Extra-Curricular Activities

Led and moderated by one of Cherwell’s esteemed tutors – Sean Murphy, a former BBC researcher, writer and historian, Debate & Current Affairs Club servers as a forum to explore and discuss ideas, current affairs and issues affecting our society today.

Some of the topics discussed during the recent (virtual) Debate & Current Affairs Club meetings included:

• How the race for renewable energy is reshaping global politics? – following an article published in FT.
• Should the statues of racist historical figures be torn down? – a topic which sparked controversy over the prudence of the removal of the Cecil Rhodes’ statue and plague from the University College buildings.
• Is death penalty appropriate in a civil, democratic society?
• Does male dominance in society prevent the strengthening of laws to protect women in the home, the workplace and in the public sphere?
• Following the recent Harry and Megan interview with Oprah, does the monarchy need to be modernised?
• Do you think the socio-economic and environmental impact of HS2’s construction will be worth the long-term benefits of having a high-speed rail project like this?

Many of our students are rather keen chess players, often playing after dinner or during lunch and even taking up chess as a qualifying activity for their ‘Skills’ section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

We are also lucky to have a chess champion among our tutors! Mark Hannon is not only an excellent Mathematics teacher but also a brilliant chess and Xiangqi (Chinese chess) player, and can often be found playing against our students during term time (and, it has to be said, winning). He is always keen to give tips and guidance on how to learn and master the game.

Science Club is founded upon the routine of a bi-weekly meetings for the science-orientated students of Cherwell College. Under the expert supervision of the Cherwell College academic team, it presents the opportunity for these students to research and deliver in-depth presentations on innovation in the fields of science and technology. Students use this platform to talk about their interests, hone their communication skills and sharpen their research skills.

One of the key dates in the Cherwell College Science Club calendar is the annual series of student presentations, delivered to an audience of students, staff, and specially invited external guests. This event requires of the students a precocious level of dedication, scientific insight, and confidence with public speaking.

Music Club is quite popular among our students. You can master your skills in playing the guitar, the drums or the piano. If you have a lovely voice, you can practice in our music room as well.

Every party we enjoy the creativity of our musicians and singers. What a fun to do it together with your friends!

It has often been said that if walking was a medicine then it would be prescribed to everyone. From Aristotle to Einstein, walking has been an important routine for many with a great mind. That is why our students like to regularly make the most of the beautiful parks in Oxford by taking a break, getting out there and having a healthy walk.

Would you consider yourself something of a polymath? Then we would love you to join our quiz team! Each year the CIFE colleges gather together at a venue in London to compete in the inter-college annual quiz. This is a fun (but still highly competitive!) event for which we like to prepare in the preceding weeks by meeting over lunch and revising the main topics likely to come up.

Check out CIFE’s review of a previous event here: https://www.cife.org.uk/cife-general-news/cife-college-challenge-2017/