ExtraCurricular
Extracurricular
We believe that pupils can learn as much outside the classroom walls as inside. We therefore place strong emphasis on providing a range of extra-curricular activities with a broad appeal. Such is the breadth and quality of this programme that it has earned us recognition from Education Extra and Sport England in the past. We have been awarded Healthy Schools Silver Award and International Schools status.
Here is just an overview of some of the activities that your child might get involved in:
Please click the button below to view the current Clubs Timetable (updated September 2024)
Trips
Recently our pupils have had the opportunity to visit Berlin, Austria, France, Iceland, and CERN in Switzerland, as well as participate in field trips such as the Eden Project and CAT Camp (Centre for Alternative Technology). Departments run regular weekend trips including retreats to Whitstable, field trips to Swanage, theatre trips and expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Sports
All pupils are encouraged to particip0582ate in extra-curricular sporting activities and we try to provide something to interest everyone. Click here for PE Clubs list. Lunch-time and after-school clubs focus on activities ranging from basketball to table tennis and include dance, rounders, rugby, athletics, cross country, football, hockey, cricket and fitness training. Through participation in, and enjoyment of, a variety of activities pupils are encouraged to develop their talents, character and sportsmanship within the Christian ethos of understanding and tolerance.
Pupils who show a particular aptitude for a sport may be selected for school teams and play competitively against other schools or within college in inter-form and house matches.
We are pleased to report that a number of our pupils have been selected to represent the area and County and have won a number of honours outside college.
Dance
Dance allows pupils to work collaboratively in order to imaginatively develop and challenge their own knowledge and understanding and that of others. We do this by listening to, and discussing, all their ideas before exploring them in a practical setting. Thus participation in dance lessons promotes social inclusion as well as allowing pupils to acquire a diverse range of skills. The true value of dance can be seen in its ability, as a physical medium, to break down the boundaries that constrain almost all other areas of the curriculum and allow everyone to become involved through its diverse scope for individual expression.
Pupils have regular opportunities to participate in theatre trips and workshops with professional practitioners. One of the key aspects of the department is that we believe that feedback and refinement is a key to pupils success and pupils are asked to push themselves to reach goals and to exceed their own expectations.
Music
We have excellent facilities to promote and develop a learning and love of music. In addition to two spacious teaching areas and numerous practice rooms, we have a recording studio featuring all the latest digital mixing and recording equipment. The music suite is equipped with thirteen imac computers, running industry-standard software.
The work of our specialist music teachers is supported by the teaching of peripatetic teachers for guitar, wind instruments, brass, strings, percussion and voice. Pupils are strongly encouraged to make use of this facility.
The Music Department has a busy schedule of extra-curricular activities including two choirs, an orchestra, brass ensemble, a string ensemble, rock school, drumming club and GCSE extra. Pupils are encouraged to perform in front of their peers at assemblies and masses and in front of the wider community at events such as the Eastbourne Prom Concert, Summer Sing and at Parish events from Mass to Advent Services.
Drama
Drama forms part of the curriculum from Year 7 and is available as a GCSE subject, however the extra-curricular opportunities are on offer to all pupils, regardless of ability, all year round.
Year 7 are invited to attend a drama club all of their own on a Monday lunchtime, older years are welcome to attend after school on a Thursday where an Advanced club is on offer. Both clubs focus on skills development and devising of pieces for performance. Attendees are also encouraged to take part in various events in the school calendar such as liturgy and concerts. Every year the department runs an enrichment experience such as participation in Shakespeare Schools Festival, National Theatre Connections Festival and other local festivals. Pupils are selected based on their commitment to extra-curricular drama and in previous years have been lucky enough to perform at professional theatres such as The Marlowe in Canterbury.
The main event in the extra-curricular calendar is the annual Summer show which involves pupils from all years. Previous shows include: Thoroughly Modern Millie,Grease,Bugsy Malone, Our House and Back to the 80’s
Fundraising for Charity
We promote a strong ethos of community living, whether that community is the college or the local, national and global community of which we are all part. Pupils are therefore encouraged to support charities and do something to help others. Each year the college comes together to raise funds for Surviving Christmas in support of the homeless and the Love in a Box campaign. Mufti days have raised money for charities such as St Michael’s Hospice, CAFOD and Parkinson’s UK. We also have an annual fundraising project to sponsor disabled children travelling to Lourdes at Easter and to subsidise the transport costs of some of our year 11 pupils who act as helpers.
In addition, each Year Group adopts its own charity to support. In past years, CAFOD, Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation and Guide Dogs for the Blind have benefited in this way.
The Duke of Edinburgh award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 25-year-olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be. There are around 300,000 participants annually in the UK and 144 nations operate the Award.
Pupils at St. Richard’s have the exciting opportunity to enrol onto The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). They will be working towards achieving their Bronze and Silver Award by completing a personal programme of activities.
Pupils who successfully complete their Bronze Award in Year 9 are offered the chance to continue and complete their Silver award. They can start this as soon as they have completed the Bronze sections. The Silver expedition will take place in the Autumn term of Year 10, usually in October. Once pupils leave St Richard’s and go to colleges and universities, they will be in an excellent position to begin their Gold Award should they wish to do that as well!
St Richard's Mission Statement
Comitas, Scientia, Caritas
St Richard's Catholic College is a community where all are welcomed in the spirit of Christian love and respect. Our school encourages the wonder and joy of learning in order to ensure that every pupil reaches their full potential. We enable all to flourish and grow together in friendship and in faith.
We aspire to be courageous, having the integrity and the spiritual strength to make a positive difference in the world, both now and in the future. We endeavour to cherish our school motto of Community, Knowledge and Charity.
"I have come so that all may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)