Activities programme
The Activities programme takes place after school on Thursday afternoon for all boarding students and changes from term to term. Examples of activities include robotics, clay target shooting, fencing, yoga, fitness, art and relaxing board games. Rehearsals for the Middle School production occur in Term 3.
Ballet
Ballet tuition is provided by an accredited teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). Students may choose to take RAD examinations and participate in the annual ballet concert.
Debating and public speaking
Debating always attracts much interest amongst students and parents. The Geelong Grammar School Public Speaking team participate in competitions in the Geelong area with local schools.
Music
Music is an integral and energetic part of our learning community that nurtures engagement, and inspires loyalty, teamwork, and dedication.
The Middle School Music programme is a compulsory element in the weekly timetable with all Middle School students participating in the afterschool programme on Monday afternoons. Students have the opportunity to participate in ensemble music making – including Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Strings, Voice and contemporary instruments.
Year 5 and 6 students participate in the ‘Starling Singers’ Middle School Primary choir group which meets once a week to practice and perform.
Individual, group instrumental and vocal tuition is also offered at Corio Campus and does not require students to be enrolled in music as an academic subject to participate. Lesson lengths are generally between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the student’s level. Details of instrumental and vocal tuition are provided in Hive.
Outdoor Education – Camps
Year level camps are scheduled in Term 1 for Years 5 to 7, and Term 4 for Year 8 students, and have included locations such as Ballarat, Canberra and Anglesea.
In Year 8, students experience ‘The Journey’, joining either the Great Victorian Bike Ride or the Lake Eildon Adventure.
Performing Arts
The school hosts a vibrant and diverse range of dramatic compositions. Each year, our Middle School students look forward to the opportunity to perform and be involved in a full-scale production, with past musicals including Shrek, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Rehearsals occur in Term 3 for a Term 4 performance.
Relay for Charity
The Relay for Charity community fundraiser is a popular event for Year 8 students. Students apply to be selected and collaborate as a team, raising funds for a nominated charity. Such endeavours are complemented by students attracting sponsors who support them on the last day of Term 2 when students complete a six-hour relay marathon.
Sport
Sport is an integral part of a student’s time at Geelong Grammar School. The playing fields offer students opportunities to develop physical skills and nurture their social and emotional skills, especially helping to build resilience among young adults.
Sport is a compulsory activity at school, and it is our hope the habits learned will last a lifetime. All Geelong Grammar School students must participate in a summer and winter season of sport and are encouraged to participate in Athletics in the spring season.
The sports on offer for Middle School students can change from year to year based on interest. Middle School sports may include Australian Rules Football, Badminton, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Touch Rugby. The final sports on offer for the academic year are published on Hive.
In Term 3, students may apply to do Snowsports if they are experienced competitors.
Year 5 and 6 students:
Students participate in a specific sporting programme for the Primary levels and are involved in the School Sport Victoria (SSV) competition with other Geelong schools. Sport training is compulsory and held on a Tuesday after classes and on Wednesdays during class time. Year 5 and 6 students do not play competition sport on Saturdays.
Year 7 and 8 students:
Sport is compulsory for Year 7 and 8, including competition matches on Saturday mornings. Training is after school on Tuesday and Wednesday and matches played on Saturday morning. Most sports are played competitively in the Associated Public Schools (APS), and local Geelong sporting associations.