Parents-Information-Handbook-2016-2017

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Section 4 - Life Beyond the Classroom
The Extra-Curricular Programme - House Competitions
The Extra-Curricular Programme
Ratcliffe’s extra-curricular programme widens the experiences available to pupils, gives them the
opportunity to try something new and promotes the idea that education continues beyond the
classroom. At Ratcliffe we try to offer a variety of activities and we hope that you will support us
by encouraging your child to participate in activities each term. Pupils in Years 7-9 MUST select
at least one lunchtime activity per week at the termly extra-curricular activities fair and
attendance is compulsory for the whole term.
All students in Year 9 must choose one or more activity from either CCF, Duke of Edinburgh or
voluntary service.
Activities take place at lunchtimes, after School, in the evenings and at weekends. The Senior Deputy
Head has overall responsibility for the programme which is lead by Miss Stafford who is the Extra-
Curricular Co-ordinator. A termly schedule of events is produced, the details of which are circulated to
parents at the start of each term, and activities usually begin in the second week of term, although
sporting practices start as soon as possible.
A weekend programme of activities is also provided, aimed primarily at boarding pupils. However, day
pupils are invited to participate in these activities where possible. Details of the weekend programme
of activities are also circulated at the start of each term.
This section provides information about life beyond the classroom. It outlines some of the main extracurricular
opportunities that exist for Senior School pupils. Pupils are encouraged to develop their
interests and abilities outside of the classroom, to take full advantage of the many opportunities on
offer. However, it is important for all pupils to have a balance between their academic life and their
extra-curricular activities.
House Competitions
There are four Houses - Arundel, De Lisle, Emery and Leetham. Each pupil is allocated to a House
when they join the School. Siblings are usually placed in the same House and pupils transferring from
the Preparatory School will retain their House membership. Each House is overseen by a House
Guardian who is a member of the teaching staff. House Assemblies take place once a fortnight to
celebrate pupil achievement and organise team lists for competitions.
The main purpose of the House system is to provide the structure for an annual competition for house
points, in various extra-curricular activities. Competitions of an academic, sporting and artistic nature
take place throughout the School year; for example, in mathematics, in cross-country and in music. A
list of House Competitions is published in the School Calendar and on the School website
www.ratcliffe-college.co.uk.
Miss Stafford also leads the House Competitions.
Section 4 - The Extra Curricular Programme & House Competitions - Senior School