Broader curriculum

Broader Curriculum

Christ’s Hospital’s purpose is to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing, transformative education for young people from all backgrounds. We believe that learning and development are enriched by experiences outside of the classroom that expose students to new passions and allow them to grow their interest in other areas of activity.

The ‘extra-curricular’ or ‘co-curricular’ provision at CH is referred to as the ‘broader curriculum’ because it is not an extension of our offering, but a core part of it. A key ambition for the school is raising the understanding of the benefits and values instilled by the broader curriculum. We are unequivocal that broader curricular activities are a critical part of a meaningful rounded, CH education.

The broader curriculum caters for the pursuit of excellence and the opportunity to try something for the first time. It endorses the specific benefit of collaborative endeavour but also allows space for individual pursuits. It will also provide opportunities for leadership, social development and fun.

The aims of the broader curriculum are:

to offer a wide range of opportunities for self-discovery and challenge;
to support learning, enrich passions or provide social and cultural development;
to be inclusive and to foster progression and enjoyment for all students from the novice to the elite through their time at CH;
to build an increased feeling of belonging which will enhance students’ experience of education during their time at CH and prepare them for life after CH;
to support and complement the academic and pastoral programmes, within the concept of the overall total curriculum; and
to promote a life-long love and appreciation for learning, performing, competing and personal development.

Junior Actives are offered to students in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9

Intellectual Pursuits
Debating	Imagine sparring with words, where you get to argue your point and outwit your friends on exciting topics!
Chess	Dive into the ultimate strategy game, where every move counts and you can become the grand master of your own kingdom.
Board Games	Gather your friends for epic battles of wits and luck, from classic games to new adventures!
Creative Writing	Unleash your imagination and create worlds, characters, and stories that captivate and inspire.
Model Railway Club	Joining the Model Railway Club means you get to design and build amazing train layouts with other enthusiasts. It’s a great way to learn new skills, share your passion for trains and have fun creating.
Philosophy Club	Dive into deep questions and mind-bending discussions that make you think about life in new ways.
Mythology Club	Embark on epic journeys with gods, heroes, and monsters from ancient myths and legends.
Spanish Club	Learn to speak Spanish through fun games, songs and activities that make language fun.
French Spelling Bee	Show off your French spelling skills in a fun and competitive environment and maybe win some cool prizes!
Creative Arts
Photography	Capture the world through your lens and learn how to take stunning photos that tell a story.
Photoshop	Get creative with digital art and learn how to transform ordinary photos into amazing works of art.
Art Club 02 & 03	Get creative with fun art and design activities! Try out different materials and techniques, learn new skills, and work on exciting projects with your classmates.
Art Club LE	Explore your creativity, develop your skills, and collaborate on projects with workshops, critiques, and access to resources that help you prepare for exams and build impressive portfolios.
Computing	Dive into the world of coding and tech, where you can create your own games, apps, and more.
Music Technology	Mix and create your own music tracks using the latest tech and software.
Music Theory	Delve into the intricate principles of music composition and theory, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how your favourite songs are structured and created.
Cooking	Get hands-on in the kitchen and learn to make delicious dishes that will impress your family and friends.
DT Graphics	Design and create amazing graphics and visual projects using cool tools and techniques.
DT Craft	Get crafty and make awesome projects with your hands, from models to decorations.
Scrapbooking	Preserve your memories in a creative and fun way by making beautiful scrapbooks.
Sewing	Learn to sew and create your own clothes, accessories, and more – fashion designer in the making!
Leisure Activities
Table Tennis	Fast-paced and fun, challenge your friends to exciting matches and improve your skills.
Dance	Move to the beat and learn cool dance routines that you can show off!
Squash	Get your heart pumping with this fast and fun racquet sport – perfect for staying active.
Badminton	Enjoy this energetic and fun sport that you can play with friends and represent CH in coming years.
Fives	Try this unique and historic game that’s fast, fun and a great workout.
Outdoor Education
Expeditionary Education	Embark on outdoor adventures as you explore the woods, engage in exciting activities, and discover the environment around us.

Senior Actives are offered to students in Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13

Intellectual Pursuits
MUN Model United Nations	Step into the shoes of diplomats, debate global issues, and develop your public speaking and negotiation skills in a realistic UN simulation.
The Bryan Magee Journal	Engage in stimulating conversations about society, culture, and human behaviour through our humanities journal. Share your insights and learn from others as you delve into fascinating topics beyond the classroom.
Debating	Sharpen your argumentative skills, engage in lively debates on various topics and learn to think on your feet.
Young Reporter Scheme	Dive into the world of journalism by participating in this exciting programme, where you’ll learn to write compelling articles, conduct interviews and report on local events.
Modern Languages Film Club	Enjoy foreign films, improve your language skills and discuss cultural nuances with fellow language enthusiasts.
Science & Electronics Club	Experiment with electronics, work on exciting science projects and deepen your understanding of the physical world.
Peer Tutoring	Help your peers succeed academically, develop your teaching skills and reinforce your own knowledge in the process.
Ethics Cup	Engage in thought-provoking discussions on ethical dilemmas, develop your critical thinking skills and compete in ethics debates.
Chess	Challenge your strategic thinking, compete in matches and improve your problem-solving skills through this classic game.
Green Power Car	Design and build eco-friendly cars, participate in races and learn about sustainable engineering practices.
Maths Club	Explore advanced mathematical concepts, solve challenging problems and prepare for maths competitions.
Science Journal	Contribute to a student-run science journal, write articles on scientific topics and improve your research and writing skills.
Natural History Society	Explore the wonders of the natural world and learn about biodiversity and conservation.
Practical Architecture	Work on architectural projects, learn about design principles and develop your skills in a practical, hands-on setting.
Dissection Club	Gain hands-on experience in anatomy, learn about the human body and develop your practical skills in a lab setting.
Model Railway Club	Joining the Model Railway Club means you get to design and build amazing train layouts with other enthusiasts. It’s a great way to learn new skills, share your passion for trains, and have fun creating.
Comp Sci Society	Dive into the world of computer science, work on coding projects, and explore the latest technological advancements.
Creative Arts
Engineered Products	Tackle real-world engineering challenges, work on innovative projects and develop your technical skills in a hands-on environment.
Creative Writing & Poetry	Unleash your creativity, write compelling stories and poems and share your work with like-minded peers.
Music Theory	Delve into the intricate principles of music composition and theory, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how your favourite songs are structured and created.
Sewing	Learn to sew, create your own clothes and accessories and develop a valuable and creative skill.
DT Skills	Develop your design and technology skills, work on practical projects and bring your creative ideas to life.
Yarn Bombing	Knit and crochet vibrant pieces of art to add a splash of colour to our surroundings.
Art Club	Explore your creativity, develop your skills, and collaborate on projects with workshops, critiques, and access to resources that help you prepare for their exams and build impressive portfolios
T-Shirt Printing	Design and print your own T-shirts, learn about different printing techniques and express your creativity through fashion.
Leisure Activities
Dance	Learn various dance styles, improve your coordination and fitness, and express yourself through movement.
Weightlifting	Build strength, improve your fitness, and learn proper lifting techniques in a supportive and motivating environment.
Outdoor Education
CCF Army	Experience the thrill of military training, develop leadership skills, and participate in adventurous exercises that challenge your physical and mental limits.
CCF Royal Navy	Dive into naval traditions, learn maritime skills, and embark on exciting sea-based adventures that test your resilience and teamwork.
CCF RAF	Soar to new heights with the Royal Air Force, where you’ll explore aviation, develop discipline and engage in thrilling aerial activities.
CCF Squadron	Join a dynamic squadron, where you’ll collaborate with peers, hone your strategic thinking and participate in basic skills training across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Expeditionary Education	Embark on outdoor adventures as you explore the woods, engage in exciting activities, and learn skills to make the most of the world around us.
Gold DofE	DofE Gold is a chance to challenge yourself through adventure, volunteering, and learning new skills—all while building confidence and making lifelong memories.
Personal Development
Community Action	Make a positive impact in your community by volunteering, leading projects and developing a sense of civic responsibility and empathy.
Athlete Development Programme	Elevate your athletic performance through specialized training, expert coaching and a focus on personal growth and excellence.
Museum Club	Explore the artifacts and the history of our school by working with the Curator in the CH museum.
Music Practice Senior	Dedicate extended time to perfect your musical skills, prepare thoroughly for exams and rehearse for upcoming performances, ensuring you achieve your best.
Cookery	Use our state-of-the-art food and nutrition centre to master essential culinary techniques, explore a variety of recipes and gain a comprehensive understanding of food science and nutrition
Sports Ambassadors	Being a Sports Ambassador means you get to help organize and run sports events at your school and in your community. It’s perfect for passionate athletes who want to start coaching and make a real impact in sports.
Societies
Law Society	The Law Society offers students a dynamic insight into the legal world. Whether you’re considering a career in law or simply curious about justice and society, this is the perfect space to explore, question, and grow
Medical Society	The Medical Society inspires future healthcare professionals through hands-on activities, ethical discussions, and talks from experts across the medical field.
Oxbridge Society	The Oxbridge Society supports ambitious students in preparing for applications to Oxford and Cambridge through tailored guidance, mock interviews, and academic enrichment
Politics Society	The Politics Society is a lively forum for students to debate current affairs, explore political theory, and engage with the issues shaping our world

Drama

Drama is part of both the academic and broader curriculum, allowing for novices and aspiring actors to develop. More information can be found on the Drama page of the website.

Junior Production	The Junior Production gives younger students the chance to shine on stage in a professionally supported performance, building confidence and teamwork through the magic of theatre
Senior Production	The Senior Production is a flagship event in the school’s creative calendar, showcasing the talent and dedication of older students in a full-scale theatrical performance
Scholars Production	The Scholars Production is a student-led theatrical project that empowers Drama scholars to take creative control — from directing and casting to staging and design.
LAMDA	LAMDA lessons offer students the chance to develop their performance skills, confidence, and communication through graded acting and public speaking exams
ISTD Dance	ISTD Dance offers structured, syllabus-based training in a variety of styles including ballet, modern, and tap, with opportunities to work towards graded examinations.

Music

More information can be found on the Music page of the website. Music plays a huge part in the life of students at CH with live music on offer every day of the week. We currently have 26 formal ensembles and many more informal bands and groups.

Big Band	Drum Majors	Saxophone Quartet
Boys Junior Choir	Gospel Choir	Senior Band
Brass Ensemble	Guitar Ensemble	Senior Jazz Ensemble
Brass Quintet	Intermediate Orchestra	Steel Pans
CH Dixieland Trad Band	Junior Choir	String Quartet
Chamber Orchestra	Junior Jazz (Sax) Ensemble	Symphony Orchestra
Chapel Choir	Junior Quartet	Training Band
Choral Society	Lunchtime Concert Jnr	Training Strings
Corps of Drums	Lunchtime Concert Snr

Sport

More information can be found on the Sport page of the website. Sport is compulsory for all students at CH because of the many values it promotes. We cater for lifestyle fitness, recreational sport and aspirational competitive sport. We currently offer the following sports:

Athletics	Fitness Suite	Rounders/softball
Badminton	Fives	Rugby
Basketball	Flag Football	Spinning
Body Balance	Football	Squash
Climbing	Hockey	Swimming
Couch to 5K	Lifestyle fitness	Table Tennis
Cricket	Netball	Tennis
Cross Country	Padel	Volleyball
Dance Fit	Pilates	Weightlifting

Lectures

There are several optional and compulsory lectures and talks on offer to a range of year groups over the course of the academic year. These range from junior author talks to subject specific A-level extension workshops. The Kitcher Society provides termly talks for the sixth form and there are a series of high-profile lectures known as the Ridley Lecture Programme which provide wider perspectives on life.

Laura Bates, Lemn Sissay, Professor Denis Chan, Stephane Alexandre, Yomi Sode, Sada Mire, Alex Holmes and Floyd Steadman have all recently given talks.

Affinity Groups

CH has a wide range of student-led affinity groups which meet weekly and arrange events throughout the year. Each affinity group has a nominated staff liaison and a committee of students.

African Caribbean Society	Girls in Conversation	Muslim Student Association
Antibullying Ambassadors	Green Blues	Neurodivergent Society
Anti Sexism Group	International Students Society	School Council
Bro Lunch	Jewish Students Association	South Asian Society
Christian Union	LGBTQ+ Society	Young Carers
East Asian Society	Mixed Heritage Society

Trips

At CH, learning is enriched by the provision of well-organised and well-led educational trips and visits which expose young people to environments which they may have not encountered before. There are a range of day and residential educational trips and visits scheduled throughout the year. All of the educational trips and visits must directly support curriculum learning, enrich broader curriculum passions or provide general social and cultural development.

Recent residential trips include Paris, Norfolk Broads, Naples, Athens, Iceland, Valencia and New York. CH also run numerous day trips to London and the surrounding areas. Last year, there were over 100 trips successfully run.

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Our School Prospectus provides an introduction to life at Christ’s Hospital. You can request a printed copy which includes an application form by completing the form and/or you can download a pdf of the prospectus.

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