From playing in a band to navigating the stock market or scoring goals on the footy field, learning goes beyond the traditional class environment.
At Haileybury, the co-curricular opportunities are vast and varied. They fall under four key areas that are designed to complement the curriculum encompassing Sport, The Arts, Experiential Learning and the innovative Curious Minds program.
In Sport students can dive into a variety of activities, from aerobics and sailing to touch rugby and rock climbing. Students adventure into the great outdoors under the Experiential Learning program, enjoying camps and exciting overseas offerings. The Arts offers opportunity to discover visual arts, drama and the performing arts, including school productions.
Curious Minds encourages students to get involved in real-world projects such as the SHINE program. In Senior School this might include getting hands on establishing tech ventures and programming solutions to the Research and Academia Society which enables in depth academic exploration. Students can even prepare overseas university applications with the Study Abroad Society.
“We are able to offer quite niche opportunities which may speak to a strength of a student where they form their friendships, social networks and identity,” says Stanley Wang, Deputy Principal One Haileybury.
These rich opportunities are integrated within a rigorous academic curriculum, to enrich learning and enhance the development of complementary skills and knowledge.
Rodney Marshall, Director of Performing Arts is passionate about the outcomes that co-curricular activities provide, explaining that they foster skills and knowledge applicable to many other domains.
For example, he says, “In drama students gain exposure to creative expression and storytelling, learning how to embody diverse characters and work as part of a larger production team. This process develops empathy, emotional intelligence and communication skills, all of which are essential for success both in and outside the classroom.”
The Co-curricular program is designed to offer a wide range of opportunities, fostering friendships, sparking joy in the pursuit of significant interests and providing a platform to achieving excellence while staying active and fit for life.
Stanley highlights how young people’s wellbeing benefits from accessing co-curricular activities. “Students are happier and more positive when they can access balanced school offerings. The sense of belonging that often emerges when pursuing a co-curricular activity can lead to lifelong friendships, significantly enhancing student wellbeing.”
Haileybury is currently undergoing a multi-year review to ensure the Co-curricular program continues to foster excellence while enabling students to gain real world skills and be prepared for future success.
Next year, the School is investigating opportunities to develop industry partnerships through the OHA network to provide Year 12 students with additional work placements. To find out more about supporting this initiative, please contact Russell Davidson at russell.davidson@haileybury.com.au.
