Co-curricular

While the classroom remains central to College life, we see co-curricular activities - so called because they complement pupils’ studies, rather than merely being an ‘extra’ - as vital to a rounded education.

Our full programme allows all pupils - be they novices, amateurs or elite performers - to enjoy a range of sporting, cultural, charitable and adventurous activities, and engagement brings many benefits. Each year, this includes

• 150 concerts and performances, including at venues such as Southwark Cathedral and Cadogan Hall, and the refurbished Edward Alleyn Theatre.
• 200 College teams playing in 1200 inter-school fixtures in seventeen sports – with national finals reached in football, hockey, swimming, and water polo, and several pupils earning representative honours.
• All Year 9 pupils being part of the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme of Scouts. From 2025, the programme will be run entirely in conjunction with James Allen’s Girls’ School.
• Senior boys devoting some 5000 hours to Community Action projects.
• The House system serving as a framework for friendly loyalty and healthy competition, with pupils from Year 3 through to the Upper Sixth competing in over 150 sporting and cultural competitions ranging from the traditional (swimming, football and drama) to the more original (pancake race, times tables rockstars and croquet).
• A programme of over 90 expeditions enabling pupils to broaden their academic, cultural and social horizons in a range of contexts, ranging from scientific fieldwork in Geneva and language immersion in China to leadership training on Dartmoor and art exploration in New York.
• The Union of Societies allowing like-minded individuals to explore their interests beyond the curriculum, with pupils having the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of inspiring speaker.

There is truth in the paradox that those most engaged outside the classroom tend to enjoy success within it, and co-curricular participation boosts pupils’ self-esteem as their achievements are celebrated. Through their broad involvement, pupils foster attributes which contribute to their personal development and can be transferred to their studies and beyond, such as perseverance, initiative, resilience, self-discipline, and adaptability. Lastly, the co-curricular affords opportunities for pupils to work in different groups and teams (including those from other schools), and also to engage with members of staff who aren’t always their subject teachers.