Sixth Form Co-Curricular

Plum Society

Named after a former Head Master from the early twentieth century, the Plum Society brings together pupils with a passion for ideas, curiosity, and intellectual challenge. Open to invited pupils in Years 9 and 10 who relish exploring beyond the curriculum, the Society encourages members to tackle unusual tasks, take part in competitions, and engage in lively discussions and debates.

Through activities that stretch and challenge, members develop skills that last a lifetime—critical thinking, confident communication, active listening, and respect for differing viewpoints. These are the qualities that shape rounded individuals, ready for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Head Master’s Round Table

This Sixth Form forum invites a small group of pupils and teachers to discuss an academic article or paper in the formal setting of the Board Room. The aim is to foster intellectual courage, analytical precision, and articulate expression which we consider hallmarks of academic leadership.

Politics Society

Led by Sixth Form pupils, the Politics Society meets to debate the pressing issues of the day. It provides a platform for respectful argument, persuasive reasoning, and deepening an understanding of the political forces that shape our world.

Science and Biomedical Society

A pupil-led group for aspiring medics and scientists, this Society offers preparation for medical school applications alongside opportunities to explore scientific themes beyond the standard syllabus. It builds perseverance, adaptability, and the collaborative skills vital to success in higher education and beyond.

Choral singing is woven into the fabric of Mount Kelly life, uniting our community through chapel services and the much-anticipated annual House Song Competition, where every pupil’s voice matters. We regular hear the Head Master say that a school that sings well is a happy school, something the whole community believes.

The College Choir leads our worship and celebrates special occasions such as the Carol Service and Founder’s Day. Open to all without audition, it fosters a love of singing and shared purpose.

The College Chamber Choir is made up of our most accomplished singers and a true showcase of Mount Kelly talent. Performing everything from Renaissance motets to contemporary arrangements, often a cappella, the ensemble is recognised for its technical excellence, expressive performances, and dynamic stage presence.

In recent years, the choir has built an outstanding reputation on the national and international stage, with highlights including:

• Winners – Barnardo’s School Choir of the Year, Royal Festival Hall, London
• Silver Award – Grado International Choral Competition, Italy
• Gold and Silver Awards – Canta al Mar, Barcelona
• Devon Schools Choir of the Year

Their performances span prestigious venues such as Bristol Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, and the Basilica of St Mark in Venice, as well as local community events including the Tavistock Concert of Remembrance. Annual tours, competitions, and professional recordings ensure they are continually pushing artistic boundaries.

Beyond the accolades, choir members develop discipline, collaboration, resilience, and the confidence to perform under pressure – qualities that serve them far beyond the concert stage. The choir is not only about beautiful music, but about shaping well-rounded, courageous individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

Concerts

Music is alive at Mount Kelly all year round, with pupils performing in a rich variety of concerts both on campus and across the local community. From intimate recitals to large-scale productions, every performance is an opportunity to share talent, passion and creativity.

Music is woven into the fabric of school life, enhancing Chapel services and assemblies, and enriching the special occasions that mark the year — Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday, Easter, and our much-anticipated Carol Service.

We are proud to play a leading role in the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival, including sponsoring and directing the combined schools’ choir event, ‘Tavistock Sings!’.

Our Concert Society season brings world-class professional musicians to Mount Kelly, offering performances of the highest calibre. While the concerts are open to the public, our pupils enjoy complimentary entry — inspiring them with the very best live music right on their doorstep.

Ensembles

Playing music together is one of the most rewarding and inspiring parts of learning an instrument, and at Mount Kelly we offer a vibrant programme of ensembles to suit every interest and ability. Our line-up evolves each year to ensure the best opportunities for our current pupils, and includes the Concert Band for wind and percussion players, a String Ensemble, plus dynamic rock bands and other contemporary groups.

Collaboration is at the heart of our musical life. The department plays a central role in our regular musical productions, from performing and singing on stage to providing live instrumental soundtracks for drama performances. This spirit of teamwork not only develops musicianship but also builds confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships.

Instrumental Lessons

Every Mount Kelly pupil has the chance to learn a musical instrument, an essential part of a broad, balanced education. The benefits are well-documented: enhanced fine motor skills, sharper visual processing, and greater social confidence, particularly when performing in an ensemble.

As pupils progress through school, music becomes not just a creative outlet but also a valuable break from academic pressures, especially during exams. Many universities recognise and value the dedication, discipline, and time management required to pursue music alongside studies, a quality that has helped our candidates stand out.

We offer lessons in a full range of instruments, including singing, taught by a team of dedicated and experienced teachers with an outstanding record of success. Pupils can try taster lessons before committing to a full term, with costs charged pro rata.

“Every member of a group is seen as a potential Producer (of Drama), a potential artist.”
— J. Neelands

Drama at Mount Kelly

Drama is at the heart of College life, where everyone, whether on stage or behind the scenes, has a vital part to play. Every pupil gets the chance to shine, contribute, and develop their creative voice.

Each year, we stage two major productions:

Michaelmas Term: A full-scale show, often a musical, with open auditions welcoming pupils from all year groups. Recent highlights include Chicago, We Will Rock You, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Wyrd Sisters.

Lent Term: A Studio Production focused on ensemble work, with pupils taking on roles from acting to assistant directing and design. Past plays like A Human Write and How We Begin have earned great acclaim.

Our pupils regularly enjoy theatre trips to Plymouth, Exeter, and beyond, with the Theatre Royal Plymouth just around the corner. They’ve experienced unforgettable premieres, from The Lion King to Phantom of the Opera.

LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)

Mount Kelly offers expert Speech and Drama tuition led by an experienced teacher and LAMDA examiner. Pupils regularly achieve top marks, including Distinctions, in this prestigious programme.

Our LAMDA syllabus covers a range of disciplines: Public Speaking, Acting, Mime, Reading for Performance, and Speaking of Verse & Prose. We are proud to be one of the largest private LAMDA examination centres in the country, holding exams three times a year.

Success at Grade 6 and above earns UCAS points and a great advantage for university applications. Pupils also get the chance to compete in the City of Plymouth Festival each Michaelmas Term.

For those aged 14+, auditions for the National Youth Theatre (NYT) and Youth Music Theatre (YMT) are encouraged. Many Mount Kelly pupils have earned places on NYT summer courses or performed in YMT productions, a testament to our strong performing arts culture.

LAMDA lessons build confidence and communication skills that shine beyond the stage. Older pupils often use these lessons to support Duke of Edinburgh Awards, public speaking duties, speech writing, and university interview preparation.

Available from Year 2 upwards, LAMDA at Mount Kelly nurtures self-assured, articulate young people who carry these skills into all areas of life.

Mount Kelly is proud of its reputation for offering an exceptional co-curricular experience, and our Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) programme is at the heart of this. Anchored by our fully staffed on-site adventure centre, Simply Outdoors, LOTC seamlessly integrates outdoor learning with the academic curriculum, encouraging growth, resilience, and teamwork every step of the way.

From Years 7 to 11, all pupils participate in LOTC activities designed to build self-confidence, motivation, and leadership skills. Each year group follows a carefully planned journey of challenge and discovery.

These immersive experiences strengthen the bonds between pupils and academic staff alike, fostering a community built on trust, shared challenges, and a love of learning beyond the classroom.

At Mount Kelly, LOTC reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, equipped not only with academic excellence but also with resilience, teamwork, and leadership, qualities that prepare pupils for life beyond school.

Rooted in our founding by Admiral Kelly, “for the sons of naval officers and other gentlemen,” the Naval Combined Cadet Force (CCF) remains a proud and vibrant part of Mount Kelly’s co-curricular life.

Our cadets parade weekly during Service Afternoon on Fridays, following the Royal Navy proficiency syllabus. They develop a wide range of practical skills, from navigation and pilotage to boat handling and dinghy sailing. Above all, the programme is grounded in the Royal Navy’s core values: Commitment, Courage, Discipline, Respect, Integrity, and Loyalty. These values shape every cadet’s journey, as they build character, confidence, and leadership, progressing to senior roles within the contingent where they put these skills into practice.

Thanks to close ties with our local Royal Navy Cadet Team and our proximity to the sea and Devonport, cadets benefit from professional instruction, logistical support, and unique opportunities to train aboard warships and explore naval establishments.

Each year, cadets attend the prestigious Annual Camp at HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy’s recruit training centre in Cornwall, where they dive into intensive sail training on a variety of dinghies, while gaining first hand experience of life on a naval base.

Beyond camp, cadets can choose from over 100 courses throughout the year, many leading to nationally-recognised qualifications. Opportunities include mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, leadership training, first aid, lifeguard certification (NPLQ), ice climbing, skiing, flying, shooting, and even a band course for musically inclined cadets. With Royal Navy sponsorship, these adventures and qualifications come at a fraction of the civilian cost.

The CCF experience embodies Mount Kelly’s values of courage, commitment, respect, integrity, and leadership, offering pupils an exceptional pathway to grow as confident, responsible, and capable young adults, ready to face future challenges with strength and resilience.

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award is one of the most valued achievements on a CV, highly regarded by employers worldwide for the skills and character it develops beyond academic qualifications. At Mount Kelly, pupils can earn their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, beginning this rewarding journey in Year 9.

The Award is structured around four key sections:

• Volunteering (e.g., community service, National Trust projects)
• Skills (e.g., music, speech and drama)
• Physical Activity (e.g., rugby, netball, hockey)
• Expedition

This internationally recognised programme nurtures independence, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and personal commitment, qualities that prepare pupils for life beyond school.

Starting in Year 9, pupils engage in independent learning and expedition skills training, preparing for their Bronze Award expedition, which takes place in the Lent or Summer term. They complete their Bronze Award during Year 10, with opportunities to progress to Silver and then Gold, typically from Year 10 onwards.

Expedition locations range from the rugged Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor to inspiring overseas destinations such as South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains and the Kosi Bay Lakes. At Gold level, pupils also take part in a unique 5-day residential experience with new peers, a powerful chance to broaden horizons, develop social skills, and build confidence before university or the workplace.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award perfectly embodies Mount Kelly’s values of commitment, courage, and integrity, equipping pupils with life skills that set them apart and empower them to thrive in the future.

Every year, Mount Kelly proudly enters teams in the iconic Ten Tors event, organised by the Army, walking to raise funds for the RNLI. Pupils take on the challenge of completing 35, 45, or 55-mile routes across two days, fully self-sufficient and camping wild overnight on the moors.

Training begins in September and runs through the winter, preparing pupils physically and mentally for the demanding terrain ahead. The highlight of this preparation is the Mount Kelly Expedition, a full-distance practice walk held in late March when weather conditions are at their toughest and daylight hours are limited. Many consider this training expedition even more challenging than the official event itself.

Each year, pupils battle the elements with determination and teamwork, earning their place on one of the Mount Kelly Ten Tors teams for the main event, held annually on the second weekend of May. With over 2,400 young people participating across the South West, Ten Tors is a landmark event that fosters resilience, leadership, and camaraderie.

In addition to the main challenge, Mount Kelly also supports the Jubilee Challenge—a special trekking expedition on northern Dartmoor designed for young people with physical and educational needs. Established in 1977 as the Special Event and renamed in 1996, the Jubilee Challenge continues to be a vital part of the Ten Tors tradition.

Through Ten Tors and the Mount Kelly Expedition, pupils embody our values of commitment, courage, and respect, gaining unforgettable experiences and lifelong skills both on and off the moor.

Mount Kelly proudly upholds its historic connection with HMS Conway and the Conway Merchant Navy Trust through Conway House, which houses a rich collection of memorabilia celebrating this maritime legacy. Although HMS Conway ceased operating as a training establishment in 1974, the Conway Merchant Navy Trust (CMNT) continues to inspire and support young people aspiring to careers in the merchant navy.

As part of Mount Kelly’s comprehensive Guidance Programme, the CMNT works closely with the School to raise awareness of maritime careers, helping pupils explore opportunities at sea.

One of the most exceptional benefits for Mount Kelly pupils is the generous funding provided by the CMNT for three to five places each year on a Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) voyage. This unique adventure forms the Residential element of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and offers a life-changing experience sailing across European, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic waters.

The TSYT’s mission is “to enable young people to fulfil their life potential through genuinely life changing adventures at sea,” and Mount Kelly pupils who earn a place on these voyages gain skills in leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-discovery.

Applications open early in the Michaelmas Term for pupils undertaking their Gold Award and are carefully reviewed by the School’s Senior Leadership Team in partnership with the CMNT. Successful candidates then present their experiences to both the College and Prep communities and contribute articles to The Foundation and The Cadet, the Conway Association’s journal.

This exceptional opportunity reflects Mount Kelly’s commitment to its values of commitment, courage, and integrity, and keeps alive a treasured part of the School’s heritage through the Conway Sea Training Award.

At Mount Kelly, all pupils in Year 9 begin their journey of giving back by undertaking volunteering activities, laying the foundation for personal growth and community engagement. From Year 10 onwards, volunteering continues as an integral part of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold Award programmes for those who choose to participate.

Voluntary Service (VS) is offered to pupils in Year 11 and the Sixth Form one afternoon each week. Pupils interested in volunteering apply for placements at the start of the academic year. The School maintains a carefully vetted database of local opportunities across Tavistock, including care and residential homes, charity shops, primary schools, and day centres. Activities range from organising events for children to coaching sports.

Each pupil undergoes an interview process to ensure the best match with their placement. Throughout the year, their progress is closely supported with regular visits, culminating in a detailed report on their performance.

Beyond formal placements, pupils also engage with community groups such as Interact Tavi, a youth version of Rotary International, further strengthening ties between Mount Kelly and the local area.

We believe that learning the value of helping others is fundamental to developing compassionate, responsible individuals, qualities that reflect the core values of Mount Kelly and prepare pupils to make a positive difference in the wider world.

Overseas trips and expeditions at Mount Kelly provide exceptional opportunities for pupils to immerse themselves in new cultures, challenge themselves, and grow both academically and personally. These journeys foster self-confidence, independence, and a global perspective — all vital qualities for today’s world.

Each year, pupils can choose from a diverse range of exciting trips, such as:

• Exploring the Moroccan desert, learning how communities adapt and thrive in this harsh environment
• Geography fieldwork in Iceland, experiencing dramatic landscapes and volcanic activity first hand
• A Level Physics visit to CERN in Switzerland, to see cutting-edge research at the Large Hadron Collider
• Language trips to France and Spain, deepening cultural understanding alongside language skills
• Humanities tours to Rome and Sorrento, exploring history, art, and culture
• CCF expeditions to the remote Scottish Highlands, developing survival skills and snow trekking expertise

In addition, our sports teams regularly embark on international tours, competing and building camaraderie in new environments around the world.

A standout new addition is our nature-focused expedition to South Africa, where pupils combine adventure with purpose through volunteering projects, canoeing expeditions, and trekking challenges. This immersive experience not only strengthens teamwork and leadership but also deepens pupils’ appreciation for conservation and community impact.

Stay up to date with all our trips through the latest news and updates on our Facebook page. Hear directly from the pupils as they share their remarkable journeys.

The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, affectionately known as the ‘DW’, is one of the oldest and longest non-stop kayak races in the world, and a standout challenge within Mount Kelly’s outdoor education programme.

The race demands endurance, teamwork, and determination over four days, as our crews paddle nearly 125 miles from Devizes to Westminster. Predominantly available to Year 12 pupils, this really is an adventure of a lifetime.

The race’s origins date back to 1927 during a postal strike, and Mount Kelly’s proud history with the DW began in 1995 with a single crew crossing the finish line. Since then, up to a dozen crews enter annually, with over 250 Mount Kelly paddlers having earned the honour of wearing the DW medal.

Completing the race is a huge achievement, and paddling under Westminster Bridge after days of effort leaves a lasting sense of pride, confidence, and accomplishment, often described by participants as a formative life experience.

Training starts in September and continues through the cold winter months, developing physical fitness, technical skills, resilience, and strong teamwork.

A unique feature of the DW is the vital support crew, also known as parents, who provide meals, equipment, and encouragement throughout the race. Many families say this shared experience strengthens bonds in powerful and unexpected ways. As one parent shared:

“Since the event my daughter has matured. We talk. Her grades have improved. I trust her. I believe in her. This is a life-changing challenge that, given the chance, you should take. It is a family event that brings you closer together. Ironically, it may be one of the last journeys you take alongside them. You hold their hands on this one but learn to let them go as well.”
— Sixth Form Parent