STEAM Extra-Curricular Activities

Outside the classroom, students have numerous opportunities to further explore their STEAM interests through a wide array of extra-curricular activities. We believe having such opportunities available is essential to inspire and develop our students, whilst promoting a love of STEAM.

The weekly clubs offered at Chelmer Valley include the following, with the timetable below (subject to change).

Green Power Challenge - The club will give pupils a chance to Design, build & race a single seater electric car. Racing will be at some of the UK's top race tracks.

The perfect club for those interested in a future in Engineering and Design.

Open to all 11-16 year olds (competition rules), although race team places are limited again because of the rules.

Product Design Club - A weekly early KS3 evening club where we will teach you to use the fantastic facilities Chelmer have available, to design and make a variety of products. 6 Week blocks will be themed with either traditional woodworking skills or Cad/Cam based.

Places in the workshop are strictly limited for safety reasons and so we will be running a waiting list to make sure as many parents and pupils get the opportunity to take part as we can throughout the year. There will be 16 places (8 pairs) in each block. Each block will run for 6 weeks at a cost of £30 per pair. Places both blocks for the autumn term have already been filled.

Chess Club - Well, what better brain exercise than the mystical game of chess? Chess offers numerous benefits for students, contributing to their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Chess is a universal game, knowing no boundaries of age, gender, ethnicity or disability.

Science Club - Provides students with an opportunity to refine their practical skills and extend their knowledge beyond the classroom.

STEAMinists - A dynamic and inclusive space designed for girls and non-binary youth passionate about STEAM. We explore inspiring role models in STEAM, tackle mini challenges, and discover creative problem-solving. Building skills, sparking innovation and connecting with a supportive community.

Maths Logic Legends - Brainpower is unlocked with our Maths & Logic Club! Students get the opportunity to play exciting board games and tackle code-breaking challenges and logic puzzles. Students sharpen their skills, have fun, and connect with fellow problem-solvers.

Digital Leaders - Students learn to diagnose and repair technical issues, gain hands-on experience with coding and further develop their problem-solving skills. This club is perfect for students eager to explore the inner workings of technology and build real-world expertise.

Robotics Club - An exciting opportunity to design, build and compete robots in a series of challenges in VEX Robotics Competitions. The competition encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, programming, and teamwork—skills that are essential for success in today’s technology-driven world. This club is supported by local engineering business Teledyne e2v.

Voice in a Million Singers - This club prepare a range of songs which are performed annually at Wembley. The performance is in March but they will also be performing at the Christmas Concert. 

African Drummers - a group that focusses on preparing some short pieces to be performed at the Christmas Concert. 

Glee Club - Auditions for Year 8 and above take place at the beginning of the academic year to become part of the Glee Club. Students need to be strong singers and dancers in order to gain a place. This club is aimed at able performers who would like the opportunity to take part in various performance opportunities and competitions. 

Musical Theatre Club - Open to all students in all year groups. This club is an opportunity to be part of an ensemble, learning a range of numbers from different musicals. Students are welcome to make suggestions for what they would like to do and there will be chances to do smaller group songs, and we will also look for different soloists. 

Drama Club - Open to KS3 & KS4 students who have an interest in drama. Students will participate in drama games and activities. At the end of the Autumn Term, there is a performance where students share what they have been working on. This is usually a scripted performance. Students can choose to perform, or they can take on a technical role, such as sound, lighting, costume or set design. 

STEAM Clubs Timetable 24/25

In addition:

• Art has an open door policy every lunch and afterschool (GCSE only)
• Technology has an “All Technology Open Door” every Monday and Wednesday (GCSE only)
• GCSE and BTEC Performing Arts Students can book Exam practical rehearsal space