ENRICHMENT CLUBS 2025-2026
A School of Great Character
Clubs and Societies 2025-2026
Exeter School places a strong emphasis on character education, firmly believing that the curriculum extends far beyond the timetabled academic subjects. While academic excellence is essential, we recognise the vital role that sport, music, art, and drama play in shaping the lives of our pupils. These enriching activities foster essential values such as teamwork, creativity, discipline, and perseverance. In addition to the scheduled academic week, we offer many opportunities for character development through clubs, activities and societies many of which are detailed in this comprehensive guide. Our pupils can also engage in lectures, masterclasses, day and residential trips, performances, revision classes, study skills lectures, and leadership training, all of which contribute to their holistic growth.
We strongly encourage our pupils to explore and participate in these activities, enabling them to discover their passions and develop valuable life skills. Our commitment to character education ensures that Exeter School nurtures well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the virtues and qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Airfix Club
An opportunity to make an Airfix model with the supervision of DT staff. You are welcome to bring in your own projects or use a model provided here.
DT, Wednesday 1.15pm. Mr Collard
Amigurumi and Knitting Club
This club welcomes anyone who would like to take time during their busy day to sit and relax whilst learning a new skill. Amigurumi is a beginner-friendly form of crochet that can be use to make all sorts of fun mini projects. Or if knitting is more your style, come and learn the basic stitches that will enable you to make all sorts of creations. Mrs Bartholomew and Ms Pinches
Art Department
The art department is open after school until 4.45pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for GCSE and A Level art pupils to continue with their coursework. The department offers a variety
of clubs in a range of media to cater for all specialisms. On Monday lunchtimes, we host the Young Artists Collective, which is a selective group of Third and Fourth Form pupils who produce artwork for real life briefs in the local area. We also
run an illustration club, hosted by local artist Francesca Dawson. On Tuesday lunchtime there is a 3D club which enables students from Third to Middle Fifth Form to work in a range of media on large scale projects. Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes are
dedicated to tutorial workshops for our GCSE and A Level classes.
Mrs Brewer and art staff
Astronomy
Are you interested in finding out more about the Universe? Astronomy club will involve practical sessions about observing the night sky, including using our telescopes and also more theoretical astrophysics. If there is interest we can also make use of remote access professional telescopes and online astronomical data. Most sessions will run from October to February.
Mr Tuohey
Board Game Club
This club is aimed at anyone who would like to play a game in a relaxed, friendly classroom. There is a huge choice of games including Jenga, Chess, Monopoly and Mouse Trap, and pupils can choose their own game. There are sixth form helpers present who will help organise games or play with pupils who arrive on their own. The games are available on a request basis to any pupils who can’t come on Thursdays, but have free time during another lunchtime. Room 2, Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime.
Mrs Glanville and Mrs Murrin
Carnegie Shadowing Group
The Carnegie Medal is the most prestigious award for children’s and teen books. The Carnegie Shadowing Club is open to the keenest readers from Fourth Form to Middle Fifth. We will read and discuss all the shortlisted titles in the summer term, before voting on our choice for the winner.
Library, Wednesday 1.15-1.45pm Mr Halpin
Career Insights Podcast
Come along and set up a careers insights podcast. Learn a range of skills, from technical through to interviewing skills, as you grow an internal podcast. You’ll be empowered to explore the wealth of information out there in relation to careers, inviting and
interviewing guest speakers from a wide range of professions, ask thoughtful questions about how our labour market is changing and the skills we will need, and educating those around you. The future is yours to create! Mrs Szender
Catalyst Club (Third Form, Fourth Form and Lower Fifth)
The Catalyst Club is open to all pupils in the Third Form, Fourth Form and Lower Fifth Form. It is very much hoped that our most academically gifted pupils will attend regularly. Events take place through the year, with at least three events during the autumn and spring terms and one event during the summer term. Each event is based on a specific academic subject but is designed to excite, challenge
and inspire pupils beyond the material they encounter in class. This club feeds into Crossing Club in the Middle Fifth, and subsequently into our specialist university group. Catalyst Club is an ideal forum in which to build up a breadth of knowledge
and a willingness to think across a range of subjects, broadening your understanding beyond the curriculum.
Dr Keane
Chess
Whether you want to learn more about chess, try some chess puzzles, or play some friendly games come along to chess club! Beginners and experienced players are welcome; there is a school team and opportunities to play in online and in-person tournaments through the year. Coaching may also be offered this year.
Room 5, Tuesday 1:10-1.50pm.
Ms Wilson
Christian Union (all year groups)
Exeter School’s Christian Union meets each week and combines positive engagement around faith with though provoking input and discussions, and snacks! All pupils from any year group are welcome to attend. Whether
you have a Christian faith or are just interested in finding out more, please come along.
Room 41, Monday, 1.20pm. Reverend Close and Mr Reynolds
Cipher Club
Cipher Club is open to pupils of any age who want to learn about different encryption methods. We will be working towards the National Cipher Challenge during the autumn term and the Alan Turing Cryptography Competition during the spring term. You can enter as a team or an individual – no previous experience is necessary.
Wolfson Suite, Thursdays 4pm.
Ms Pinches
Creative Writing Club
The lower school creative writing club (Third Form to Lower Fifth) is a place where pupils can experiment with different writing forms and styles and showcase their own writing.
Room 11, Thursday 1.20pm.
Mrs Ridler-Murray
Crochet Club
Crochet can offer a mindful way to create unique projects from yarn whilst improving dexterity and spatial reasoning. Pupils are very welcome to bring along their current work-in-progress and chat while it takes shape. Complete beginners are also welcome to come and learn techniques like granny squares and crochet in the round. Achievable projects include everything from environmentally friendly reusable face wipes, hats, bags, fingerless gloves or amigurumi figures. Room 41, Friday 1.15pm. Ms Pinches
Crossing Club
This is the school’s academic society for the Middle Fifth and above. Discussions, presentations, and workshops
on a wide range of crosscurricular topics take place on a regular basis during lunchtimes or after school. All pupils in the Middle Fifth through to the Upper Sixth are welcome to join. Events include talks on academic subjects from visiting speakers, quizes, debates and a trip to a gifted and talented conference. The annual mock trial is a highlight in the Crossing club calendar and the InspEXE series of inspirational talks from Exeter School pupils and staff have been very successful. Dr Keane
Debating Society
Whether you want to see if you can outwit your friends, test your rhetorical skills or just build on your confidence to speak publicly, debating is for you. Learn how to construct and
structure a persuasive argument, work as a team to best your opponents, and play devil’s advocate to hone your reasoning – all possible in debating. There may be opportunities to be involved in competitions as the year goes on; Third Form
to Upper Fifth are welcome whether you are a seasoned speaker or just starting out.
Room 5, Thursday 1:15-1:50
Ms Wilson
Duke of Edinburgh
With so many pupils following the DofE programme this lunchtime club provides necessary training and progression support for our Bronze award pupils. The club provides the opportunity for expedition training along with organisational support for the skill, physical and volunteering sections.
Mrs Roff
Electronics Club
There are two clubs available. For the Third Form we offer the chance to learn the art of soldering and build mini electronics projects such as a simple burglar alarm, an electronic musical instrument, or an amplifier to enable your mobile phone audio output to drive speakers. We also run a
more advanced electronics club for Fourth Form and above. This will extend the skills developed in Third Form, and focus more on the use and programming of microcontrollers such as Arduinos.
Electronics Lab, Monday 1.15pm for Third Form, Thursday 1.15pm, Fourth Form and above.
Mr Schramm
The Exonian Editorial Team
The Exonian editorial team is a small group of sixth formers who write and edit the annual school magazine, The Exonian They work throughout the school year gathering stories about school events, trips, and activities, writing, and editing them and selecting accompanying photographs. They can also participate in trips and activities related to the fields of journalism, design, and publishing. Membership is by written application to Mr Halpin. Library, Friday 3.20pm Mr Halpin
FPL (Fantasy Premier League)
This club offers you the chance to play the simulated football game in which you manage a team and gain points from how the players perform in real life. It is run by sixth form pupils together with a member of staff. Day / location TBC.
Geography Society
The geography society provides opportunities for pupils to attend exciting lectures and presentations provided by the local geographical association, Royal Geographical Society and visiting guest speakers. Most events are aimed at those studying geography at A Level and GCSE. There is also an annual WorldWise quiz, with teams competing with other southwest schools on geographical general knowledge. Inter-house WorldWise quiz events also take place during the school year.
Mr Munday
History Society
The history society is open to all, and we look at a variety of topics not covered by the history syllabi in school. It offers pupils and
visiting speakers the opportunity to present and discuss areas of interest with the topic changing weekly.
Room 86, Monday 1.15pm.
Mrs Culley
Junior Classics and Mythology Society
This society is an opportunity for pupils in Third Form to Lower Fifth to explore the ancient world in more detail, and to get beyond the confines of the mediterranean basin. The society is a mixture of teacher led talks and pupil led presentations which can take in topics as varied as Roman military tactics or the creation mythologies from around the world.
Room 39, Tuesday at 1.15-1.50
Mr Drew
Languages club
A rotation of French, German and Spanish, day and time to be confirmed.
Mrs Sewell
LEGO Club
This weekly club will help you relax and meet new people. Open to all year groups, but particularly Third Form pupils, to help you meet other Lego enthusiasts in the school.
This club is run by sixth form pupils together with a member of staff.
Day / location TBC.
Library Lunchtime Clubs – Third Form
A stress-free club that anyone can come along to. We do bookish crafts and chat. It’s a great place to meet new friends. Library Third Form, Friday 1.15pm
Mr Halpin
Litsoc
LitSoc is aimed at pupils who wish to further their reading and knowledge of English literature. Whether it is the literary canon (from Chaucer to Austen), modern plays, literary theory and non-fiction or poetry and short stories, we will read something you’ll enjoy … or deny enjoying! The club meets weekly and is primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at sixth form pupils.
Venue and day TBC.
Ms Wilson
Lower School Drama Club
Lower school drama club allows pupils in Third Form to Lower Fifth to get together and participate in workshops covering multiple dramatic disciplines, from improvisation
skills to lighting design, duologues to puppetry. Drama club provides opportunities to develop creativity and teamwork, as well as increasing pupils’ overall theatrical awareness and understanding in a fun and relaxed environment. It provides an excellent opportunity to make friends and build confidence. Prior experience is not necessary, but commitment and enthusiasm are encouraged! Drama studio, Thursday 12.45pm.
Mr Harknett
Lower School Stem Club
Lower school STEM club is for members of the Third Form, starting in September. In the first half term, there will be a series of individual experiments to inspire and challenge, activities that pupils wouldn’t usually have the chance to do in class. In the second half term, there will be an opportunity for pupils to work collaboratively on their own investigation as a longer-term project. Science labs.
Dr Smale
Marvellous Minds
Marvellous minds is a supportive lunchtime club for pupils interested in entering national English competitions – both written and spoken. Whether you’re working on a short story, a speech, or a debate, the club offers a creative and collaborative space to plan, practise, and polish your entries. Join us to build confidence, refine your skills, and explore new ways to express yourself.
Room 4, Wednesday 1.15pm
Mrs Stone
Medical Society
Medical society is a group of people with a common interest in the art of medicine. The group meets every few weeks and is open to anyone in the school; new members are always welcome. If you have an interest in biology, then you are sure to
benefit from coming along.
Mr Boddington
Middle School Book Club
A monthly book club for Lower Fifth to Upper Fifth pupils. We read and discuss a variety of popular and literary novels with tea and biscuits. Come and find your new favourite book.
Library, day and time TBC
Mr Halpin
Model Railway Club
The model railway club is primarily for Third to Lower Fifth pupils, but is open to all. We use the school’s layout in the DT building, and have a good collection of both steam and diesel “00” gauge locomotives and rolling stock.
DT, Tuesday 1.20-2.00.
Mr Collard
Model United Nations
Model UN conferences aim to replicate the real United Nations. Delegates are assigned to a country and a committee and are required to play the roles of diplomats whose aim is to bring consensus on challenging global
issues of the day. Delegates meet regularly to prepare for these conferences and to discuss or debate topics of interest. We attend MUN conferences at other schools in the southwest. Mrs Bell and Mr Masters
Music Choirs
For our younger pupils, junior singers and junior choir provide the chance to perform in concerts and Chapel throughout the year, whilst in the senior school there continue to be choral opportunities to pupils in Third, Fourth and Lower Fifth years. Boys’ barbershop, chamber choir, Belles Canto, senior choir, the biennial choral society and vocal ensemble provide further opportunities for our older pupils to sing with groups large and small.
Orchestras
With so many Exeter School pupils learning orchestral instruments, it is unsurprising that the orchestras across the school are thriving. Many junior instrumentalists become a
member of the junior orchestra within weeks of starting an instrument, with parts adapted to enable all players to have fun and develop their ensembleplaying skills. Symphony orchestra is the largest instrumental ensemble, featuring pupils from across the senior school, whilst chamber orchestra is the senior specialist orchestra.
Jazz, bands and specialist instrumental ensembles Along with the two senior big bands and concert band, there are several smaller jazz, funk, and rock bands, including the sixth form group Swunk. In addition, there are ensembles for specific instrument families, including Maxi Brass and senior brass, saxophone quartet, wind ensemble, flute choir, several string quartets and ensembles, including Sizzling Strings for juniors and two drumming troupes.
Psychology Society
This society is open to Upper Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth pupils who are studying psychology or have an interest in related topics. Topics covered will include those on the syllabus such as aggression, eating disorders and biopsychology, and non-syllabus related areas such as forensic psychology. All are warmly welcome.
Room 93, Friday breaktime.
Mrs Godfroy
Oxbridge/Tuesday Forum
This group meets from January of the Lower Sixth year into the Upper Sixth as part of the sixth form Futures programme. After a few weeks, it typically splits into three groups: Oxbridge, medical/vet and Russell group universities, although there is a clear overlap between the three. Meetings cover interview advice and techniques, information about universities and colleges and the application process, including requirements for aptitude and subject tests and samples of written work. Dr Commin and Mrs Keane look after the Oxbridge group, Mr Boddington the medics and vets, and the careers advisor the Russell group.
Politics Society
A weekly club where the pupils discuss current affairs and topical
issues with visits from guest speakers. This group is open to Third Form to Upper Sixth in Room 84 or 85, once a week 1.15-1.50pm.
Mr Baker and Mrs Sheehan
Problem Solving Club
For the budding Fourth form and Lower Fifth mathematicians among you, come along to tackle a fiendish array of mathematical puzzles. These will not be solved in an instant and will challenge you beyond what you’ve studied
in your lessons. There will be a mixture of individual and team activities and the chance to be mentored by a Lower Sixth further mathematician.
Python Games Programming Club
Open to everyone, Python games programming club allows pupils to develop their own computer game on a PC. Novice programmers can be guided through tutorials to produce
games like hangman, battleships and connect four. More experienced programmers might choose to use the PyGame library to provide graphics for games like snake, sudoku or tennis. Suggestions for new games are welcomed and pupils enjoy testing and debugging games together.
Wolfson Suite, Friday 4-5pm. Mr McGrath
Rubik’s Cube Club
Unlock your problem solving potential and have fun at Rubik’s cube club – whether you’re a beginner or a speedcuber, there’s a challenge for everyone! Join us to learn new techniques, race the clock, and twist your way to mastery.
Room 81, Friday, 1:15pm
Q&A
A safe space for pupils who are allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet, talk, listen, learn and simply be. Pupils direct the conversation, which often includes current news stories from global politics or the arts, and no two meetings are the same. All with open minds are welcome to come along, and in our safe space nobody will ever ask you why you are there. Further details of when and where we will meet this year can be found by contacting the group email, qanda@exeterschool.org.uk.
Schools Challenge
Quiz Club
Schools challenge quiz club meets one lunchtime each week and is open to pupils in all years. The format follows that
of the popular quiz programme “University Challenge” and there are questions on a wide variety of topics including history, literature, culture, geography, sport and many, many others. There is normally a national competition and, in the past, the school has won the regional heat. Everyone is welcome.
Venue and day TBC
Mr Gooddy
Science Society
Aimed primarily at sixth form pupils studying A Levels in the sciences, the science society offers opportunities for group discussions on science topics in the news, sharing interesting ideas and looking at sciences beyond school. There are visiting speakers, pupil talks and outreach opportunities. Pupils are also able to plan and carry
out a practical investigation. Dr Smale
Senior Classics Society
Senior classics society is an opportunity for pupils to explore the ancient world beyond the confines of the exam syllabus.
The topics explored depend on the interests of members and range broadly from Aeschylus to Zarathustra, and everything in between! While the society is run by the sixth form, it is open to all pupils from Middle Fifth onwards. Senior classics society
takes place in room 39, Friday at 1.15-1.50pm.
Mr Drew
Sewing Club
At sewing club we will start by learning a variety of basic embroidery stitches to decorate
a bookmark. This will enable us to then embark on a collection of projects, including sewing with felt and embroidering on paper, to make a range of personalised gifts.
Mrs Bartholomew
Software Surgery
Open to pupils in Middle Fifth and above, software surgery is a chance to work on programming projects outside lessons. Help is on hand to overcome difficulties and opportunities are available to work on your own choice of programming skills. Wolfson Suite, Wednesdays 1.15pm.
Mr McGrath
Sport
What is our aim?
Physical education, sport and physical activity are all integral parts of every Exeter School pupil’s school experience and weekly routine. With this in mind we run a large range of extra-curricular activities to supplement the pupils’ curriculum physical education and games lessons. These take a variety of forms and run at lunchtime and after school. Our aim is that all our pupils find a sport or activity that they are passionate about and one they will continue to participate in when they leave school. With the exception of some preselected sessions in the gym and specific sports, these clubs and practices are inclusive, and pupils can select what they attend on a weekly basis. There
is no need to sign up for these sessions.
When do these take place?
Extra-curricular clubs and practices take place either at lunchtime from 12.45-13.45pm or after school, when most sessions run from 16.00- 17.15pm.
LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES
At lunchtime, pupils have access to the schools’ excellent sports facilities with the gym and fitness suite available for pupils in Lower Fifth to sixth form, the 25m swimming pool for all year groups and the squash courts and table tennis tables available for use. The astro is also open for lunchtime activities three times a week. The sessions are overseen by staff and sixth form prefects with the aim of allowing pupils to have fun with their
friends. The PE department also run lunchtime coaching clinics for selected groups of sports scholars and senior sportsmen and women. These sessions will be communicated to individuals who are playing at representative level.
AFTER-SCHOOL
Each sports team has an additional team practice once a week. These focus on the school’s major sport of the term but will also include squad training for swimming, squash (autumn and spring term) and
tennis and athletics (summer term). Most of these sessions are run by the PE department or team coaches, however, some are run by external specialists. Although these additional practices are not compulsory, pupils wishing to be selected
to represent the school are encouraged to attend each week and communicate with their team coach when they are unable to attend. If pupils have a clash with other co-curricular activities such as music or drama, then departments will try and enable them to rotate every other week and will support them in participating in both. For those who are not involved in school teams and searching for a new sport, there are also after-school clubs in basketball, football, health and fitness and athletic development. The gym is always the most popular venue after school and therefore specific year groups are given priority sessions each day. Pupils who are following programmes or just wanting to work hard on the aerobic machines are welcome. The schools’ athletic
development coach run the lunchtime and after school sessions. Where and when will we find out what is on each week? The timetable of sports clubs and practices is published at the end of the previous term (summer holidays) and available on My School Portal.
South East Asia Society
East and South East Asia society is a pupil-led group open to all ages. We meet weekly to explore a wide range of topics, from popular culture such as anime and KPop, to the languages and literature of East Asia, to traditional music and history. Pupil run meetings last year included introductions to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, the terracotta army, traditional Chinese gods, beginner’s Korean and Asian
ecology (mainly pandas!) as well as watching a range of anime, Korean and Chinese drama. We also managed to taste a wide range of Asian snacks and eat considerable quantities of dumplings. Members of the society also gave a well-received assembly to the sixth form on Hong Kong.
Room 39, Monday 1.15-1.50pm. Mr McGrath
The Economics Society
This society that is open to sixth form pupils and is a bi-weekly club where the pupils discuss economics and topical issues with visits from guest speakers. The society produces a termly newspaper looking at key economic issues. Room 92, Thursday 1.15-1.50pm.
Mr Mackintosh
Warhammer
This club is suitable for beginners or for more experienced players. There are experienced players around to advise to how to play and we have paints and glue available for people who wish to make their own models. We have a large stock of scenery to make games more authentic. We ask pupils not to bring expensive/prized models into school and if they do bring their own pieces they must
be kept in their locker during the day.
Physics, Thursday 4-5pm.
Dr Commin
Young Entrepreneurs
A bespoke programme run for Lower Sixth pupils, who set up and run their own company. Pupils get to experience many of the different aspects of running a business, from finding the start-up capital to marketing and accounting. Board meetings are held weekly after school with Mr Mackintosh and an external business adviser. Pupils are encouraged to sell their products to the public at weekend markets and Christmas markets in Devon. Young Entrepreneurs runs in Room 92, Monday and Tuesday at 3.50pm.
Mr Mackintosh
