We asked pupils to share some information about their co-curricular activities this term
The first half term of CCF was filled with activity: on our first session back, we implemented a completely new structure, arranging cadets into four platoons of three sections. These platoons have around thirty cadets in total, and provide more opportunities for students of all years to get involved with leadership and teaching. Older cadets are encouraged to help the newer members of their section and are given more responsibility in turn.
We also embarked on a thirty-six-hour exercise, Operation Autumn Storm. This camp gave cadets a chance to put their skills to use, as everyone was issued an airsoft rifle for the duration of the exercise. Despite the weather, cadets of all years enjoyed lessons ranging from camouflage to clearing buildings of enemies. These culminated in a set of large-scale attacks against an Upper Sixth enemy.
Looking ahead, the rest of the term is full of excitement, as the new Third Form cadets experience their first winter camp, and the Sixth Form enjoys a formal Christmas dinner. As the new year starts, the Lower Sixth Form will start to take even more responsibility in the lead-up to our Annual General Inspection and black-tie dinner.
Oliver, Upper Sixth Form
Co-curricular music, here at St Albans School, has ramped up once more for the year of 2022-2023. The Autumn Term began with the usual music co-curricular activities, such as the Concert Band, String Orchestra, Sinfonietta, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band, as well as the smaller chamber groups of piano trios and even a quintet. This includes chamber groups playing a wide range of music from pieces by Mozart to Haydn and even Weber. These run weekly, each practising for the music concert which is to happen by the end of the term.
However, these were not the only musical activities to take place this term; there was also a steel pan and African drumming workshop which took place during Black History Month. In addition, there were BHM lunchtime concerts in which many students sang, played, and performed amazing pieces in the Hall.
Not only this, but the Music Department has much more to come in this second half of the Autumn Term with various performances to look forward to! As a result of all the hard work the musicians have put in, and as the main music event of the term, there will of course be the end of term Autumn Concert.
Alex, Third Form
The main focus for Drama this term has been the annual Main School Production, this year with a musical twist. As it's the first proper production since COVID times, the Drama and Music Departments wanted to come back with a bang, and it’s the all-out, no-holds-barred fever dream that is School of Rock that will be blessing audiences for three nights in late November. It’s not all been smooth sailing so far – the musical is long and incredibly technical in terms of production, acting and music (the author, playing the lead role/esteemed loser Dewey Finn, has some disgustingly difficult singing to do), and every rehearsal encounters a new problem and another setback. However, morale is high, and it is slowly but surely coming together. The whole team is very excited for what we think we can accomplish.
Outside of the School production, there are plenty of other exciting prospects to look forward to. The always popular Lower Sixth Improvisation Show was a great comedy filled night for both the students performing and the audience. The Middle and Lower School Drama Club also keep ploughing forwards, with eyes turning towards the Christmas Plays at the end of the year. To reserve your tickets for School of Rock please click HERE.
Ross, Upper Sixth Form
House events this term began with a House Art Competition; contestants were asked to create ‘a snapshot of summer’ through any medium. The wide variety of submissions resulted in one final look at the sunshine before the Autumn came into full-swing.
European Language Day came early in the term and offered budding linguists a chance to earn house points for showing off their foreign language skills and attempting to learn new and exciting ones.
Onto Sports. House Golf and House Netball took the best athletes from each House to compete against each other in tense events to earn points for their houses. The Saturday leading into half term saw teams across all year groups and houses fight for victory on the Football and Rugby pitches at Woollams. Whilst Football remained true to form, Rugby saw changes to make the game fast-paced and more accessible to suit a short action-filled day.
Coming up in the second half term is House Debating, where speakers will argue for and against topical issues to convince an audience one way or another. Additionally, House General Knowledge will test contestants' know-how on a range of topics from politics to films and everything in between.
Will, Upper Sixth Form
