Literature, Language & Culture

Years 7-13
We offer additional languages lessons in Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Italian and Russian. Individual or group lessons can be arranged for either native or non-native speakers. Depending on demand, small group tuition may be possible for pupils in the same year group who are of the same ability. Tuition is available for all abilities ranging from beginners to those wanting to prepare for GCSE or A Level examinations. 
For further information, please contact Mrs C Turner (cturner@mayfieldgirls.org) 

Year 7-9
This is an opportunity to learn about some of the numerous myths and legends regarding the creation of the ancient Greek gods and the world, the struggle among the gods for supremacy and Zeus' triumph, the love affairs and quarrels of the gods, and the effects of their adventures and powers on the mortal world.

Write on Art essay competition 
Run by Paul Mellon Foundation and ARTUK. For Years 11-13. Develop your understanding of a work of art and your literacy skills. Write an essay about a work of art that fascinates you: 400 words Year 11 / 600 words Year 12-13.

First Prize £300. Deadline: June 2025.

Dr Weddell provides support, encouragement and advice. Good record of past success in getting through to national finals. 
https://artuk.org/learn/write-on-art

SPOKE art documentary film competition
Years 11-13. Develop your understanding of art and your film-making and presentation skills by making a 7-minute documentary on a single work of art.

First Prize £200. Deadline: 31 Jan 2025.

Dr Weddell provides support, encouragement and advice. 
https://www.spokecompetition.com  

Discover ARTiculation film competition 
Run by Leeds University. Year 11. 
Develop public speaking and presentation skills as well as knowledge of a work of art. Make a 3-minute film of yourself speaking about a work of art that fascinates you.

Deadline: March 2025.

Dr Weddell provides support, encouragement and advice. Good record of past success in getting through to national finals. 
Discover Articulation Challenge | Arts and Humanities Outreach Team (leeds.ac.uk)

Years 10-13
Refugees, human trafficking, racism, the weapons trade, homelessness, gender equality – the list of injustices we read about, hear about, and witness is literally endless. Using the ‘See, Judge, Act’ method of theological reflection, girls who choose this group will spend some time educating themselves on the issues of injustice in the world today, deciding which area to focus on, and planning and implementing some form of project to address injustice. 

Years 7-13
Limited numbers
Would you like to help in the library, returning books, shelving, recommending books to other borrowers and promoting the library? This is an opportunity for students to commit one A1 session a week to share ideas for displays, take responsibility for areas of the library and help keep the libraries tidy and organised so that everyone can enjoy using them. 

Years 7 and 8
Years 9 and 10
Alternating fortnightly for each age group, this club is for those who wish to debate a range of current issues; express and exchange views; learn how to frame arguments and become more confident in speaking publicly. You will also have an opportunity to enter a national competition should you want to. 

Years 9-13
Participants assume the role of national ambassadors to debate and seek solutions to global issues by role-playing meetings such as the Security Council and General Assembly. Pupils research, debate and try to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. They learn about diplomacy and international relations, and develop their speaking, debating and writing skills, as well as their critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. At MUN conferences pupils compete against other schools and may find themselves having to argue from an unfamiliar perspective, so developing knowledge, understanding, empathy and other key life skills. MUN is highly recommended for Academic Scholars.

Years 10-13 
This is a club for anybody interested in discussing big issues and exploring Oxbridge type interview questions. It is not limited to those aiming to go down the Oxbridge route. Each session will be led by a different staff member leading a discussion around a question from their subject area and exploring ways the same question could be approached from multiple different perspectives and challenging the idea of there being a 'right' or definitive answer. 

Scholars' society is invitational only whereas Oxbridge Discussion Club is open to all.