The College is progressively establishing a range of voluntary co-curricular activities to cater for and nurture the interests of as many students as possible. Some of these activities are held in College time, whilst others are conducted after College or at weekends.
Opportunities are provided for students to receive private tuition in music and to perform as members of a choir, vocal ensemble, College band or orchestral group.
During the year there are Public Speaking and Debating Competitions, a Talent Quest and workshops in the Sporting and Creative Arts areas
Formerly known as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, this is a Leadership Program that is world recognised to help develop student resilience, confidence and teamwork, in addition to focusing on service. This program operates in the College for interested students in Years 9 and above.
Most students in each stage will participate in one-day educational field trips that are related directly to their classroom learning. These trips are compulsory and their cost is covered by students’ fees.
In certain Years there may also be some compulsory overnight educational field trips. They are curriculum- related and their cost is covered by students’ fees.
In addition to these, from time to time there will be optional field trips and camps. Some may be held in College time, others at weekends or in a College vacation. Participation in these is voluntary. Each will be funded through an additional contribution by those who attend. As far as possible, at least a term’s notice will be given of these so that parents have time to set aside the money for their child to attend.
Mindful of the policy of the College to maintain financial affordability for as many families as possible and the unintended moral pressure which participation may have on some less well-off families, the number of optional activities each year is kept to a manageable size.
Students whose behaviour prior to one of these activities has not been satisfactory may be excluded from attending.
JUNIOR SCHOOL JAM
An acronym for Jesus and Me (JAM), this is a voluntary lunch-time group led by Junior School teachers for students in Years 4 to 6 who wish to learn more about Jesus.
Each year there is a JAM camp run by Thomas Hassall staff. The camp runs over a weekend and is a great opportunity for students to further explore the Christian faith and engage with messages from the Bible. Students also enjoy participating in exciting outdoor activities over the weekend.
SENIOR SCHOOL ABIDE
Students meet weekly for fellowship, prayer and a Bible discussion on a range of theological and contemporary issues geared to the Senior School students in Years 7-12. A leadership group meet at an additional time each week for training and planning of Abide meetings and are involved in the planning and leading of Abide meetings. There is a weekend camp and other social activities during the year. Many of these students are involved in other aspects of leadership within the College community. They are involved in service and outreach initiatives.
All these groups are affiliated with the Crusader Union which operates through independent schools in NSW. Details of the co-curricular activities on offer are announced at Assemblies and through The Way.