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nurturing excellence Senior School Enrichment Activities

Howell’s School, Llandaff, has a reputation ENRICHMENTfor excellence. Alongside the outstanding academic programme, the Senior School girls are given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of enrichment activities. The clubs on offer are held during the lunch break and after school, and most of them are run by our enthusiastic staff.T here are also competitions and events in which the girls can become involved. Extra-curricular activities introduce girls to new opportunities, thereby broadening their horizons, and encourage the development of a range of skills and qualities, e.g. creative thinking, events management, entrepreneurial and business skills, team-work and self-confidence.T his leaflet outlines the extensive range of enrichment and well-being activities on offer.

Dr Sara Southern, Head of Senior School

The Howell’s Award The Howell’s Award is an opportunity for girls in Year 7 and 8 to be rewarded for active

participation in school life. It takes account of their contributions to the Senior School ▲▲▲▲▲▲ ▲ • • • • • ▲ • • ▲ ▲• • House system, service, extra-curricular activities and learning about themselves through ▲ • ▲ • • ▲ • ▲ •

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▲ ▲ ▲ distinction. As part of the Award, each year group participates in a residential experience ▲

to encourage team-building and House involvement. As a result of popular demand, we ▲ hope to expand the scheme to allow Year 9 girls to participate in the Award.

In addition to the annual award, special achievement and effort are recognised weekly through the Howell’s Award ‘Star of the Week’ scheme. A girl who is featured as ‘Star of the Week’ on the Howell’s Award notice board is rewarded with two points for her House. In this way, the scheme is linked to the school’s overall House system through both the criteria for the Award itself, awarded in a ceremony at the end of the Spring Term, and rewards for effort and achievement throughout the school year. Booklets are collected periodically to allow the monitoring and communication to staff of girls’ achievements and special mention is given to those who participate fully in order to encourage girls throughout the year.

The Howell’s Award was devised to improve the girls’ well-being by rewarding effort and achievement outside the academic. It is a successful scheme which encourages them to engage positively with each other and staff and emphasises the value placed by Howell’s on girls’ attitudes, personalities and contributions to school life.

3 Sports Competitions and Rallies GDST Rallies, Tournaments Cardiff and Vale and Competitions Schools’ Tournaments Howell’s promotes fitness for life ● Swimming Gala ● Hockey: Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Under 15 and Under 16 and Senior ● Senior and Under 15 Hockey ● Netball: Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Senior Howell’s School offers a wide range of sports activities and clubs at lunchtime and after school. Health and fitness are ● Senior and Under 15 Netball ● Cross Country League & Championships (All age groups) taken very seriously and all girls, whether keen members of school teams or not, have numerous opportunities to ● Senior and Under 15 Lacrosse ● Athletics Championships and Knock-Out Cup team events (All age groups) keep fit through taking part in a variety of physical activities.T he school recognises that participation in sports also ● Athletics Competition ● Tennis: Aegon League Competitions Under 13, Under 15 helps to enhance performance in academic subjects. ● Tennis Tournament ● National Schools Team Tennis Competition ● GDST Day of Dance ● Gymnastics Championships “The best thing about Howell’s is sport because the PE teachers really encourage us in PE lessons and to join a lunchtime or After School club. Howell’s also encourages us to play in Other Competitions matches, and this boosts our confidence.” ● Independent Schools’ Rounders League (All age groups) Gopikaa, Year 8 ● Lacrosse GDST rallies, West Schools Rally, Welsh Junior and Senior Rally. Training and matches with Cardiff Lacrosse Club SportExtra-curricular Sports Activities s

Autumn /Spring Term (typical timetable)

Years 7-9 Years 7 & 8 Years 10-11 ● Hockey (1½ hours) ● Badminton (30 minutes) ● Netball (1½ hours) ● Netball (1½ hours) ● Hockey (1 hour) ● Lacrosse (1 hour) ● Lacrosse (1 hour) ● Fitness/Running (30 minutes) ● Swimming (1 Hour) ● Swimming (1hour) ● Fitness Suite (lunchtime and after school)

Summer Term (typical timetable)

Years 7-10 ● Tennis for Beginners (30 minutes) ● Tennis League Under 13 and Under 15 (1 hour) ● Rounders (1hour 30 minutes) ● Athletics (1 hour)

4 5 Opportunities Rounders Rounders practices are held during the lunchtime and after school for all Girls have the opportunity to play in teams at different levels: house, school, Cardiff and Vale Schools’, and even year groups. Matches are played throughout the Summer Term against represent Wales. In the past they have represented Wales in hockey, cricket, netball, lacrosse, athletics, rounders, local schools and other Independent Schools as part of the Independent cross country, swimming, trampoline, sailing, ice-skating, horse riding and rock-climbing. Schools’ Rounders League competition. Under 14 and Under 16 players may have the opportunity to attend Welsh team trials. Fair Play Players on the various squads are rotated to give as many girls as possible the opportunity to play. Swimming Swimming Club is held every week after school throughout the Hockey Club Autumn and Spring Terms. Girls have the opportunity to improve technique and stamina and to complete the ASA badge scheme. Girls have the opportunity to represent school in all years. Matches are played A swimming gala is held each term. Girls have the chance of selection against local schools in friendly fixtures and a team from each year group for the Cardiff and Vale Schools’ team. competes in the Cardiff and Vale Schools’T ournaments throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms.

Players from Years 7 and 8 play in the Under 13 South Wales Sunday League Tournaments held every month during the Autumn and Spring Terms. Cross Country SportThe school competes in the Cardiff and Vale Schools’ Cross Country s League races and in the Schools’ Championship races. Girls are selected for the Reebok Cross Country Challenge events and for Welsh Schools’ Netball Championship races. A ‘Running for Fitness’ Club is held every Friday during Team practices are held for all year groups. Matches are played throughout the the lunchtime break. season against local schools and other independent schools. A and B teams are selected in Years 7-10 to give as many players as possible the opportunity to play competitive sport. Cardiff and Vale Schools’ tournaments are played at all age groups. Cricket Kwik Cricket Club is held during the Summer Term. The school enters the Lady Taverners’ Under 13 and Under 15 Indoor Cricket competition. Lacrosse Club Lacrosse Club training is held every Thursday after school for all players in Years 7-11. Matches are played against schools in Monmouth, Gloucestershire and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Wiltshire. Teams in Years 7-10 play in the Junior Welsh Rally and in the Junior All girls in Year 10 are invited to participate in the Bronze Award part of the and Senior West Schools’ Rally. scheme. The two-day practice and qualifying expeditions are held during the Summer Term. All participants must undertake a physical activity, a The school has a direct link with Cardiff Lacrosse Club, giving players the volunteering activity and a skills activity to gain the Award. opportunity to develop their competitive skills and match-playing experience by playing and training on Sundays. Year 11 girls who have completed the Bronze Award may advance to the Silver Award. The three day expedition is completed during the Easter holidays. Tennis Tennis practices are held for beginners and improvers during the Summer Term. Teams compete in the Aegon Schools’ League Year 11 well-being fitness programme competitions against local schools and in the National Schools’ Team competition. All Year 11 girls take part in a well-being PE Programme, with each group participating in two activities during the afternoon. One of these activities is ZUMBA, which is taught by Mrs Justine Austin, a qualified and dynamic Zumba teacher.T he other activities are Swimming for Relaxation, Fitness Training in the Fitness Suite and Sports Hall and ‘How Athletics to deal with stress’. Athletics practices are held during the Summer Term for all girls who wish to develop their running, throwing and jumping skills and to take part in Cardiff “This is a chance to enjoy being active as well as to relax. I have and Vale Schools’ competitions held at Leckwith Stadium or Jenner Park, Barry. really enjoyed doing Zumba but had almost forgotten how Friendly events are also held against local schools for Years 7, 8 and 9. Other enjoyable it is to go for a swim at the end of the day!” athletic competitions include the Indoor Sports Hall event and the GDST Athletics Rally. Katie, Year 11

6 7 Chess Club (additional fee) clubs Open to all standards, including beginners, each session is a mixture of teaching (with the aid of a large demonstration board) and playing. The girls play each other and then move on to take part in the UK Chess Challenge, with the top scorers progressing to the Wales Mega Final. Although the emphasis is on the fun of the game, there are “The best thing about Howell’s is the number of clubs available. From Debating Club to Netball recognised educational benefits of playing and studying chess in terms of thinking Club, from Lacrosse Club to Reading and Reviewing, there are lots of opportunities. The skills and resilience. amount of effort the teachers put into the clubs is amazing!” Isobel, Year 8 Eisteddfod All girls participate in the renowned school Eisteddfod, which is a highlight of the year for many of them. The activities Art Clubs include themed subject-related homework competitions and staged competitions including recitations, singing, instrumental performances, reading, drama sketches and dance. The House Captains enthusiastically direct the House Choir Competition and Photography Club there is a high level of friendly rivalry between the houses. Girls submit their poetry compositions and the winner is proclaimed Photography Club gives the girls a chance to explore their at the prestigious Chairing of the Bard ceremony. environment and learn how to take successful photographs. We look at composition, viewpoints and lighting. The girls them learn how to manipulate their images using Photoshop on Apple Mac computers. An exhibition of their photographs makes an exciting end-of-year climax for Entrepreneurial Activities the girls. Girls in Years 7-10 are given opportunities to enter into business and entrepreneurial competitions. Recently, the Year 10 girls

took part in the Coca-Cola Real Business Challenge. The RBC is linked to the curriculum: it challenges girls to tackle a business Art Club task set by Coca-Cola Enterprises. This is work-related learning at its most engaging and an opportunity for a whole year group The Art Club provides the opportunity for girls to explore a wider range to develop enterprise skills that will give them a competitive edge in today’s job market. The challenge gives girls a chance to of media and techniques in a small group situation. An example of the pitch their business wits against other schools. The best student teams are invited to regional finals to work on a live challenge Clubskind of project undertaken is for the girls to design and make a shaped alongside Coca-Cola business experts. Years 7-9 are mentored by the Year 12 Entrepreneurial Team, who use £15 of the money cushion based on their initial letters, using batik and a sewing machine. they raise to challenge each form to make more money.

Year 11 enjoy an Entrepreneurial Programme. The aim of the programme is to give girls the freedom to run a fund-raising activity using their initiative. The girls benefit from inspiring speakers and mentors. Recent teams have arranged a number of Charities events including nail painting, discos, waffle making and selling items at lunchtime.T hey have developed their team-work skills and worked within tight time constraints. Each student has to take responsibility for organising a float, purchasing merchandise, The girls are involved in many charity events which improve their team-working making posters, calculating prices etc. in order to make a profit. and communication skills. The charities we help vary every year. Recently, we have raised funds for the Noah’s Ark Appeal, the George Thomas Hospice, Cancer Research Wales, Tenovus, The Size of Wales, an Indian orphanage, a school in Lesotho and a Bolivian Street Charity. The girls have achieved this through Geography Club various activities, such as cake and sweet sales, washing cars, and sponsored walks. Children in Need is an annual favourite fund-raising occasion, where the Geography Club encourages the girls to explore geographical issues girls from each form use their initiative and creativity, as well as developing and ideas further. This includes preparing news items for the BBC School their entrepreneurial skills. Report, assemblies on environmental issues and playing geographical games to develop their knowledge of the world. In Year 11, girls are invited to join the College Rotary Interact Group, which organises a range of social and sporting events to raise money for charities both at home and abroad. Rotary also runs History Club several competitions for History Club meets weekly and carries out a range of lively activities, young people, some of which such as quizzes, historical ‘treasure’ hunts, watching ‘Horrible Histories’, are open to members of the making models and creating history plays, which can then be Senior School. filmed.T he club often makes a contribution to the Welsh Heritage Competition and has won many prizes, ranging from money for department resources to books and DVDs, and a tour of the BBC studios.

8 9 Horse-Riding Club Film Fridays in the Library – weekly, all year Everyone is welcome to the Friday Film in the library at lunchtime. Girls bring a snack and relax on the sofas and beanbags. New to HSL in 2012! Howell’s Riding Club is for girls in the Senior School to Recently, the group has enjoyed ‘Tangled’, ‘Snow White and her Huntsman’, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ and ‘The Hunger Games’. participate in competitions organised by the National Schools’ Equestrian Association. Initially girls will compete mainly at grass roots and unaffiliated events in the Wales and West region. Maths Club Maths Club involves fun mathematical activities that all can enjoy, such Language Clubs as origami (making a cube), 3D bubble shapes, Fibonacci Patterns, logic problems, mathematical games such as ‘Set’, ‘Rush Hour’ and ‘Fractions Language Club Game’, ‘Nrich’ activities from the Nrich website, weaving ‘Valentines This club is open to all girls to help them develop a more global awareness of Hearts’, and preparing for the Junior Maths Challenge. The girls have a language and culture. The activities include correspondence with our sister school lot of fun exploring Maths outside lessons, in a less formal atmosphere. in Lesotho, comparing ‘Happy Birthday’ songs in different languages, makingC eltic rune bracelets and celebrating the Chinese New Year. The emphasis is on learning whilst having fun! Musical Activities Hispanic Club Music is an important part of life at Howell’s and all girls are The Hispanic Club is open to Years 7 and 8 and takes place weekly. The aim is to encourage and promote knowledge of the encouraged to take part. The school offers a comprehensive range Hispanic world, including Spain, Portugal and Latin America. This involves a range of different activities, both cultural and of music groups, so that every student has the opportunity to linguistic, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The girls are encouraged to come along and have fun with games, quizzes and participate. These range from Repertoire and Senior Orchestra to music! Jazz and Chamber ensembles as well as the Youth and Senior Choirs.

Latin Club Senior Choir The Maximus Latin Club is open to all girls in Year 7 and takes place weekly. The aim The Senior Choir has performed over the years with many Clubsof the club is to encourage and foster an interest in the ancient world, by exploring international artists and has also recently performed in Beijing and the rich cultural and linguistic heritage which has an enormous influence on the Vienna. The choir rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays 1:50-2:35 way we live and think today. Activities include mythology, games, quizzes, puzzles, and Mondays 3:45-5:00. The choir is a four-part female chorus and the spells of Harry Potter and similar popular fictional works, along with creative members are selected after an audition. opportunities for art and craft. Jazz and Chamber Ensembles Russian Club Senior Jazz Group performs at a variety of school events as well as in This is open to Year 10-13 girls. The emphasis is on learning the Cyrillic alphabet, developing basic speaking skills through external charity functions. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays 3:45-4:45 role play, and gaining an awareness of a different culture – across the different Russian-speaking countries of the former USSR. in the Octagon. Girls need to be Grade V standard. Youth Jazz Group rehearses on Tuesday 1:30-2:00 in the Octagon. Girls in Years 7-9 are welcome. Library Extra-Curricular Activities Small chamber ensembles, rock and pop groups are organised Kids’ Lit Quiz – Autumn Term for those girls who express an interest, e.g. flute ensemble, wind quartet, string quartet, piano trio. Each break-time during the Autumn Term there are quizzes that test Years 7 and 8 girls’ knowledge of children’s books. Each year, a team is put together for the Repertoire Orchestra ‘Kids’ Lit Quiz’ – an international competition that celebrates the ‘sport of reading’. The Repertoire Orchestra is open to any student who has been In 2010, the Howell’s team went through to the finals held in Edinburgh and playing an instrument for a year. The orchestra rehearses on competed against teams from all over the world. Thursday lunchtime 1:50-2:35 in the Octagon.

Reading and Reviewing – Weekly, All Year Senior Orchestra The Reading and Reviewing Club meets in the Library every week for members to The Senior Orchestra accepts girls who are at share their love of books and reading. They can find out about books that they might Grade V and above in standard. Rehearsals take enjoy reading and share their own favourite reads with the group. place on Thursdays 3:45-4:45 in the Octagon. Carnegie Shadowing – Summer Term Each year, a group of Senior School girls is chosen to represent Howell’s in Cardiff’s Carnegie Shadowing Event. The team, along with others from local schools, have the opportunity to create and perform a short play based on one of the Carnegie Award shortlisted books. The performances are held at The Gate Arts Centre in Roath, and family and friends are invited to be the audience.

10 11 Individual Music Tuition (additional fees) Rotary Youth Speaks Visiting teachers come into school to teach a variety of musical Rotary Youth Speaks is open to girls in Years 7-13. Teams of three, instruments (mainly Individual lessons; however, some group competing locally, deliver their thoughts and feelings on a topic, with lessons are offered for brass, guitar and violin). the opportunity to progress to national finals.

Individual lessons are offered in: English Speaking Union Voice/Singing: Classical and Musical Theatre. The English Speaking Union offers the chance to take to the stage as Brass: Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba, part of an annual team-based public speaking competition with other Euphonium, Tenor Horn schools across the country and, if success beckons, across the world. The Guitar: Classical, Jazz and Rock competition is open to teams of three girls from Years 10 or 11. Percussion: Drum Kit, Band/Orchestral Percussion Piano: Classical and Jazz Piano Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass Woodwind: Flute Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone. Radio Club Led by College students, this new club encourages the Senior School girls to submit stories and ideas for the new radio station. Drama, Musical Theatre and Speech Classes (additional fees) Speech, Drama and Group Musical Theatre classes are popular in the school from Year 7 to Year 13 and take place in lunchtimes, after Science Club school and on Saturdays. The focus of these lessons is to encourage This club is for Year 7 and 8 girls to have fun doing exciting science and develop effective communication and performance skills.T he experiments. These range from ‘investigating what’s living in the work finds an audience in school plays, concerts and assemblies. pond’ and looking at microscope specimens to making lava lamps Girls are also prepared for examinations of the London Academy and custard bouncing balls. Other activities include ‘fire writing’ and of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Speech examinations include making rainbows using acids and alkalis. Spoken English and Public Speaking, The Speaking of Verse and Prose, Clubsand Reading. Acting, Mime and Musical Theatre examinations may be taken individually, in pairs or as a group. These lessons provide an opportunity for each student to develop a range of vocal skills Urdd (The National League of Youth in Wales) and to acquire the confidence which comes from being able to communicate effectively. Annually, our girls have the opportunity to compete at National Level in the Urdd Eisteddfod. This can involve a range of performance styles: singing, recitation and dance. Over the years, the school has been successful and performances have been televised on S4C. These Debating Club activities encourage good teamwork and help to build confidence. The Urdd Eisteddfod is a unique opportunity for our girls not only to Debating Club is for those who love a good argument! Debating experience our rich Welsh culture first hand but also to be an essential has a long tradition at Howell’s, and is an enjoyable way to develop part of its preservation and help to secure the future of the Welsh analytical skills and ability to think on one’s feet. Recent debates language. have focused on whether uniform in schools should be abolished and whether Harry Potter should be made a compulsory text for English Literature study at GCSE. In the future, we are hoping to put forward willing teams for the International Competition for Young Debaters. Well-being and non-curricular trips Well-being and developing interpersonal skills are an important element of a Howell’s education. Public Speaking In Year 7, the First Twenty Days programme helps girls settle into the Public speaking is a popular activity at Howell’s, with several teams Senior School with ease. The girls experience a variety of activities, from the Senior School entered into a wide range of prestigious presentations and events, supported by their form tutor. This public speaking competitions, giving girls the chance to develop their programme includes a visit to the Urdd centre at Cardiff Bay.T hey communication skills and increase their self-confidence. take part in team-building activities including climbing and bowling. Staying overnight at the Centre helps the girls get to know each other and their tutors. Chrystall Prize The Chrystall Prize award is a GDST Public Speaking Competition set up in After the girls complete their end of year summer examinations, they are offered the opportunity, as a whole year group, to spend a memory of Chrystall Carter, a legal advisor to the GDST. Open to Year 11 week at the Llangrannog Urdd Camp in West Wales. By the end of the school year, the girls deserve a well-earned rest and a chance to girls, it is a demanding challenge that requires the commitment to prepare have a good time! Llangrannog is the perfect place to relax, have fun, and reflect on the year.I t is also an opportunity to practise their and deliver a lengthy speech and also the ability to respond with focus, pace Welsh if they wish! Activities are numerous and varied, from skiing and go-carting to discos and quad biking. Come rain or shine, the and intelligence to a range of questions. girls are guaranteed to have the time of their lives while enjoying arguably Wales’ prettiest beaches and its idyllic coastline.

12 13 Senior School Ski Trip The Senior School Ski Trip is open to girls in Years 8 and 9. Past trips have been organised to France, Italy and Austria. Girls of all abilities are welcome to participate, including complete beginners. In addition to a great deal of excitement on the snow, evening activities such as ice skating, swimming and bowling provide an opportunity to relax with friends at the end of a tiring day. The week culminates with a slalom ski race. cti v itie s

Language Department Trips a In the Senior School the girls are regularly invited to extend their F RI DAY Cross Country Running – all years Cross Years 7-10 Youth Choir Youth 7-10 Years Netball Club – all ages Fitness – all years Fitness Badminton Club Badminton Chamber Choir Russian Club Years 9-13 Years Russian Club Clubsknowledge of the languages they are studying via cultural visits Hockey Practices County to France, Germany, Spain and Italy, as well as within Wales for Welsh learners. These visits provide girls with the opportunity to use the languages studied and to learn more about the history, geography and culture of the countries themselves. Recent trips have included stays in Llangrannog, Glan Llyn, Paris, Cochem, Freiburg, Cologne, Cantabria, Granada and Rome. BS A N D A R CLU Club 10-13 Years 10 & 11 Hockey Years Rep Orchestra Senior Orchestra Senior Orchestra Geography Club Years 7-9 Years Club Geography Science Club Netball matches Netball matches Years 9 and 10 Netball Years Photography Club Photography Netball 11 and College Year Speech Club (LAMDA) Lacrosse Club Lacrosse Portuguese Club Portuguese CURRICUL A- EXTR Year 7 Netball Year T H UR SDAY W E D NE SDAY Year 7 Maths Club Year Year 7 Netball Year Senior Choir Languages Years 7-9 Years Languages and matches Jazz and Chamber 7 Latin Year Years 9 & 10 Netball Years Ensembles D of E Silver KS3 Debating (A) a n daff L l

“Residential trips are an amazing Reading and Reviewing Art Club Senior and U15 Hockey Year 7 Hockey Year Years 10 and 11 Hockey Years and matches Country RacesCross Year 8 Netball Year

Swimming Club Swimming Zumba Zumba Portuguese Club Portuguese 10-13 Years opportunity to see new places and get to Speech Club (LAMDA)

know new people. I feel really lucky to have S C HOO L , ’S been given the opportunity to travel with the choir to Vienna, go skiing in Austria and visit Paris. You get the chance to know other girls and the teachers well and learn to travel without your parents. Howell’s provides many opportunities for trips for girls of all MO N DAY tue SDAY Senior Choir Year 7 Netball Year Senior Choir Year 8 Hockey Year Year 9 Hockey Year 7-9 Hockey Years Year 7 Science Year

Chess Club Year 8 Science Year History Club ages in the Senior School.”

Hannah, Year 11

ELL LE OF HOW AMP EX H O N D LUNC H F IR S T LUNC S EC AF TER S C HOO L

Maths

Years Years

14 More than an education…

Howell’s School, Llandaff Cardiff Road, Cardiff CF5 2YD

Telephone: 029 2026 1832 Fax: 029 2057 8879

www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net

nurturing excellence