Societies & Clubs 09 (1965)

The life of the School would not be complete without its numerous Societies. Some exist for the sole purpose of providing entertainment; others are there to extend the horizons of basic subjects rigidly controlled within the syllabus. All are well supported, especially the Focus Film Society which, since its revival, has gathered a following of some two hundred boys drawn from all parts of the School. From a recent survey it has been deduced that only twenty per cent of the School neither belong to nor regularly attend a society.

Considering only those open to the whole School, it is immediately noticeable that certain activities stimulate the enthusiasm of boys from varying age groups. The Christian societies (namely the Junior Christian Fellowship and the Christian Educational Movement) have their members from the junior school and the sixth form respectively. This year has seen the emergence of a new venture - the Aviation Enthusiasts Society, which has appealed mainly to the second and third forms, although interest is not strictly confined to this sector. The Senior and Junior History Societies cater for all but the Intermediate forms.

New societies will come and old ones will go. Some will flourish longer than others. A few will fight for survival but disappear within the year. Do you remember the Current Affairs Discussion Group or the Oil Painting Club? Perhaps not. They served the needs of their time, then sank into oblivion to give way to new schemes. A number of societies have changed their identity The Fifteen Society has emerged from the St. Nicholas and Aquinas Societies: the recent change in the Christian Education Movement was the result of the national policy of the past Student Christian Movement in Schools.

At present there are something like twenty-eight active groups (of which a dozen restrict their membership to the Senior School) and it is my opinion that this number cannot be far exceeded if the societies are to maintain their Influence. The enthusiastic support of the staff is necessary to control and guide these efforts; it is noteworthy that at present twenty masters associate themselves with a group that meets regularly.

The editors of the last edition of the School Magazine mentioned "the relative narrowness of our syllabus" and the responsibility resting with che student to see that he extends the scope of his studies. I believe that to contribute willingly to a society will not only broaden the pupil's outlook but will provide both enjoyment and relaxation

A. C. CLARKE, U6