Beyond the classroom
We offer a diverse and extensive programme of co-curricular activities that our pupils love
Time is set aside each week for all pupils to take part in at least one co-curricular activity of their choice. We continually adapt what’s on offer to make sure there’s something to suit everyone’s interests.
Being involved in co-curricular activities has numerous benefits for pupils:
- They can explore and try out new interests and pursuits;
- Develop personal qualities such as self-motivation, collaboration and leadership;
- Contribute positively to our school and wider communities.
Highgate School has 30 specialist sports coaches and teachers.
Co-curricular activities, clubs and societies on offer in the Senior School
Highgate pupils undertake 6 major drama productions a year.
Visits and trips
At Highgate we believe that educational visits should play a major role in the education and development of all young people. We organise a range of day and residential trips at home and abroad. Whether it’s an expedition in Wales; practicing language skills in Taiwan or China with our Mandarin Department, a Geography trip to Norway or a sports tour to The Netherlands, pupils benefit from learning outside the classroom. With the heart of London on our doorstep, year groups are taken to galleries, museums, theatres and other places of interest.
- Explore Our Trips and Visits
As part of our academic curriculum (included in our fees), we run residential trips for Years 7 to 9 in the following locations:
- Year 7 – three-day trip to Lille
- Year 8 – three-day trip to Northumbria
- Year 9 – two-day trip to the First World War Battlefields in Belgium
As part of our Sport and Exercise provision, we run regular residential tours:- Year 7 – annual participation tours to Manchester for netball, football and hockey
- Year 8 – annual participation tours to Austria for skiing
- Year 9/10 – biennial participation tours to Europe for netball, football and hockey
- Year 11-13 – triennial performance tours to Europe for netball, football and hockey
- We are also planning to increase our summer sports tours.
Other recent trips and visits include:- Drama performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- Sports tours to Austria, Holland and Jersey
- Language exchanges and cultural visits to China, France, Spain and Germany
- Classics trip to Italy and Greece
- History trip to Berlin and Belgium
- Geography field trip to Iceland and Norway
- Outdoor Education trips to Scotland and the Peak District
We normally run about 35 residential trips each year.
Our Modern Language Department are particularly strong in terms of trips and run about 7 each year.
Pupils in SpEx could attend 4 sports tours over their time in school
Activities, clubs and societies
We have over 100 activities, clubs and societies in the Senior School to ensure everyone gets to try something different, discover a new hobby and make new friends. These fall into two categories:
Thursday Lunchtime Activities – compulsory for Year 7-8
Friday Lunchtime Activities – compulsory for Year 9-10; optional for Lower School, Year 11 and Sixth Form
Clubs and Societies can be joined on an ad hoc basis, over the school year. There is no obligation to attend on a regular basis but pupils usually find something they like and decide to commit to frequent attendance.
Clubs and Societies on offer:
- Thursday lunchtime activities
- Sign Language
- Bee Keeping
- VEX Robotics
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Puzzle Club
- Squash
- History Explorers
- Aquarium Builders
- Making Sustainable Products
- Friday lunchtime activities
- Gardening
- Debating
- Automobile Society
- Problem Solving
- Ceramics
- Spinning
- Improvisation
- Punch Needle Embroidery
- Chess
- Other clubs, societies and committees
- Environment Committee
- Chemistry Experiments Club
- Vinyl and Philosophy Society
- Charity Committee
- African and Caribbean Society
- Pride Society
- Law Society
- Anime Society
- Feminist Society
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is thriving at Highgate, providing our pupils with an experience that is unique when compared to many other London schools. The programme has a number of core aims: to support the personal development of the individual; to promote fun and adventure; to recognise the value of being outside and engaging with the natural world; and to enjoy the associated benefits for physical and mental health.
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Pupils who sign up for outdoor education have the opportunity to go on short trips in the UK and abroad, with our trained staff that involves trekking, climbing and camping in different seasonal weather conditions, such as the Winter Skills trip to Scotland.
Two popular strands of outdoor education activities are The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
DofE is an internationally recognised and highly respected scheme for young people that aims to teach and develop a range of skills, such as teamwork, resilience and community volunteering. Over 270 Highgate pupils are currently involved in Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, the largest number for a school in Haringey. DofE pupils undertake a demanding camping expedition where they learn to be self-sufficient and trek independently.
CCF develops leadership and offers a varied package of training plus adventurous pursuits like climbing, kayaking, abseiling, walking and caving. Highgate’s CCF is run by a dedicated member of staff with older pupils and sixth formers, who hold non-commissioned officer ranks, and some assistance from army officials.
Pupil voice
Highgate is a place where what you say really matters, and we expect pupils to play their part. There are many opportunities to get involved, for example:
Pupil Action Committee – Every year group has a Pupil Action Committee to channel queries and receive feedback, as well as offering suggestions for change.
Anti-Bullying Committee – Members of the group have received anti-bullying training to support the school community and promote kindness and respect.
Environment Committee – This impassioned group is committed to helping our school drive through important sustainability initiatives.
Charity and Community Action Committee – Pupils organise fun events throughout the year to raise money for our chosen charities.