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Be Involved – Clubs & Societies

Expand your interests and connect with others.

That’s why we run a variety of extracurricular clubs and societies to help you engage with people, interests and issues you care about.

From sports teams to college musicals, debating societies to board games clubs, we offer a huge variety of extracurricular clubs and societies to enable you to make the most out of your time at college, the chance to try something new, develop your interests and hobbies and make life-long friends in the process.

You will have the opportunity to discover a new passion or take part in the activities you love during your time at college – HSDC aims to offer something to suit each and every student.

The timetable and locations for our current Clubs and Societies for students can be found on our intranet. For anything else, please contact our Be Involved Coordinator.

Alton College Student Union

Do you want to make a difference and take an active role as part of a community of empowered change-makers at our Student Union? Represent the interests of all students, have a voice and help make decisions for the benefit of Alton students. The Student Union is a perfect opportunity for you to make a real difference to our college.

Alton Creative Writing Club

Weekly on-line lunchtime workshops for those who enjoy writing creatively. Students are encouraged to develop and shape their skills to write poetry, short stories and non-fiction texts. Additionally, students can enter competitions, participate in poetry slams or simply share their work with each other.

Wilding Society

Our Alton Wilding Society is for students who are passionate about the environment and climate change. If you are interested in working with us to create wildflower meadows, insect habitats and herb gardens in re-wild our campus, this enrichment opportunity is for you.

MedSoc

HSDC MedSoc is an enrichment opportunity for those students interested in becoming a Doctor, Dentist or Vet. We will help you to develop the confidence and knowledge to apply for a medical course, get inspired and get an edge in your application.

Esports

The Esports society at Alton is a casual community around having fun and experiencing games that you know and love, or new games you haven’t had a chance to play yet. The society aims to build an inclusive and supportive environment for all students interested in Esports or video gaming, and to have a voice in the gaming provision at the College. Students in the society also have the opportunity to participate in more competitive gaming tournament experiences at the college.

Drama Club

A fun and interactive club including starter games, acting warm-ups, script work, group drama projects, showcases and so much more! This club is open to all drama enthusiasts who are eager to meet and work with like-minded and enthusiastic people.

Environmental Sustainability & Conservation Society

In this club we will consider what we feel are the most important issues regarding the environment and consider how we can improve the college and our lifestyle in general.  Come along to find out how we can all contribute as a college and as an individual to combat the climate crisis.

Gender Sexuality Alliance

Everyone is welcome. Our aim is to create a safe and friendly College environment for all, whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning or straight. We meet up every week and often join up with other local College and Uni GSA groups.

Alton Alternative Magazine

The Alternative is our student online magazine, where students can share their work and opinions with the local community. Calling all budding journalists, business brains, designers and creative bods. If you are interested in publishing either from a creative writing perspective or you just want to learn the basics, then our student magazine needs your contribution.

See the latest version here

Alton Bar Mock Trial

Bar Mock Trial involves participants working in teams to prepare prosecution and defence cases in response to fictitious criminal scenarios provided by the Citizenship Foundation. Students will play the parts of jurors, witnesses, prosecution and defence lawyers in a real-life enactment.

Alton Jazz Band

The HSDC Alton Jazz Band plays many concerts each year. In recent years it has given a short concert tour of France and performed in front of 1000 people at the Birmingham International Conference Centre. Come along to be part of The HSDC Alton Jazz Band to rehearse and perform a wide range of ‘in yer face’ music from jazz standards.

Chamber Orchestra

This ensemble is for all string players, together with assorted wind, brass and percussion players. Rehearsals
take place in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, preparing music for a number of concerts throughout the year. During the spring term, there will be opportunities to divide into smaller ensembles, such as a string group and a wind ensemble, in order to explore different repertoire.

Rock & Pop Band

Rehearse and perform a diverse repertoire of songs. In previous years this has included material from Santana, Audioslave, Muse, The Zutons, James Brown, and Paramore amongst others. These will then be performed at concerts and open mic nights throughout the year.

Alton Choir Club

A fun ensemble offering the opportunity to perform large choral works, with an orchestra, at least twice a year. All are welcome, whatever your voice. Join our choir to also take part in our annual summer college ‘Sing it from Scratch’ event.

Alton Board Games Club

Make new friends at our Alton Board Games Club. Join our club today and enjoy our friendly weekly game sessions and be part of a vibrant community of board game enthusiasts.

Forensic Science Club

Interested in learning about the field of Forensics? Come along to our interactive sessions and learn about the wealth of intriguing scientific methods used to investigate crimes and examine evidence.

Future Leaders

Come along to our events to find out how you can fulfil your potential, meet like-minded individuals, demonstrate your own leadership skills and benefit from talks given by inspirational leaders including our Principal & CEO Mike Gaston and accomplished leaders of multinational companies.

Dungeons & Dragons Club

Come together and play one of the most popular tabletop games. Join us today to explore mystical worlds, fight monsters and go on adventures of a life-time! 

South Downs Campus Student Union

Make a difference and take an active role as part of a community of empowered change-makers at our Student Union. Represent the interests of all students, have an active voice and help make decisions for the benefit of our South Downs students. The Student Union is a perfect opportunity for you to make a real difference to our college and shape how it is run.

South Downs Wilding Society

Our South Downs Wilding Society is for students who are passionate about the environment and climate change. If you are interested in working with us to create wildflower meadows, insect habitats and herb gardens to re-wild our campus, this enrichment opportunity is for you.

South Downs Creative Writing Club

Weekly lunchtime laid-back workshops for those who enjoy writing creatively. Students are encouraged to develop and shape their skills to write poetry, short stories and non-fiction texts. Additionally, students can enter competitions, participate in poetry slams or simply share their work with each other.

South Downs Esports Club

The esports society at South Downs is a casual community around having fun and experiencing games that you know and love, or new games you haven’t had a chance to play yet. The society aims to build an inclusive and supportive environment for all students interested in esports or video gaming, and to have a voice in the gaming provision at the College. Students in the society also have the opportunity to participate in more competitive gaming tournament experiences at the college.

Board Games Club

Make new friends at our South Downs Board Games Club. Join our club today and enjoy our friendly weekly game sessions and be part of a vibrant community of Board Game enthusiasts.

Cinema Club

Cinema Club is scheduled for 12.30-1.30 Monday’s and Thursday’s, during lunch time.  This is where you can relax and have a place to unwind for an hour. We have a variety of films that will be played. Food and drink are allowed, so bring along some popcorn if you would like to have the full cinema experience! Basic housekeeping rules must be adhered to, so come along to room 119a / 119b, first floor.

Christian Union

The Christian Union meet on a Thursday 1-2pm in Room 108. You can expect some bible studying and conversations, a testimony and even the possibility of treats to take home. However, you don’t have to be a Christian to attend, if you have some questions about Christianity in general or about the religion then pop along to find out more, you will be very welcome.

The Entrepreneurship Society

Dream of running your own business? South Downs Entrepreneurship Society’s mission is to encourage enterprise and innovation through a range of workshops, masterclasses and guest speaker events. Meet like-minded individuals and learn  about how you can turn your business idea into a reality.

Havant Campus Student Union

Make a difference and take an active role as part of a community of empowered change-makers at our Student Union. Represent the interests of all students, have an active voice and help make decisions for the benefit of our students at HSDC Havant. The Student Union is a perfect opportunity for you to make a real difference to our college.

Table Top Games Club

A new club dedicated to card games, board games and adventure games. This is a perfect opportunity to make new friends and explore the world of board games in the process!

The Havant Wilding Society

Our Havant Wilding Society is for students who are passionate about the environment and climate change. If you are interested in working with us to create wildflower meadows, insect habitats and herb gardens in order to re-wild our campus, this enrichment opportunity is for you.

Astronomy Club

Havant Astronomy Club welcomes astronomy enthusiasts from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly meetings. We aim to provide a relaxing and friendly environment for the experience, education and enjoyment of astronomy.

The Debating Society

If you want to participate in lively discussions on contemporary issues, then The Debating Society presents the ideal opportunity for you.

Havant Alternative Magazine

The Alternative is our student online magazine, where students can share their work and opinions with the local community. Calling all budding journalists, business brains, designers and creative bods! If you are interested in publishing either from a creative writing perspective or you just want to learn the basics, then our student magazine needs your contribution.

MedSoc

HSDC MedSoc is an enrichment opportunity for those students interested in becoming a Doctor, Dentist or Vet. We will help you to develop the confidence and knowledge to apply for a medical course, get inspired and get an edge in your application.

Rock Solid Crew

Ever wondered where that pebble came from? How crystals form? Or just have an interest in the earth? Bring and share your own samples/specimens or take a look at some from our own extensive collection.

Forensic Science Club

Interested in learning about the field of Forensics? Come along to our interactive sessions and learn about the wealth of intriguing scientific methods used to investigate crimes and examine evidence.

Politics Society

The Politics Society invites you to discover more about contemporary issues and become involved in the cut-and-thrust of debate. Come along to our weekly sessions to develop your passion for Politics in an intellectually stimulating environment.

Chess Club

Whether you’re a beginner, club player or pro, we would love for you to join us at the Havant Chess Society. Our club members are as diverse as the game itself, ranging across Yr1 and Yr2 but all united by a love for the game of chess and the community it fosters.

Creative Writing Club

Weekly online lunchtime workshops for those who enjoy writing creatively. Students are encouraged to develop and shape their skills to write poetry, short stories and non-fiction texts. Additionally, students can enter competitions, participate in poetry slams or simply share their work with each other.

Havant Bar Mock Trial

Bar Mock Trial involves participants working in teams to prepare prosecution and defence cases in response to fictitious criminal scenarios provided by the Citizenship Foundation. Students will play the parts of jurors, witnesses, prosecution and defence lawyers in a real-life enactment.

Future Leaders

Come along to our events to find out how you can fulfil your potential, meet like-minded individuals, demonstrate your own leadership skills and benefit from talks given by inspirational leaders including our Principal & CEO Mike Gaston and accomplished leaders of multinational companies.

History Club

Explore mysteries, cuisines and ‘what ifs’ throughout history in the HSDC History Club.

Choir Club

An exciting ensemble offering the opportunity to perform a variety of choral works and sing for fun as well as in at least two concerts per year. Recent repertoire includes Simon & Garfunkel, Mozart and Eric Whitacre. All are welcome, whatever your voice or background.

Music Theory Support

Refine your skills in music theory, whether to help with graded examinations or the Music A-level course.

Composition Workshop

This composition enrichment focuses on the development and performance of student compositions. Workshop your compositions with other students, receive 1-1 coaching and explore creative activities to beat the blank page!

Chamber Orchestra

This ensemble is for all string players, together with assorted wind, brass and percussion players. Rehearsals take place in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, preparing music for a number of concerts throughout the year. During the first term, we will play as an orchestra. During the spring term, there will be opportunities to divide into smaller ensembles, such as a string group and a wind ensemble, in order to explore different repertoire.

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