Your Co-Curricular Journey
At Uppingham, we encourage all pupils to go on a journey of discovery and growth. We want you to be inspired to try a diverse range of experiences; to thrive as you cultivate your talents and grow your passions; and to make an impact as innovators and leaders within the School and beyond.
BE INSPIRED Lower School
Try new things, be curious and participate in as wide a range of activities as possible.
THRIVE
Fifth Form
Embrace challenges and be creative as you develop your talents and grow your passions.
Our co-curricular programme is central to developing courageous, curious compassionate adaptable, and passionate young people. People who are ready to navigate their own path through life and influence the world around them for the better.
UPP&Out, which takes place on a Friday afternoon, is an integral part of Uppingham’s co-curricular programme.
It is structured to help you make the most of the opportunities available to you at Uppinghamensuring you enjoy stimulating and life-enhancing experiences throughout your time at school.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Sixth Form
Forge your own path, be innovative, take leadership roles and inspire others.
UPP& Out
Embraces change, thinks locally and globally, takes inspiration from others
Adaptable
Passionate Inspires others with their commitment and enthusiasm
Curious
Open-minded and inquisitive
Courageous Actively seeks challenges, takes risks and learns from failure
Compassionate Empathetic, respectful, and kind
Contact:
Assistant Head: Curriculum
Mr Philip Nicholls
pjn@uppingham.co.uk
What can you do in UPP&Out?
What if I want to do more than one option?
Who can take part?
The Friday afternoon programme is open to all pupils in the Lower Fifth through to the Upper Sixth.
What is on offer?
There are six main options available to you on a Friday afternoon. You will be required to choose one of these and commit to the programme for the duration of the academic year.
Pathway 1: Pupils who would like to participate in CCF and DofE
What should you select?
What is involved?
Before you decide on which programme you will take part in, please take the time to look at the overview for each of these programmes. If you would like further information, please contact the staff listed under each of the options available.
Upper Sixth
If you are in the Upper Sixth, and you are a Scholar involved in CCF, DofE Gold or are completing community service programmes that support your academic applications for life after Uppingham, you will be required to take part in the UPP&Out programme. Upper Sixth not doing any of these options will be required work in their Houses on their UCAS or further study applications and will be signed in by matrons, HsMs or Deputy HsMs.
CCF will be your main activity on a Friday.
This will be met through your CCF programme
You will also be enrolled in the DofE programme (contact Mr Bradley to do this).
This will be met by your CCF programme in Upper Fifth as long as you take on a lead role in supporting the CCF programme.
You can do this through your games option
You will join the main DofE group at intervals for key sessions and complete your expedition with the main DofE group. You will need to commit to the workload that is needed to meet the needs of both Scholars and DofE.
* You will be able to access support sessions for DofE at various times throughout the term.
Pathway 2: Pupils who are Scholars and who would like to complete DofE
What should you select?
You will have been allocated into the Scholars option for UPP&Out as this will be your main activity. You will also be enrolled in DofE (contact Mr Bradley to do this).
This will be met through your Scholars programme
We can support you to complete community service during the week. Mr Bradley will be in touch to determine when this is possible within your individual timetable.
* You will be able to access support sessions for DofE at various times throughout the term.
You can do this through your games option. You will join the main DofE group at intervals to gain navigational practice and complete your expedition with the main DofE group. You will need to commit to the workload that is needed to meet the needs of both Scholars and DofE.
Pathway 3: Pupils who are Scholars and who would like to take part in a community service project.
You will have been allocated to the Scholars option for UPP&Out already as this will be your main activity.
We can support you to complete community service during the week. Please contact Mr Clark so that he can determine how to best support you within your individual timetable.
UPPSkill enables the development of new skills and provides the opportunity for you to challenge yourself. Although the activities repeat each year, the content varies and there is a structured programme which leads to increasing depth and complexity.
Contact:
Assistant Head: Curriculum
Mr Philip Nicholls
pjn@uppingham.co.uk
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Overview
Uppingham School Combined Cadet Force aims to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline through a varied and engaging programme. Pupils who choose the CCF will join the Army section and will learn related skills. In addition, there are six further areas of the CCF syllabus; Survival Training, Target Sports, Adventurous Training, Navigation and Expeditions, Personal Development and Community Service (see the tables below for when these are delivered and what is involved). Involvement in the CCF programme provides you with opportunities to take what you have learned further, on field weekends, summer camps and external training courses. It can also lead you to complete Adventurous Training or Leadership Qualifications as you progress. The syllabus is also designed to enable you to also complete DofE should you want to – see pathway option 1 (on page 4).
Programme Structure
Testimonials
I have enjoyed my experience working alongside my peers as leaders on field weekends and training exercises, as we develop to become the leaders of next year.”
Charles, L6th
The CCF is a brilliant example of like-minded people coming together to share experiences that they enjoy. The bonds formed through sharing challenging experiences are incredibly strong.”
Sam, U6th
Upper Sixth: Upper Sixth will act as either a Section Commander or Strand Commander.
Contact:
Head of Community Service and Entrepreneurship
Mr Sam Clark
Sc2@uppingham.co.uk
StartUPP (Entrepreneurship)
Overview
Do you have a big idea or product you want to create? Then this programme is for you. StartUPP will take you through the steps of what it takes to become an entrepreneur and by the end of this year you will have learnt what it takes to become one and even had the opportunity to develop your own product or business idea and then pitch it to a panel at our end of year ‘StartUPP Pitch Event’. We will also be linking you to OU mentors who can support you along the way.
Programme Structure
There are three main elements to the StartUPP programme:
1. StartUPP training: In this section of the course you will learn what it takes to become an entrepreneur, with a mixture of classroom based learning and talks from industry experts.
2. Meet your mentor: you will then be able to develop your own idea into a business or product and have the support of an industry mentor.
3. StartUPP Pitch Event: You will complete the programme with a 5-minute pitch to a panel of industry experts.
You will also have the opportunity to attend events, talks and where possible connect to industry partners.
Learning Area What do you learn?
Let’s get started - An overview of the course and how to use the resources provided.
- What is an entrepreneurial mindset?
- Case studies on entrepreneurship – successful ventures vs those that did not work.
It’s a team thing - What management styles are there?
- What are your skills and how do you build your dream team.
What’s the problem?
- Describe the importance of being immersed in the problem instead of the solution.
- Investigate the tension between making money and ethics.
- Development of your problem statement.
Compare the market. - How to use a validation canvas.
- What are the different techniques to conduct market research?
- What is the problem solution fit?
Idea generation - What is creativity and how can we be creative?
- What is the difference between innovation and invention?
Minimum viable product
All about the money
- What is an MVP and why do we need one?
- Development of your own MVP and testing this in the market.
- How do you set up a business – business basics.
- Develop your own balance sheets
- Where can you get funding for your great idea?
Brand it - How can you market and brand your product?
- Identify a range of strategies for your product.
Pitch it - Build a pitch and be able to communicate your product/service.
Contact:
Head of Expeditions
Mr Simon Bradley
sjb3@uppingham.co.uk
Duke of Edinburgh
Overview
Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award gives you invaluable skills and will benefit you when you apply for college, university or enter the workforce. In addition to your academic achievements, universities increasingly want to see evidence of what are often termed ‘soft skills’. These are usually developed through co-curricular activities, and include skills and attributes such as effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. The DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in addition to making a difference to other people’s lives and your community, increasing your fitness and improving your health, not to mention making new friends and obtaining memories that will last a lifetime.
Programme Structure
In 2025 if you are in Lower Fifth you will start DofE with direct entry into the Silver Award. The Friday afternoon programme is designed to support you to complete all the elements needed.
The Silver Award begins in the Lower Fifth and is completed over two years. In the Lower Fifth you will be timetabled one term of skills, and two terms of expedition training. In the Upper Fifth you will complete a whole year of community service which will enable you to fully meet the requirements of the Silver Award Games sessions are used as evidence for the physical section of the Award. There will be a full practice expedition during the Easter holidays of the Lower Fifth and the assessed expedition at the end of the Lower Fifth. Silver walking expeditions take place in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales. Silver canoeing expeditions take place on the River Great Ouse and the River Nene.
The Gold award begins in the Lower Sixth and is completed over two years. You will spend Friday afternoons working on your community service section. You will need to be prepared to attend additional meetings every so often to cover some preparation for the expeditions. There will be a practice expedition at Easter and the qualifying expedition at the end of the Summer Term. In the Upper Sixth you will then complete the remaining six months of community service. Your games sessions are used as evidence for the physical section but you must complete the skills section independently. Gold expeditions take place in the Peak District and North Wales.
Further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award can be accessed by visiting: www.dofe.org
■ Practice Expeditions
■ Gold and Silver Expeditions
Testimonials
DofE is such a good opportunity to spend time in new and different places and with new and interesting people. DofE equips you well for a successful future, filling you with the right intent and outlook on life. I would highly recommend that anyone jumps at the opportunity to take part in the scheme.”
Charlie, L5th
Contact:
Head of Community and Entrepreneurship
Mr Sam Clark
sc2@uppingham.co.uk
Community Service
Overview
The Community Service option gives you the opportunity to serve the community in a variety of different ways, in what is a valuable programme with lasting impact. There are a range of sectors you can get involved in, and you will remain with the same service programme for the full academic year, in order to develop strong and fruitful relationships and make a real difference in the wider community.
There is a wide range of opportunities available, including, but not limited to:
Countryside Conservation: The Countryside Conservation Group offers the opportunity to spend time working with, and contributing to, organisations and individuals who manage, care for and advocate on behalf of the British countryside, wildlife and associated activities. These include significant charities and conservation research bodies, such as the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. The emphasis is on enjoying and helping our surrounding countryside, with the chance to expand your understanding at the same time. Recent OUs who have taken part in the programme have gone on to work in related fields such as DEFRA and the Wildlife Rangers.
Primary Science: Each week, Years 3 - 6 from Leighfield Primary School attend science sessions within the Uppingham School Science Department. It is an opportunity for the children to learn some fascinating science, develop their practical skills, and above all, to have fun. If you are doing your Youth STEM Award this will contribute towards the Engaging Science module.
Uppingham Conservation Project: This year we are establishing a new conservation project in The School’s Arboretum. This fantastic space, which is already a hub for nature and wildlife, is going to form a key part of the School’s ongoing commitment to the environment and there will be a number of ways to become involved. These include monitoring of wildlife friendly areas, the creation of nature trails and the teaching of conservationism to primary school students.
Care for the Elderly: A significant part of the Community Service Programme is to help care for elderly members of our local community. This comes in two forms, both through helping to support individuals and through visits to care homes. In these spaces there are a variety of activities that pupils engage in, such as reading, listening, and crossword clue solving.
Programme Structure
The Community Service programme lasts for a full academic year. This is so that you can meaningfully participate in your chosen activity, building lasting relationships with those community groups you are involved in. As well as being a stand-alone programme, you can also use this programme to help support the completion of the volunteering component of the DofE Award scheme.
Testimonials
The girls and residents have had a lovely time getting to know each other. Top marks to them all for being so unphased by everything. Well done to Alice who put a smile on one of our resident’s faces, who is not known for smiling and gave her a really wonderful afternoon making her feel happy and confident. Alice can be especially proud of herself, as they all can.” Hallaton Manor Care Home
The pupils that visit Leighfield are lovely, friendly and happy to do any job that is given to them. They are great with the children and their visits are very much looked forward to.”
Leighfield Primary School
Alice and Davina were both very charming and fun people. We have decided that baking is our common joy (theirs to bake and mine to sample) although I think they will get through a few of the products!”
Local resident
Contact:
Head of Enrichment and Scholarship
Miss Jane Stevens
js1@uppingham.co.uk
Overview
UPP&Out provides scholars with the opportunity to spend dedicated time working in their scholarship area.
The bespoke programmes are designed to allow scholars to make individual progress in their specialism, whether leading discussion groups, developing their sporting skills, working on higher level design projects in the Leonardo Centre, receiving professional chamber music coaching or participating in drama workshops. The ability to work with other scholars across differing year groups helps you to build a sense of community and allows for mentorship between years, with the Sixth Form scholars often taking leadership roles within each discipline. The schedule for each pupil will vary during the year, but at its core is the development of the individual.
Programme Structure
The Academic scholars programme provides the opportunity to enhance your learning by broadening your academic horizons. The sessions are a blend of lecture and independent study. Each term has a theme, e.g. innovation, journeys, health, investigation etc., and the lectures all approach this theme from a variety of perspectives, a blend of humanities, linguistics and STEM, to develop your overall academic approach and understanding of the wider world. In your independent study, we encourage you to enter essay prizes and national competitions, as well as crafting work for our internal prizes and magazines such as the Leighton Essay Prize and the URJ. You are guaranteed to come across material you have never studied before and will pique your interest.
Art scholars are encouraged to develop and explore a diverse range of media and application techniques. Specialist workshops provide opportunities for you to deepen your interests and expand upon the resources available. As you progress through the programme you are given chances to lead the curation of exhibitions, enter competitions, and mentor students in the lower years. Additionally, scholars are introduced to a variety of skills through workshops and visits from guest artists. The programme also emphasises leadership and collaboration, encouraging you to take active roles within the school community.
Design and Technology scholars can develop their core design skills using traditional and modern methods. You are encouraged to focus on areas of weakness and given the support to improve and develop these to make you ‘industry-ready’ in whatever area of design and technology you wish to pursue. Beyond the confines of the Friday afternoon session, the Sixth Form scholars run Production Creation sessions where you are given the opportunity to mentor Fourth and Fifth Form pupils, allowing you to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Drama scholars are involved in the same programme regardless of age. The programme is a blend of specialised workshops given by visiting drama schools, theatre companies and professional actors and designers who explore different types of theatrical performance and production. There is also space for you to prepare for Theatre post-Uppingham through audition preparation and practice, dance workshops and development of your design portfolios. Scholars also lead and promote the arts through work in local primary schools, allowing them to display their leadership skills and to create workshops of their own.
For Music scholars, the Friday afternoon programme provides an opportunity to come together in small ensemble work – playing chamber music, singing in bespoke choirs, exploring jazz improvisation, developing music technology skills, studying composition and conducting, alongside performance practice and repertoire classes. Whilst the groups are coached by staff, you are encouraged to work independently during these sessions, engaging in higher level listening skills and undertaking the type of rehearsals that they would be involved in when studying music beyond Uppingham.
The Sports scholars’ programme offers support and guidance as the scholars explore their path as athletes. This includes small group sessions with professional coaches to improve both technical and tactical skills, mentoring to improve psychological skills, and workshops that are intended to help maximise potential. The whole-person approach allows for external speakers to discuss matters such as nutrition, sleep and breathwork. As you progress through the school, the focus moves towards leadership, with the Sixth Form scholars not only continuing with the
personal goals that were explored in the younger years but also taking the lead as ambassadors for Uppingham Sport as the athletes and coaches of the future.
The Textile scholars’ programme offers an inspiring and ambitious journey beyond the classroom. Through a dynamic series of hands-on workshops, scholars across all year groups are challenged to push their creative and technical skills far beyond the standard syllabus. From mastering advanced techniques often reserved for undergraduate study to experimenting with innovative materials and processes, this programme is designed to ignite passion and unlock potential. Scholars also benefit from exclusive opportunities such as guest speakers from the world of textiles and a deeper understanding of the many exciting career paths the subject can lead to.
The Thring scholars’ programme fosters leadership by immersing students in a rich variety of experiences throughout the academic year. Through guest speakers, events, and diverse projects, you are encouraged to take initiative and lead with purpose. You gain hands-on experience by designing, planning, and delivering initiatives, supported by expert guidance in marketing, event planning, and finance. Collaboration is central to the programmes, with scholars working in year groups, cross-year Thring ‘family’ groups and in specialist groups tailored to your strengths and interests. This structure promotes shared learning, diversity, and mutual support. At its core, the programme embodies the values of a Thring Scholar—integrity, courage, responsibility, respect, kindness, ambition, and curiosity—nurturing capable, thoughtful, and compassionate future leaders.
Testimonials
The Academic Scholars’ programme has proved to be an invaluable method to pursue my own interests within school time in a supportive environment. It has allowed me to also learn new skills in projects such as 3D modelling when trying to model a rocket, or in the medical field by better understanding the uses of different kinds of radiation waves, be they implanted, ingested, or emitted onto your body. It has allowed me to grow and excel in the direction want to, uninhibited by a time schedule or curriculum that I must stay on track with.
L5th Academic Scholar
To be a part of the Academic Scholars’ group has always been a privilege. It has allowed me to challenge myself and my approach in researching questions that fascinate me. Seminars presented by teachers, pupils and the Headmaster encourage us to debate and critique articles and books that generate challenging questions. The comfortable but focused atmosphere has made a Friday afternoon one of the highlights of my week and I look forward to being a part of it once again next year.
L6th Academic Scholar
Joining in Sixth Form I found the scholars’ programme to be a great way to make instant friends and dive straight into the vibrant drama presence in this school. Scholars’ time was always informative and highly enjoyable and allowed me to form one of my most valued communities within school. I had the opportunity to take part in a multitude of workshops with different practitioners, many of whom changed my outlook on theatre.
U6th Drama Scholar
I’ve really enjoyed the Friday afternoon Sports scholars’ programme specifically for rugby, as the extra sessions of actual training are extremely beneficial and fun, but also the extra talks and lectures have been very interesting and taught me good skills to apply to sport and my life in general.
L6th Sports Scholar
I have really enjoyed the small choir groups I have been involved in. They have allowed me to develop good friendships with people that have similar interests as well as greatly develop my choral skill set.
U5th Music Scholar
How do I sign up to an UPP&Out Programme?
Signing up
You will be informed in the second week of term when the window for signing up is open, please do not try and do this before then as you will not have access. Please follow the following steps to sign up to your Friday afternoon UPP&Out option. *If you are a Scholar, you will have already been signed up to your scholars group and will not be able to select an option. If you wish to do an additional option such as DofE, CCF or community service please speak to the member of staff concerned.
STEP 1:
Sign into your SOCS account by clicking on the link
STEP 2:
Go to the activities page and click on ADD next to the activity you wish to choose for the year.
https://www.socscms.com/login/257/pupil/
STEP 3:
The activity will then appear in your calendar.
This is NOT confirmation of your final allocation and you will be notified when your selection has been confirmed. If you would like to choose community service please complete the online form for this option which will collate your first and second choice.
If you would like to take part in StartUPP you will need to apply for this using the online form.
What do I do if I don’t have a password?
If you have forgotten your password or if you have not yet set a password, please click “Forgot Password” and follow the instructions. You will be taken to the school’s login page where you can log in. Once you have entered your login credentials, you will be logged into SOCS.
When you are logged in, you are able to change your password by clicking on Settings
Update your password on the My Details & Settings page
UPP&Out Contacts
Changing your choice
You will have until the first leave out weekend to change onto another programme. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to move into your first preference as some programmes may be full and there are limitations on the number of pupils that some programmes can take.
Need help?
If you want to find out more about the programmes on offer, please contact the following staff:
Assistant Head: Curriculum: Mr Philip Nicholls (pjn@uppingham.co.uk)
Duke of Edinburgh: Mr Simon Bradley (sjb3@uppingham.co.uk)
Community Service: Mr Sam Clark (sc2@uppingham.co.uk)
Scholars: Miss Jane Stevens (js1@uppingham.co.uk)
StartUPP (Entrepreneurship): Mr Sam Clark (sc2@uppingham.co.uk)