The Purpose

Our Co-curricular programme is a core element of our educational provision, designed to promote pupils’ wellbeing, a sense of belonging, personal development, and wider achievement. It provides structured opportunities for pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that complement their academic learning and prepare them for purposeful adult lives.

Anchored in our motto — Aut viam inveniam aut faciam (I shall either find a way or make one) our purpose is to create an environment where every pupil is empowered to pursue interests, discover new strengths, take initiative and build the confidence to create their own pathways.

Our programme is intentionally aligned with our school values:

Happiness First, Courage and Resilience, Innovative Approach, Community of Kindness and Lifelong Learning

Broad, Ambitious and Highly Inclusive

The programme is deliberately structured so that every pupil can try new experiences, develop skills over time, and move through clear progression routes, from introductory participation to elite high performance, competition or leadership roles, enabling our pupils to achieve highly across different domains.

Our community’s beauty, diversity and inclusivity enrich every strand of this provision. Activities are designed to welcome pupils of all backgrounds, celebrating the many cultures, identities and perspectives that make our school unique.

Our Co-Curricular Provision spans:

Performing and Creative Arts

Music, drama, art, design and digital creativity.

Sport & Outdoor Education

Team sports, development squads, recreational movement and adventure.

Academic & Intellectual Extension

Societies, competitions, research clubs and pupil led initiatives.

Service, Leadership & Community Partnerships

Volunteering, mentoring, charity projects and outreach.

Wellbeing & Personal Growth

Mindfulness, interest clubs, cultural groups and social programmes

Opportunities for Every Pupil

Every pupil is encouraged and supported to take part in Cocurricular life. Whether they pursue a single passion or immerse themselves in a wide array of activities, each experience is valued. This is underpinned by a Co-curricular Student Council, Mentors and Ambassadors, providing opportunities for pupils to take leadership responsibilities and ownership of the programme. The programme’s diversity and flexibility mean that every pupil can find and when needed, make their own way.

A School Day Designed for Opportunity

Our daily structure is intentionally crafted to provide ample time for cocurricular engagement within and around the school day. Each lunchtime is divided into two dedicated sessions, allowing pupils to enjoy flexible lunch arrangements and participate in high quality activities without conflict or rush.

These protected time blocks ensure:

  • Meaningful participation for all year groups
  • Reduced clashes between clubs, rehearsals and sports commitments
  • Space for wellbeing activities, friendships and personal exploration
  • A calm, well-paced rhythm to the day that supports Happiness First

Activities

Sport Academic Enrichment Music Pupil-Led Societies Clubs Religious
Athletics Williams Project Chapel Choir Jewish Society Astronomy Club Islamic Society
Recreational Swimming 3D Pen Club Junior Rock Band Robotics Society Chess Club Christian Union
Cricket Art D Shepherd Competition Theory Club Equality Ambassadors Survival Skills Club
Gym Dissection Club Guitar Ensemble The Chigwell Biologist Electronic Music Composition and Sound Manipulation
Studio Class Poetry Society Musici/Senior Orchestra Feminist Society
Tennis Squad Lower School Mythos Club Clarinet Ensemble Bio Medical Society
Climbing Senior Debating Club Saxophone Ensemble LGBTQ+
Girls Football Year 8 & 9 Literary Society Big Band Mythos Club
Boys Football Bronze Crest STEM Project Percussion Ensemble Japanese Cinema
Recreational Tennis Attenborough Society Symphonic Wind Band Criminology Society
Body Balance Greenpower Club Trombone Quartet Philosophy and Ethics
Dance Python Club Trumpet Ensemble Journalism Society
Futsal Maths Olympiad Training Flute Group Sustainability Ambassadors
Cross Country Literary Society Intermediate Orchestra
Hockey Graphic Novel Club Junior Cello Group
Running Club Mandarin Club Senior Cello Group
Yoga ARTiculation Prize Senior Rock Band
Strength and Conditioning French Public Speaking Senior Pop Choir
Table Tennis Reading Companions Beethoven String Quartet
Badminton Psychology Society
Netball