At St Philomena's Catholic High School For Girls, a fun and energetic dancing club has been established for six formers, its name deriving from the popular TV show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The club ‘Strictly St Phil's’ is run by Head of the Sixth Form, Mr. Newman with other fellow teachers: Ms. Wray, Miss Piggot and Ms. Collyer. The club started at the beginning of the school year and takes place every Friday after school. 


 

Mr. Newman wanted to start this club especially to bring joy to sixth formers as they go through the stressful times of A-levels. The club is specifically a dancing club as the Head of Sixth Form is trained in ballroom and latin dance, hence why ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme fits perfectly with the club. Not only does the club bring tremendous joy to sixth formers but the club also allows them to interact with people not necessarily in their friend groups, helping them create more friends. This is another reason why Mr. Newman wanted to start the club in the first place. Over the three months the club has been running from, you can really see how the club has helped students become more positive, especially if they have had a stressful week.

 

 

It’s not only the students that have fun at the club but the teachers as well. Miss Piggot is another teacher who runs the club alongside Mr Newman, being introduced to it by said man as well. Before the club started, the Head of Year used to teach his friends a few things about dancing which lead to Miss Piggot joining the club as well as Ms. Wray. Miss Piggot has stated that she is no expert in dancing and actually learns on the spot just like the students. Despite not being as knowledgeable about dancing, Miss Piggot loves learning it alongside the other teachers. Just like Mr Newman, she believes the club brings a lot of fun and joy to the community of St Philomena’s.

 

 

The ‘Strictly St Phil's’ club certainly has helped improve the school experience for staff and students alike. Here are some students' comments about the club:

 

"I love ballroom because it’s such a great way to escape from the stresses of school while learning new dances and just having an overall fun time"

- Ella Green

 

"I have really enjoyed ballroom dancing, as a dancer myself it has helped me develop my skills and socialise with other people in sixth form. It also puts a joyful end to the school week!"

- Melissa D'Souza

 

"When I first thought about joining ballroom dance I was sceptical on whether I would enjoy it or not, however I was able to overcome this with the help of my encouraging teachers and friends who joined in. Watching strictly looks easy but really working alongside a partner to dance on instinct yourself, now that's a challenge, but it was a challenge I was able to face through the club."

- Rachel Botelho

 

 

Does your school have a similar club? Not necessarily a dancing club, but a club that help bring some positivity into the school community. If not, it’s worth making a recommendation at school or find a club outside of school. Joining a club really does help ease your mind from the stresses of work and school.


 

Written by

Francesca Bernardez

St Philomena’s Catholic High School For Girls