Co-Curricular
Handbook
K-12 Co-Curricular Programs and Activities
Our Challenging Minds, Creating Futures
Strategic Plan clearly articulates the
importance of a Holistic Education through
our strategic direction to “…energise the
School’s holistic approach to the education
of our students through the refinement of
the Co-Curricular Program, the significance
of the House System and the development
of our approach to character education and
student wellbeing”.
Our strategic direction is elevated by a deep
commitment to ensure we deliver a robust
and exciting co-curricular program in the
development of character and resilience.
A Northholm Grammar education firmly believes
that character and resilience are as crucial to
young people’s future success as academic
qualifications, hence our commitment to an
educational philosophy based on academic
intentionality with pastoral attentiveness.
Underlined within the approach is the
significance of students learning about the
importance of positive personal attributes –
such as self-respect and self-worth, honesty,
courage, kindness, generosity, trustworthiness
and a sense of justice. We aim to build on
the great work already being done by many
schools to ensure young people build strong
and positive relationships and embrace the
character and resilience needed to deal with
life’s inevitable challenges.
A strong co-curricular program will ensure
students foster positive relationships, gravitate to
their passions and develop an understanding of
their character strengths. Character and resilience
are the qualities, the inner resources that we
call on to get us through the frustrations and
setbacks that are part and parcel of life. How do
we instil this in young people? How do we make
sure they are ready to make their way in the world
as robust and confident individuals?
Fundamentally, education is about making sure
the next generation of students has everything
they need to realise their potential. That means
offering them a broad and rich co-curricular
experience which gives them the knowledge
and skills that will set them up for success in
further study and the world of work. But it
shouldn’t stop there; a young person’s time in
education should help to build their confidence
and resilience, helping them to deal with life’s
ups and downs.
Our Co-Curricular Program is a key ingredient
to ensure a holistic educational experience. We
look forward to supporting, challenging and
encouraging our students to be engaged in a rich
tapestry of opportunities in the areas of creative
and performing arts, oratory, agriculture, sport,
STEM and leadership and service.
As former UK Education Secretary, David Hinds,
once argued: “Of course, I want every child to
excel at school and do well in their exams – but
this is just one part of how education prepares
them for the future. Through school and college,
young people gain the skills and qualifications
they need to get a well-paid job, but to truly
prepare for adult life we also need to make sure
our young people build character and resilience”.
Mr Christopher Bradbury
Principal
From the Principal
Northholm Grammar
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A School’s Co-Curricular Program has a
profound impact on developing the whole
person so that students become well balanced
young adults.
To enrich our students’ lives and promote
personal development, Northholm Grammar
offers a broad range of co-curricular programs to
suit our young people.
This range of co-curricular programs includes
agriculture, creative arts, entrepreneurship,
enrichment activities, leadership, music, oratory,
outdoor education, performing arts, sport and
STEM. This means that there is something for
everyone.
Each student has the opportunity to discover
their interests and talents, build physical health
and participate in national and internationally
recognised competitions and programs.
These activities not only provide personal
enjoyment for the individual child, but support
the development of various skills and interests,
enable students to think critically and creatively,
teach teamwork and increase engagement in
their school life.
Additional benefits include:
•
The development of positive social behaviours
such as helping, sharing and cooperation.
•
An increase in students’ social support
networks, building, developing and
encouraging friendships, where students work
together towards a shared goal.
•
The provision of opportunities for community
involvement.
•
The development of mental resilience, helping
students learn how to bounce back from
failure.
•
The promotion of abilities such as
responsibility, organisation, effective time
management and teamwork, that will prove
useful throughout life.
During their time at Northholm, students are
supported so that they are able to make the
most of the exciting array of cultural, physical
and service related activities outside of the
classroom setting so that they can develop their
interests and their gifts and engage in the wider
community in their life beyond school.
Mrs Jenny Pluss
Head of Operations and
Co-Curricular Programs
Co-Curricular Programs –
Enriching students’ lives in
the educational journey
From the Head of Co-Curricular Programs (K-12)
2
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Co-Curricular Handbook
Agriculture
Primary Years
7
Gardening Club
Secondary Years
8
Cattle Show Team
8
Poultry Show Team
Creative Arts
Primary and Secondary Years
9
The Art Shack
Primary Years
9
Crafternoons
9
Mugs and Bugs
Secondary Years
10
Art and Soul Ceramics
Contents
Entrepreneurship Program
Primary Years
11
Designed Spaces Program
Secondary Years
12
What’s your Problem? - Year 9 Program
•
Moneyvest
•
Public Speaking
•
Generation Entrepreneur
•
GAP Program
13
Learn, Live, Thrive - Year 10 Program
•
Moneyvest
•
Ready for Work
•
Mini MBA
•
Northholm Industries Innovators
Northholm Grammar
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Contents
Extension and Enrichment Programs
Primary and Secondary Years
14
Chess Club
14
da Vinci Competition
14
ICAS Competitions - Digital Technologies, English,
Mathematics, Science, Spelling, Writing
Primary Years
16
Home Learning Club
16
Sky Club
16
Gifted and Talented Camp
Secondary Years
16
Learning French Through Culture
16
Mock Trial
17
Science and Engineering Challenge
17
STRIVE24 Sessions
17
Study Boost
Leadership Development and Service
Primary and Secondary Years
18
Student Representative Council
19
Service Learning Program
Primary Years
20
Primary Years Leadership Team
20
Buddy Program
20
Monitors
Secondary Years
22
Senior Student Leadership Team
22
House Captains
22
Peer Support Leaders
22
Year 11 Leadership Program
22
ANZAC Ambassador Program
23
Coffee Cart
23
Max Potential Program
23
Rural Fire Service Cadets Program
4
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Co-Curricular Handbook
Contents
Music
Primary and Secondary Years
25
Performances
25
Peripatetic Program
25
HICES Music Camp
26
Bands
• Symphonic Wind Ensemble
• Concert Band
• Stage Band
26
Ensembles
• Brass Ensemble
• Clarinet Ensemble
• Flute Ensemble
• Guitar Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Saxophone Ensemble
• String Ensemble
Primary Years
26
Primary Years Choir
26
Training Band
Secondary Years
26
Senior Choir
26
Music Tech Group
Oratory Programs
Primary and Secondary Years
27
HICES Debating
Primary Years
28
School Public Speaking Competition
Secondary Years
28
History Debating Competition
28
Public Speaking Competitions – Legacy,
Plain English Speaking, Soroptomist
Northholm Grammar
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Contents
Outdoor Education Program
Primary and Secondary Years
29
The Camps Program
Primary Years
30
The Taronga Zoo Experience (Year 4)
30
The Colonial Australian Experience (Year 5)
30
Call of the Colo (Year 6)
30
History and Heritage (Year 6)
Secondary Years
31
Adventures at Lake Macquarie (Year 7)
31
Coastal Immersion (Year 8)
32
Urban Challenge (Year 9)
32
Developing Future Leaders (Year 10)
32
Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum (Year 11)
32
The Final Frontier - Enhancing support systems and
finishing strong at Northholm Grammar (Year 12)
33
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
33
Year 7 Kayaking Experience
Performing Arts
Primary Years
34
Primary Years Production Club
Secondary Years
35
Drama Club for Year 7 and 8
35
Musical Production
Sport
Primary Years and Secondary Years
37
School Carnivals
38
Hills Zone Sports Association
38
Aerobics
38
Equestrian
38
Triathlon
Primary Years
40 Semester 1 Hills Zone Sports
• Football
• Netball
40 Semester 2 Hills Zone Sports
• Basketball
• Football
40 Tennis Club
Secondary Years
41
Semester 1 Hills Zone Sports
• Basketball (Boys)
• Football (Boys)
• Futsal (Girls)
• Netball (Girls)
42
Semester 2 Hills Zone Sports
• Basketball (Girls)
• Cricket (Boys)
• Football (Girls)
• Futsal (Boys)
• Touch Football (Boys and Girls)
43
Hills Hornets Basketball
43
Running Club
43
Sport Coaching
STEM Education
Primary Years
44 The Build Up Program
44 Engineering and Robotics
44 Lego Club
Secondary Years
45
F1 Club
45
STEM Club
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Co-Curricular Handbook
Agriculture
Primary Years
Gardening Club
Who: Kindergarten-Year 6
When: All year, lunchtimes
Contact: Mrs Corinne Smith
smithc@northholm.nsw.edu.au
Gardening Club provides Primary Years students with an immersive experience in the natural world. Students learn
about environmental responsibility, horticulture and healthy eating. This hands-on experience promotes a sense of
connection to nature and an understanding of sustainability practices, while learning about the life cycles of various
plants, working with a range of fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. It also provides Year 5 students with opportunities to
prepare them for leadership roles in Year 6 through their support of younger students.
Northholm Grammar
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Secondary Years
Cattle Show Team
Who: Years 7-12
(New students are welcome to join from Term 2)
When: All year, Monday and Thursday afternoons
Contact: Mr Ian Fawbert
fawberti@northholm.nsw.edu.au
Students participate in a range of Shows including the
Castle Hill Show, the Hawkesbury Show and the Wingham
Beef Week. Students learn to train, prepare and lead the
cattle as well as engage with the public.
Students also participate in the Greater Sydney Schools
Cattle Competition (GSSCC), where a steer is fed and
managed solely by students in the lead up to the judging.
Poultry Show Team
Who: Year 9
When: Term 1
Contact: Mr Ian Fawbert
fawberti@northholm.nsw.edu.au
Students prepare a contingent of poultry for entry at
the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Students also have the
opportunity to compete in the Poultry Showmanship
Competition.
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Co-Curricular Handbook