Extra Curriculum
Sex Education
Sex education is carried out principally within the Health Education units of the tutorial period and is dealt with across the Years according to the needs and maturity of students at different ages. It is taught within the context of family life.
Parents have a right to withdraw their daughter from these classes. However, so far, no parent has felt the need to exercise this right.
Master Classes
The School offers an extensive programme of Master Classes in the majority of subjects for gifted and talented students. These specialized sessions are designed to challenge and inspire high-achieving students, providing them with advanced learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. The Master Classes are often led by subject experts, including university professors, industry professionals, and accomplished alumni.
These have included Saturday morning Master Classes in Science, where visiting speakers from universities, including St George's, University of London, have talked to our students about Astronomy, Black Holes, DNA, Chemical Reactions, Life on Other Planets and Philosophy of Science. The English Cluster, Information & Communication Technology and Humanities Clusters have also offered Saturday morning Master Classes. Additionally, the Mathematics department hosts problem-solving workshops, while the Arts faculty organizes creative masterclasses with practicing artists and performers. These sessions not only deepen students' subject knowledge but also provide valuable insights into potential career paths and higher education opportunities.
School Journeys
The school offers an extensive range of journeys and field trips. These include exchange visits to our 'link' schools in Lille and Santander and residential trips with the Classics and Humanities departments. There are also visits to the theatre, galleries and museums.
The Sixth Form has its own programme of school journeys which includes residential courses for Art, English and Mathematics, the University Access Programme and a wide range of cultural enrichment activities.
In addition to these offerings, the school organizes subject-specific trips to enhance learning experiences across various disciplines. Science students participate in field studies and visits to research facilities, while Geography classes embark on environmental surveys and urban planning excursions. The Modern Languages department arranges immersive language trips, and the Business Studies program includes visits to local and international companies. These diverse opportunities not only complement classroom learning but also foster personal growth, cultural awareness, and practical application of academic knowledge
Sport & Physical Education
The school is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports and are encouraged to continue at least one activity into adulthood. With extensive on-site facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasia, fitness suite, playing field, and outdoor courts, students participate in numerous competitions and extracurricular events. The school has achieved notable success in local Wandsworth Schools competitions across various sports such as athletics, football, basketball, and swimming.
Recognized with a National 'Sportsmark' award from Sport England for its commitment to sports excellence, the school maintains strong connections with community sports clubs and organizations. Recent initiatives have focused on inclusivity, particularly in disability sports, with active participation in borough competitions. The department is continually enhancing its curriculum offerings for KS4 and KS5, including BTEC PE courses and vocational programs like the Sports Leaders Award and First Aid training, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching sports education for all students.
The Arts
Burntwood School provides a comprehensive Arts curriculum that includes Dance, Drama, Music, and Art, offered in the Lower School and extending to GCSE and Advanced Level studies. The school actively engages students through a variety of extracurricular activities, including numerous school productions such as Hairspray, Bugsy Malone, and The Tempest. Notably, Burntwood participates in prestigious events like Shakespeare's Schools Festival and the Connections Festival with The National Theatre, showcasing student performances at renowned venues like The Secombe Theatre and the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. Additionally, the school hosts a Year 7 Drama Club and organizes regular theatre visits for all year groups, fostering a vibrant arts culture.
The commitment to the Arts is further reflected in the school's music program, where students receive foundational training in vocal techniques and various instruments. Gifted and talented students benefit from specialized vocal tuition, while ensembles like the Orchestra and Chamber Choir perform at significant events, including concerts at Westminster Abbey. Art students are encouraged to explore their creativity through museum visits and artist-led workshops, enhancing their learning experience. Overall, Burntwood's dedication to the Arts has been recognized with 'Artsmark Gold' awards from the Arts Council of Great Britain, highlighting its excellence in both curricular and extracurricular arts provision.
Burntwood Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir at Burntwood School is a distinguished performance group known for its exceptional talent and achievements. Admission to this elite ensemble is by audition, underscoring its prestigious status within the school's music program. The choir has an impressive history of performances, having sung at every major concert hall in London and collaborated with esteemed musical organizations like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond local engagements, the Chamber Choir has excelled in national competitions and represented England on the international stage, including reaching the finals of the National Festival of Music for Youth and participating in the Choir of the Year competition. Their diverse repertoire spans classical to contemporary works, showcasing their versatility. Recently, they have taken part in significant performances, such as leading the Brighter Sounds concert at the Festival Hall with pieces like Handel's "Zadok the Priest" and Verdi's "Anvil Chorus." Additionally, their collaboration with the National Opera Studio for Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" provided members with invaluable exposure to professional-level performances, inspiring them to explore a broader range of musical experiences.
Evening Prayer:
Jack Petchey Achievement
Each academic year 9 students are presented with a Jack Petchey Achievement Award. The Achievement Awards are not solely for academic achievement – they may be used to recognise a personal triumph for someone who has faced a challenge, a young person who has pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone or it may be an opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of a team player. Award winners are nominated by their peers and the teachers in their school.
Achievement Award Winners will receive:
- A framed certificate
- A pin badge
- A £300 grant to benefit their school
- An invitation to a prestigious Jack Petchey Awards’ Ceremony
