Extra-curricular Opportunities, Enrichment Days & Social Action
Extra-Curricular Activities at CHSG
All students are encouraged to develop their personal interests through the many clubs and societies available, covering art, drama, reading, debating, mathematics, music, photography, science, sport and more. Clubs and societies vary from year to year, and reflect the interests of our students.
For a full overview of our extra-curricular activities, please click on the links below:
Extra Curricular Clubs schedule Autumn Term
Enrichment Days
Enrichment Day March 2024
We have two Enrichment Days throughout the academic year to enhance and enrich our students’ standard curriculum and experiences. These days provide students with different experiences and a chance to try something new. Not only do these days build key employability skills like leadership, communication and teamwork but they contribute to developing students’ character and personal development, while enhancing cultural capital.
You can see our most recent Enrichment brochure here
Enrichment Day December 2023
Duke of Edinburgh
About
At Challney High School for Girls, we believe that young people deserve a chance to push themselves out of their comfort zone and test their limits. We currently offer the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award which is open to all students in Year 9 and carries through into Year 10. This is designed to empower young people to contribute to their communities, learn new skills and build resilience.
Students registered through the School receive their access to EdofE, the online platform for uploading evidence of their hard work; also training, to prepare them for the skills required for an expedition including: Map reading, meal preparation, route planning, teamwork and tent maintenance.
3 Sections
As part of the Bronze Award, students are required to complete three sections: Volunteering, Skill and Physical. Two of these last for 3 months and one lasts for 6 months. These will be signed off by the centre manager for suitability and students will need to undertake at least one hour a week to be able to qualify. The person signing off the activities may not be a family member.
Examples of Volunteering include: Working in a shop or with younger children
Examples of Skills include: Language courses, sewing clubs or lessons
Examples of Physical include: Swimming lessons, Football clubs or running clubs
Expeditions
Expeditions are the culmination of the Award, putting theory into practice in areas of the countryside that our students will be unfamiliar with. Adhering to the 20 conditions of the countryside, students will walk, cook and camp over a weekend as part of a team under the watchful eye of a team of supervisors and assessors.
Students will need to plan their routes carefully and stick to their timings as they hike. They are also encouraged to conduct a project whilst walking which they present to their teachers and fellow students upon returning to school.
There are due to be three weekends mandatory for qualification this year and they are:
Training weekend = 18th-19th May 2024
Practice expedition = 8th-9th June 2024
Qualifying expedition = 22nd-23rd June 2024
Kit requirements
Expedition Kit List
|
ITEM |
DETAILS |
|
|
Walking Socks |
Breathable and insulated |
Required |
|
Walking Boots |
Ankle height – not walking trainers |
Required |
|
Change of footwear |
For evening around campsite – should be waterproof to allow for weather |
Required |
|
Sleeping Bag & pillow |
Minimum 2-season – recommend 3-season |
Required |
|
Sleeping Roll Mat |
These come as inflatable or foam. Foam ones are cheaper |
Required |
|
Suitable walking trousers (jeans are not acceptable) |
Trousers should be of a material that do not saturate with water. Tracksuit bottoms can be used but should not be of sweatshirt material |
Required |
|
Waterproof jacket and trousers |
To be used as a waterproof layer not for warmth |
Required |
|
Base layers |
Layered clothing for changeable weather |
Required |
|
Torch |
Head torch and/or small pocket torch |
Required |
|
Personal First Aid Kit |
A large First Aid kit with larger items and bandages will be taken for the whole trip by the trip leader. You need an emergency first aid kit to carry with you for walking |
Required |
|
Wash kit |
Deodorant, wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush |
Required |
|
Rucksack |
Min 60Ltr. Rucksacks should be lined with a waterproof liner or black bin bags to provide extra protection |
Required |
|
Rucksack waterproof outer |
Weather will be unpredictable. Most rucksacks come with an out waterproof cover. These can also be purchased |
Required |
|
Drinking bottles (ideally two) |
A shop bought bottle of water is not suitable. A sealable water bottle is required. We recommend a minimum 1Ltr bottle |
Required |
|
Knife, fork, spoon, bowl, plate, drinking mug/cup |
Non-breakable. Plastic disposable cutlery is not permitted |
Required |
|
Cooking utensils |
Needed for groups not individually – plan with your group who brings what |
Required |
|
Washing up equipment |
Sponge/dish cloth, washing up liquid, tea towel – plan with your group who brings what |
Required |
|
Mobile Phone and portable charger |
If you bring a phone you will need a charger. These are taken at your own risk. Mains electricity will not be available so a portable charger is recommended. |
Required |
|
Portable Gas stove / trangier |
We have Trangiers that all students can use on expedition and will provide training in their use. Comes with cooking pots and small frying pan |
Supplied by school |
|
Map cover and compass |
We will provide these items and teach you how to use a compass |
Supplied by school |
|
Tent |
Tents are shared between the expedition groups, up to 7 people to each group will need max 3 x tents |
Supplied by school |
Contact
Duke of Edinburgh Centre Manager: Miss K. Thomas kthomas@challneygirls.luton.sch.uk
Or contact the School on: 01582 571427
Social Action/Community
Our school is immensely proud of what we do for social action in our school. Our students relish the opportunity to give to others and to help those less fortunate than themselves. Every year, we take part in our very own ‘Race for Life’, where we raise vital funds for our local Breast Cancer unit. To date, we have raised over £70,000 for them. We also have a ‘Good Causes’ week every February, where each House chooses a local charity to raise money for.
You can read our latest press release here
We also have excellent links with our local Foodbank and are involved in many community initiatives such as the Luton Peace Garden, Luton Runfest and many more community events.
What is important for us regarding social action is what sits behind it and not just the amount of money raised.