The Afternoon Activity programme is designed to allow our Senior School students the chance to develop their interests outside of the classroom.

Each Third, Fourth and Fifth Form student has four Activity Option blocks available during the year on either a Monday or a Wednesday afternoon.  Each block runs for approximately seven weeks allowing pupils to discover new interests and to develop old ones.  The activities make use of the school facilities and the talents of pupils and the ever ingenious staff.

From Creative Crafts to College Cult Films, from Mah Jongg to Yoga and all kinds of Minor Sports, the Activity programme has something for everyone.

On the other afternoon, whilst the Third Form are encouraged to find their feet both around Edinburgh and in the School community, every Fourth and Fifth Former spends the time as a member of the School's Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Sixth Formers have a choice between remaining in the CCF and becoming involved as a volunteer in the community or offering another form of Service such as leading activity sessions and sharing their talents with the younger students. This also allows students time to develop their skills for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Nursery and primary pupils await the fun that helpers from Fettes bring; old people enjoy chatting with a younger generation; the blind use the eyes of their visitors; gardens are tidied up; charity shops have their goods sorted and displayed; the Chinese elderly share language and food with Cantonese pupils; and Fettes may play host to visitors and friends. This is Fettes in the Community.

"Both Laura and Angela were a pleasure to have as helpers in our creche. The girls were hard-working, pleasant and polite and had a lovely manner with both children and creche workers...."

"The pupils who visited our Centre this past year, Richard and Kate, did a fantastic job in entering into the life of our Home. They mixed well with residents, staff and managers. They came across as very friendly, helpful and polite. They are a credit to themselves and the School. I cannot praise them too highly...."

"The one and a half hours that I spend training my Army cadets every week involves considerable variety. For example, my cadre of trainee NCOs may find themselves being tested on their practical teaching skills one week and then preparing for one of the overnight exercises that punctuate the term's programme the next. Indeed the key strength of the CCF is the vast array of transferable skills it imparts."