Introducing the Sixth-led clubs stretching our younger years

Sixth form students have taken the initiative to begin a host of clubs for Years 7 and 8 across the Girls and Boys School, allowing them to share their passions, build leadership skills and strengthen bonds across years.

If there were ever proof that the Berkhamsted community loves to connect and share its passions, it can be found at the Zaha Hadid Sixth Form building on a Thursday after School…

Year 7 and 8 pupils from both the Girls’ and Boys’ Schools have been welcomed into the new Sixth Form building to take part in a variety of engaging after-school clubs. What sets these apart from their usual co-curricular activities? They have been organised and run by a group of passionate Sixth students.

This rotation of opportunities came about after two Year 12 students, Igor and Aaron, approached their teachers with a request to start a club where they could share their passion for coding and computing. They explained, ‘We saw the opportunity to use the new Sixth Form building as a way to connect with younger years while also allowing them to get ahead of the programming and coding they will encounter during their GCSEs in a few years’ time.’

What they did not anticipate was the snowball effect that followed their suggestion: ‘What began as a single idea for a programming club for Years 7 and 8 quickly grew into a wider conversation with senior staff. We have been incredibly pleased to see this develop into a teacher-supported initiative involving several student-led clubs across different subjects and activities.’

Pupils can take part in a variety of engaging clubs that build on Sixth Formers’ (and the odd teacher’s) interests. There is a Warhammer club for strategic fantasy lovers, a filmmaking club for budding directors, and even a magic club, where student Sky teaches the next generation of Houdinis a suite of impressive card tricks. Other students have taken the opportunity to extend and consolidate their own in-class learning, with James and Elliott running an engaging History club.

These extra-curricular clubs are helping to build communities of like-minded students who support one another in stretching their skill set. ‘From running the initial session, we could see that the younger students are extremely enthusiastic about the idea of older students taking the time to teach them some skills which will benefit them in the future,’ Igor and Aaron state. ‘Whilst these clubs offer opportunities for enrichment and new experiences for younger students, we believe they will also help them build strong and lasting relationships with experienced Sixth students that will continue to be useful well beyond their time in the clubs.’

By sharing their passions with the younger years, Sixth students are inadvertently developing their own leadership and communication skills. We have no doubt that they’ll learn things from Year 7 and 8, and that their knowledge will be tested by the questions of their curious younger counterparts. However, it’s these moments that will make the clubs so valuable to run. Leading an extra-curricular is not just a CV credential; it empowers leadership, builds academic understanding, and encourages students to follow their passions.

‘It’s excellent to see our Sixth formers sharing their enthusiasms through such a broad range of clubs for younger pupils,’ comments Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Adam Cross. ‘We want students of all ages to try new things, and to develop their skills. Further, we recognise the character, service and leadership development which follows. I hope this programme will thrive and develop as time goes on.’

It is still early days for this host of clubs, and more opportunities are in the works for Years 7 and 8 to enjoy. With ‘Cryptic Crosswords’ and an introduction to the game ‘Bridge’ on the cards, we cannot wait to see how these clubs continue to bring our community together through shared learning and connection.

To learn more about our extra-curriculars and see how we support every student to explore their passions, book now to attend one of our upcoming open day events.

Berkhamsted Girls and Boys: Friday 24 April

Berkhamsted Sixth: Friday 5 March