Co-curricular
Co-curricular at Wilson’s
The range of co-curricular opportunities for pupils at Wilson’s is exceptional. It is one of our core aims that pupils should have opportunities for achievement and enjoyment beyond the classroom, and the school has made a huge investment in this aspect of school life. Each year, we analyse the range of activities on offer and ensure that these match the enthusiasms and aspirations of pupils. There are myriad opportunities for student leadership, but – unlike many schools – we ensure that almost all activities are led by well-qualified staff to maximise pupils’ potential to develop and excel in things that they love doing.
Clubs and Societies
As the indicative schedule of co-curricular activities demonstrates, pupils can participate in a very wide range of clubs and activities. Some of these require commitment and present pupils with rich potential for progression and the opportunity to participate in exciting events (particularly in sport and music), while others might allow them to develop an interest in a more informal setting and meet new friends. Our Drama Department puts on a Senior and a Junior Production each year, involving dozens of pupils in the cast, as musicians or backstage. There are successful Chess and Debating teams as well as any number of groups and societies meeting during the school week. Co-curricular activities extend to more scholarly pursuits such as debating and writing. The boys themselves have provided the initiative for the creation of several titles over the last few years such as Wilsonomics, The Politeia, and The Wilson’s Intrigue. Current issues can be found on our Publications page.
Wilson's CCF was established in 1910 as an Army Officer Training Corps on the school’s site in Camberwell. It continued to flourish when the school moved to Wallington, and is now a very large unit with Army and RAF sections. For over 10 years, the CCF has enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with Wallington High School for Girls, during which time its reputation has grown further. Recruitment starts in Year 9; cadets parade each week, and enjoy three camps per year, with many taking part in prestigious events.
Huge numbers of pupils at Wilson’s take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and we are fortunate that this is facilitated each year by several enthusiastic members of staff. The expeditions are a particular highlight, but the whole scheme offers pupils a range of opportunities to challenge themselves, acquire new skills, experience adventure and work with others. Over twenty Wilsonians recently received the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and were invited to a garden party in Buckingham Palace to recognise their achievements and celebrate their success.
The school’s national reputation for sport is well-deserved, with a fixture list as extensive as that of any school in the country. There are numerous ‘open’ opportunities to play sports, but pupils also compete successfully in National, County, and Borough competitions. Football and cricket see huge interest from pupils, with several teams having the chance to compete in each year group, but the school calendar is also peppered with rugby, basketball, badminton, athletics, table tennis, cross-country, tennis, and squash fixtures.
Music is a vitally important part of life at Wilson’s. During a normal school year, we host well over thirty-five concerts, recitals, productions and other musical events. With a very large team of expert musicians and teachers, all musical styles are embraced, with jazz, folk and chamber ensembles rehearsing each week alongside a number of orchestras and choirs. Accomplished musicians are given repertoire to challenge them, but there is always a place for beginners too.
Chess ⟶
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) ⟶
Drama & Dance ⟶
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ⟶
Music ⟶
School Visits ⟶
