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Extra-curricular activities are an excellent way to provide balance and can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Whilst we run some activities at EMS, our students are also able to tap into the extensive programme of activities offered by Exeter College.
On Wednesday lunchtime I head on over to the college to join in with the Christian Union. It’s a great chance to talk about faith, hang out and get free doughnuts!
Exeter College
We have an extended lunchtime on days when Exeter College host most activities, giving our students time to walk to college, take part in an activity and return to school for afternoon lessons.
In students’ first week at EMS they attend a freshers-fair at Exeter College where they can sign up for clubs and activities. Students can also find details of events on the College portal.
In the past, students have enjoyed Jiu Jitsu, Debating, Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations, Jazz Project, Basketball, Rugby, Hockey, British Sign Language, Christian Union, LGBTQ+ Club, Young Enterprise, Gym, Big Band, Orchestra and Badminton. But don’t let that list restrict you, if the College offers it and it fits your timetable, you’re welcome to attend.
Model United Nations is a great way to do something different outside of EMS. After school on a Thursday, lots of people very similar to those who go to EMS participate, and it’s very easy to fit in
Student Volunteers
We encourage our students to volunteer in various ways throughout their time at EMS. Volunteering has a number benefits including teaching valuable skills, improving self esteem and job prospects. Many of our Outreach events, particularly in the Autumn Term, rely on student volunteers to be involved. Pupils from other schools who participate in the programmes really benefit from having EMS students support them and gives them a greater feel of life at EMS.
Students also get involved in events in school such as helping at parent evenings and are regularly asked to show visitors and prospective staff around the school. Student volunteers manage the library and help ensure the student areas such as the kitchen and courtyard are kept tidy.
In previous years we have asked for volunteers on an ad hoc basis as events come up. However, we now ask all students to complete an online form at the beginning of the school year where they chose Outreach events and school activities they would like to be involved with. This has proved very successful and gives all students the opportunity to be fully involved in the school community.
I do full orchestra on a Wednesday lunchtime. I really enjoy it because it means I play my violin more during the week. I’ve performed in concerts with full orchestra and it’s really nice because performing makes me happy!
EMS Activities
We host a number of clubs and activities at EMS. These are often student-led: we encourage students to lead their own activities and support them to do so by providing a room or other resources.
Our students’ initiative has led to multiple events from a Christmas music concert and a charity cake sale to end-of-school proms. Our star-craft tournament, instigated by a student that has now left, became an annual fixture and students have recently organised a Table Tennis tournament.
Whether it’s chess, juggling, board games, Frisbee in the park, or something we’ve not yet thought about, we’ll do our best to support students to make it happen.
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I’ve really enjoyed debating club and it has given me the opportunity to make friends over at the college in an informal atmosphere. I also have greatly improved my public speaking which was good preparation for my Exeter Maths Certificate presentation and it has even given me the opportunity to go to a competition.
Academic Activities
We enter students for a lot of competitions and academic challenges. These are mostly just for fun with students opting in, sometimes preparing by collaborating with others at lunchtimes. The shared enthusiasm and support of peers often results in excellent results but it’s the taking part and development of understanding and skills which really motivates our students. Activities include, but are not restricted to, United Kingdom Maths Trust challenges and Olympiads, Institute of Physics team challenge, Physics Olympiad, Bebras computational challenge, English Speaking Board examination, Chess competitions and Linguistics Olympiad.
I play hockey for the college sports academy, training twice a week and matches on Wednesday afternoon. Not only do I love the sport but I’ve also met some amazing people who I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Social Events
When students first join us they have a week of induction to the school. This includes social (sports, meal out, board games) as well as academic activities. The EMS BBQ has become a regular social fixture for the end of the year too.
Students in residential accommodation have regular social events throughout the year and we’ve appointed a member of staff to coordinate termly social events for day students too. Whether it’s a visit to Exmouth beach, a walk in Haldon forest, a board-games event in school or gardening in our courtyard, students have plenty of opportunities to mix outside of lessons.
I play basketball on a Monday lunchtime at the college, I really enjoy this because it helps with my core game skills while allowing me to blow off some steam in a fun and relaxed environment.
Student Council
The student council are very active at EMS. Meeting eight times a year, they have an important role in ensuring students’ views are carefully considered and discussed. Student Council leaders attend governor meetings, ensuring school leaders hear directly from students and understand their needs before making important decisions.
In the previous years, in addition to their ongoing input to school life, the Student Council have worked together with staff members to review and improve our homework system, to re-design out outside communal area, and to collaborate on meeting students’ needs during lockdown.
They’ve been so effective that the Student Council now has a budget each year to enable them to make projects that are important to them happen. The council is now a driving force for developing and maintaining the school environment, with reps appointed to oversee care of the library, the student kitchen and the courtyard.
I’ve been attending Exeter College Jiu Jitsu for about one and a half years now. I must admit that it has definitely served me well, but not only in my fitness but also for my self-confidence, and the ability to feel safer in a lot of situations. I will definitely continue doing it when I go to university as it is such a great thing to be […]