Clubs and Societies
Archives
King's has a fascinating past, so it seemed a shame not to a capture it. In 1998 we began gathering together and cataloguing as many photographs, books and 'memorabilia', like canes, caps and dinner plates that we could find. The archive helps to promote interest in the school and its site, and provides wonderful material for exhibitions and possible publications. So, if you know of any old King's photographs, books and items, you know where to bring them, they'll be looked after well and we will return them if and when you need them back. Click here for the Archives pages.
Astronomy
We have recently joined a new venture, the Faulkes Telescope Project which means we can use two large (2 metre), research-grade robotic telescopes, one in Hawaii and the other in Australia. We can make daytime observations in the UK when it is dark at the telescope sites, thanks to the Internet. There are plans to build an observatory at the King's Hawford site, where the skies are somewhat darker than in the city centre, and we will house our three telescopes there.
Chess
If you already know the Sicilian defence, or if you don't know a Rook from a Bishop but fancy finding out, then our Chess Club is the place to start. It's run for pupils of all ages with junior and senior teams playing regular matches against local schools. We have our own chess book collections because we want our players to find out all they can about this great game.
Christian Union
The Christian Union consists of pupils of all ages as well as members of staff who share a desire to learn more about the Christian Faith and who wish to take the opportunity of meeting to pray and enjoy fellowship. There is no membership list and those from any denomination or none, believers and enquirers, are all welcome. The group holds a weekly meeting, on Thursdays after school for Bible study and discussion. Individuals also meet informally for prayer. Recently a Christianity Awareness Week sparked further interest and a parents' prayer group is now meeting regularly.
Climbing
Pupils from all years can join the Climbing Club which meets most Thursdays throughout the year. Regular use is made of our own wall and trips are organised to more specialised facilities in the local area. Pupils need to return a parental consent form and then sign their name on the climbing noticeboard for each session they intend to attend.
Creative Writing
Our Creative Writing Club for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils meets every week to write and talk about writing, from stories through to mini-sagas, poetry and plays. Take part in our annual Creative Writing Competition, which sees the best entries published in a magazine. For those in the Sixth Form (and some younger pupils), there is also the opportunity to go on a creative writing course to Ty Newydd, Wales, where you will stay in a country house on the Lleyn Peninsular and be tutored by published novelists and poets.
Fencing
The school's Fencing Club is open to all members of the school and sessions take place in the sports hall on Mondays after school and on Wednesdays during sixth form games. The club is coached by a master of the British Academy of Fencing, who offers the sport at all levels and with all three weapons. Students compete for the school as individuals and in team events throughout the year.
Judo
Judo coaching happens every Saturday morning during term time. It is open to all pupils in the school and is taught by a qualified black belt instructor. There is a small charge made for these sessions, which is currently £20 per term. Pupils are put in for their tests for different belts at regular intervals and many have achieved national rankings.
Public Speaking
This is your chance not only to speak your mind but also to learn the techniques of debate and public speaking that can help you tremendously in your career and general life. There is nothing like the confidence you gain from learning how to speak in front of an audience. When you have honed your skills at King's you could demonstrate your talents in national debating and public speaking contests, or enter our mock-Parliament competition.
Retro Computer Club
The Retro Computer Club operates on Tuesday lunchtimes in the ICT Department and allows pupils to follow an interest in computers, both the hardware and software which makes them tick.
Much of the interest has been on programming, where pupils have been building and analysing short programs which use a structured approach and a logical way of producing a solution.
Robotics
This is a very popular club with members using Lego Mindstorm kits to create robots that they programme to carry out a wide range of tasks. Members divide into teams and set each other increasingly difficult robotic challenges.
Science
Currently aimed at Years 7 and 8 pupils, this club offers a wide range of fun practical activities in all three areas of science. This may include "kitchen science" such as the chemistry behind bread or toffee making, or getting the maximum amount of electricity from a fruit bowl. Making ancient Egyptian glue, jet propelled "bottle boats", the chemistry of fireworks and making banjos have been particularly popular.
Soundbites
This is your chance to read literature aloud according to a theme at a library evening of readings, music, food and wine. These are usually for the 6th Form, their parents and friends. We also have occasional meetings when we read a play for discussion and just fun.
Sub-Aqua
How does diving in the Shark Tank at Birmingham's Sea Life Centre, exploring the underwater coast off Scotland's Isle of Mull, or diving in the Red Sea sound to you? Interesting? Then our Sub-Aqua Club, with its regular training sessions in our swimming pool can make those dreams come alive.
PUBLICATIONS
The King's Herald
Our occasional newspaper, The King's Herald, gives students a real insight into how a newspaper is put together. With all the reporting, editing, designing layouts and printing being done by us in just one day, our King's Herald is sent hot off the presses to compete against hundreds of other titles in a national competition which it has won on three occasions and always come very high up on the listings on other occasions.
Stepping 4th
This is the magazine for, and produced by, Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, published six times a year. It is full of 'regulars', such as interviews with the staff, a fun section, reviews of school theatre productions, the latest movies, book releases, web sites and computer games, as well as special features on matters of special interest to the two year groups, like school trips and activities.
The Removes' Gazette
This publication is produced by the Removes Journalism Club, which meets regularly every week. It takes on themes appropriate to pupils with a growing sense of awareness of the world around us, and tackles issues of interest to a wide audience.