Co-Curricular Programme
Wells has a rich co-curricular programme that is about engendering a love for sport, hobbies and outdoor activity that lasts for life. We want our co-curricular programme to enable all pupils to try everything once and pursue what they enjoy. We want them to continue to play competitive sport, enjoy robust fitness activities, join in challenging outdoor adventurous activities, or take part in amateur dramatics or dance once they have left Wells. In the Sixth Form we hope and expect our pupils not only to continue to enjoy the wealth of sport, clubs and activities that are available, but start to lead in them as well. Sports matches, expeditions, trips and clubs require organisational and management acumen, and we expect our senior pupils to take the lead in some facets of this work. Our Wednesday afternoon activity programme enables pupils to pursue interests outside the classroom, such as coding, gardening in our allotment (with a focus on conservation), mindfulness and volunteering in both the community and our Junior School. These activities vary from year to year, but we run a very successful and vibrant Combined Cadet Force (in which the Sixth Form take on many leadership roles) and our pupils support the local community with involvement in community service programmes, community art and drama projects, and even helping in the Bishop’s Palace with gardening work. For the Upper Sixth this programme is voluntary, but most continue through from the Lower Sixth with their chosen activity.
The centrepiece of the outdoor education programme in the Sixth Form is the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme with an incredible rate of success. Pupils find themselves doing activities such as helping people in the community, getting fitter, developing skills and going on an expedition. We have staff who have experience in canoeing, rock climbing and caving, among others - so most adventurous needs are catered for. Each year we run charitable trips to Sierra Leone and a science research trip to Japan. Biennially we take overseas sports trips, and every three years adventurous pupils are invited to undertake a physically challenging expedition. We also have a dynamic drama and dance programme, with clubs and productions to meet everyone’s needs. In the Sixth Form pupils have the opportunity to take a role in the annual Upper School production, and the inter-house drama competition - the Bigny Cup - nearly always involves a large crew from each house. Even the shy and retiring pupils often find themselves on stage at some point. Our co-curricular provision also includes a vast number of clubs and societies where pupils have the opportunity to do forensics, learn special relativity, lead debates and more. However, we are always looking to improve our co-curricular provision! New staff bring new skills and, often, new pupils do the same. Whether it’s Zumba or Fencing, we are always on the lookout for new things for our pupils to do.
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