Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities
...an inspirational programme of extracurricular activities in sport, outdoor pursuits and creative arts.
Ofsted 2019
GCA students get significant benefit from the extra-curricular activities we offer, all of which challenge them physically and mentally and enable them to meet new people and try new things.
An impressive number of students take part in outdoor education, performing arts and sports – all activities with a long-standing tradition at GCA. Well over seventy-five percent go on a residential outdoor trip each year and those taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme combine outdoor pursuits with community activity. All Year 7 students have an opportunity to take part in an outdoor education residential at the Bradwell centre in Essex. Here's what 7KT students said about their visit:
'I had an amazing time at Bradwell as I made a lot of new friends and I did a lot of activities. My favourite was high ropes. We also did archery, cycling and problem solving' Jan
'I had a fun time in Bradwell due to the fact that there were many enjoyable activities such as high ropes, archery and cycling' Nicolas
'I enjoyed high ropes and making new friends. Also, the fact that I got closer to my friends already. In addition, it was very fun being outdoors in nature and there was beautiful scenery' Alannah
'I really enjoyed being with my friends and having a good time' Leviah
'My favourite activity in Bradwell was problem solving. I made new friends with people in my dorm too!' Elias
'We did high ropes, archery, problem solving and kite flying. My favourite was cycling' Noah
'My favourite memory of Bradwell was the high ropes because when you got to the top, it was hard to stand because the wind pushed you off' Ruben
'I really liked the activities that we did, especially the high ropes because even though it was scary, I had a really good time' William
'My favourite activity was kite flight; the kites went so fast!' Spencer
'My favourite activity was the high ropes because it was extremely challenging, but very fun' Nicholson
'It was great. I got closer to my old friends and made new friends. I also faced my fear of heights by going to the very top of the high ropes' Rochelle
'I think it was a fun trip because it taught us how to be independent and how to face some of your fears by trying. I also think it was a great opportunity to make new friends but also create a closer bond with your friends' Olivia
The Performing Arts Centre is in constant use beyond the school day as students develop their skills supported by staff and professional performers. Sports teams are successful year on year in national competitions and many former students play at international level.
Other well-established clubs that cater for a wide range of interests include robotics, art, debating and public speaking, enterprise, computing, chess, film and languages.
Students delve into the fields of politics, history, literature, psychology and science in classics and philosophy clubs. Since introducing sailing to our outdoor education programme, over 200 students have gained sailing qualifications and many students have raced competitively against professional crews in GCA’s own yacht, Scaramouche, as well as a wide range of other craft.
Students relish the challenge that GCA’s many STEM projects offer. Building and racing electronic cars, designing flight simulators, developing robots and drones, researching sustainability matters, and understanding the way STEM skills are needed in a wide range of careers – all these activities involve students working in mixed-age teams and offer them opportunities to test themselves against the best that other schools have to offer.
Download the timetable attached below to find out what's on this year.
