There have been many exciting productions in the splendid Arts complex which has extensive lighting and sound equipment. There is much interest and talent in Art, Textiles, Dance, Music and Drama and pupils of all ages are encouraged to become involved in the many creative activities on offer. The rehearsals for these productions and the school orchestra are held after school.
Pupils are also encouraged to attend the many residential courses provided by the county in the creative arts and many pupils have been or are prominent members of the County Youth Orchestra, Youth Theatre, Youth Choir and Youth Dance Company.
The school has two fully equipped gymnasia, playing fields, tennis and netball courts which permit a wide range of summer and winter games. We have also just taken ownership of a new Sports Hall and Fitness Suite. This will enhance considerably what we can offer pupils and the local community. The school teams compete with great success in local, city and county leagues and competitions. Training sessions are held during the lunch hour and after school. Pupils are also entered for golf, surfing, skiing and swimming competitions.
There are many clubs and activities held during the lunch-hour or after school. Currently there are Orchestra, Choir, Chess, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball and Bridge as well as the traditional sports and a number of others which the pupils will be informed about as appropriate. Click for more details.
Although some of these activities are held during the lunch hour the majority are after school and are of approximately one hour. Pupils must make their own arrangements for getting home.
Year 11 pupils take part in the Geographical Association's annual national quiz, called the World Wise Quiz. There are 3 stages - local, regional and national. We have won the local round most frequently of all the competing schools. The Debating Club is for Year 10 and 11 and the Year 11 Debating Team has won the Rotary Club and "Youth Speaks" competition on several occasions. Pupils also compete in the Chemical Olympiad, and inter schools competition chaired by the University. Each year a number of new competitions are entered and pupils will be informed about these at the appropriate times.
The school Eisteddfod provides a further opportunity for pupils to extend their involvement in all the creative arts. All pupils in Years 7-9 are encouraged to participate fully in a range of off and on-stage competitions to support their House. This celebration of St. David's Day provides a wonderful showcase of our pupils' talents and is followed up by our Welsh Evening for parents in March.
The school participates fully in the numerous Field Study and Outdoor Pursuit activities offered by the Authority (residential and non-residential). Members of Year 8 go to the Urdd camp at Glanllyn during the Autumn term. As well as school excursions within the UK , there are many trips abroad. The Rugby Football Team and Hockey Team operate an exchange visit with a number of schools in Canada . The French Department has a strong tradition of educational visits to France , more than 30 so far. There are also trips to Spain . Pupils in Year 9 go skiing each year. Staff give readily and generously of their time to enrich the experience of pupils.
Pupils are taken to museums and theatres in Swansea , Cardiff , Bristol , Stratford and London . Pastoral staff organise visits to such places as an ice-rink, bowling alley, roller skating and Oakwood Park .
Vast amounts of money are raised for a wide range of charities by a variety of activities which include a sponsored cross-country run, silence, reading, selling cakes and toast, discos, non-uniform days, carol singing and collection boxes in the lunch hour.
Subject staff from English, Mathematics, Science and Welsh are linked with the subject co-ordinators in the six partner primary schools. We have also instituted meetings between Year 7 and Year 6 Form Tutors.
We provide many opportunities for pupils and staff from our partner schools to visit Bishopston, to participate in activities and make use of specialist facilities.
An open evening on Thursday, 17th January, 2008 at 7.00 p.m. has been arranged for parents to see the school, meet the staff and view the work conducted in a range of curriculum areas.
During the summer term, on Wednesday, 9th July, 2008 arrangements have been made for all new intake pupils to visit Bishopston for the day. They will be put into their form, meet their Form Tutor, Year Tutor and Senior Staff and will follow a typical timetable for the day.
There will be a follow-up meeting in October 2007 when parents will have an opportunity to meet the Pastoral Team and talk to Form Tutors.
The school does not cater for pupils beyond Year 11. For those pupils who wish to continue with their education beyond the statutory age of leaving, provision is currently made for them to attend Gorseinon College, Swansea College, or Olchfa Comprehensive School. Bishopston has well-developed links with these establishments and information is given through meetings, interviews and visits.
Traditionally 93%+ of each cohort proceed to further education. |