Extended Curriculum

At Ullswater Community College, we believe that some of the most profound lessons in life don’t happen at a desk.

They happen on the stage, on the sports field, on top of a mountain, or even in a different hemisphere. While our Success Curriculum ensures academic excellence, our Extended Curriculum is designed to build “Excellence in Character.” We are Ambitious for our students to be more than just exam-takers; we want them to be leaders, explorers, artists, and innovators. At UCC, we don’t just do “extra” activities; we do epic activities.

Clubs: Find Your Spark

Whether you have a spare lunch break or want to stay after the bell rings, there is a club at UCC with your name on it. Joining a club is the fastest way to forge new friendships and discover talents you never knew you had.

Excellence in the Arts & Expression

  • The Big School Musical: We are famous across Cumbria for our professional-grade productions—most recently our 2026 smash hit, School of Rock. Whether you want to be the lead vocalist, a rockstar guitarist, or lead the technical crew on lights and sound, the spotlight is waiting.
  • UCC Big Band & Singers: A place for every musician to find their rhythm and perform.
  • Art & Graphic Novel Clubs: Head to our specialised studios to collaborate with fellow artists and create your next masterpiece.

Ambitious Minds & Future Leaders

  • Debate Club: Love a good argument? Learn the art of professional rhetoric. Many of our members go on to represent the region in the UK Youth Parliament, proving that UCC students are the leading voices of the Eden Valley.
  • Science Club: From amazing discoveries to explosive experiments, we bring STEM to life outside the lab.
  • Eco Club: Our Eco-heroes are relentlessly self-critical and proactive, working to make UCC the greenest, most sustainable school in Cumbria.
  • Puzzlers & Strategy: A quiet space to sharpen your mind through chess, logic, and tactical play.

Caring for the Whole Person: Sport for All

Our PE department operates on a “Sport for All” philosophy. Whether you are chasing national glory or just having fun with friends, we believe being active is for everyone.

  • Major Games: Weekly teams for Rugby, Football, Netball, and Hockey.
  • Diverse Options: Try your hand at Gymnastics, Athletics, Cricket, Boccia, Climbing, and even Cheerleading.

Can’t see a club you like? We will support you in starting your own. At UCC, every student has an Equal opportunity to lead.

Trips and Visits: Adventures Without Borders

At UCC, the world is our classroom. Our trips aren’t just days out; they are transformative experiences that build independence, confidence, and global citizenship.

We are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and we take full advantage of it.

  • The Great Outdoors: Hiking, canoeing, and ghyll scrambling in the fells.
  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE): We are a leading provider of Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Our students learn to navigate the stars and work as a team, with the ultimate ambition of receiving their Gold Award at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

  • Sporting Glory: Our teams travel nationwide to represent UCC on the national stage in rugby, athletics, and more.
  • Rewards & Celebration: We believe in celebrating success. Our reward trips to places like Alton Towers are a highlight of the year for students who demonstrate our core values.

We provide our students with an Equal opportunity to become global explorers, traveling further than any other school in the region to make a real difference.

  • Operation Wallacea: For aspiring scientists, this is the ultimate ambition. Our students have traveled to Madagascar, Mexico, and Honduras to work alongside world-leading scientists on real-life conservation and wildlife research.
  • Ski Trips: Hit the European slopes for a week of snow, sport, and cultural immersion.
  • Language & Culture: Practice your Spanish or French in real-life settings, exploring historic cities and building international friendships.

Are you ready to discover your “epic”?

At UCC, your journey is just beginning.