Spooky Club began in my first year at Ealing Independent College, in 2018. Students were asked to choose what kinds of clubs they would like as part of our extra-curricular offering, and one member of my form class said, “How about a paranormal club?” So it was, in fact, a student’s idea, although I still like to pretend that it was mine. I could not be more delighted that the club is still running today. I am very proud not just of the club’s longevity, but also by its uniqueness: only one other school in the UK – assuming that Gemini AI can be trusted – claims to have a similar club.
The original name was Metaphysics and Folklore Club, and the attendees of that first incarnation were Year 13 students. The next few cohorts were younger, and it was they who coined the term “Spooky Club” which, somehow, stuck. Fast-forward eight years and, nowadays, we have more of a mixed age group attendance, ranging from Year 9 to Year 13, but the paranormal and parapsychology are such diverse areas of study that there is always a topic which caters for all students. And, depending on who turns up, we always adapt the level of the session accordingly.
Firstly, to address any preconceptions: no, we don’t conduct séances (mainly because I am too scared), nor do we watch graphic horror films (ditto). The club is supposed to be fun; a little spine-tingling foray into the mystical unknown is what we’re all about, but giving people nightmares definitely isn’t. Our discussions have included topics such as cryptid sightings, the existence of aliens and UFOs, the sixth sense of animals, and anything else which encourages healthy debate. If non-believers are in attendance, this actually makes sessions far more interesting than everyone sharing one and the same view. It’s also great when students take the lead in sessions; one of the most memorable ones over the years was led by Kai, a now-Year 13 student, who gave a well-planned and exciting presentation about haunted places in her local area.
What can students expect from Spooky Club? The simple answer to this is: anything they want. Rather than dictating the topics each week, I like to ask students what they would like to discuss, or alternatively we take our lead from whatever is happening seasonally. October is obviously The Big Spooky Month as it leads to Hallowe’en, but other times of the year can be equally magical; we enjoyed learning about Walpurgisnacht, the Germanic springtime equivalent of Hallowe’en, in late April. The fact that chocolate was involved made it even more fun!
For anyone thinking, “Spooky Club sounds a bit weird” – well, that rather depends upon one’s perception. Is it a little unusual for a school club? Yes. But, if your tastes and interests are outside of the mainstream, and you don’t have anywhere to go to enjoy them, then it could be just the place for you.
Spooky Club currently takes place every Wednesday at 1:30pm in room 3A. If you are interested in finding out more about it, please come along.
Nemone Sariman