Trips, expeditions and DofE
Whether joining a day trip to investigate the impacts of coastal management, a joint politics trip with Abingdon School to Washington DC and NYC, a volunteering expedition to Eswatini, language exchanges in Europe or playing sport in Spain, trips and expeditions provide students a chance to broaden their understanding of themselves and the world around them and create lifelong memories. We provide an exciting and varied programme which offers unique learning experiences for all year groups. Some trips, such as those related to the curriculum, take place every year, while others represent an enrichment of the curriculum or are adventure-based and they may happen on a two- or three-year cycle.
Sport
Sport is an integral part of life at St Helen’s. A diverse range of sports and activities is available recreationally and competitively – before school, during lunchtimes, after school and at weekends. We have recently been ranked as the 8th girls school for sport in the UK and top in Oxfordshire by the School Sport Magazine. and were listed in the top 20 girls schools for cricket in the Cricketer’s 2023 Schools Guide. Our department is welcoming, happy and vibrant. Many of our expert staff come from professional sporting backgrounds, including England rugby and lacrosse players, Netball Superleague players, and coaches at national and international levels.
Music
Music is an integral part of life at St Helen’s and the Music Department offers a hugely busy and diverse extracurricular programme, led by our passionate teaching staff and sometimes by senior music students. The school day begins with individual performances in morning assembly or with Chapel Choir leading a chapel service and throughout the day, there is always the sound of students practising and ensembles rehearsing. 30+ concerts, workshops, festivals and competitions every year. Live music is a feature of so many school events and our aim is that everyone who would like to get involved can do so – whatever their level or experience. We also run many auditioning choirs, orchestras and bands as well as joint events with Abingdon School and other partnership activities. We have a high-quality chamber music programme with huge success each year in local and national competitions and our jazz and pop music departments enjoy a consistently high profile.
Drama
Opportunities to be involved in or to run extracurricular drama activities are many and varied. This is made all the more special by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our students. Our older students are always keen to share their ideas and knowledge with those further down the School. Along with staff who are passionate about their subject, this helps to make extracurricular drama at St Helen’s an exciting and vibrant environment, instilling an appreciation of the dramatic arts that lasts a lifetime Quite simply, there is something for everyone in St Helen’s drama. Whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes, if you are passionate about theatre and performance, keen to learn and willing to devote time and energy to creating exciting work then you can be involved!
Art and design
Engaging in extracurricular art and design can offer students a unique opportunity to develop their creativity, pursue their passions and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, photography or any other medium, art and design can provide a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that can inspire a lifetime of creativity and innovation. We offer a rich variety of creative clubs and societies to allow students to continue to explore their artistic side, even if they no longer take art as a subject, or to extend and develop their skills and understanding beyond the curriculum. Individual development and self-expression are supported through practical work involving a range of traditional and new media, from drawing and photography to animation and film. Art Department staff are all practising artists and designers, who bring a wide range of knowledge and expertise in painting, printmaking, ceramics, 3D design and new media to the School. Our Junior Department and Lower School Art Clubs offer students individual development and self-expression, while our Ceramics Clubs and Jewellery Club give the space and opportunity to experiment and try new creative practices. At GCSE, artists can work on their projects in Sketchbook Club and at drop-in sessions, and in Year 11 and Sixth Form, select students are invited to our Life Drawing Club to explore a new medium.
3.44 miles
