Co-curricular information 2026/2027
HABS ELSTREE | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
Explore. Participate. Belong. Co-curricular life is at the heart of the Habs experience. With opportunities spanning technology, creativity, service, adventure, wellbeing and specialist interests, every student can discover something that excites and challenges them. Our programme encourages students to explore new interests, develop their talents, build friendships and play an active part in the wider Habs Elstree community.
150+ weekly CLUBS and SOCIETIES
2
100 MUSIC approx.
ensembles
100+ SPORTING opportunities
300 approx.
TRIPS per year
HABS ELSTREE | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 4
Co-Curricular activities
Trips
6
Sport
24
A Day to Discover
8
Music
25
Adventures Away
10
Drama
26
Teams on Tour
12
Academic Debate and Societies
27
Music on the Move
14
Creative Arts, Media and Writing
28
Learning Comes to Life
16
STEM, Computing and Innovation
29
Explore the World
18
Community, Culture and Wellbeing
30
Into the Outdoors
20
Adventure, Leadership and Service
22
Games, Fantasy and Special Interests
Co-curricular life is one of the defining strengths of a Habs education. We are immensely proud of its breadth, its ambition and, above all, the opportunities it gives our pupils to discover who they are and what they might become. It brings energy to every corner of our schools and opens doors that can stay with a young person for life. There is an extraordinary amount to explore. Across sport, music, drama, STEM, debating, outdoor education, service, and a wealth of clubs and societies, pupils can try something new, deepen a passion or discover a talent they never knew they had. Breadth matters, but so does depth. Our ambition is for every pupil to find a place to begin and a pathway that encourages them to go further. These pathways can lead to remarkable places. Habs pupils perform at the Royal Albert Hall, record at Abbey Road, compete at StoneX and take their ideas to the VEX World Championships in Texas. They travel from Iceland and Svalbard to India, Japan, Malaysia and Dubai, and experience and take part in experiences ranging from at football at Real Madrid and Scuba Diving in Indonesia.
Through our connections with Tottenham Hotspur, London Pulse, Middlesex Cricket, the West End and world-class musicians, they have opportunities to learn from some of the very best in their fields. Yet the heart of the programme is found in the experiences that happen every day: the pupil who walks into a club for the first time and finds their people; the rehearsal where persistence turns into something wonderful; the match, performance or expedition that reveals a new level of confidence. This is where our Habits come to life. Pupils learn to commit, collaborate, lead, persevere and contribute to something bigger than themselves. This booklet is an invitation to take part in all of it. Explore widely. Follow what excites you. Be brave enough to try what you have never tried before. Wherever you begin, there is a place for you in the Co-curricular life of Habs, we cannot wait to see where it takes you.
Andrew Simm Director of Co-curricular
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE SPORT
Sport
6
Sport at Habs is part of a wider education, not simply a collection of teams, fixtures and results.
We want every student to develop a positive relationship with movement, physical activity and to be able to identify a meaningful place within Habs Sport. For one student that might mean discovering an activity they continue long after leaving school. For another it might mean regular team representation, the challenge of competition or developing confidence through physical activity. For a smaller number, it will include pursuing sporting excellence through demanding school and external performance pathways. We therefore do not see participation and performance as competing ideas. Breadth provides the foundation; appropriate challenge and increasing depth allow students to progress. Equal value does not mean identical provision. Success at Habs consequently takes many forms: improved movement confidence, commitment to a team, a personal best, learning how to respond to setback, representing the School for the first time, leading others or performing at regional, national or international level. We are ambitious for our teams and our highestperforming athletes and we celebrate competitive success. But results alone do not define a successful sporting education. Whatever the level, we want students to Play The Habs Way and leave Habs healthier, more confident, more resilient and better prepared to contribute to the communities around them.
100+ SPORTS JOINT
SPORTS DAY at StoneX Stadium
500+ FIXTURES played per term
INTERHOUSE
COMPETITIONS
HIGH
PERFORMANCE
programme
SPORTS AND
TOURS
across the globe (see trips section)
7
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE MUSIC
Music
8
Music at Habs Elstree is exceptional, giving students the freedom to perform, compose and create across a wide range of styles and traditions, from beginners through to professional.
From choirs and orchestras to bands, ensembles and individual tuition, students can develop their musicianship, collaborate with others and showcase their talents through concerts and performances. Opportunities are available for experienced musicians and those beginning their musical journey. Concerts in top London Venues (Royal College of
100
ENSEMBLES
50+ performance
OPPORTUNITIES
weekly
LUNCHTIME
CONCERTS
750
students
LEARNING
IN SCHOOL
600+ PERFORMERS at HABSFEST
I must just remind you of what a truly special Music department you and all your colleagues are a part of. Parent of Lower Sixth student
(Including partner schools)
6
OUT OF TERM
MUSIC
COURSES
led by expert tutors
9
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE DRAMA
Drama
10
Drama at Habs Elstree invites students to tell stories, explore ideas and grow in confidence both on stage and behind the scenes.
Through productions, workshops and performance groups, students develop creativity, communication and collaboration while learning about acting, storytelling, directing, writing and technical theatre. There are opportunities for students of all ages and levels of experience to take part.
5–6
LARGE PRODUCTIONS
each year
10+
performances
Shakespeare Schools festival / showcases / House competitions / student led productions
4
PARTNERSHIP
projects
We’ve been trained to develop the capabilities to create theatre of our own and tell stories we want to tell.
And it isn’t just about the quality of work, or the fact that we get to work with some incredible writers, directors, artists and musicians. I mean this in terms of the environment. It’s being able to work with a group of people in which I feel I belong, and to be comfortable in taking risks and exploring and failing. Saul (OH, 2026)
4+
weekly
DRAMA CLUBS
300+ STUDENTS involved
41
STUDENTS joined THE NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE in last 8 years
H A B S E L S T R E E AC A D E M I C D E B AT E A N D S O C I E T I E S | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 12
Academic Debate and Societies Through Debating, Habs Model United Nations (MUN), Quiz Club, academic societies and Dragons’ Den Club, students at Habs Elstree explore their interests, exchange ideas and develop the confidence to contribute.
Debating has a strong tradition at Habs, combining a successful competition record with weekly training sessions led by Upper School and Sixth Form students and overseen by staff. These sessions provide a supportive environment for younger students to develop their public speaking skills, construct persuasive arguments and communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction. Students learn to think on their feet, engage critically with political, social and ethical questions, and challenge opposing views with evidence and respect. Competition highlights include winning the KCL Silver Final in 2022 and the UCL Gold Final in 2023, alongside further successes in 2026. Habs MUN brings global issues to life through diplomacy and negotiation, while Quiz Club encourages curiosity, teamwork and quick thinking as students put their general knowledge to the test. Academic societies offer opportunities to explore subjects beyond the classroom, and Dragons’ Den Club inspires entrepreneurial thinking as students develop ideas and practise pitching them persuasively. Together, these activities nurture articulate, informed and open-minded young people who value different perspectives and approach new challenges with confidence.
300+ STUDENTS taking part
IN DEBATING EACH WEEK
170+ STUDENTS taking part
TAKING PART IN HABSMUN HABS
DRAGONS’ DEN grand final
includes special celebrity guest from TV and the radio
DEBATING Explore new opportunities. Share what you love. •
Debating
•
Quiz Club
•
Maths Society
•
T&P Society
•
Geography Society
•
History Society
•
Classics Society
•
Law Society
•
Ancient Greek Club
•
Dragons’ Den Club
WON
6
competitions IN 2026
Brighton Gold Final Winners Imperial Silver Final Winners Imperial Bronze Final Winners Durham Novice Final Winners ICYD Novice Final Winners LSE Juniors Silver Final Winners
H A B S E L S T R E E C R E AT I V E A R T S , M E D I A A N D W R I T I N G | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 14
Creative Arts, Media and Writing Creative Arts, Media and Writing at Habs Elstree give students the freedom to explore their imagination, develop their own voice and bring ideas to life.
Through words, film, art and hands-on craft, students experiment with different techniques, discover new perspectives and enjoy sharing their creations with others. These opportunities encourage self-expression, patience and creative problem-solving, helping students build confidence in their ideas and find inspiration beyond the classroom.
10+
CREATIVE ARTS, MEDIA and WRITING CLUBS
80+ STUDENTS
ATTENDING each week
Explore new opportunities. Share what you love. •
Creative Writing Club
•
Ceramics Club
•
The Darkroom Collective
•
Soap making club
•
Creative Media Club
•
Foreign cinema club
•
Colour Club
40+ ATTENDING CREATIVE WRITING ACTIVITIES
Soap making club encourages creativity and gives us an opportunity to have fun with our friends making soap for charity Year 10, Habs Girls
each week
H A B S E L S T R E E S T E M , C O M P U T I N G A N D I N N O VAT I O N | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 16
STEM, Computing and Innovation From coding and robotics to engineering, science and emerging technologies, our STEM, Computing and Innovation activities encourage students to question, create and experiment.
Students can apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges, work collaboratively to solve problems and develop the confidence to turn imaginative ideas into practical solutions.
20+
STEM and COMPUTING CLUBS
80+
STUDENTS INVOLVED in Habs Elstree ROBOTICS
VEX WORLD
Explore new opportunities. Share what you love. •
VEX Robotics
•
FIRST Robotics
•
Coding and Python
•
Flight Simulator Club
•
Aerospace Engineering
•
STEM Racing
•
Chemistry challenges
•
Mathematical and scientific societies
2025 *
champions HABS_CYBERSQUAD
VEX Robotics has been an invaluable opportunity for me, teaching me both engineering and soft skills that I will be able to apply throughout my life and career. I love the excitement of the competition, and working with my team has given me memories and experiences that I will treasure for years to come. Ayaan, Lower Sixth, Habs Boys
H A B S E L S T R E E C O M M U N I T Y, C U LT U R E A N D W E L L B E I N G | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 18
Community, Culture and Wellbeing These activities give students the opportunity to connect with others, celebrate different identities and cultures, support their wellbeing and make a positive contribution to the wider community
14+
SOCIETIES SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CULTURE and WELLBEING
300+ STUDENTS ATTENDING weekly CLUBS
Explore new opportunities. Share what you love. •
Religious societies
•
Cultural activities
•
Heritage opportunities
•
Multifaith room available students
HUGE programme
OF EVENTS run during and after school to support these activities
Rainbow Dash, Iftar event, Garba night, Afro Beats night, Pesach Party
In ACS we explore more about African and Caribbean culture and relevant political issues. I think these cultures can be misrepresented so this society is about learning more Lower Sixth Student, Habs Girls
HABS ELSTREE ADVENTURE, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 20
Adventure, Leadership and Service We believe that some of life’s most important lessons are learned beyond the classroom.
Adventure, Leadership and Service are central to the co-curricular experience at Habs, encouraging students to embrace challenge, build confidence and develop teamwork, resilience and independence. Beginning in Year 7, our structured Outdoor Education programme combines field days and adventurous experiences, culminating in the Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. With over 875 active participants working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, DofE offers opportunities for volunteering, physical activity, skill development and expeditions, inspiring a lasting commitment to service and personal growth. Alongside DofE, approximately 360 students take part in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) across Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections, developing practical and leadership skills through activities including fieldcraft, flying, sailing and adventurous training. A wider programme of outdoor trips and residentials offers opportunities to hike, climb, canoe and explore new environments while building lasting friendships. Together, these experiences develop resilient, capable and compassionate young people, ready to make a positive impact on their communities and the world around them.
875+ active DUKE OF
EDINBURGH’S AWARD PARTICIPANTS
across Bronze, Silver and Gold
360+ CADETS across
Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections
18+
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
PRACTICE AND
QUALIFYING delivered annually EXPEDITIONS
3
OUTDOOR EDUCATION FIELD DAYS
every year
Through Outdoor Education, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Combined Cadet Force, students develop the resilience, leadership and character needed to embrace challenge, seize opportunity and thrive in an ever-changing world. James Dunlop CCF Contingent Commander and Head of Outdoor Education
for all students in Years 7 to 9
3+
DEDICATED FIELD DAYS
annually
for each CCF section, alongside Ministry of Defence opportunities
H A B S E L S T R E E G A M E S FA N TA S Y A N D S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T S | C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N 22
Games, Fantasy and Special Interests Whatever their passion, students can find others who share it or start something entirely new.
Our games, fantasy and special-interest clubs provide welcoming spaces where students can relax, be creative and explore the subjects they genuinely love. From strategy and storytelling to popular culture and imaginative worlds, these activities help friendships and new communities flourish.
300+ STUDENTS taking part in
SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS
per week
BRIDGE
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS FOR THE L AST
Explore new opportunities. Share what you love. •
Dungeons and Dragons
•
Warhammer
•
Lord of the Rings Society
•
Anime Club
•
Minecraft
•
Doctor Who Society
•
Board Games
•
Chess Club
•
Gomoku
•
Rubik’s Cube Club
•
Mythology and Mythos
•
Lego Club
•
Bridge club
3
17years
STUDENTS
have played for
ENGLAND JUNIORS BRIDGE
COMPETING AT CHESS AT
national level
3
CHESS CLUBS per week
WITH
EXTERNAL
2
coaches
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE TRIPS
Trips
24
A Day to Discover (Day trips)
Our Habs Elstree day trips programme brings learning to life, taking students beyond the classroom to explore new places, ideas and experiences. From museums and galleries to theatre performances and opportunities to discover science, history and culture firsthand, each visit sparks curiosity and deepens understanding. These shared experiences encourage students to ask questions and explore their interests, making connections between what they learn in school and the world around them.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Hampton Court Palace
•
Kew Gardens
•
Tate gallery
•
Bletchley Park
•
Windsor Castle
•
Hamilton Theatre
Adventures Away
(Year group residentials) Our year group trips and residentials give students the chance to explore new surroundings, strengthen friendships and share memorable experiences beyond the classroom. From a day of outdoor adventure at Paccar Scout Camp for Year 7 boys to a residential visit to the Isle of Wight for Year 7 girls, these trips encourage students to try something new. Each experience brings students closer together, building a sense of belonging and creating lasting memories of their time at Habs.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Isle of Wight
•
PGL
•
Paccar Scout camp
•
Trenches History trip
Teams on Tour
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE TRIPS
(Sports tours)
26
Our sports tours take students around the world, combining sporting challenge with the excitement of discovering new places and cultures. From netball in Dubai and cricket in India to a Real Madrid football tour and lacrosse in Baltimore, these experiences offer opportunities to develop skills, strengthen teamwork and share a passion for sport. Students return with lasting memories, both on and off the pitch or court.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Football trip to Real Madrid
•
Ski trips to France, Italy and Norway
•
Golf tour
•
Netball tour to Dubai
•
India Cricket Tour
•
Tennis tour to Portugal
•
Barbados cricket tour
Music on the Move Music on the Move takes our students’ talents beyond Habs, offering opportunities to perform, share their passion and experience new places through music. From a tour to Lake Garda and the World Championships in Holland to tours in Vienna and Spain, these experiences bring musicians together and celebrate the dedication behind every performance. Students discover different musical traditions, creating lasting memories both on stage and beyond.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Catalonia with Jazz Tour 2024
•
Habs Boys Choir Tour to Germany
•
Lake Garda Jazz Tour 2026
•
World Music Championships in Kerkrade (Netherlands)
•
Vienna
•
Lake Garda
•
Barcelona
•
Holland
Learning Comes to Life
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE TRIPS
(Educational Visits)
28
Our educational visits take learning beyond the classroom, giving students the opportunity to explore their subjects in inspiring settings around the world. From discovering particle physics at CERN to exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes through geography, these trips spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Exchange visits to Spain, Germany and France bring languages to life, allowing students to develop their communication skills, experience different cultures and build friendships.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
CERN
•
Iceland Geography trip
•
Granada language trip
•
Valencia language trip
•
Munich exchange
Explore the World (Overseas trips)
Our overseas trips invite students to discover the world through adventure, exploration and cultural experiences. From diving in Indonesia and Malta to cultural visits to Namibia and India, discovering Japan and exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, these journeys broaden horizons and inspire curiosity. A planned trip to the North Pole promises an extraordinary adventure, adding to a programme that encourages students to embrace new challenges, grow in independence and create lasting memories.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Namibia
•
Indonesia Diving trip
•
Japan cultural tour
•
India
Into the Outdoors
C O - C U R R I C U L A R I N F O R M AT I O N
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HABS ELSTREE TRIPS
From Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, including adventures in the Peak District, to camping beneath the trees in Bedfordshire, our outdoor trips encourage students to embrace new challenges and discover what they can achieve.
30
Alongside our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with its Royal Navy, Army and RAF sections, these experiences develop teamwork, leadership, and practical outdoor skills. Students build confidence, independence, and resilience, bringing the Habs Habits to life while forging friendships and creating lasting memories in the great outdoors.
PLACES WE’VE EXPLORED: •
Annual Tower Dinner at Buckingham Palace
•
Sandhurst Officer College range days
•
Gliding trips to RAF Syerston
•
Camping overnight with the navy in Ampthill
•
Sailing in Rickmansworth Aquadrome
•
DofE in the Chiltern Hills, Breacon Beacons, The Great Glen Scotland