Co-Curricular

The House System gives pupils an opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities as a team with a shared goal.

It also allows pupils to work with pupils from across the school and experience and learn the value of leadership.

Named after Old Waconians whose achievements epitomise the CHS ethos, our House System creates a sense of healthy rivalry, with competitions in music, sport, drama, charity and more. Each House raises funds for one national and one local charity every year. All Houses also support events to raise money for whole school  charitable initiatives such as The 1 in 6 Bursary Campaign and CHS in The Gambia. 

Model United Nations (MUN) offers pupils 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, pupils 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 pupils.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a hugely popular co-curricular programme at CHS, with over 200 pupils taking part each year. As a licensed centre, we offer all levels of the Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold, giving pupils the chance to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork through volunteering, physical activity, skill-building and adventurous expeditions. CHS expeditions take pupils to the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Isle of Arran and even Morocco. Gold participants also complete a residential stay.

Girls in STEM is a growing initiative at CHS to inspire, support and champion girls who are curious about STEM subjects. Running across academic enrichment and co-curricular programmes, the project connects pupils with Old Waconians working across a range of STEM industries, offering talks, access to competitions and real-world STEM insights and activities from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. 

At CHS we offer students the opportunity to take graded LAMDA exams.  These exams are designed to help young people improve and develop their self-confidence, vocal and physical communication skills and their creativity.

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. 

The Waconian is our annual, pupil-led magazine with a proud history dating back to 1914. Run by aspiring pupil journalists, writers, and creatives, it captures the spirit of CHS through articles, interviews, poetry, and photography. From major school events to behind-the-scenes moments, each edition reflects the events, voices and experiences of our pupils and wider community. 

Pupils  have the chance to take on responsibilities such as Form Captains, Upper School Captains, House Captains, and Library Resource Centre Assistants. Through these roles they contribute ideas, lead fundraising, support younger students, and shape school life. These leadership experiences encourage confidence, responsibility and a sense of service at every stage of their school journey.