Supercurricular At Uckfield College
By Melissa Beaven
Photo from Uckfield College's official website
Uckfield College, as of October 2021, have introduced a ‘Super Curricular' programme in which students from Year 9, 10 and 12 (although the activities and clubs are open to all year groups) have the opportunity to take part in weekly clubs and activities in order to enhance their confidence and meet new people. This scheme caters for a wide variety of interests, anything from Book Club to Rock Band Red Butler Music club. Further examples of activities open to students are: The Female Lead Society, Eco Club and Debate Club (which are all explained in further detail below).
The Female Lead Society
Are you looking for a safe space where you can learn about gender inequality whilst also feeling empowered?
The Female Lead Society is a club organised by Miss Ford and is held weekly during Monday lunchtimes. Holly Mankelow, Year 12, says that it is ‘a place for women to feel empowered and gain confidence in themselves and their very bright futures’. The aim is for members to educate themselves and others on the gender inequality that is prevalent in our society; they hope to do this by curating a presentation on women of inspiration and how they overcame different boundaries that had the potential to prevent their successes.
Artwork by Carli Moses (Union University)
Image from Shutterstock
Debate Club
Are you wanting to voice your opinion on matters that are important to you whilst also feeling heard and respected?
Debate Club is run by Mr Buschle during Friday lunchtimes, it provides a safe place for students where they can debate and have conversations about moral, social and political issues. Holly Hemming, Year 12, explains that Mr Buschle is ‘enthusiastic and engaging’ throughout. She also states that the club is especially relevant for those studying politics and philosophy; whilst simultaneously placing emphasis on how the club is relevant for anyone who is wanting to learn more about current world affairs. Furthermore, Edward Peasgood, Year 13, says that the club provides ‘students with practice of participating in academic structure debates’, adding that students have the opportunity to research into the topic before ‘taking an informed vote’.
Eco Club
Alternatively, you may be searching for a place to relax after school, in which case Eco Club may be a good option. Eco Club is organised by Miss King and is run every Thursday from 3.30-4.30pm. Honey Dennis, Year 12, describes Eco Club as ‘fun but also relaxing’. Depending on the season, Eco Club offers a wide range of activities. For example, during the Spring and Summer months, students have the opportunity to care for numerous small animals (guinea pigs, bearded dragons and chickens) as well as tending to the vegetable patches. During Autumn and Winter, students are able to clear leaves for the compost, learn to weed the garden as well as tending to the last of the vegetables. Miss King, the organiser of Eco Club, noted that it is beneficial for students' mental health by ‘getting them into green spaces’, she also says that the club can lead to improved communication between students. Furthermore, she reiterated that the club is open and welcoming for every student.
Photo from the Eco Club's twitter account