We believe passionately in developing leaders of tomorrow.
Alongside their academic options for GCSE, pupils in Year 9 opt to commit to one of our major co-curriculum programmes. In many cases, they will participate in their chosen programme for up to four years, taking on significant amounts of personal responsibility and the service of others as they build their skills and experiences.
These enable them to develop invaluable skills of leadership, responsibility, teamwork and resilience. In many cases, students will participate in their chosen programme for up to four years, taking on significant amounts of personal responsibility and the service of others as they build their skills and experiences.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is held after school on Friday afternoons at Merchant Taylors’ School. Pupils apply to join either the Royal Navy, Army, or RAF Section of CCF. Cadets develop self-confidence and self-discipline through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities alongside students from Merchant Taylors’ School which enable them to take responsibility and develop resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and leadership. In the Sixth Form, many cadets are selected to take on positions of responsibility within the CCF, leading the junior cadets and delivering most of the training activities. Highlights of the CCF year include field days and visits to military establishments, Inspection Day with visiting military VIPs, annual summer camps and a variety of courses and experiences, from static-line parachuting to white-water rafting.
St Helen’s has offered the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for many years, and we are very proud to have obtained the status of a Directly Licensed Centre, enabling us to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award independently on our own premises and using our own staff. Pupils must complete four elements to gain an Award: an Expedition, a Service element, Physical Recreation and a Skill element, providing many opportunities to get involved in a range of activities and to develop new interests. Approximately half of the girls in Years 10 and 11 participate in the Award Scheme, with an impressive number completing their Bronze and Silver Awards before going on to pursue the Gold Award in the Sixth Form. The first cohort of St Helen’s pupils to complete their Gold Awards visited St James’ Palace on the 23rd June 2014 and received their awards from HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
