Vibrant and diverse co-curricular activities
Whitgift balances school life to enable pupils to broaden their horizons and pursue their interests. We are fortunate to possess passionate teaching staff and outstanding facilities which are the basis of a varied co-curricular programme.
Students learn to focus on their current interests and are encouraged to develop new passions. Success is not directly pursued, but will often be the outcome of learning to work hard and applying dedication to the task in hand.
The entire co-curricular programme is designed to foster creativity, innovation, curiosity and excellence, allowing students to make the most of every day at Whitgift. We encourage pupils to give things a try and the nature of how days are organised means that they have ample opportunity do just that. Our activities are grouped in the following categories:
- Active Education (including Combined Cadet Force & Duke of Edinburgh's Awards)
- Art, culture and special interest
- Drama
- Music
- Sport
- STEM
- Subject Enrichment
Pupils can enrich their week with activities from a broad range of clubs and societies, developing crucial life skills and forging new friendships.
Alistair OsborneAssistant Head (Co-curricular)
Explore some of our clubs and societies
Students create their own Economics magazine; writing the articles, creating the artwork and editing them into a magazine form which is then professionally printed for distribution in and around the School.
In new and wild environments, and with the spirit of adventure and enjoyment, students learn the virtues of teamwork and leadership.
Whitgift has a strong fencing programme delivered by professional fencing coaches, all of whom have represented their country during their competitive careers.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related clubs and societies enhance subject knowledge in an enjoyable way, developing independent research skills, teamwork and confidence in presenting.
Japanese Club offers fun ways for students to get to grips with this fascinating and different culture.
The Apiarian Society (Beekeeping) is a great way to get hands-on experience in producing small batches of the famous Whitgift Honey.
This is just one of the clubs covering arts, culture and special interests at the School. Here enthusiastic philosophers with a curiosity about the subject are warmly welcomed!
Live performances are a priority for the music orchestras and clubs. Participation in certain music groups does not require the ability to perform at a particular level.
Regardless of ability, we strongly encourgage all pupils to engage in physical pursuits. In the First Form, pupils are introduced to exciting new sports such as Fencing.
Basketball is a wonderful team sport for boys of all abilities. The number of pupils involved at Whitgift means that whilst also being fun, competitive matches can be played internally, enhancing the skills of every individual player.
Cycling, Road and Track is a popular pursuit for students in the Third Form and above. Turbo training sessions take place through the week and track coaching sessions take place during games leassons. Trips to the Pyrenees, Mallorca and Lanzarote have been used for warm weather training.
The Combined Cadet Force at Whitgift is steeped in history. It is a Ministry of Defence-sponsored organisation where cadets learn independence leadership and team skills.
The Clay Club is a wonderful way to learn about the basic skills of building and using clay to create individual designs.
The Table Tennis Club is hugely popular and pupils can play recreationally or move on to competitive sports teams.
The CCF aims to empower cadets with responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, respect, resilience and a sense of public service
Co-curricular Guide
There is something for everyone at Whitgift, whether you are looking to take part in sport competitively or for fun, or learn a new skill. The staff run an amazing array of co-curricular options and there is time during lunch and after school to get involved!
Whitgift School Current parent (2020)
My son had never expressed an interest in acting before he arrived at Whitgift, so the entire family were shocked when he landed a role in the Junior Years Play. He loved it and I'm so grateful to his teachers for helping to support him in finding his passions.
WHITGIFT SCHOOL CURRENT PARENT (2020)
A very lovely and friendly school with great academic results and an amazing co-curricular offering...I wonder if the boys know how lucky they are!
WHITGIFT SCHOOL CURRENT PARENT (2020)