Beyond Grades: CCAs Are Where Passion Meets Purpose

A Dulwich education is a holistic education. That is the enduring vision of Dulwich founder Edward Alleyn, who aimed to create a school that emphasised sound learning, strong artistic pursuits and good manners. Today that 400-year-old tradition is carried forward in our thriving Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme, which kicked off this week for a new school year.
CCAs are an integral part of the educational experience across all three of our schools at Dulwich Puxi. A majority of our CCAs are run by a teacher or student and participants are expected to be highly engaged. We also have some CCA Programmes supplemented by external providers who bring professional expertise in their field of knowledge, such as tennis, golf, drumming, etc. Students are empowered to choose - and even propose - their own.
How do students benefit from CCAs?
- Get out of their comfort zone and try new things
- Gain valuable leadership and interpersonal skills
- Build out their CVs for university application
- Enhance wellbeing
Our CCA programme is a vital part of the Dulwich holistic education. With over 100 CCAs across ten diverse categories, CCAs help students develop skills, explore passions, and even stand out in university applications - all beyond academic pursuits.

From exploratory experiences in DUCKS, to broad exposure in Junior School, self-directed choices and leadership and service opportunities in Senior School - our programme is tailored to each age group, nurturing curiosity, independence and leadership.
Sports, music and drama are pillars of our tradition; service and sustainability foster a sense of global citizenship; technology and media prepare students for 21st-century challenges; academic and fun learning opportunities ignite endless possibilities.
Whether representing the College in competitions or guiding peers toward shared growth, CCA offers a stage for students to express themselves and make an impact on the world.
CCAs at Dulwich Puxi are not just a programme - they are a way to grow. We welcome every student to find their passion and shine brightly here. Let’s unlock the world of the CCAs.

DUCKS - Explore
DUCKS students will regularly change their CCA choices so that they have the chance to experiment with a range of new ideas and interests. DUCKS students begin CCAs in Reception.

Junior School - Develop
As many Junior School students have interest areas which are subject to change, they have the flexibility to select new CCAs each Block. This gives them the chance to develop their interest in one area, while providing them opportunities to engage with new ideas.

Senior School – Extend
By the time students reach Senior School they have a good idea of their interests. We want them to deepen and extend their learning within a chosen activity and be able to demonstrate true commitment. Besides, many Senior School CCAs are student-led, such as this year’s Korean class, Physics Olympiad, and Computational Research Club, giving students the chance to take leadership and share their passions with others.

Where Passion Meets Purpose
At Dulwich Puxi, learning extends far beyond the classroom. From music to sport to leadership to creativity to wellbeing, our CCA programme really has something for every student. The only thing missing is enough days in the week to try them all!