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In the latest episode of our school podcast, Stirred by the Sun, Headteacher Mr. Carson sat down with Head Pupils Becca and Aroush, along with a group of passionate students, to dive deep into the co-curricular programme at RMS – the heart of school life.
With over 130 clubs available each term, the message was clear – there truly is something for everyone. From launching satellites to performing on stage, here are the highlights from our discussion on Episode Three.
A Breadth of Opportunity
The episode brought together pupils from across the year groups, showcasing the sheer variety of interests catered to at RMS:
- Digital Leaders: Leading the way in tech and online safety.
- RMS STEM & CANSAT: Producing high-quality scientific journals and engineering projects.
- Classics Club: A space to “geek out” over Greek mythology and ancient history.
- Performing Arts: Drama clubs that encourage confidence and creativity.
- Sport: Everything from national-level gymnastics to inter-house football tournaments.
There’s a wide breadth of opportunities offered at RMS... they cover every aspect of school life
- Alessia, Year 12
Leadership and Legacy
One of the most inspiring themes of the episode was the conversation around pupil leadership. Many of our clubs, such as the RMS STEM Magazine, are not just attended by pupils but are actively managed by them.
Amy and Amanda (Year 13) shared their journey of co-leading the Digital Leaders for four years, reflecting on how they started in Year 9. They admitted that while the organisational side is a challenge, the rewards – like seeing a shy Year 7 student confidently deliver an assembly – make it all worth it.
The concept of legacy was also central. Becca noted how older pupils act as mentors, handing down the “reins” of a club to younger year groups to ensure that the community they’ve built continues long after they leave RMS.
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
Whether it’s through Classics Club presentations or the inclusive nature of our Drama department, pupils spoke warmly about how these clubs provide a safe space to grow.
Aisha (Year 13) highlighted how the Drama department ensures that lead roles aren’t reserved for a select few, allowing pupils to build their confidence over time. Similarly, the Sports teams provide an avenue for both elite competition and purely inclusive participation, such as the recent success of the Year 9 football team.
The “Unlimited Budget” Dream
To wrap up the episode, pupils were asked what they would buy if they had unlimited funding for their clubs. The answers were as ambitious as our pupils:
- RMSTEM: An electron microscope (a cool £70,000!) or a trip to CERN.
- Classics: A life-sized wooden Trojan Horse for the meeting table!
- Drama: A permanent revolving stage for professional-grade productions.
- Digital Leaders: A trip to Silicon Valley to visit tech giants like Google and Snapchat.
Final Thoughts: Just Lean In
Mr. Carson closed the episode by reflecting on a quote from a former RMS parent: “It’s all there for you at RMS… you’ve just got to lean into it.”
Whether you are interested in the hyper-fixation of Ancient History or the thrill of a national gymnastics podium, the opportunities are waiting. As our pupils have shown, if the club you want doesn’t exist yet, you have the support and the platform to start it yourself.
Listen to the full episode of ‘Stirred by the Sun’ below or check out past episodes via rmsforgirls.com/podcast.