Union of Societies

The Union is an umbrella organisation that co-ordinates over 50 active clubs and societies within the College. These clubs represent much of what is best about Dulwich - enthusiasm, diversity, innovation - and provide a forum for pupils of all ages to come together and share their interests and ideas.

Some of the societies meet to explore further academic subjects such as Economics, English Literature and History; other gather to develop their interests beyond the curriculum, such as Football Debating Society, Chess and Astronomy Society. Some are keen to sharpen their awareness within the College community of social issues, such as Climate Change Society, African Caribbean Society and Francophone Society. With the easing of COVID restrictions, society meetings are once again taking place in person, usually at lunch times or after school and often with visiting speakers, eminent in their field, including politicians, historians, poets and musicians.

Although members of staff are actively involved to support in planning and organising events, many of the societies are run by the pupils for the pupils: they remain the driving force. Pupils are encouraged to initiate new societies if they find a gap in the current available programme. Many societies have become an integral part of College life, with pupils playing a role far beyond the confines of a weekly meeting. For example, Chemistry Extension Club and Debating both have College teams regularly take part in national and international competitions.

We are much indebted to the Friends of Dulwich College who regularly provide grants for these clubs. Recently, the Dulwich Mechanic society was given a generous grant to help purchase resources it needed to found the society.

Early in the Michaelmas term we hold the annual Union Fair in the Auditorium in the Laboratory. This gives an opportunity for pupils new to the College to visit the stands and talk to representatives of the Union’s many societies. There are also Union meetings which take place twice every term. These are chaired by the President of the Union and the Secretary, a Senior Prefect. A new Union Secretary is elected annually from candidates in Year 12.