Academic Pursuit Beyond The Curriculum
At Wellington every student enjoys rich opportunities for academic extension and challenge. Nobody’s potential is fixed; everybody can develop and transform his or her capacity for learning. Each and every member of the Wellington community has the opportunity to develop a genuine and lifelong love of learning.
This webpage provides details of the different ways that you can stretch and challenge yourself academically at Wellington. You can find out about weekly clubs and societies, and one-off talks, lectures and demonstrations. There is information about competitions within and beyond Wellington, as well as links to reading lists, online courses and holiday activities. Where will you take yourself?
Academic Extension Programme
Please use the filters below to find your desired activity.
Our current Academic Extension Programme for the Lent term can also be downloaded here (PDF File).
thought-provoking, inspiring talks which encourage our students to engage with topics beyond the normal curriculum and question their preconceptions.
learn and engage with Contemporary Art, Artists and Theories through discussion and practical activities. Areas of discovery will include Visual Arts, Film, Fashion and Culture.
A group discussing various issues from a feminist perspective whilst considering the perspective of all in the Wellington community. (Moral Room, Library)
little introductions to big topics in Geography.
MathsSoc – challenging problems, preparation for the Maths Challenges, and practice sessions for the College Maths team
train and compete in academic simulations of the United Nations.
discuss current topical debates
build robots, learn how to code, solve fun logic puzzles, and gain useful team building skills
Improve your spanish through fun games, suitable for beginners and advanced.
range of fun and intellectually electrifying history themed activities: discussions; lectures; quizzing; presentations.
discuss biology and medical research over snacks.
a chance to learn business skills and tools applicable to the real world
a chance to experiment with a range of writing techniques and enjoy the versatility of language.
a discussion group aimed at bringing people of all races together to discuss societial issues. (Logical Room, Library, Week A)
explore engineering and problem-solving including with lots of hands-on activities.
Discussions and talks about history of art and visual cultures.
hone your debating skills with expert tuition and practice. All welcome from beginners to experts and anything in between.
an auditioned group for future dancers to extend both their skill and understanding of dance and performance
discussions about human behaviour, relationships, social problems, scientific discoveries including practical experiments, visiting speakers and a trip.
short, influential presentations delivered by experts to share innovative ideas with an opportunity to reflect afterwards.
Practice debating in spanish with the opportunity to compete against other schools.
philosophy discussion group
Hispanic topics through advanced grammar- specifically tailored for the GCSE and IGCSE courses.
devoted to all things Classical, delving into ancient literature, philosophy, language, history, art, archaeology and everything in between.
discussing various computer science based topics, alongside coding introductions and collaborative projects.
various talks and discussions related to Law. Periodic guest speakers to discuss interesting cases and careers.
lots of challenging ideas to stretch your understanding of chemistry in this advanced group.
producing, directing and performing a Spanish play in Spanish at the National Hispanic Theatre competition. HL and A Level students only.
a chance to practice your figurative drawing skills from a nude model using a variety of media in a calm and relaxed environment. Priority to artists.
one-off talks on exciting literary topics with a range of speakers.
explore issues and topics related to the practice of Medicine, with student presentations, guest speakers, training sessions and practical activities. (Moral Room)
Lecture Programme
The Fireside Talks
Every Monday evening the Master opens up the sitting room of his house and invites in an outside speaker to share their experiences. The main aim is to make the students think and question their preconceptions, rather than teach them about a particular topic. The Q&A, that is a major element of the talks, is often animated, drawing questions from students from all year groups. Please bring a cushion.
Michaelmas Term
September – December 2024
9 SEPTEMBER
Robin Monotti, Founder of Luminous Arts Productions of London; Film Producer and Architect
Challenging Official Narratives: Saving Critical Thinking: From Plato’s Academy to Elon Musk’s X
16 SEPTEMBER
Timothy Cho, Secretariat of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea
Escaping the Shadows of North Korea: A Journey of Survival and Resilience
From imprisonment to advocacy: how education, freedom and humanity can change the world
23 SEPTEMBER
Dr Arianne Shahvisi, Author and Senior Lecturer in Ethics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Arguing For a Better World: How Philosophy Can Help Us Fight for Social Justice
7 OCTOBER
Floyd Steadman OBE, Former Captain of Saracens Rugby Club and Published Author
From Rejection to an OBE and Beyond
14 OCTOBER
Mr Bingo, Author and Commercial Illustrator
13 Things I’ve Learnt
4 NOVEMBER
Lt Gen Andy Harrison DSO, MBE, Former Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment
Ready for Anything: The Man in the Arena
11 NOVEMBER
Prof Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology, University of Sussex
Averting the Insect Apocalypse
18 NOVEMBER
Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann, Author and Founder of Regenerative Economics
Regenerative Economics: Building a Sustainable Future
2 DECEMBER
Elizabeth Oldfield, Author and Host of The Sacred Podcast
Rethinking Spirituality: Why It May Be More Essential Than We Think
9 DECEMBER
Dr Jason Hickel, Professor, Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, ICTA-UAB
The Divide: Why is Global Inequality Rising and What Can We Do About It?
Previous Fireside Talks
Click on a poster to view the larger PDF.
