some shows have age restrictions but all tickets are free. Once you sign up to the company you can apply for a range of shows including X Factor, Top Gear, The Graham Norton Show and Strictly Come Dancing. Do make sure you arrive early as the ticket confirmation does not guarantee entry (they will have over offered tickets to ensure all seats are filled on the day).

The main companies to sign up with are:

Applause Store

SRO Audiences

Lost In TV

BBC Shows

Take A Summer Course

If you are really interested in building up your knowledge and experience then look at taking a masterclass for 14-18 year olds. Creative Media Skills run a number of non-residential courses at Pinewood Studios so if you want to be a film producer / director or writer, a costume designer, a special effects make-up artist, a hair stylist, a

screen actor or stuntman, then book in for a course this summer.

Young Film Academy is an official London delivery partner for the BFI Film Academy and they run a range of courses throughout the year so it is worth looking at their website to see what courses are coming up.

The Media Magazine Competition - Sixth Form

The English and Media Centre run an annual national competition entitled, Media Magazine Production Competition. You have an opportunity to enter your coursework or a production piece created for your own interest. As you can imagine, the standard for this is very high so we are very proud that in 2015 one of our own students, Cameron Perry, won a special award for creativity for his music video, Geekin by will.i.am. This year an impressive three students (Matt Tam, Jordan Hooper-Shearme and Molly Thoma) have been shortlisted for their production work - judging takes place in July.

Moving Image Awards - Sixth Form

Run by WJEC examination board in partnership with the British Film Institute, this annual competition recognises the most talented young filmmakers. Once again, this is an annual competition and is only open to students who are taking the WJEC examination.

Media Drop-In Clinics - Sixth Form

If you are studying Media at A level, we offer weekly drop-in clinics where you can discuss and extend your learning. This is a great opportunity to further your debating skills or to enhance your production skills



Senior SchoolHere are our top 8 reasons why languages are great:• English is not enough! How many

people do you know that speak another language? 75% of the world’s population doesn’t speak English at all!

• A language at whatever level will always be useful, no matter what you do. You could be the next James Bond, J K Rowling or even an international athlete.

You get to study a wide range of topics through the medium of books, films, songs and poetry to broaden your understanding of the international world. Remember “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

• Languages are the ‘business’ - being able to speak a language will make you really stand out.

• If you were to use a second language at work it could raise your salary from 8-20%.

• They’re good for your health! Speaking more than one language increases your brain’s capacity, improves your memory skills and you’ll be at less risk of developing Alzheimer’s in later life.

• It’s really impressive to be able to speak a foreign language and can help you make friends across the globe.

• “He/she who knows no foreign language knows nothing of his/her own!” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Competitions

Year 7 Spelling Bee competition French and Spanish to improve pronunciation, memorisation along with spelling skills.

Years 7 and 8 Vocab Express Global Challenge where you get to show off your vocabulary learning skills at a national level.

The HSBC and British Council National Mandarin Speaking Competition allows you to compete either individually or as part of a group performance. Participation will help raise your confidence for oral exams, inspire you to learn more about Chinese culture, while developing vocabulary and pronunciation.

The UK National Chinese Essay Writing Competition allows you to practise your Chinese characters by writing a short essay on one of a number of topics. These essays are assessed against other learners of Chinese of a similar age and experience across the country.For all of you in Years 9 –11, you have an account for ‘This is Language’ in French, German and Spanish where you are able to watch videos of real young people using authentic language in a natural setting. A fantastic resource to work independently on listening, expand your range of idioms and grammatical skills. Watch out for the intense and highly engaging ‘Nutty Tilez’ competition for a chance to win i-Tunes vouchers and compete on a national scale.

The Oxford University Film Competition

The Oxford University Film Competition is looking for budding film enthusiasts in Years 7-11 to embrace the world of French cinema. To enter the competition, you need to re-write the ending of a film in no more than 1500 words. Entries can be in English or in French. No additional credit will be given for

writing in French and incorrect French grammar will not be penalised as this is an exercise in creativity, rather than language! The judges are looking for plausible yet imaginative new endings. There are no restrictions as to the form the entry might consist of: a screen-play, a play-script, prose, a prose with illustrations. Feel free to experiment! A number of prizes are available, including the first prize of £100.

The Oxford German Olympiad

The Oxford German Olympiad is a series of challenges for all age groups organised by the Oxford German Network, where you can compete nationally against other individuals and groups.

Cross curricular opportunities on both sites include:

Foreign Film Club

This club runs weekly to help increase your cultural awareness and to develop every important listening skills.

The Language Leader

In Year 9 you can take part in The Language Leader co-curricular club in both French and Spanish. You will be taught how to deliver a short lesson, work as a team, reflect on your progress and eventually get to teach some of the prep school pupils. Not only will it develop leadership skills and help you grow in confidence but this is a great way to enhance your future careers.

We also host the following events:

Languages Read Fest

Our very own Languages Read Fest is open to all students in all languages from Years 7-11 where students get to study in depth various texts of poetry and prose in the target language in class. This then culminates in an inter class competition followed by a

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES



Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form, enrichment opportunities are designed to enhance not only your A Level studies and to prepare you for studying Languages at university level but to enhance your potential as a competitor in the global arena as well as your future careers. Languages will also help you with travel, communication, appreciation of other cultures and much more throughout your life. In a world where technology has made communicating across the globe simple, language skills open up endless possibilities.

A plethora of competitions are on offer such as:

A level French Drama Festival

The King Alfred School kindly organises a French Speaking Theatre Festival. If you are a keen linguist and actor and would like to perform an extract of a French play, written by a French speaking playwright (or even by yourself). Please get in touch with your teacher for more details.

Y13 French and Spanish Debating Competitions

You have the option to be selected and invited to participate in the North London Debating Competition. If selected you will get to compete in two debates in a pool where you will gain points and the chance to progress to the semi-finals and ultimately the final. The debating competition will be an excellent preparatory tool for public examinations and will provide with a truly stimulating experience. A host of prizes will be awarded for the lucky finalists!

A level French Film Competition

The Oxford University Film Competition is looking for budding film enthusiasts in Years 12-13 to embrace the world of French cinema. To enter the competition, students from each age group are asked to re-write the ending of a film in no more than 1500 words.

Entries can be in English or in French. No additional credit will be given for writing in French and incorrect French grammar will not be penalised as this is an exercise in creativity, rather than language! The judges are looking for plausible yet imaginative new endings.

There are no restrictions as to the form the entry might consist of: a screen-play, a play-script, prose, a prose with illustrations. Feel free to experiment! A number of prizes are available, including the first prize of £100.

Y13 Best Spanish Student in the UK

Do you have the Spanish edge? If so and your teacher is suitably impressed with your level of Spanish you may be nominated to represent the school in the Spanish Embassy in London. On the day you get to battle it out against other pupils from the country with a series of linguistic tests and have the chance of scooping the top prize. The prize consists of a three day visit for you and a friend to the region of Castilla y León, renowned as an area of outstanding beauty and rich cultural heritage, which includes transport, accommodation and visits.

The Cambridge University Essay Prize in Modern Languages

If you are considering applying to study Languages University this is a great opportunity to write about a literary or cinematic works in a modern foreign language and will help develop your independent study skills. This competition will carry a top prize of £200, a second prize of £100, and a third prize of £50; several further essays will be highly commended.

Trips

You will have the opportunity to embark on an intense but exciting language immersion course in Valladolid which consists of you studying Spanish in ‘la casa del español’ language school whilst staying with a Spanish host family in the historic city of Valladolid. Activities include a whistle stop tour of Madrid, gaining special access into a Spanish bullring and museum, sampling some world famous tapas dishes, taking part in a Spanish cookery lesson from

closely contested soirée final. A host of prizes are on offer for the lucky winners.

European Day of Languages

Annually we celebrate the European Day of Languages on 26th September focusing on a different European country each year. You will be involved in a range of carousel activities across the school to further enable your global awareness.

Languages Conference

The ‘Biannual Languages Conference’ is an exciting opportunity for you in Years 9-11, to gain an insight into the importance of language learning in the modern world and how languages can enhance career opportunities. Speakers have included representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, GCHQ and universities such as SOAS and Imperial College, as well as former students currently studying Modern Languages at university. There is also a workshop where you can learn some basic skills in languages that are not commonly taught in the UK.

Trips

In the Department, you will have the opportunity to take part in a range of exciting trips.

In Years 7 & 8

You can spend five days in La Loire Valley visiting historical sites like Blois and Chenonceau where you will learn all about the French Royals and magic tricks in the House of Magic as well as staying in a typical French hotel. In the evenings, there will be a host of evening entertainments on offer including discovering the tantalising French Cuisine in local restaurants. You will also get a chance to go on the track of the very famous F1 circuit in Le Mans and experience Go Karting on the Alain Prost Circuit. As well as visits to Le Futuroscope Theme Park and the Bayeux Tapestry where you can investigate the French version of the story of William The Conqueror.

In 2018, The MFL department will organise its first Trip to China. You will be able to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of China in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Xian. This 10 day trip will give you a truly unique and authentic life enhancing experience of Chinese culture while using your Mandarin skills. Travel from the capital, Beijing, to the historical wonder of Xi’an before going on to visit the modern miracle that is Shanghai. It includes a wide variety of educational, cultural, social and outdoor activities ranging from seeing the “un-missable” attractions such as The Great Wall and The Terracotta Warriors in the larger cities to visiting an orphanage and a typical Chinese school.

The tour to Cantabria in Northern Spain is a unique chance for you to immerse yourself fully into the Spanish culture and lifestyle. You will explore the city of Santander where you will enjoy a bay cruise and some time on the Sardinero beach close to one of the Spanish Royal family’s Palaces. This may also be the first time you will eat some delicious tapas and the world famous “churros con chocolate”. If you like trying new things, you may discover “flamenco” is for you! You will also visit the UNESCO world heritage prehistoric caves of Altamira, one of Spain’s most breath-taking national parks, “Los Picos de Europa” as well the world famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

In Years 10 &11

To truly boost your study of French at IGCSE you are thoroughly recommended to visit the beautiful capital city of Paris. This will be an exclusive occasion where you can use your language skills in a true setting e.g. navigating through the Paris Metro! You will stroll around markets, lead surveys, visit traditional sites such as the catacombs and explore your theatrical skills during a drama workshop experience and many more fun activities including a visit to Disney Land on the last day. You will definitely want to return again to ‘La Belle France’!

The IGCSE Spanish Homestay in Andalucía will give you a clear insight into the culture, history and traditions of Spain. You will stay with host families and visit some of the best sights in the whole of Spain: the Alhambra in Granada, the Giralda Cathedral in Sevilla, the Mezquita and Moorish castle and gardens in Cordoba. Imagine sampling tasty tapas, learning to dance flamenco style, not to mention some trendy shopping plus lots more. A trip you will remember for years after. The Andalusians will give you a warm and very friendly welcome and you will leave as a more confident Spanish speaker!



a professional chef amongst other educational and cultural activities. You will quickly reap the benefits and your spoken Spanish skills, in particular, will greatly improve. A unique and thoroughly rewarding experience that will most definitely broaden your horizons in the heartland of Spain.

Similarly, the trip to Nice will help to expand and develop your knowledge of the French language via language lessons each morning. Key topics in the A-level syllabus will be discussed and vocabulary will be developed in the classroom, but also more hands-on tasks will be included such as posing questions from a questionnaire to local French people and singing along to famous French songs. The trip will also provide you with the chance to experience French culture whilst staying with a host family. There will be no shortage of activities during

the week, with afternoon trips to the staggeringly beautiful city of Monaco and the classic old town of Nice.

Other events and opportunities include:

Languages Read Fest

Our very own Languages ‘Read Fest’ is open to all students in all languages from Years 12-13 where students get to study in depth various texts of poetry and prose in the target language in class. This then culminates in an inter class competition followed by a closely contested soirée final. A host of prizes are on offer for the lucky winners.

Languages Conference

The ‘Biannual Languages Conference’ is an exciting opportunity for you in Years 12-13, to gain an insight into the importance of language learning in the modern world and how languages can enhance career opportunities. Speakers have included representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, GCHQ and universities such as SOAS and Imperial College, as well as former students currently studying Modern Languages at university. There is also a workshop where you can learn some basic skills in languages that are not commonly taught in the UK.

If you fancy a slightly different type of work experience why not improve your language skills and job prospects by working abroad? A perfect choice for A-level modern language students.



MUSIC

We aim to provide a programme that meets your individual needs and develop your knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Music and of its role in Society. Our team of visiting staff are able to offer a wide range of individual tuition and ensemble participation to promote your key skills and enhance your own individual insight into the Expression of Music and its constantly evolving nature as an art form. Whether you consider yourself as being at the start of a journey of exploration of your musical skills or as a more advanced performer and musician you can always find help and advice from us both informally and also through formal lessons and coaching.

Instrumental, Vocal and Theory Tuition

Whether you consider yourself as being at the start of a journey of exploration of your musical skills or as a more advanced performer and musician you can always find help and advice from us both informally and also through formal lessons and coaching. Tuition on all orchestral instruments (including harp), drums, guitars, keyboard instruments and singing can be taken at school and where appropriate teachers will advise and agree with you on performance and ABRSM or TG examination opportunities. There are also theory classes designed for anyone

wishing to improve on their general musical understanding as well as those needing to reach examination standard in order to progress further through instrumental and singing graded examinations.

Ensemble Participation

Several large and small ensembles rehearse regularly each week. If you are looking for an opportunity to play or sing with others then these ensembles offer excellent vehicles for you to expand your skillset, tackle a variety of music and styles and also meet others with similar interests. Although some ensembles are based on particular year groups or/

The Music Department prides itself in helping to further the personal development of individual pupils by encouraging self-awareness and self-confidence through a spirit of enquiry and towards the pursuit of excellence and achievement that is unique to each member of the school community

and campus and may require certain standards or auditioned entry most of our groups are open to all pupils from Year 7 to 13 and are non-auditioned. A full list of current ensembles and rehearsal times are regularly updated and displayed on the Music Department boards.

Performance opportunities

We are fortunate in being able to offer you regularly performing opportunities both within the school and in the local community. Major ensembles are showcased in our main events such as St. Cecilia’s Concert, Spring Concert, Carol Services, Choir Concerts, Gala Evening and Proms in the Quad whilst our soloists and smaller ensembles

are catered for via informal and formal recitals. Workshops are held each term and focus on different areas such as accompanying skills, examination skills, improvisation and ‘preparing for your first performance’, etc. Those of you looking for more advanced challenges can also experience performing as soloists with local groups and at key events. Regular Trips and Tours, such as Choir and Big Band tours, are also available for you to consider taking part in.

Festivals and Competitions

Our House Music competitions are usually not only highly enjoyable and inclusive but also very competitive! Sixth Form House Music Competitions

are held annually whilst Senior House Music competitions are bi-annual events. If you wish to enter external competitions there are several very good local opportunities such as Watford Festival (www.watfordfestival.co.uk/music) and Milton Keynes Arts Festival (www.miltonkeynesfestival.org) , both of which have produced successes and winners from Berkhamsted. Entries into practical and compositional competitions at national level are also encouraged and accompanists and coaching sessions can be provided.

Festival of Music

This year many of you have enjoyed taking part in the Festival Week’s performances, workshops and educational events led by professional guest musicians and staff and we aim to be able to offer this week of education musical experiences again. Future programme will include Film and Game Music Composition, Percussion Workshop, Musical Career Paths and ‘Top of the Pops’ (pupil presentation on the most famous composers and musicians of various genres).

Year 7 Samba Workshop

Professional percussionist Jez Wiles will lead workshops for all Year 7 Students on the basics of playing in a Samba band and the Carnival culture of Brazil. You will be introduced to such instruments as a Surdo, Caixa,



Tamborim and Agogos. This will supplement the ‘Latino Music’ Unit which you study in the Lent term.

GCSE & A Level Performance Concert

This concert is an opportunity for all GCSE and A Level Students. Perform your chosen Solo and/or Ensemble Performance programme to an appreciative audience of parents, friends and teachers.

GCSE & A Level Composition Concert

As GCSE and A Level students, you will have the opportunity to introduce and present your GCSE and A Level compositions to an audience and at the end of the performance there will be a discussion, questions asked by listeners and feedback given. Compositions presented vary and include a diversity of styles from Club Dance, West African Fusion, Contemporary Rock, Minimalist and Classical traditions.

Twilight Composition Workshops

These are opportunities for you to take advantage of extended time composing and receive advice and critique from a range of perspectives from music department receiving staff.

Concert Visits

In the Lent term there will be a trip to London to watch a live concert performed by a professional symphony orchestra.

Composer Masterclass

For 2016-17, all GCSE and A Level students will benefit from a talk and workshop with a professional composer. Through this you will gain insights into the real world of the creative industries and some of you will have the opportunity to have your piece workshopped.

LSO St. Luke’s

GCSE students will visit LSO St. Luke’s in London participating in a variety of workshops in music technology and creative composition.

West African Drums, Balafon & Vocals Workshop

In this workshop, you gain an insight into community music-making in West African countries and learn ensemble skills in a large performance using various drums, balafons and call-response solos.



ONTOS

The Philosophy society for Berkhamsted students. Each year we arrange a variety of external speakers to debate and discuss issues broadly relevant to Religion and Philosophy. Recent topics have included, Studying the Humanities, the Problem of Evil, and the work of St Francis’ Hospice.Whatever age and stage you are at in the School there will be something for you during the year! They take place usually at 4.30pm and last about an hour, starting with refreshments, so take your pick and come along!

Durham and Christian origins in the North.

IGCSE students are invited to a residential trip in July based in Durham and visiting significant sites in the North-East. This is for Y10 students, and involves seminars with university academics as well as relaxing visits to e.g. Lindisfarne (when the tide is out….).

Mosque visit

Year 9 pupils undertake a mosque visit with follow-up work, to extend and enrich their classroom activities. You

will need to have a strong knowledge of Islam in the modern world, and so this forms a necessary part of your appreciation of Islam from the inside.

St Albans: the Abbey and a synagogue.

All Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours and educational activities at both the Abbey and at a modern synagogue. Year 7s can all enjoy this trip! It is a great chance to have these places of worship set aside just for us! Much to discover! Who was Alban anyway?

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

Competitions

Every year students are invited to take part in competitions on usually a national basis. Over to you! These have, in recent years, involved writing an essay or making a sound broadcast recording; these may involve Key Stage 3 pupils with independent schools competitions, or university essay competitions available for the Sixth Form.

Philosophy Club

This runs in the Enrichment Clubs and Societies’ programme and is available across all age groups. Now you have the chance to put your thinking to the test, and learn to discuss with others, guided by a member of staff – from Year 7 to Year 13! A great way to develop those critical skills and listen to others.



PHYSICSSenior SchoolPhysics (noun): Definition ‘the physical properties and phenomena of something’. Or put another way, everything in the physical universe! From stars to sub-atomic particles. The Physics enrichment programme has something for you. Enjoy diverse activities from devilishly difficult problem solving and challenging engineering solutions to broader discussions on some of the biggest questions facing today’s scientists. Sign up and stretch yourself, you’ll be surprised what you discover.

Activities

Robot Revolution

Robotics is forecast to be a massive growth technological sector in the near future. During Extended Curriculum week, as well as getting hands-on with some impressive robotics kit, Year 7 students will learn about robots, their origin, how to build them, how to operate them, how to code them and, most importantly, how to control them.

University of Oxford: Physics Poster Competition

During Trinity term, Year 7-9 students have the opportunity to create a public information poster or a scientific poster and experiment in this annual themed competition. Winners are invited to a garden party and a prize giving ceremony at the university.

Year 8 Science Day

“How to Survive in Space!” – working with Berkhamsted School Space Agency (BSSA) this is a question that Year 8 will attempt to answer through a day of mission based challenges, experiments, and quizzes taking place during Extended Curriculum Week. Students will have a chance to work together in mixed teams, using their leadership, team and communication skills to complete all the challenges and learn about the hostile environment of Space, and what a truly amazing engineering achievement manned space flight is. Targeting all three Science disciplines, which team will win the overall prize and the honour of being promoted to Berkonauts.

Junior STEM clubs

The KS3 STEM co-curricular club offers the chance to try your hand at a little coding with BBC:microbit and Raspberry Pi and may allow you to include your device on the High Altitude Balloon payload that the sixth form HAB team launch every year. In KS4 STEM club you may find yourself building gas powered cars and rockets amongst other engineering projects.

Physics Meets Philosophy

Who hasn’t thought about a Big Question? How big is the universe? Does the universe have an end or a beginning? Could we travel through time? Is space empty? Is there life out there? Through a series of debates in the Trinity term, we will look to enrich your knowledge on these big questions by looking at the physics, the history and the philosophy behind them.

Careers Speed Dating

A wide range of careers will be represented at this fast paced Q&A evening. Students in Year 11 will have the chance to learn about the world of work and the exciting opportunities that await them beyond A-Level. This invaluable evening offers an insight during Michaelmas term, before A-Level options have been chosen.

GCSE Science Live!

This Lent term day will be fast-moving, exciting, thought provoking and will give Year 10 students the chance to see and hear five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms. You will receive top tips on examination success from an experienced science examiner and a booklet with details about each scientist, the lectures and some general articles about studying science and working as scientists.

Physics Challenge

The University of Oxford offers this competition to challenge students and recognise excellence in young physicists. From January, students in Year 11 will be invited to attend the Olympians after school club where demanding problem-solving will prepare them for this competition, which takes place in early March. Are you prepared to be challenged?

I think nature’s imagination is so much greater than man’s, she’s never going to let us relaxRichard Feynman

Sixth Form

Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school, university and beyond. In the Sixth, there are myriad opportunities for you to get involved with something a little different and have a lot of fun, while making yourself stand out from the crowd on your curriculum vitae. Choose challenge!You may like to follow Berko Physics 6th: @BerkoPhysics for interesting articles and events.

Activities

Physics Review

Physics Review makes an excellent read to extend and enrich your knowledge of A-Level Physics and its applications. The libraries hold a paper copy and you have access to online editions too.

Sixth Form Evening

Is there any ‘fun’ in physics? A controversial question! But it can be answered simply in four words – Sixth Form Physics Evening. This annual event in the Lent term is where we bring to life just how amazing and diverse Physics can be. We scour the country to bring you the best (and most entertaining) career physicists

to talk about their ground breaking research and passion for the subject, followed by a competitive (usually messy) design and build challenge. We even throw in dinner and drinks. What more could you ask for?!

British Physics Olympiad (BPhO)

The University of Oxford offers a range of competitions designed to stretch and challenge the minds of young physicists and recognise excellence. In the Michaelmas term of Year 12 you may like to take part in the Experimental Project and find your own way around an interesting practical problem. In the Lent term you might like to try your hand at problem solving and enter the AS Challenge. In Year 13, you will be ready for the demanding A2 Challenge and, if successful, you have the full British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) to look forward to, following in the footsteps of Patrick Kennedy-Hunt; Patrick gained a place on the International Physics Olympiad British team. To discover challenges out of this world, why not consider the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO)?

Isaac Physics and I Want To Be An Engineer

Another way you may like to put yourself through your paces is by enrolling on these MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course). Isaac Physics has levels 1 – 6 which will provide challenge to any of you that wishes to show initiative and get ahead at any time during you’re A-Level Physics career. You will also get the opportunity to attend an Isaac Physics Masterclass or two during the school year. I Want To Be An Engineer does the same for budding engineers.

High Altitude Ballooning

Get involved with STEM co-curricular club in the Sixth and you can design your own payload to be transported

to the stratosphere. As part of the Berkhamsted School Space Agency (BSSA), you will also have the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility and leadership as you liaise with the junior STEM clubs. You will be involved during the entire year to achieve successful launch in the summer term.

Year 12 trip to Physics in Action lectures

Sign up to this trip in your first term of A-level Physics and you will see five sessions of phenomenal physics, brought to you by the brightest lights in the field. From the Big Bang to Formula E racing cars, rock guitar to astronomy, you will hear from the physicists who go above and beyond science as we know it.

Year 13 trip to Culham Fusion Research Centre

Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) is the UK’s national laboratory for fusion research and hosts the world’s largest magnetic fusion experiment, JET (Joint European Torus). A visit to Culham, normally toward the end of Michaelmas term, gives an appreciation of the scale of scientific research and is an opportunity to apply the Physics you have learned in your A-level course so far.

Year 13 trip to CERN

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, the largest, most complex experimental facility ever built, and the largest single machine in the world. It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) between 1998 and 2008 in collaboration with over 10,000 scientists and engineers from over 100 countries. No doubt you would wish to witness this triumph of Physics and Engineering, so join us on the Year 13 Physics trip to Geneva, Switzerland at October half term.

The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.Albert Einstein



Senior School

Food Prep and NutritionCooking gives you the opportunity to do more for yourself and learn more about yourself!

In learning about the further joys of food, you will learn a skill for life while others will wonder at the abilities you take for granted.

Opportunities are being developed for you to participate in school Young Chef Competitions as well as externally run ones like the Rotary Young Chef. You will find clubs that focus on Heston Blumenthal’s molecular gastronomy and the

‘science’ behind foods so that you can see first-hand what all of these new food ‘things’ mean and what they can do for your food.

You will have opportunities to participate in country visits at GCSE level, food production factories along with chef visits to the school.

You will find a wide range of activities that will stir your creative, and salivary, juices!!!

POLITICS FOOD & NUTRITION

Government & Politics is a non-traditional discipline, only available to study formally in the Sixth Form. In the Sixth, enrichment opportunities are designed to enhance your A Level studies and to prepare you for studying Government & Politics and/or ‘Politics-and?’ in Higher Education. Students are encouraged to read widely beyond contact hours, and we hold debates, both ‘informal’ and ‘formal’. In April-May 2015 the students organized a mock General Election, at which there were hustings, and different candidates stood for election by peers. As regards the impending referendum on EU membership, the issue has been widely discussed, both within and beyond lessons, and the department was involved in organizing a wider school ‘mock referendum’, at the end of the Lent term 2016, in anticipation of the real one.

Crawford Society:

The Politics Department encourages its students to present to the school’s Crawford Society, and a number have done so in recent years.

‘Books of Work’

[an exercise in Independent Learning]Students in Politics have long been encouraged to apply themselves to finding information for essay questions from outside the classroom, as well as they are furnished with information within it (obviously). Successive generations of students have produced impressive ‘Books of Work’, compendiums of research which have sought to address the bulk of questions in past papers, both for the AS British papers and the A2 international politics papers. These are marked by tutors and then copied

back to the wider groups as exemplars of ‘how to do it’ (but exceptionally, ‘how not to do it’! The latter can be as useful for examination preparation work as is the former).

As a school we are members of the Political Studies Association; as students you can enter any of the competitions or attend any of the events on their site:

www.psa.ac.uk/psa-communities/specialist-groups/schools/psa-schools-competitions

www.psa.ac.uk/events

40% of what I’ve done was a mistake. I now call it R&DJamie Oliver

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.Virginia Woolf



SOCIOLOGY

If you are keen to delve into a range of controversial social issues or just understand how your behaviour has been shaped by the environments you find yourself in, then Sociology is the subject for you. Anyone afraid of shocking discoveries about society should stay away from Sociology.

Year 12 Michaelmas Term Conference

As a Year 12 student you will be immersed in a range of lectures covering key topic areas of the course: Crime and Deviance, Beliefs in Society, Families and Households and Education. This will be your first opportunity to absorb sociological issues as presented by leading researchers in the field. Lectures can

be on a diverse range of topics like, ‘should public schools be banned?’, ‘Are women more deviant than man’ or ‘Are we becoming less religious as a society?’ You will certainly come away with a broader and deeper appreciation of the subject.

Year 13 Visit to St Albans Crown Court

As a Year 13 student, you will be engaging with current issues in Criminology and what better way of bringing your studies to life than by spending a day in court. Part of your visit will involve a Q&A session with a judge and learning about the processes within court. You will then get the opportunity to sit in on a range of cases in the public gallery.

This day is guaranteed to give you a real insight into the Criminal Justice System and perhaps an ever greater respect for the law.

Extension Activities

A dedicated Twitter feed, @BerkoSocio can also be followed to help you access the most recent developments in the fields of Sociology and Criminology. The Sociology Click View collections offer an extensive range of films and documentaries to support and boost your passion for the subject. There are also opportunities to meet with representatives of the Police at a careers lunch or engage in a Law Day should you be inspired by the study of Criminology.

Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are openSir James Dewar

PSYCHOLOGY

From split-brain patients and autism to whistle blowers and the language of psychopaths, Psychology will provide you with a unique opportunity to scientifically explore the boundaries of diverse human behaviours, from the mundane to the highly unusual.Year 12 Science and Pseudoscience Conference Michaelmas TermThis annual Year 12 conference playfully immerses you in the worlds of visual and auditory illusions, magic and hypnosis. It is a highly interactive day in which key writers in the subject encourage you to be sceptical of the ‘big claims’ made by researchers. The

day builds to an exciting conclusion with a live hypnosis session. Ultimately, the audience are forced to question the credentials of what they are seeing: science or pseudoscience?

Year 13 Crimiknowledge Conference Lent Term

This conference gives you the opportunity to engage with the big debate in Forensic Psychology: Are criminals born or made? What better way to make sense of this conundrum then gaining access to the latest research in the field and participating in a Q&A with a speaker formally diagnosed with psychopathic traits according to the Revised Psychopath Checklist – PCL-R.

Extension Activities

Throughout the year, a dedicated Psychology and Criminology Film Society is offered as part of the co-curricular programme for Years 11-13. As a budding psychologist you can nurture your love of the subject and dip into the classics like ‘One

flew over the cuckoo’s nest’ to more contemporary offerings like ‘Inside out’. What better way to access complex behaviours.In Year 12, you will also have an opportunity to meet with Dr Jeremy Monsen, a clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience in dealing with psychological issues affecting children. A careers lunch is offered as well as Q&A workshop after school to discuss recent developments in Psychology.

Twitter

A dedicated Twitter feed, @BerkoPsych can also be followed to help you access the most recent articles in the field of Psychology. Opportunities also exist to participate in actual undergraduate research. This year, students were able to participate in two projects about learning styles and memory for faces. Getting involved in research will not only give you an invaluable insight into research design, ethics, data analysis but it may also reinforce your ambitions to read Psychology at university.

Psychology cannot tell people how they ought to live their lives, it can, however, provide them with the means for effecting personal and social change.Albert Bandura



SERVE OTHERS



CAREERSSenior SchoolThere will be plenty of opportunity for you to find out about a wide range of potential careers as well as the chance to develop your employability skills and learn more about yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and values.

SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

Careers Lunches

On Fridays during the Michaelmas and Lent terms, a series of different external guests are invited to give an insight into their careers and their individual journeys leading to those careers. You are free to sign up for as many of these as you wish, giving you the chance to hear first-hand about careers as diverse as Art, Marketing and Politics within a working lunch format.

Law & Healthcare Taster Days

Aimed at those of you interested in finding out in more detail about careers and entry routes into law and healthcare (medicine, dentistry, physio, veterinary). These day-long events are run at the school by specialist external facilitators.

Higher Education, Careers & Gap Year Fair

All sixth form students are invited to attend this annual event hosted by the school. It offers a “one-stop shop” to introduce you to as wide a range of higher education and careers opportunities as possible in a single evening. Advice and guidance will be available from around 50 universities / higher education establishments as well as employers and gap year providers.

Mini-MBA

In the first term, all Year 12 students participate in the Personal Impact & Presence module, through a combination of online delivery, group work, practical tasks and presentations from industry experts. The module helps with understanding yourself and dealing with others e.g. difficult conversations and giving feedback. You will then be given the opportunity to continue the Mini-MBA course and learn more about 3 different aspects of business – business performance, marketing and strategy.

OPPORTUNITIES WE ENCOURAGE

Headstart Courses

Headstart courses are open to Year 12 students and offer the opportunity to find out more about studying and working in STEM subjects. The courses run during at universities during the

holidays and are residential, so can count towards your Gold DoE. Entry is via application during the Lent term.

Futurewise Career Courses and Events

You will be given details of a range of one-day insight events taking place in the holidays covering a large number of different careers from Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, TV & Film to Financial Careers.

SCHOOL AWARDS

Each year, the Old Berkhamstedians kindly offer the opportunity for Year 12 students to apply for a Travel Award towards the cost of trips which will develop individual skills and broaden minds. There is also the chance to apply for a fully funded 7-10 Day Tall Ships trip in the summer holidays through the Knox-Johnston Award.

You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.Steve Jobs

With the stalls set up, it was clear to see that there is an abundance of future prospects to be pursued by students for their time after Sixth FormStudent


CLUBS & SOCIETIESCLUBS & SOCIETIES

CLUBS & SOCIETIES606 Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

Analyse the weekend’s results from the beautiful game. Was it offside? Was it a penalty? Tell us your views on the current state of your team. What would you do if you were the manager? Did they spend well in the transfer window? Should there be a winter break? Is FIFA still a joke? Are you proud or embarrassed by your national team? Whatever your opinions on the above issues, come and share them on a Monday afternoon in 606 club, the home of football punditry. Watch footage, listen to speakers, test your knowledge of football in quizzes.

Amnesty Club

(Boys and Girls, 12 and 13)

Amnesty’s aim is to ‘protect the human’, so if you join the group, you will be shining a light on the dark area of human rights violations worldwide. You might be writing directly to government leaders to secure the release of prisoners of conscience or campaigning on issues such as the death penalty. Each year, you get the chance to ‘write for rights’, which means standing up for the most vulnerable individuals in their hour of need.

Ancient Greek Club

(Boys and Girls, 9 to 13)

In this club, you will be introduced to the structures of the Ancient Greek language and look at how it has influenced our own. 10% of the English language comes from Greek, but that 10% is located in the highest language registers. Studying Ancient Greek can unlock some of our most challenging scientific, philosophical, mathematical and cultural language, and act as a stimulus to learning something about those fields. This can be viewed as a short-course or

continued to a significant level of proficiency.

Ancient British History Club


Learning, through video and discussion, about life in Britain from the Stone Age to the Norman Conquest.

Ancient World Fun Club

(Girls, 7 To 9)

In the Ancient World Fun Club, you will be given the opportunity to experience the ancient worlds through model making and fun games. If you enjoy greek myths and like Percy Jackson, this is a great club for you!

Argentine Tango Club (Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

You will have a lot of fun and get some great exercise learning this passionate and energetic dance, with a professional dance teacher puts you through your paces.

Art Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to work closely on a project of your own choice and exhibit your work at the end of the year. Art Scholars are encouraged to attend, but the club is also open to anyone passionate and excited about the subject - perfect if you are considering GCSE/A level or

going to art college after Y13.

Article 2 Club

(Boys And Girls, 7 To 13)

By considering topical issues, you will consider how we can raise awareness, promote equality, value diversity and work towards inclusivity for all, with

a framework based on Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. If you would like to make a difference to our school community then this is the club for you!

Backgammon Club(Boys And Girls, 11 To 13)

In Backgammon Club you will have the chance to play one the best board games invented. Backgammon is a game which relies on skill and the ability to judge risk, while also embracing a certain amount of luck. You will learn to develop and use different strategies and enjoy a lot of competition.

Berkhamsted Boardworks(Boys And Girls, 9 to 13)

Skateboard/longboard making and shaping; graphics and artwork; business and marketing; culture and collaboration.

Biology Mini Research Projects (Boys And Girls, 11 To 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to design and run mini Science (Biology) projects with the view to developing your practical skills. These projects/experiments could be linked to EPQ studies.

Board Games Club (Castle)(Boys and Girls, 7

(Boys And Girls, 7 to 13)

“Bored games?!” I hear you groan. No! Board Games Club. Get on board (intended) as we take the monopoly on students at club time. All your favourites from the past including Cluedo, Chinese Checkers, Uno and the cause of every Christmas argument, Monopoly. Not sold? We have new games too - Game of Thrones, Bucket of Doom, Jumanji!



Board Games Club (Kings)(Boys and Girls, 7

(Boys And Girls, 7 to 13)

In an open and friendly environment you will play board games, whilst developing your tactical, logical and reasoning skills with a little bit (or a lot) of competition thrown in.

Book Club (Castle and Kings)

(Boys at Castle, Girls at Kings, 7 to 11)

In Book Club you can extend your experience of reading for pleasure. You might discuss what makes a good book and which writers are the best. You can choose which genres and writers you’d like to read more of (and which you want to avoid). Previous discussions have included banned books (i.e. did you know Potter was banned in some parts of the USA?), graphic novels and books adapted to film.

British Sign Language Club(Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to join the other 250,000 people in the UK who can communicate using British Sign Language. Together, you will learn basic conversational signing before embarking on the pop video challenge.

Carpet Bowls


In the Carpet Bowls Club, you will

learn how to play and enjoy a great strategic game as well as collaborate with and compete against boys and girls from other year groups.

Chemistry Society


If you are a Y13 student, you will get the opportunity to teach Y11 students advanced practical skills that are enjoyable and will be useful for those who want to study chemistry at A level. You will prepare some organic compounds such as medicinal drugs, test their purity and turn foul smelling chemicals into perfumes.

Chess Clubs

(Boys and Girls, 7 to 9, 12 to 13)

In the Chess Club you will develop your strategic thinking and compete in a league against boys and girls from your own and other year groups.

Christian Union


The Christian Union is open to all, but is particularly geared towards those who express a Christian faith and want to meet with other Christian students in School. Through discussion, debate, games, and bible study there will be the opportunity to reflect, question and explore the key issues of life.

Classic Black and White Movie Club


Be inspired: watch and discuss some of the classic movies of the 20th century.

Classical Film Society


In the Classical Film Society, you will have the opportunity to watch and discuss films which depict events in the Ancient World.

Commonwealth War Graves in Berkhamsted (Boys and Girls, 9 and 11)

In this club, you will have the opportunity to carry out some research into the Commonwealth War Graves headstones in Berkhamsted Town Cemetery.

Contemporary Dance – Beginner to Intermediate(Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

Learn to dance or improve your existing skills and get some great exercise in this class led by Sixth Formers.

Craft Club


In the Craft Club you will be able to learn a new skill or refine an existing one. You will have the opportunity to learn how to cut fabric using a pattern, pin, tack and use a sewing machine to make a cushion cover, a pencil case or make-up bag. Alternatively, you could choose to learn how to knit and

use garter and stocking stitches to make an ‘Innocent’ hat. If you prefer needlecraft, try a cross stich design. As well as having a relaxing time you will develop hand eye coordination skills, perseverance and a sense of pride in your achievements.

Crawford Society


The Crawford Society is a learned society for learning people. You will be given the opportunity to present a paper to your peers and discuss a wide variety of issues. Topics presented last year included ‘Equality’, ‘The Science of Attraction’, ‘Psychology and Magic’ and ‘Consciousness – the hard problem’

Creative Ceramic Design(Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

Learn how to design and make functional pieces. The brief will change termly, e.g., key fobs, earrings and coasters, teaching you building in clay, decorating and glazing, all resulting in great gifts for friends and family!

Creative Writing (Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

Get your imagination going and become more creative with your writing! Join ctivities and discussions on writing imaginatively and see where your creativity might take you!

Cricket Nets(Boys and Girls, 8 and 9)

This club will provide an opportunity for Cricket Scholars to practise their skills during the winter months.

Cryptic Crosswords(Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

In this club, you will learn the art of solving cryptic crosswords. An enjoyment of puzzles, wordplay and a good vocabulary are required.



Debating Society


The Debating Society will teach you the skills of persuasion in a friendly but competitive environment. You will take part in debates on the Economic, Social, Ethical and Political issues of the day. This will help you analyse your material as well as defeat others! You will be trained in the British Parliamentary style and given the opportunity to represent the school at Universities across the country.

Digital Leaders(Boys and Girls, 97to 13)

You will represent the student body in whole school discussions about ICT, offer support and encouragement to your peers and staff, trial new products, create resources and share

ideas.

Digital Theatre Club


This club will give you the opportunity to enjoy pre-recorded live theatre productions and discuss what you have seen. Of particular interest to those who enjoy the theatre or want to find out more.

Economics Society


In the Economics Society, you will prepare a short presentation on an economic topic, which should be taken from outside the A-Level specification and promote discussion amongst the group. You will be

encouraged to research your topics thoroughly. There will also be ample opportunity to participate in debates

Fives for Girls (Girls, 7 to 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to have a go at a game that you may or may not have played before. It will take place at the Prep School Courts and is for girls of all abilities.

Fives for Boys (Boys, 7 to 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to play Fives and develop your existing skills. It will take place at the Boys’ School Courts.

Focus on Current Affairs (FOCA)

(Boys, 11 to 13)

In FOCA you will analyse and discuss a range of current affairs and issues. This

will be of particular interest to those who read and/or watch the news.

Foreign Film Club


The Foreign Film Society will raise your awareness of classic foreign films - you will listen to the foreign language but have the English subtitles available to read. The aim is to help you to appreciate and discuss the themes, styles, use of music, film techniques, type of language used, and setting etc. A further objective is to expose you to other cultures and customs as part of your broader education and by so doing help you to become more discerning in your choice of viewing in the future. Films will typically be from European countries but might also come from the Hispanic World or the Middle or Far East.

GAP and Travel Club


In the GAP and Travel Club you will be given the opportunity to discover destinations globally, look at the possibilities for travel, GAP year opportunities and much more! You will

also be given some useful hints on planning, organisation, money and safety.

German Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

This club will give you the opportunity to learn German from scratch or develop your skills from last year.

GreenPower (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

In the GreenPower Club you will design, build and eventually race an electric car. This will be of particular interest to those of you who are interested in design, green energy, mechanical engineering or electronics.

History Film Club (Boys and Girls, 9 to 13)

In this club, you will watch and discuss historical films on a range of topics from Ancient Rome to the Cold War. This would suit anyone thinking about studying History at GCSE, A Level or beyond school.

Hockey for Girls

(Girls, 7 to 9)

Whether you are a beginner or have played before, come pick up a stick and get involved!

INK Editors (INK Editorial Team)(Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

his club will provide the editorial team the opportunity to plan issues of the school’s award-winning magazine.

INK Writers and Illustrators(Boys and Girls, 9 and 13)

This club will allow you to develop content for our School’s high profile student magazine. You will be offered journalism training to provide you with the skills you need to write compelling articles that students, teachers and the wider school community will want to read. Finally, you will be rewarded by seeing your articles published in the magazine – in print and online – with your name attached.



Investment Society


In the Investment Society you will take part in stockbroking (buying and selling virtual shares on the London Stock Exchange), using the Bullbearings website. Your success in growing your portfolio will be reflected in our School league table. We will also discuss other investment related activities and try other business related simulation games.

iThink Society (Boys and Girls, 9 to 13)

This is your chance to grapple with big questions such as ‘do we really have free will?’, ‘Do we really exist?’, ‘What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong?’ A typical session might involve watching clips and videos to stimulate philosophical discussion, or puzzling over thought experiments that have confounded philosophers for centuries.

Junior Medics (Boys and Girls, Year 11)

Are you interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, vet science or physiotherapy? If so, perhaps consider joining the Junior Medics society. In this club, we will explore what a medical career might be like, what the entry requirements are to go in to a career in medicine and spend some time looking at areas of medicine that might interest you.

Lettering Club

(Boys and Girls, 9 to 12))

Learn how to create decorative writing that can be used for greetings cards, posters etc. More imaginative than calligraphy with lots of potential for creative outcomes!

LITFLIX(Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

Come along and enjoy cinematic adaptations of classic literary texts such as ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘The Go-Between’ and ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’. Be prepared to discuss!

Magic: The Gathering


Magic: The Gathering was the world’s first trading card game: created in 1993. It now has around twenty million players worldwide. Set on a variety of fantasy worlds and something like a cross between chess and poker, Magic will appeal to students who enjoy testing their brainpower. Although Magic is a trading card game, starter decks will be provided so that no money needs to be committed.

Maths Challenge Club


This club is for you if you enjoy problem solving in Mathematics and want to learn strategies to solve trickier questions.

Medics Society


In Medics Society, join other aspiring doctors and dentists to discuss interesting cases of medical ethics and current topics in health. Each session varies from debating cases to watching surgical tapes to sharing tips and tricks for applying to medical school and more.

Model Building Club(Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

A plastic model-building club – your opportunity to assemble plastic models of airplanes, ships, spacecraft or dioramas - as well as paint and present the models.

Musical Theatre(Boys, 7 to 13)

Musical Theatre is a joyous fusion of two amazing art forms. In the Musical Theatre (boys) club you will enjoy learning, rehearsing and performing a variety of musical theatre songs and scenes with a particular focus on characterisation and acting through song. We will explore all sub-genres from comedy to tragedy to juke box musicals and will be wonderfully tuneful along the way.

Nail Art Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

Design and paint fake nails for fun. Experiment with different nail art techniques and take home your creations.

Nutty Tilez(Boys and Girls, 9 and 11)

Practise your listening and grammar skills to build up your French or Spanish language skills using the website ‘This is Language’. The MFL Department will pay the subscription fee for all pupils studying a language.

Photography Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

Learn how to work with Adobe Photoshop using digital SLR cameras. Learn how to work with Analogue film

alongside the darkroom process.

Psychology Film Club (Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

The Psychology Film Club will give you the opportunity to watch films and documentaries centred on

Psychology and discuss key themes arising from them.

Puzzle Club


This is your chance to have a go at solving popular puzzles such as Sudoku, crosswords, cross numbers and other styles that appear regularly in newspapers.

Sandi Group (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

Sandi is our link school in South Africa. In this club, you will contribute to maintaining the friendship link between our schools, help with fundraising initiatives, make cards and write letters. You will also learn more about Sandi and South Africa - the history of the country, apartheid, Nelson Mandela, the language of Xhosa (as spoken by our friends at Sandi), Geography and nature.

Science and Engineering(Boys and Girls, 7 to 9)

This is your chance to have a go a tackling some science and engineering challenges and projects.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Club


In the Sci-Fi Fantasy Film Club, you will have the opportunity to look at the growth of this film and television genre over the last 50 years and consider why it is so successful. You will develop critical skills as you analyse the content, design and appeal of the films. You will, in some cases, compare the literary originals to the screen adaptations, and consider how the written word has been brought to life on the screen.



Scratch Programming Club (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

In the Scratch Programming Club, you will get a chance to develop your own simple computer games. Each week, you will also be introduced to a new concept or idea to improve your programming, which you might choose to build into your games. You’ll certainly learn from your mistakes, as well as learning to plan ahead, think logically and consider problems from a number of different angles.

Snooker


In the Snooker Club you will have the opportunity to play snooker and learn the rules of the game. Most of the time you will be playing as part of a team so you will have to discuss your strategy with your partner. Playing the game will help to develop your manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination and your judgement of angles.

Sounding Board (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

This is your opportunity to discuss your learning and give tips to teachers on how we can improve. A club based on

Building Learning Power.

Speaking Up (Boys and Girls, 7 to 13)

This is your opportunity to become more confident about your public speaking. It will help with reading in assembly, reading aloud in lessons, interviews and presentations in class. We will be doing a variety of activities, including games and learning to

listen!

STEM KS3 Club -

Micro: Bits & Pieces


In this club, you will learn to program BBC Microbits to make simple data loggers, robot arms and rocket car controllers, other microcontroller applications and general programming in Python to support STEM and the Berko HAB.

STEM KS4 Club (Boys and Girls, 9 and 11)

Always fancied yourself as an engineer? Consider yourself ingenious and imaginative? In the STEM KS4 Club you will be given the opportunity to design, build and run a variety of hands-on projects, such as gas powered cars and rockets, and take your practical skills to the next level.

STEM KS5 Club - High Altitude

Balloon


Get involved with the STEM KS5 Club and you can design your own payload to be transported to the stratosphere. As part of the Berkhamsted School Space Agency (BSSA), you will also have the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility and leadership as you liaise with the junior STEM clubs. You will be involved during the entire year to achieve a successful launch in the summer term.

Student Consultancy

(Boys and Girls, by invitation)

In the Student Consultancy you will be trained and will work closely as part of

a Management Consultancy Team to develop your skills and explore solutions to a particular real business issue facing a local charitable or council organisation.

SURREEL (Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

SURREEL is a new and exciting marketing and production company, which has been set up by the Media Studies Department. SURREEL offers a range of services within the school including the filming of events, the creation of video content as requested, promotional videos as well as promotional artwork. We are looking for a team of students who have an interest in the media and are keen to develop their production and marketing skills. As part of the team, you would be expected to commit to the club for the year. You should also be willing to spend time outside of the allocated Clubs and Societies slot if needed, e.g. to stay behind to film or edit if we need to meet a tight deadline.

Touch Rugby(Boys and Girls, 11 to 13)

Touch rugby is a non-contact, easy to learn sport, which is really growing in popularity across the UK. Improve your fitness and learn some new skills.

VATS (Boys and Girls, 12 and 13)

In VATS you will have the opportunity to explore the basics of DJ-ing and listen to and discuss some of the great records which have helped to shape this art-form.

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL

Documents

HORIZONS - Berkhamsted School · 2020. 11. 30. · British Biology Olympiad Year 13 students are encouraged to enter this competition which challenges and stimulates students with