Co-Curricular

 

At RGS, co-curricular activities are an integral part of school life.

Formerly known as ‘extra-curricular’, the programme at RGS offers enriching activities that complement the core academic curriculum, working in harmony to provide students with a truly well-rounded education.

Co-curricular life has a long history here.

Our 19th century home at Rye Hill saw the inception of some early clubs and teams – rugby, cricket, athletics and the Novo magazine. On moving to Jesmond in 1906, options began to expand: debating and photographic society, library club, and swimming. An Officer Training Corps was established in 1911, the forerunner of our current CCF. 

By the 1930s, co-curricular exploded: gym club, three orchestras, choirs, science society, film society, chess club, the XXI Club (drama), and history society. The popularity of clubs varied over time, with some only enjoying a fleeting existence. During the 20th century, RGS had the: Ship Adoption Society, Transport Circle, Philatelic Society, Jazz Club, Numismatic Society, Astronomical Society, Amateur Radio Club, Bee-keeping Society, Model Railway Society, and Herpetological Soc, to name just a few. 

Staff commitment has been a critical factor in the success of these programs. Today, the vast majority of staff are involved in running clubs, societies or teams outside of the classroom timetable. It is their skill, passion and dedication that has always been at the heart of co-curricular life. 

The huge diversity of activities on offer gives our students priceless opportunities to nurture their passions and learn life skills. Many Old Novos have gone on to successful careers in sectors directly related to the skills gained from their favourite clubs and societies. Memories of a lunchtime well-spent are not forgotten. 

Archive Gallery

Junior Debating Society Syllabus, 1924-25. RGS Archives [ref: 379]

RGS students at camp, 1935. RGS Archives [ref: 149]

Photograph of the RGS OTC brigade camp at Bordon, inspection by Lord Roberts, 1912. RGS Archives, CCF Collection

Photograph of a model railway track, created by the Model Railway Club, 1957. RGS Archives

Illustrated card given to Mr Bill Elliott, Head of Technology, with thanks on behalf of the Model Railway Club. 1950s. RGS Archives

Photograph of the 'fire dive' at NEWTS Night, December 1960. Photograph by Barry Hedley. RGS Archives

Photograph film still used for the Isle of Eigg survey camp film, 1961, by Philip Warren. RGS Archives [ref: Acc 0215]

RGS Chess Club, 1984. Photographer: Nicholas Posner. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/536/18]

RGS Bee-Keepers, 1983. Photographer: Nicholas Posner. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/42/521/15]

RGS ski trip, 2010s.

Rainbow Flag PrideSoc logo

RGS Pride Soc logo

Follow the changes to school societies over time, from 1928 to 2008.

Click the arrow on the left side to change the image.

RGS Prize-Giving Programme, 1928. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Summer Term 1938. RGS Archives.

RGS Leisure Hour Activities, at Penrith. WS Wood Papers. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/ONS/47]

RGS Speech Day Programme, 1948. RGS Archives.

RGS Speech Day Programme, 1948. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Michaelmas Term 1958. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 1968. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 1978. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 1978. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 1988. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 1998. RGS Archives.

RGS School Calendar, Spring 2008. RGS Archives.

Explore co-curricular life at RGS

Below is a spotlight on just a handful of our clubs and societies.

Photography

A photographic club was started back in 1906, since then RGS has boasted a number of exceptional student photographers.

Read More about Photography
Stage Crew

Our incredible theatre productions would not be possible without the hard work of stage crew and technical teams behind the scenes.

Read More about Stage Crew
Camps

Annual camping trips at RGS have been a rite of passage for students, since 1926. Explore their long history.

Read More about Camps
CCF

The RGS contingent of the Combined Cadet Force was established in 1911, explore more about the history of our CCF.

Read More about CCF
NOVO Magazine

Novo magazine is an RGS institution, written by students since 1885. Find out more about the chronicle of school life.

Read More about NOVO Magazine
World Challenge

The RGS World Challenge expeditions have become the stuff of legend. Find out more about these incredible trips, launched in 1998.

Read More about World Challenge
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RGS500 Gives

As part of the RGS Family, there are lots of ways you can give back during our 500th year. Explore our exclusive giving clubs below, as well as our sponsorship and advertising packages.

Giving Clubs