Beyond the Classroom

Developing Future Ready skills. building character.

Our co-curricular programme is a defining part of Sixth Form life at CHS.

Among our many strengths is our award-winning F1 in Schools team, where students compete at national level while developing real-world engineering, business and teamwork expertise. Our Art department also provides a distinctive platform for young creatives, regularly exhibiting student work publicly, including at Manchester Art Fair, where CHS is the only school represented, giving our Sixth Form artists the opportunity to showcase their talent beyond the classroom.

Other Sixth Form highlights include student-directed productions, high-level sport and ambitious service initiatives, all part of a culture that encourages students to pursue excellence in the areas that matter most to them. These experiences are integral to our Future Ready approach, developing leadership, resilience, collaboration and creative thinking.

Sixth Form Sport

Sport in the Sixth Form at CHS combines high-performance opportunity with a genuine commitment to participation for all.

Our Football programme is a particular strength, with teams competing across the North West in ISFA, ESFA and County Cup competitions, supported by specialist coaching and strong links with local professional clubs. Netball is equally prominent, with teams regularly competing at national level, guided by experienced coaches and links with high performing local clubs.

Whether representing CHS in competitive fixtures or taking part in weekly fitness sessions for enjoyment, every student has the opportunity to stay active and develop their skills. Our inclusive approach ensures that high-level athletes and those simply looking to maintain fitness are supported and celebrated equally.

Sixth Formers benefit from first-class sporting facilities and expert coaching, many from former elite or professional players and are inspired by Old Waconians who have gone on to achieve remarkable sporting success, including professional footballer Duncan Watmore, golfer Bronte Law, rugby player Tom Curtis and waterskier Lucy Roberts.

Creativity in the Sixth Form is both a platform for leadership and a pathway for future ambition.

As the most senior musicians in the school, students perform in and lead ensembles and concerts, while in Drama they have the opportunity to stage and direct their own productions from concept to performance, taking full creative responsibility from start to finish.

These experiences are integral to our Future Ready approach, developing artistic confidence alongside the real-world skills of collaboration, organisation and creative direction. Creativity at CHS does not end when students leave school; many former students have gone on to build successful careers across theatre, television, music, art, design and the wider creative industries. They remain an active part of our community, regularly returning to share honest insights into their journeys.

Trips and International Exchanges

In the Sixth Form, trips are designed to complement students’ academic focus and broaden their horizons. Some of the Sixth Form opportunities include a Politics trip to Washington D.C, an Art Study Tour to Madrid and a trip to CHS in The Gambia.

Students can also apply for an extended exchange with Kantonsschule Zürcher Unterland (KZU) in Switzerland, spending 3–4 weeks immersed in Swiss school life.

Languages students have opportunities to take part in work experience opportunities with language and culture activities through our European partner schools.

Clubs and Activities

something for everyone

Sixth Form leadership opportunities
In the Sixth Form, students are seen as the ultimate ambassadors, taking on meaningful roles that shape school life and set the tone for younger students.

The Sixth Form Council leads this work, comprising smaller committees focused on key areas such as charities, eco initiatives, and student voice. In addition to council roles, students have the opportunity to mentor younger students, lead clubs and societies, represent the school at events and contribute to whole-school decision-making.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an important part of Sixth Form life at CHS, with students encouraged to give their time to causes that matter to them. Opportunities include supporting students in local primary schools, taking part in community projects through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and volunteering at external events such as TEDxManchester through the School’s ongoing partnership.
Model United Nations Cheadle Hulme (MUNCH)
Model United Nations (MUN) offers students a unique opportunity to explore global issues through the lens of international diplomacy. Representing different countries at up to ten conferences each year, both in the UK and abroad, students debate real-world challenges such as human rights, climate policy and cybersecurity. In doing so, they develop critical thinking, research, and collaboration skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of global affairs.

CHS also proudly hosts its own annual conference, welcoming over 600 students for a weekend of high-level debate, all organised by a dedicated team of Sixth Form students.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a hugely popular co-curricular programme at CHS, with over 200 students taking part each year. As a licensed centre, we offer all levels of the Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold, giving students the chance to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork through volunteering, physical activity, skill-building and adventurous expeditions. CHS expeditions take students to the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Isle of Arran and even Morocco. Gold participants also complete a residential stay.
F1 in Schools
F1 in Schools gives students the opportunity to compete in a real-world STEM challenge by designing, engineering, and racing miniature Formula‑1 vehicles.

Part of a global competition, teams work in roles from engineering and branding to project management and marketing, gaining hands‑on experience in collaboration, creativity, and technical problem-solving. Our teams enjoy continued national placement success in competitions.