The Folkestone School for Girls provides access to a wealth of additional opportunities within school, as part of our bespoke personal development and character education programme, the FSGBACC. There are opportunities in to take part in a host of different sports clubs and competitions, to participate in our many Dance and Drama productions or indeed to sing or play in one of our many choirs, ensembles or musical evenings. Students can access the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, Combined Cadet Force, Young Enterprise. We also have Debating Societies, Young Magistrates and many other other clubs and activities throughout the year. Sportswise we have our very own climbing wall, mountain bike trail, archery, comprehensive fitness suite and a host of other team and individual sports to take part in.
We believe this is in an incredibly important part of education. Being part of a club or organisation requires teamwork and commitment. It develops self-confidence and simply can allow us all to grow and flourish in other arenas. Employers too are looking for these attributes. A broad and strong portfolio of academic qualifications is important but equally so is the chance to demonstrate what else you have done and can do! What will you talk about at a job or university interview? What would be your talking point?
With that in mind below is a list of other clubs and activities that might be of interest and you may consider joining. Many are free. Some do have a small fee. All allow you the opportunity to do something you may not otherwise have the opportunity to do and to grow, develop and enjoy an interest away from school.
Disclaimer
The clubs, activities and organisations listed below are presented for the convenience of students and their parents without any implied or expressed recommendation or affiliation of any kind. Parents would need to assure themselves that these clubs and organisations have proper Health & Safety and safeguarding practices in place.
Are you looking: to try something new, go on an adventure, have fun, make new friends, help the community or learn new skills? If so then Scouting is what you are looking for! There’s something for everyone, old or young. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world.
We take part in activities as diverse as survival skills, first aid, computer programming, archery, pioneering, camping, expeditions overseas, zorbing, microlighting, climbing, hiking, orienteering, karting, photography and much more!
http://www.folkestoneandhythescouts.org.uk/
Girlguiding UK is the United Kingdom's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with about 575,000 members including about 65,000 trained volunteer adult Leaders. Guiding is for girls of all backgrounds, abilities and nationalities.
Girlguiding UK enables girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference to the world. The aim of guiding is to help girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually so that they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.
If you live in East Kent this site is a place for you to visit to find out much more about what we offer locally.
http://www.girlguidingkenteast.org.uk/
Becoming an Army Cadet has heaps of benefits. The most obvious being that you get to take part in loads of exciting and challenging activities such as fieldcraft, adventurous training, first aid, music, sports and shooting, to name but a few.
When you join as a cadet you will make lots of new friends and get the opportunity to go on annual camp where you will meet cadets from other detachments in your county. You may even get to go on expeditions to amazing places in the UK and sometimes even abroad.
The Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) training syllabus will teach you leadership skills, discipline and give you self-confidence you never thought possible. You will learn a wide range of transferable skills such as: the ability to command tasks; make decisions under pressure; plan and organise tasks and work as an effective team player as well as independently. These skills will equip you for life and add an extra string to your bow at times when competition for college places and employment is fierce
https://armycadets.com/become-a-cadet/how-to-join/
Our exciting adventure activities aim to develop social skills and responsibility in young people, and re-connect them with their maritime heritage. Get to grips with subjects both on water and dry land as part of basic training, all on a nautical theme. You can take part in courses and competitions ranging from rock climbing and shooting to music, power boating and sailing. These can give you a head start in life and boost your confidence, plus it's good fun.
We want to help young people build confidence in their own abilities as they learn to work as part of a team. Our qualified instructors guide young cadets so that they can flourish in challenging environments safely.
http://www.sea-cadets.org/folkestonehythe/home.aspx
As a cadet you'll have the opportunity to do things that others only dream about. Want real flight experience? No problem. How about heading out on adventurous training and camps, sometimes overseas? Normal for cadets. Competitive sports, drill, shooting, music, abseiling, engineering projects? Our list of activities is long, varied and open to all cadets. Yes it's a challenge, but that's what life's all about.
Aside from flying, sports, target shooting, adventure training and great fun? You’ll soon find that being an air cadet is its own reward - you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning BTECs and DoE Awards. You'll be expected to take part in as many of the activities we run as possible, but with what's on offer you won't need much persuading!
We have high standards to maintain as we are a 'military' youth organisation and you'll naturally take pride in your uniform (we supply that) and appearance. You'll be well mannered and self-disciplined. You'll be joining an organisation of which you’ll be very proud
https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/find-a-squadron/
The Volunteer Police Cadets programme provides an opportunity for young people aged 13-17 to get involved in activities which support community policing and learn about responsible citizenship. As a Cadet, you'll undergo training and take part in voluntary work with the police in your local community. You'll develop key life skills and enhance your opportunities for further education, training and employment – whether this is within the police service or another profession.
Some of the activities you may take part in include:
• Stewarding local events
• Crime prevention stands at community events
• Community Speedwatch
• Advising the police on youth issues and concerns
https://www.kent.police.uk/jobs-recruiting-now/cadets/
Young people aged 10–17 can join one of our Cadet units, which operate throughout England. These are a great way for teens and young people to take part in volunteer work and learn valuable life skills. As a Cadet, you’ll take part in a full and interactive programme, working towards your Grand Prior Award and volunteering at events.
You can:
• learn first aid skills
• volunteer within your community by providing first aid cover at public events, such as football matches and music festivals
• learn leadership and public speaking skills by teaching first aid to other young people
• spend time on weekend residential camps packed with activities, and have the opportunity to compete in international first aid competitions.
http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people/cadets-ages-10-17.aspx
The Shepway Sports Trust maintain a website with local upcoming opportunities to take part in a variety of sporting activities.
http://www.shepwaysportstrust.org/
The Three Hills Ports park also lists many of the local clubs via its website
http://www.threehillssportspark.co.uk/sports-clubs-three-hills/
as does Folkestone Sports Centre.
http://www.folkestonesportscentre.co.uk/
Tennis - http://www.hythetennis.com/
Swimming -http://www.hytheaqua.org.uk/
Rowing - http://www.folkestonerowingclub.com/
Sailing - http://www.hssc.net/
Boxing - http://www.folkestoneboxing.co.uk/about_the_club.html
Cycling - http://www.cyclinguk.org
Whether you are thinking of performing as a career, want to study drama, just enjoy performing or want to make new friends, these fantastic and fun sessions run during school term-times.
Gulbenkian Youth Theatre is open to all young people aged 5-18 years and all abilities.
“GYT encourages everyone; nobody is made to feel they can’t do anything. We look at different styles of theatre (even styles that formal drama educational settings are scared to do). We’re encouraged to have our own ideas and interpretations, and they are always received with high praise” Gulbenkian Youth Theatre Member
http://www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/get-involved/youth-theatre/index.html
Perhaps you are more interested in backstage?
TECH31KENT’s weekly training sessions will introduce 13-18 year olds to the technical side of theatre, providing training to young people and on job experience of working back stage in a theatre and other live events.
TECH31KENT is the technical strand of ART31KENT, a group set up for 13-25 year olds to provide on the job training in technical theatre across Kent, this project is being piloted in Canterbury with great success. 13-18s will get the chance to learn the basics of sound, lighting, stage management and more, to give them the skills to work on events.
http://www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/get-involved/Tech31/index.html
Or you may be interested in TV or the movies?!
Develop your documentary filmmaking and video editing skills, in brand new FREE weekly sessions for 13-25 year olds, led by a professional filmmaker.
Sessions are open to all, regardless of previous experience and skill levels. All equipment will be provided at the sessions.
http://www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/get-involved/Screen31/index.html
We meet every Sunday from 6 till 8.30pm at the Tower Theatre. The group is open to 12-18 year olds, who are interested in all aspects of theatre, not just acting. We put on three productions every year, the Brigadier Thomas competition, a full length production in the autumn and the Christmas Revue. The Brig is a chance for the Youth Section members to try their hand at writing and directing (we get into four groups and produce a short play, written by the group leaders), and on the last night of the show awards are presented for achievements. Past Summer shows include, Charlie and the Chocolate factory, The Insect Play, Carpe Jugulum and Little Women ( See photo of cast >>>). The Christmas revue is a one night show which consists of a first half made up of sketches (some written by the Youth section, others stolen from the like of Monty Python!) and a second half of a Youth Section take on a pantomime – always worth a watch!
http://www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk/fhods/youth-section/
On a personal and social level, listed here, is a range of skills that can be developed through participation at KYT:
Appraising. Appreciation. Being organised. Confidence. Contributing. Developing language/vocabulary. Empathising. Listening. Meeting deadlines. Organising. Putting across a point of view. Planning. Problem-solving. Research. Responding. Selecting material. Being sensitive to an issue. Speaking. Supporting. Working in a group.
Students can enjoy the fun of learning through the doing and in the safe company of others who share that fun. Our excursions into filmmaking are an extension to our theatre work. The very nature of filmmaking sadly makes it relatively exclusive to a small number of students at any one time. Over a period of time we attempt to ensure all ages are given the opportunity.
http://www.kentyouththeatre.co.uk/
Rock Choir is much more than a choir - it's a multi layered singing experience!. The power of music, meeting new friends and performing at life changing events, together contribute to an emotional and powerful journey for our members.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Folkestone is a part-time performing arts school for children and young people looking for classes in acting, singing and dancing. Unlike a drama school or youth theatre, Stagecoach Folkestone is a place where kids can come along for a three hour intensive session of top quality training in all three theatre disciplines once a week. All our students have the opportunity to perform in shows, take musical theatre examinations and join the agency. Parents often remark how much confidence their children gain after joining the school and students tell us how much they love the classes.
https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/folkestone
The Community Theatre Project and Kidz on Stage were established in 2005 by Bob Osborne and Neil Hunnisett. Their aim was to encourage children in the Shepway area to take part in projects where they could act, dance, sing and learn about all aspects of theatre.
Many shows later and hundreds of children have taken part in these productions, helping them to develop their performing skills and build in confidence. Now, regular projects include 2-week productions held in school holidays and the highly successful annual Pantomime at the Leas Cliff Hall.
Get Involved
If you are a young person or the parent of a child who would to take part in any of our projects, please contact us. You don’t need any previous experience, just plenty of enthusiasm for the magical world of theatre!
If you are an adult you can also audition for adult roles or help out behind the scenes as part of our technical crew, making costumes and props, or helping to chaperone children.
http://www.communitytheatreproject.org.uk/
A new music lab for 12- 19 year olds covering songwriting, performing and recording
http://www.kent-music.com/local-music-centre/fml/
Kent Youth County Council voices the views and opinions of Kent’s young people. It helps young people understand the importance of engaging in the democratic process and learn how their vote can make a difference. Four young people are elected to represent each district in Kent. They are known as members. Four deputy members for each area are also elected.Twelve young people are also elected to community seats. Each year the new members choose 3 issues to campaign on which are important to young people.
If you are interested in becoming involved find out more at:
http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/youth-participation/kent-youth-county-council
The Folkestone School for Girls
Coolinge Lane
Folkestone, Kent
CT20 3RB United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1303 251125
