BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Ask our pupils, teachers - or parents - about the Watson's experience, and you will quickly understand the impact of Projects: the two weeks in the summer term when small groups of Senior 3 take to the outdoors for a journey of discovery, challenge and adventure. Projects is indicative of our conviction that education should be a rounded set of experiences both in and out of the classroom.

This philosophy drives our commitment to a rich and rewarding informal curriculum. As a large school, we can support over 60 extra-curricular clubs and activities. In this we are supported by our dedicated teachers and support staff - and the commitment of parents, former pupils and other members of our community.

Whether one's interests are artistic, literary, musical, sporting or philosophical, Watson's has much to offer. This variety again reflects our commitment to breadth of opportunity; our role is to help our pupils discover and develop their particular set of interests and aptitudes.

Our pupils enjoy success at all levels - including national and international - in sports such as rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis and rowing; in outdoor pursuits including the popular Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme; and in the arts such as theatre, debating, orchestral playing and piping and drumming. But proud as we are of these achievements, we would prefer our informal curriculum to be judged as much by the participation it promotes as by the results.

In recognising achievement, we are keen to celebrate the contribution of each and every pupil. Consider any number of sporting competitions or the many performances of music and drama that take place each year. For each sports star there are many others whose loyalty on Saturday mornings sustains the team effort. Similarly, for each pupil who shines on stage, in the chorus or as part of the orchestra, another is making a vital contribution to the stage crew, costume team or front of house. Each learns something new, creating a lasting memory of shared experience.