Beyond the Classroom: Co-curriculars at CHS – Mr John Wilson (CHS Director of Co-Curricular)
Blog written by Mr John Wilson, CHS Director of Co-Curricular
Co-Curricular opportunities are far reaching at Cheadle Hulme School and we will always listen when pupils approach us to suggest further opportunities that might be offered. Parents and perspective parents should rightly consider what more their child can gain from choosing an education at CHS and many answers would rest among the co-curricular programme where we witness so many pupils grow within our five established School Values of Integrity, Contribution, Compassion, Resilience and Endeavour
Participation is key in the programme, making pupils more engaged with their learning opportunities. Indeed, several studies including my own, set here at CHS for my Masters dissertation, show that where our pupils embrace their opportunities on the co-curricular programme and show a wider engagement with school life, they are more likely to approach their learning in an effective way, transferring key learning skills from the co-curriculum to the curriculum, and back the other way – with improvements in teamwork, time management and the ability to work independently. Motivation within their environment soars too and the sense of community builds.
At CHS, the house structure encourages wide participation in the Co-curricular Programme and so does our Waconian Diploma in the Lower School. The wide opportunities in Sport, Music and Performing Arts are prominent on the radar of many as they enter our School but I am delighted that more and more pupils are broadening their co-curricular diet to include academic co-curricular activities.
A snapshot of what we offer from the Autumn Term 2024 includes – MUN, STEM Club, Technical Theatre Club, Weekly CHS Academic Lectures, The World of Languages and Languages of The World, Think Tank (Politics Club), Classics Club, Quiz Club, Go Club, Chess Club, Art History Society, Comic and Manga Club, Dissection Club, Debating Society, Maths Society, F1 in Schools, Philosophy Society. Specific details on which pupils the opportunities are available to is on SOCS but, safe to say, there is plenty for pupils to be getting involved with. From the Autumn Term, these were just examples of the scheduled activities. The academic co-curricular opportunities extend to competitions beyond the classroom, enrichment trips and one-off talks from visiting speakers. So, there are opportunities which don’t require a long-term commitment.
Young people do not always see the benefits of such academic enrichment. Sometimes they question the point in adding further academic learning to a busy 5-lesson day. However, what we see is that, once they choose to attend or take part, they do not regret it. Such enrichment will make them even more interesting people. Such enrichment will help them to become individuals and to find their spark. It involves a brave first step, which might involve stepping out of a comfort zone and/or going against what friends are choosing to do.
My hope is that all of us – staff, pupils and parents – are encouraging each other to not let such opportunities pass us by. It’s easy to say “that’s not for me” before we’ve even tried it. Have a taste of it first!
