Clubs and Societies

Pupils at St Edmund’s can choose from a vast array of clubs and societies. Each subject department has its own society, with pupils encouraged to take a fresh look at ideas and issues from the curriculum and beyond. Clubs run throughout the school week, and all are designed to stimulate pupils’ imaginations, encourage them to search for more sophisticated understandings and, above all, add to their enjoyment. Every teacher runs one or the other, with departments and staff collaborating on cross-curricular opportunities such as the recently created Spanish Film Club.

The Curiosity Shop and Debating Club provide additional opportunities to broaden knowledge, deepen study and develop rhetorical skills.

Held weekly, the Curiosity Shop sees eminent visitors address Senior School pupils. Typically, speakers are academics, writers, scientists and artists, with the experience broadening pupils’ understanding and horizons.

Our hugely-successful Debating Society trains pupils of all ages to think critically, and develop teamwork and listening skills as they present cases and respond to counterarguments. These are crucial attributes – not least in negotiating university and work interviews. In 2018 the school team reached the South Region Final of the English Speaking Union Competition.