Something for everyone at Victoria College

When we look back on our time at school, it is not always the academic lessons that we remember first or most fondly.

For many of us, it is the wider experiences of school that helped us forge lasting bonds of friendship and perhaps inspired our careers.

At Victoria College, we are fortunate to be able to run a host of co-curricular opportunities for our boys to experience. From surfing to climbing, from Pokémon to Mario Kart and a myriad of others, there is something for everyone.

Of course, our academic offering is something we are rightly proud of. Our students achieve results that reflect their hard work and the expertise of our teachers. Each year, we are privileged to witness achievement beyond expectations, perhaps even beyond wildest dreams. We believe that excellence is a habit, and so is hard work and active engagement.

Our co-curricular provision, including over 60 clubs and activities, isn’t something we consider to be an afterthought; it is integral to what it means to be Victoria College. Our staff offer the students chances to try out new things, learn new skills, meet new people.

We are building young people who are interested and interesting. The most recent addition to our roster of clubs and activities is a lunchtime cryptic crossword club. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but here’s the thing: it works for some, and so it works for us.

There is something special about a school club. Glancing through the timetable for clubs and activities for the autumn term, you can’t help but be struck by the sheer range of what’s on offer. For example, on Wednesdays, our students can attend Wellbeing Art Club where they can practise mindfulness and take some time out of their busy days to relax and be peaceful. Or, at the same time but in a different place, they can attend the Heavy Metal Society, which is best described as loud.

The opportunities aren’t simply clubs though – our renowned house system gives our students a sense of family and security as they move through the school. Secondary school is often a challenging time for children, as they learn more about themselves and about the world they are preparing for. Having connections within their age group but also with older children helps them to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Our house system allows the school to compete with itself, seeking opportunities for excellence in sport, academia and the arts. Beyond this, our houses work hard to give back to the community in Jersey. Last year, the college raised £26,000 for charities and, perhaps more importantly, our community offered time and help. From apple-picking in the misty, mellow fruitfulness of autumn to beach-cleaning in the winds of spring, to cleaning at the Zoo in the warmth of the summer, we have sought to recognise that we must all earn our place in the community of Jersey.

At Victoria College, we know that our students and our community want and deserve more. More chances to stretch themselves academically. More chances to try new things and push the boundaries of experience and confidence. More chances to serve the island of Jersey and to reach out beyond our grounds and into the lives of those around us.

Sponsored by Victoria College