Life Beyond
the Classroom
We celebrate individuality and diversity in our community and we encourage pupils to develop on their own passions and interests. This is evidenced by the vast range of performances, clubs, activities and trips on offer.
Co-curricular Opportunities
Runnymede Senior School offers a broad array of co-curricular activities designed to foster intellectual curiosity, leadership, and creativity across all disciplines, we expect all students to engage in a wide range of co-curricular activities per week.
In Languages, students engage in Creative Writing Club, Debate Club, whole-school debates, Spelling Bee, and World Book Day activities. They also participate in a French Reading Club and the Salon IRP for discussion, while Spanish students take part in short story, poetry, and micro-story writing competitions, along with themed cultural trips.
In the STEM fields, we offer Engineering Club, Physics and Chemistry Olympiads, participation in CERN and BPhO, STEM and Science Clubs, and support sessions for IGCSE and A Level students. Mathematics students compete in the Madrid Inter-Schools Maths Olympiad, the Spanish Mathematics Competition, the UKMT Maths Challenge, and the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. Computing enthusiasts join the Programming Club, led by Year 13 students, to design games using Unreal Engine.
In Humanities, co-curricular activities include the Geography Photography Club, Duke of Edinburgh programme, Sustainability Committee, and a Geography Reading Challenge. History students participate in cross-curricular events such as Holocaust Commemoration Day and Women in History Month,.
In the Creative Arts, Year 9 students collaborate on a Futurist project, while Art and Drama students work on stage sets and Year 12 students create house banners. Music and Drama students perform in the Carol Concert, "The Sound of Music" production, and smaller school and community events. The Production Club provides hands-on experience in costume, lighting, and sound design.
In English, students can join the Creative Writing Club, participate in literacy-themed competitions such as short story writing, and engage in a variety of debate forums, including weekly Debate Club and whole-school debate events. Special events like the Founders Day Debate and the annual Spelling Bee further enrich their learning experience.
Trips and Visits
At Runnymede Senior School, we offer a dynamic array of educational trips, both locally, nationally and internationally designed to enrich the learning experience beyond the classroom.
Year 9: Students embark on a cohort trip to Cadiz, where they focus on developing teamwork, resilience, and group dynamics, fostering personal growth and enhancing their collaborative skills.
IGCSE: Students immerse themselves in the language and culture with a visit to Alcalá de Henares, deepening their understanding of Spain’s rich heritage. In STEM, students explore renewable energy at the Navas del Marques wind turbine facility, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable technology. History students embark on an excursion to Berlin in April 2025, engaging with pivotal global events that shaped the modern world, whereas Geography students have the opportunity to travel to Naples, to explore Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius enriching the tectonics curriculum. Geography students also undertake fieldwork in urban environments, exploring the iconic Plaza de España and Rio Manzanares, gaining invaluable insight into geographical processes and urban development. Students are given the opportunity to participate in Bronze DofE, which allows them to test their resilience and teamwork skills.
Sixth Form: Students in Spanish continue their exploration of Civil War history and literary heritage through insightful themed tours in Madrid. Biology students participate in fieldwork in Gredos, enriching their environmental studies with real-world experiences. Business and Economics students travel to China, engaging directly with global markets and economic systems, expanding their understanding of economic theory in action. Geography students venture to Valencia to prepare for their Geography field work, whilst exploring the local physical and human geography. With Global Action, students develop a strong sense of global citizenship, working on community-driven projects in Nepal and preparing for an upcoming adventure in Borneo. The Duke of Edinburgh Award provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves through expeditions at both Bronze and Gold levels, developing resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Spanish students continue their exploration of Civil War history and literary heritage through immersive tours in Madrid. Business and Economics students embark on a transformative trip to China, where they gain first-hand insights into international business practices and economic systems, developing critical analysis and global awareness. Students pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh Award participate in Gold-level expeditions, enhancing their leadership and teamwork through outdoor challenges.
Creative Arts (All Year Groups): Music students attend prestigious performances, including trips to New York (October 2024) and London (October 2023) to experience the RTVE Orquesta Sinfónica. They also visit the Indonesian Embassy to explore world music, broadening their cultural horizons. Art and English students engage with renowned works of art through gallery visits, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for global culture.
International Trips in Sixth Form
China: The 10-day trip to China allows students to explore key historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. They will gain a deeper understanding of China’s ancient history and modern global influence, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.
Global Action: Through Global Action, students in 2024 were able to volunteer on community projects in Nepal, fostering global citizenship and social responsibility. Highlights include trekking in the Himalayas and living in a Tibetan refugee camp, where students experienced cultural resilience and develop a deeper empathy for global challenges. This year students are excited to embark on a Global Action Trip to Borneo in June 2025!