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.  

Those pupils who choose to participate will be able to select from a programme of activities which will run as part of a chargeable 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.  Other options include the following:

Environment Leaders Programme

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.  

STEM Leadership 

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.