Co-Curricular
At the Upper School, we believe in a “healthy breadth” of experience. Our rich and varied programme prioritises character, teamwork and the joy of discovering new hobbies, as part of an inclusive and energetic environment.
The result is not simply academic success. It is a life well-lived.
Those pupils who choose to participate will be able to select from a programme of activities which will run as part of an Extended Day option which provides flexibility for busy families and expansive opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Co-Curricular Programme will offer a range of hobby-based activities including a number which will take advantage of our coastal location, as well as activities including a range of outdoor education options.
Building on our commitment to preparing young people for the modern world, our Co-Curricular Programme will also embrace a range of Academic Enrichment options which will include debating and coding.
Additional Co-Curricular Options:
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
At Bede’s, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is fully integrated into school life to encourage personal discovery, self-reliance, and responsibility. The structured programme allows pupils to progress through three distinct levels:
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Bronze Award: Undertaken by all Year 9 students (and open to new Year 10s). Pupils set objectives across Volunteering, Physical, and Skills sections, concluding with a self-sufficient, two-day expedition.
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Silver Award: Offered in Years 10 and 11, this level deepens commitment across the core sections and culminates in a three-day outdoor venture.
Beyond outdoor adventure, the DofE journey builds leadership, teamwork, adaptability, self-belief, and resilience. Because these awards are nationally recognized, completing them significantly strengthens CVs and future applications for both universities and employers.
STEM Leadership Award
The STEM Leadership is a specialised accredited qualification that teaches pupils how to lead a team to solve a complex problem. The qualification is a popular choice for pupils who want to develop their communication, problem solving and collaborative skills within the context of STEM. The Programme is deliberately “hands-on”, typically involving event and project management as well as the consideration of concepts including ethics and impact assessments.
This qualification will demonstrate practical skills as well as evidence their passion for STEM subjects beyond the curriculum, something which is increasingly demanded by the top universities. Furthermore, as AI handles more technical tasks, the “human” side of STEM such as leadership, empathy and strategic thinking will become increasingly valuable assets; qualifications such as this could become key differentiators.
Foreign Language Leader Award
The Foreign Language Leader Award is an accredited qualification which allows pupils to enhance their language skills by leading activities for younger pupils. The award is highly practical and is structured around “learning by leading”. Tasks might include organising cultural events or delivering workshops.
By taking on such leadership roles pupils embed their own linguistic skills whilst also developing a range of soft skills including public speaking.
Environment Leaders Award
The Environmental Leaders Programme (ELP) is a nationally recognised, accredited qualification developed in partnership with the WWF, the RSPB, and the Leadership Skills Foundation.
While many schools focus on environmental knowledge, the ELP is specifically designed to teach environmental leadership, providing a professional framework to lead real-world sustainability projects and providing tangible evidence of “green skills” as well as broader “soft skills” such as leadership, negotiation and public speaking within the context of a topic which many young people are understandably so passionate about.
Sports Leader's Award
The Sports Leadership Programme, delivered through the Leadership Skills Foundation, offers nationally recognised Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications designed to develop essential life skills—such as communication, problem-solving, self-management, and teamwork—using sport and physical activity.
Offered as an active extra-curricular opportunity:
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Level 1: Tailored specifically for Year 9 pupils.
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Level 2: Aimed at pupils in Years 10 and 11.
Throughout the programme, learners gain a deep understanding of a sports leader's roles and responsibilities by designing, planning, and delivering physical activities within the local community. To achieve their qualification, pupils log their plans, observations, and evaluations in a Learning Evidence Record (LER). Because these qualifications align directly with professional standards for sport and physical activity leadership, they serve as valuable additions to CVs and future application processes.
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