Outside the classroom

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Sport

‘Physical activity lends itself to the development of friendships, respect, team work, determination, courage, resilience, confidence and leadership opportunities, the value of which can never be underestimated’.

Physical Education and sport is an integral part of life at Bootham.

The PE department endeavours to inspire Bootham students to enjoy and engage in a lifelong participation of physical activity. The importance of an active and healthy lifestyle is vital, and we aim to motivate and excite students to continue beyond their time at Bootham.

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Music

Music at Bootham School is a very strong and vibrant part of the community. Everyone has the opportunity to actively experience music as a creative, intellectual, spiritual, social and physical force. Students are encouraged to develop their skills and to be involved at an appropriate level. It is departmental policy not to audition any child for any ensemble.

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Drama

Bootham has a long history of successful and innovative productions and students from across the school are encouraged to audition as actors or to join those who contribute as designers or in a technical or support capacity (e.g. front-of- house, stage management, publicity, etc.).

Guidance and coaching is always available for those seeking entrance to drama colleges, university drama departments and organisations such as the National Youth Theatre and the National Youth Music Theatre. Recent alumni Henry Calvert has been accepted to Central School for Speech and Drama in London.

The Drama Department offers all students, across all year groups, the opportunity to take LAMDA lessons – which are taught during the school day and are available throughout the school year. For the past two years, students have achieved a 100% pass rate – with all students getting grades in the top two bands (83% Distinction, 17% Merit).

Facilities are excellent and include two drama studios providing flexible rehearsal and teaching spaces (one of which also doubles as a small performance venue), plus the use of the auditorium in the art and music building. This is an exciting time to be studying drama and taking part in theatrical performances at the school.

 

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Volunteering

Volunteering is an integral part of the activities programme. The programme has grown steadily with over 140 students involved in some type of voluntary work last academic year.

The School now has now employed a Head of Social Action who is dedicated to working with students and the wider community to raise awareness and funds for various projects, including The Dragonfly Schools Foundation, RAY (Refugee Action in York)

Students recently helped organise a collection for the Ukraine Humanitarian  Crisis, working with the York St John University.

Bootham students have  received the Lord Mayor of York Young Volunteers Award in recognition of the voluntary work that they have carried out. The award celebrates the contributions that students have made to their community, and looks to inspire others to follow their lead.

Enrichment Activities

Leisure Activity Programme

The Leisure Activity Programme takes place Monday to Friday between 4:30 and 5:30pm. Most activities are supervised by an adult (usually a member of the teaching staff) though some may be run by senior students or external experts. Typical selections of the activities offered are listed below. The activities, which number over 100 per week, vary from term to term.

 

A series of lectures and workshops, which are of general or careers interest, are held weekly for College students to attend. They are referred to as ‘College Specials’ and College One and College Two attend them on alternate weeks.

Comments below are from the Independent Schools Inspectorate report on Bootham School, January 2022

“The school’s ethos of helping young people to explore and to develop a wide range of experiences that may serve to enrich their lives, rather than primarily measuring achievement against external measures of success, is fulfilled highly successfully. There are 118 different activities, many run by pupils, reflecting the diversity of individuals’ interests and talents.”

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. The award is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. Sections include – Volunteering, Skill, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. The award requires commitment from the students and is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or to develop interests. Giving service to the community and developing lasting friendships are also a key feature.

Trips and Visits

Trips and overseas visits take place every year, from visits to local attractions and museums to Biology tours to South America or Classics trips to Italy, Greece and Turkey.