Outstanding Co-Curricular Opportunities

Here at Guildford Grammar School, we aim to provide students with practical, hands-on, meaningful experiences that help our students to develop particular skills and exhibit a range of abilities that complement their curricular program and improve their health and wellbeing.  

From physical pursuits like stand-up paddle, crossfit, fencing, yoga, mountain biking and surfing to academic activities such as mock trial and model UN, debating, public speaking, philosothon, titrations and much more - there’s at least one activity, team or club for everyone.

Explore your interests.  Cultivate leadership skills, teamwork and service to others.  Try your hand at something totally new.   Guildford Grammar School’s 150+ opportunities including music ensembles, sports, drama productions, clubs and activities let you learn and have fun.

Although they are not a part of the core curriculum, co-curricular activities play an integral role in helping students to mold their lives and become well-rounded adults.  Co-curricular activities are true and practical experiences gained by students through their own choice and participation.

The importance of co-curricular activities in a student’s life cannot be easily measured; however, there are a number of benefits attributed to co-curricular activities:

Exposure to new activities and discovery of new talents
You never know what you’re good at or enjoy until you give it a try! Our co-curricular program gives students the opportunity to try a range of different activities, from First Aid and CPR qualifications, defensive driving lessons, fencing, cooking, surfing, ceramic sculpting and lots more!
 
Strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence
Co-curricular activities can provide an opportunity for students to excel in non-academic pursuits, which can lead to increased confidence in and out of the classroom.
 
Develop specialised skills and enhanced academic learning
Co-curricular activities allow students to gain practical skills and experiences in an area of interest to them. One example of this is our sports assistant program where students can gain more experience utilising their umpire or referee qualification through our Friday activities program.
 
Encourage commitment and foster a sense of responsibility
Programs such as Cadets, Mock Trial, Community Service or the Duke of Edinburgh program all encourage students to commit to a set program and provide opportunities for them to give something back to the community.
 
Develop social skills and stronger relationships with peers
Co-curricular activities sometimes involve students from varying age groups and Houses, so students learn how to build and maintain relationships outside of their typical peer group.Furthermore, through sport involvement, teamwork is an instrumental focus of our sporting programs.
 
Improve time management and organisational skills
By balancing co-curricular activities with their academic program, students are learning valuable time management skills that can be utilised in other areas of their life.
 
Provide stress relief and relaxation
Participating in a co-curricular activity can provide students with a break from their academic work and a shift in focus, increasing endorphins which are the mood-enhancing hormones produced naturally in the brain. From sport, drama or musical endeavours – all are great examples of activities that promote endorphin release, which decrease stress and increase relaxation.
 
Promote overall personal development and provide prospects for future opportunities
The range of skills that students learn through participating in co-curricular activities can help them to stand out to prospective employers. Some of our co-curricular offerings that help students to develop desirable work skills include cadets, media production, mock trials, public speaking and titrations.
 
For further information on the hundreds of opportunities for students, please download our 2020 Senior School Co-curricular Handbook here.