HELIX Programme

The HELIX Programme was officially launched in 2015 and was designed to formalise and develop the extra-curricular educational events and activities, many of which had been already running for some years.

What is HELIX?

HELIX derived from Holistic, Experiential learning, Leadership, International citizenship & the X-Factor. 

 

The programme aims to help students to:

  • value all aspects of their development, not focus solely on academics
  • provide opportunities to experiment and apply their learning, not just rely on theory
  • give more opportunities to develop leadership instead of only following instructions
  • help develop an awareness of their place in the world, not just their ‘bubble’
  • help them find their passion (what is their X-Factor?), not ‘one size fits all’

The HELIX programme takes place throughout the school.

 

HELIX activities

Intercultural experiences

The Markham community is enriched by the blend of local and international staff and students. Through shared experiences, we all have the opportunity to celebrate and promote our diversity and identity via events such as the International Food Fair, the ‘Tinkuy’ Festival which celebrates the local cultures of Peru or our exchange programme with other Round Square schools. 

Outdoor experiences

These reflect the Round Square ideals of Kurt Hahn through a personal challenge, service to others, initiative, leadership and teamwork. Included in this are the Outdoor Education Programme, the CAS programme, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as well as, both national and international educational trips, sporting activities and events.

Our desire is that students find value in experiencing all of the strands in varying degrees. The learning afforded by participation in these ‘strands’ fulfils the CAS requirements for both the National Programme and the IB Diploma. In addition, a large number of leadership opportunities exist for all Sixth Form students under the auspices of the HELIX programme. 

Extracurricular

Additionally, the programme includes extracurricular activities in all three sections of the School.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DURING ONLINE EDUCATION PERIOD

 

We continue to provide a strong offering of extracurricular activities to all our students to foster a well-rounded education designed to allow them to explore their interests outside the classroom. In Early Years we have arts, music, dance, and physical activities. In Primary School, we have a wider range of options including activities led by our Secondary students and also those in which a mix of both Secondary and Primary students participate. In Secondary, activities such as competitive sports, music and drama continue to thrive, and students have taken the opportunity to develop as global citizens through their involvement in MUN, debate, International award and a variety of service projects. Such activities enable the students to develop new skills, reinforce learning in the classroom, and further develop communication and leadership skills.

Early Years activities

Primary activities

Secondary activities