Co-Curricular

Something for everyone

At Durham School for those aged 11-18, we offer a range of academic societies helping to further students’ knowledge. Led by pupils, they incorporate lectures given by external experts and presentations, debates and academic activities delivered by staff and other pupils throughout the year.

These societies are open to all, however, due to the level of the content, will usually appeal to those in Year 11 and Sixth Form.

Every Academic Department also offers a range of weekly workshops to allow students to explore their subject further and also access extra study support in that subject.

Take a look at our extensive list of academic societies currently running at Durham School:

CREIGHTON SOCIETY

Durham School’s A level historians attend an academic society named after Mandell Creighton, an Old Dunelmian who was the University of Cambridge’s first Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History. Sebastian Collins is the Society’s President in 2022-23. Creighton Society meetings are held half-termly and consist of lectures by historians who are invited to speak on a wide range of historical topics; our pupils then pick the speakers’ brains in the discussions that follow. Over the last two years, we have welcomed (among others): Richard Rex, Professor of Reformation History at Queens’ College, Cambridge; Alec Ryrie, Professor of Divinity at Gresham College; Alexander Morrison, Tutorial Fellow at New College, Oxford; and the inimitable Dr David Starkey.

POLITICS SOCIETY

Aimed specifically at pupils studying Government and Politics at A Level but open to all with an interest, the Politics Society aims to generate an interest in current affairs, political concepts and practical issues of government in the UK and abroad. Debates, visits, lectures and competitions are run throughout the year. The Politics Society is supervised by members of staff, but is run by elected student officers.

HERETICS SOCIETY

The Heretics Society gives pupils the opportunity both to present and debate heretical subjects. In each session, one pupil will present a defence of a controversial viewpoint before opening the subject up to debate and, ultimately, defending the argument, often against fierce opposition. The Heretics Society is supervised by Mr Muttitt, Director of Scholars, but is run by the pupils.

TRISTRAM SOCIETY

Aimed specifically at potential scientists, but open to all pupils with an interest in this discipline, the Tristram Society offers targeted sessions focused on the world of science. Lectures from leading academics, seminars and visits allow pupils the opportunity to explore various scientific fields from a real life, practical and hands-on perspective which will develop their understanding of the subject far beyond the confines of the A Level syllabus. The Tristram Society is supervised by a member of staff, but is run by the pupils. Named in honour of polymath Old Dunelmian Canon Henry Baker Tristram MA, LL.D., DD, FRS.

MEDSOC

MedSoc is a group which aims to support and challenge pupils who are considering a career in the medical field; however, it is open to anyone with a general interest in applied science. The group is organised by pupils and involves a variety of provisions, including lectures from academics, practical ‘hands on’ sessions at local universities, workshops with professionals relating to the various medical careers and tips on how to ensure a pupil’s application to study medicine at university is as competitive as possible.

HILLARD SOCIETY

The Hillard Society is run exclusively by Sixth Form linguists, and supervised by Mrs. K. L. Wilkinson (Head of MFL) and Mr. C. J. Hope (Head of Sixth Form). It is named after A. E. Hillard, renowned Classicist and Headmaster of Durham School [1899-1905], and aims to promote the learning of Modern and Classical Languages, both to pupils at Durham School and to guests from other local schools, through an exciting series of lectures. By introducing pupils to the wider philosophical, historical, literary, and cultural aspects of modern and classical languages, we hope to encourage fellow pupils to pursue the learning of these subjects, both at school and beyond.

DURHAM SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES

Every year Durham School welcomes a number of guests who provide interesting and informative lectures and discussion groups on a variety of topics. Leading academics, prominent public figures, authors and successful business people have all contributed to this exciting and ever developing series which provides pupils with the opportunity to explore a range of thought provoking and relevant issues.

We have an eclectic mix of activities and clubs across Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Our weekly activity programme at Durham School provides all students with the opportunity to cultivate new or existing interests, making new friends and developing a broad range of practical and personal skills.

All our staff are involved in the delivery of the activities programme and they enjoy sharing their interests and enthusing students to participate. Some activities are student led and we also engage a team of volunteers and specialists where required.

We encourage all our pupils to participate in a range of activities and ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Pupils are expected to demonstrate a commitment to activities they have elected to participate in. The activities take place at lunchtime and after school.

Our weekly activities programme includes:

• Brass Group
• Bushcraft Club
• Ceramics Club
• Chapel Choir
• Chess Club
• Design Club
• Debating Club (Junior and Senior)
• Drama Club
• The Durham Eye – our School Newspaper
• Food for Thought
• Gardening Club
• History Club
• ICT Club
• Model and Soft Toy making
• Musical Theatre Group
• Orchestra
• Pop Band
• Science Club
• Sign Language Club
• Shooting Club
• Spanish Workshop
• Speech and Drama (LAMDA)
• String Quartet
• Young Enterprise Club

Break a leg.

Drama inspires pupils at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation to get creative and become performers, providing them with the opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their talents. The standard of drama across the foundation is extremely high and many talented pupils have passed through the school and gone on to read Drama and Theatre at University.

The drama facilities and support offered in the foundation allows pupils to pursue their interests in acting, technical design or even directing. Many pupils take an active interest in the full range of drama activity on offer; with the pupils technical and production team often providing the lighting and sound for performance.

At the Chorister School, pupils perform in productions throughout the year, from Nativities, musicals and shows.

At Durham School, pupils participate in a range of drama events, including House Drama competitions, drama clubs and school productions. Pupils are also offered the opportunity of taking private drama lessons and are encouraged to enter the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations.

Across the foundation, staff help pupils succeed by nurturing their talents providing opportunities for those pupils pursuing a career in the theatre and also for those who simply enjoy taking part.

Sport has long been a stand-out aspect across the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

We’re home to the 5^th oldest Rugby Club and 3^rd oldest Boat Club in the world and our senior site is home to the Northern Pentathlon Academy (one of only eight in the UK).

Our sporting facilities consist of: an astroturf sports field, two sports halls, a cardiovascular suite, gym facilities, our own pool, and access to the Durham University Sports Centre. We are equipped to offer a sporting activity that every student will enjoy.

Whatever their ability, we want every pupil to enjoy sport. Our expert, experienced and enthusiastic coaching team work tirelessly to ensure pupils receive excellent coaching and enjoy their sport.

During the Games sessions, pupils take part in our traditional sports: rugby, rowing, cricket, hockey and netball. Alongside these, pupils can take part in a wide range of sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country, pentathlon, rounders, swimming, and tennis.

We are proud to share that Durham School has been named a Top 100 best school for cricket in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2025.

OUR APPROACH TO SPORT AT DCSF

We know sport is a crucial element to keeping a healthy body and mind, therefore our staff across the foundation are determined to promote the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Whether learning key motor skills in the Chorister School, doing five hours of physical activity per week at Durham School, or representing the school in weekend fixtures – we expect all pupils to take part in sport.

Every pupil, whether they enjoy competitive or participation sport, is also encouraged to get involved in our Inter House Sport competitions. These take place throughout the year and it gives every pupil the chance to represent their House at a sport they love or perhaps have not tried before. The House Sport events offer teamwork opportunities, new challenges and an enjoyment of sport.

At Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, we pride ourselves on offering our pupils a first-class musical education.

Pupils across DCSF will benefit from an excellent team of visiting music teachers, providing one-to-one lessons throughout the week.

The Foundation has one of the largest cathedral choirs in the country, providing pupils with the experience of performing regularly in the historic and iconic Durham Cathedral.

Other excellent resources include a music technology room, large rehearsal spaces, nine teaching/practice rooms, a three manual Harrison & Harrison organ in the school chapel and a harpsichord.

Regular concerts are held in venues such as the Sage, Gateshead and a large-scale musical, with a professional band and set is performed every other year at a professional theatre. Previous venues have included the Gala Theatre in Durham, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.

Pupils are entered regularly for ABRSM and other exams and also have the opportunity to apply for music scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+ levels.

Our pupils have the opportunity to participate in a variety of trips and excursions at home and abroad.

We recognise the value to our pupils of enriching the curriculum through learning outside of the classroom and we aim to ensure each visit develops the individual pupil, fosters leadership, collaboration and teamwork, offers a challenge and creates a positive and memorable experience.

Our annual programme includes trips to the theatre, museum visits, sports and music tours as well as Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, an annual ski trip to the Alps and rowing camps.

Recent ventures include a Chinese Exchange Visit to Chengdu, World Challenge Expeditions to Ecuador, Borneo and India, a cricket tour to Antigua, a girls’ hockey tour to Portugal, a Geography field trip to Iceland, a History trip to the Battlefields in France and winter walking trips to Scotland.