CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES AT KNOX Knox Grammar provides a large range of Co-curricular activities.

NB: The Knox Portal can only be accessed by students and parents once they are enrolled and have commenced at Knox. The School app can be accessed by all and the details are as follows: Please go to your relevant App store and search for ‘Knox Grammar School’. Once you have installed the App, please ensure that you have subscribed to updates for your chosen activity under the settings. You can select multiple groups. Please also ensure that you have ‘push notifications’ enabled under both the app and your phone settings. If you have any queries or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

Cadets: Compulsory in Year 9 (Term 4 for Year 8’s) and then voluntary, from the end of Term 3 Year 9. Knox has the largest cadet unit in Australia and the Knox Cadet Unit also includes students from Ravenswood School for Girls. (For full information for students and parents see the Cadet page on the Knox Portal).

Clubs: Chess - This program is run as follows: training is on Thursday afternoons with competitions on Friday afternoons and evenings, with students competing in the CAS and NSW comps in Term 1. There are also 3-day tournaments that students compete at in Terms 3 and 4. For full details please contact Mr Vuletich at [email protected] .

Computer - This program is run after school on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in the iHub. It is an opportunity for students who have an interest in computing to come along and work on individual computing based projects or obtain some support or advice from their Computing Teacher. Some of the areas commonly explored include computer programming, web-design, graphics, multimedia and access to various hardware devices including; Raspberry Pi’s and BBC Micro: Bits. The club has a flexible drop-in nature to allow students to fit in attendance around sport and other commitments. Please send all enquiries to Mr McGowan [email protected].

CMAPS - This program runs on Thursday after school. Students work collaboratively to build electronic and STEM style projects that are implemented within the cadet activities such as AFX. A core project they support is the GPS Cadet Mapping and Positioning System. For all enquiries please contact Ms Valent at [email protected]

Cru - This program provides opportunities for students to explore and celebrate their faith through chapel services, bible study sessions and student groups. Ms Keir supports this program along with the Reverend Robinsons. Contact can be made at [email protected].

Robotics - This program is run after school on a Monday and Wednesday afternoon. It is an opportunity for students who have an interest in robotics to come along and be part of the Knox Robotic VEX Team. The group’s focus is to participate in the VEX State and further National Robotic Competitions. Further information on the VEX Competition can be found at http://www.vexaustralia.com.The club requires students to be committed to the VEX program and they will need to ensure they can maintain regular attendance and training. All enquiries to Ms Raymond [email protected].

TAS Workshop – This program is run after school on a Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in the Reid Technology Building. It is an opportunity for students who have an interest in technology to come along and work on individual technology based-projects or to obtain some support or advice from the Technology teachers. Some of the areas commonly explored include; students completing or extending work on existing TAS projects, exploring ILA work, as well as, use of workshop timber and metal tools and access to 3D printers and Laser Cutters. The club has a flexible drop-in nature to allow students to fit in attendance around sport and other commitments. All enquiries to Ms Hodgins at [email protected].

Ceramics – This program is run for 8 weeks after school on Thursday afternoon’s from 3.30pm to 5pm. Students will be shown hand building techniques including; coil building, slab and pinch pot construction. Students will experiment with different clays, glazes, stains and firing techniques. These skills will be applied to specific projects. These projects can be student selected, or alternatively, have been developed by the teacher. The classes accommodate beginner to advanced skill levels and will be delivered in a happy and relaxed environment. All enquiries to Ms Minkley at [email protected].

Photography & Digital Media – This program is run for 8 weeks after school on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm – 5pm. Students will be shown a wide variety of digital photography techniques including; Photoshop and Lightroom editing techniques, iPhone photography, filters, studio equipment, lighting, videography and MUCH MUCH MORE! Students will experiment with different camera and studio techniques. These skills will be applied to specific projects. These projects can be student selected or guided by the class teacher. The classes accommodate beginner to advanced skill levels and will be delivered in a happy and relaxed environment. Teachers will provide individual advice, as well as, group demonstrations and technical information throughout the class, and, all materials and equipment are provided. All enquiries to Rachel Smith at [email protected].

Young Curators – This program is run for 2 Terms, after school, on Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm – 5pm. The Young Curators project aims to give students the opportunity to work alongside a renowned Australian artist and plan an exhibition of that artist’s work at Knox Grammar School. This year, that artist will be Reg Mombassa, famous for his work with MAMBO clothing. Selected students will be invited to the Mombassa’s Studio in order to meet the artist, browse his/her works and generate a theme for the exhibition. Students will be required to dedicate time on a regular basis in the lead up to the exhibition to plan, create promotion material and curate the show. The experience provides unique insight into a professional artist’s studio practice; learning about how artworks are created and the decisions behind exhibiting those works. Watch video: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NlojGQRYkyW_TWwDM7wO2KBLD8hMpQQm

Da Vinci Programs: Knox hosts the State and National Championships for the Da Vinci Programs. These programs offer students the opportunity to excel and compete with students from many schools all over Australia and challenge themselves on an Academic stage. This program involves students from Years 5 to 11. Students receive information regarding this program in Term 1 each year.

Duke of Edinburgh: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available to all 14–25 year olds, regardless of their background. The Award is comprised of three levels each progressively more challenging:

Bronze - For those over 14 years old Silver - For those over 15 years old Gold - For those over 16 years old

Participants are required to complete four sections at each level: Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project. For full information and contacts please see the School App.

Exchange Programs: Students in Years 9 and 10 are provided with opportunities to do an exchange with students from other schools from around the world. Students currently exchange with boys from Argentina, Canada, South Africa, the UK and the US. All queries should be directed to Mr Waterhouse at [email protected]. Academic Language Exchange programs are also available, please enquire with Mrs Beckett (Language Exchange Co-ordinator) at [email protected].

Future Problem Solving: Future Problem Solving is a rigorous academic program with teams of 4 students competing in Junior, Middle and Senior Divisions. There are 4 topics a year which need to be extensively researched by and with the students, prior to examining the issues for the topic, which has a scenario set 25 years into the future. It takes one to two years for a team to master the process. The Skills required are critical, analytical thinking; interest in research and its application to the topics and vision, creativity and communication skills in order to discuss and write an extensive team booklet responding to a given scene within 2 hours. The second part of the program involves presentation of an Action Plan. This requires dramatic ability to present an action plan and artistic ability to create props. Teams qualify to compete nationally and internationally. Students from Years 7 to 11 are involved and contact can be made with Mrs Day at [email protected].

Grammarian: Is a committee of students who assist in compiling, editing and producing the School Yearbook; the Grammarian. This is a very important annual document of Knox Grammar School which is relied on by the school community to be an accurate record of the year that was. The Grammarian Committee consists of students across Years 10-12 and they work under the direction and guidance of the Publications Manager, Ms Eileen Aroyan. She may be contacted at [email protected].

Knox Academy of Performing Arts: Learn an instrument (in class or private lessons), and/or participate in Dance, Musical or Drama productions, Musical Ensembles or Bands, Choral groups, Choirs and Contemporary Music Studies. Students involved in these activities are also provided with opportunities to tour overseas, compete in the Eisteddfod, State and National Band Championships, the Knox Battle of the Bands, as well as the Junior and Senior Musicals. Mr Brice is the Head of KAPA and can be contacted at [email protected]. Full information is available on the Knox Portal for Knox students and parents.

Leadership Programs: Knox continues to evolve its Leadership program for all year groups and activities. Based on the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, and with a focus on servant leadership, our students are encouraged to engage in the many leadership opportunities on offer at the School. Through our flagship Portfolio Leadership Team Program, student leaders (Years 8-11) are trained by internal and external facilitators and have the opportunity to work together in collaborative teams, under the direction of our Year 12 Prefects and senior staff. Further, there are opportunities for Leadership in Year 10 with our Peer Support Program and within each year group with Mentor representatives. Additionally, there are many more opportunities for leadership development through Cadets and in most other co-curricular and sporting activities. Mr White is the Head of Student Leadership and can be contacted at [email protected].

Oratory Programs: Oratory Programs: Under the umbrella of Oratory Programs, Knox provides Debating, Mock Trial, Mooting, Public Speaking and Toastmaster programs for its students. Debating is done from Years 7 to 12 with Knox competing in the ISDA and FED competitions in Terms 1 and 2 and the CAS competition in Term 3. Knox also runs its own internal Knox Debating Cup for Years 7-10 throughout the entire year. Mock Trial, Mooting and Public Speaking programs are offered to students who show an interest. The Toastmaster program is run in conjunction with Turramurra Toastmasters and is conducted in Terms 2, 3 and 4 for Year 10 students. Ms Leah Mercier is the Oratory Co-ordinator and can be contacted at [email protected]. (Full information is in its own section on the Knox App and the Knox Debating Board (http://tinyurl.com/KnoxDebatingBoard).

Outdoor Education: Knox facilitates outdoor education for students in Years 7, 8, 10 & 11. Students in Year 9 do the program as part of cadets and students in Year 11 and 12 can continue their outdoor education through the Duke of Edinburgh program. The programs are fully supervised and are co-ordinated through Outdoor Education specialist providers. These programs are progressive in nature with each year group experiencing different levels of adventures, activities and progression. Each year group is provided with a meeting for both parents and students well prior to their camp. Years 7, 10 & 11 camps are in Term 1 and Year 8 is in Term 3.

Pipes and Drums: The Knox Pipes and Drums was established in 1946 and successfully competes at many district, State and National competitions. It also plays at many local events, including; the traditional Anzac Day Parade in the city, and traditional Knox events such as; its own Knox Anzac service, Gala Day and Passing Out Parade. It is open to students at both the Prep and Senior School and provides both group and private lessons. The band also tours both interstate and overseas and runs activities to assist with fundraising for these events. (Full information for Knox students and parents is available on the Knox Portal and queries can be directed to Ms Hart at [email protected]).

Service Learning Program (Community Service): An important part of a students’ learning program at Knox is Service Learning. This program is advised to students in Years 7 and 8, through seminars to introduce the concept and expectations that Knox has of its students with regards to giving back to the community. In Year 9, students receive more information and opportunities to start to support the Social Justice programs that Knox supports. It is also part of the Mentor program that the school mentors facilitate. This all culminates with students in Year 10 undertaking the Service Learning Project where they will work directly with a community organisation. Students need to be aware that the completion of this component is important for all students and is a significant part of their application when students apply for leadership positions in Year 11 and 12. All enquiries to Mr Tom Waterhouse at [email protected].

Social Justice: Knox offers many opportunities for students to be challenged and develop an awareness of world and equity issues, while learning to be advocates, action-focused and aware of issues of equity, health, sustainability, diversity and justice. Additionally, we facilitate opportunities which give support to local, regional and international communities. Our local projects are diverse and include; R U OK? Day, the International Women’s Day Breakfast; Legacy Day; Daffodil Day, The Red Shield Appeal, our Gala Day Social Justice Stall, cultural events and workshops with other schools and local organisations, as well as, our weekly Friday lunchtime meetings of the Social Justice Club, led by the Social Justice Prefects. This is an opportunity for boys to learn about issues, join committees and put their ideas into action! As a portfolio we also offer a number of field trips and immersions to facilitate first-hand experiences of the diversity of culture, sustainability, and of issues and challenges of people in the developing world. Offerings include; outback experiences to Enngonia, Walgett, Goodooga and Cape York as well as international trips to Cambodia and Kokoda. Additionally, we offer the annual Sony Foundation ABBOX Camp, offering care for children with a disability and offering respite care for their parents. For all Social Justice enquiries please contact Mrs Helen Clarke, Head of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, at [email protected].

Tech Crew: The Knox Tech Crew (KTC) was established in 2012 to create an engaging co- curricular activity for students interested in the field of Audio Visual Technology. Designed to allow students to exhibit their leadership, as well as, technical skills, the KTC combines theory with real world practical projects that have the potential to lead to further career paths. Students learn through action, with an emphasis placed on knowledge sharing, so that our newer, less experienced members, can contribute to the team as quickly as possible. As part of the KTC, students have the opportunity to play a role in providing the necessary AV support for many areas of the school. Some of the many ways members can contribute are; filming & stills photography of school events (including multi-camera set-ups), assisting with the setup and operation of audio & lighting during whole-school & student assemblies, technical & stage crew during school musicals and plays, working alongside AV industry professionals, providing technical assistance at larger Knox hosted conferences, on-the-fly editing of highlights videos for events, live streaming of larger events and sporting matches, video, audio & stills post-production and, meet weekly to plan future events & run workshops on how to use equipment for less experienced members. Professional development and training of our members is at the forefront of what we do. Through our relationship with the Association for Audio Visual & Education Technology Management (AETM) and InfoComm International, interested students, can partake in online AV Essentials training. This self- paced training leads to formal certification and internationally recognised AV qualifications. The Tech Crew also runs Knox Flix, which is a program that offers students the opportunity to develop their own video, according to the criteria provided, and submit it for showing and judging by students and professionals. (Full information and the application process is available on the School App). For all enquiries please contact Mr Fisher at [email protected].

Full information and contact details for all co-curricular activities will be available to all students and parents from the beginning of each year.