Prep them well for VCE

Senior School Co-curricular Activities

College Sports - Activate

The Sport Program fosters teamwork through maximum participation of the students; gives opportunities to students to develop leadership skills through the captaincy of their teams; encourages students to improve individual athletic ability and fitness levels; promotes pride in themselves and their team on the sporting arena; encourages exemplary sportsmanship and behaviour that reflect the College’s values of respect, community, environment and learning. 

Within the weekly Association of Co-educational Schools (ACS) competition, students at Years 10 – 12, compete in combined teams which are selected according to ability. In the majority of sports, girls and boys compete separately, although touch rugby (summer) and badminton (winter) are offered as mixed sporting opportunities. Participation is compulsory for students in Years 10 and 11, with students in Year 12 given the option to participate as one of their co-curricular undertakings.

The ACS recognises the significance of displaying individual excellence in the first grade competition through the introduction of ACS All Star awards.
ACS All Star awards are presented to the best and fairest players in first grade teams for the summer and winter season. ACS All Stars are nominated by their coaches with the number of awards allocated to each school being dependent on team performance in the seasonal sporting competition. ACS All Star recipients are celebrated and recognised at a formal presentation at the conclusion of the seasonal competition.

ACS All Star recipients have the opportunity to play in association matches against the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS). Most sports in the summer and winter seasons are represented with matches played in both Melbourne and Ballarat. All ACS and BAS representatives are presented with an All Star uniform as an additional acknowledgement of their selection and achievement.

Performing Arts - Encore Theatre

Opportunities are provided for students to become skilled in, and to express their ideas through the Performing Arts co-curriculum with participation in performance activities such as College Presentation Night, school productions or drama nights. Each of these events present the students with a live audience and an opportunity to develop the sense of teamwork and their self-esteem and self-worth. The Performing Arts Programs are key elements of the College’s rich educational program and students are encouraged to explore their individual creative and artistic talents through participating in extensive dance and drama programs.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the following events:

  • College Musical (Years 7 – 12)
  • Senior School Drama Performance - Improvoganza
  • Senior School House Performance

Music - Encore Instrumental Music

The College provides an extensive Music Program from Prep to Year 12, with expert practical tuition provided for a wide range of instruments. Students can participate in choirs and music ensembles and learn music theory and composition.

  • Students have opportunities to participate in a range of College and community performances. These include regular assemblies, College events, Eisteddfods and regular performances in the local community.
  • Students are able to prepare and sit for performance examinations including AMEB, RGT and ANZCA.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of instrumental groups:

  • Symphonic Band
  • Rock Band
  • String Orchestra
  • Senior Vocal
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Soul Band

Debating and Public Speaking - Be Heard

Debating is one of the exciting and popular co-curricular activities offered at Overnewton. Debating encourages the students to work cooperatively in teams. It develops their public speaking skills and challenges them to think quickly and respond to arguments. The ability to construct and defend an argument, support their opinion with evidence and express themselves with clarity and conviction is a necessary and vital skill.

Students can be involved in the following activities:

  • Senior School House Debating
  • Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Years 8 - 12
  • British Parliamentary Debating (Years 10 - 12)

Students in the different year levels are able to enter a variety of public speaking competitions. Each has a different criteria with many requiring contestants to perform an impromptu, as well as a prepared speech. Overnewton has enjoyed success in many of these competitions. They include: 

  • VCAA Plain English Public Speaking
  • United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) Thant Trophy and Conference
  • YMCA Youth Parliament
  • UN Regional Youth Summit
  • ACS Public Speaking
  • Bond University Mooting Competition

House Program

The House Program is a supportive school structure that helps build a sense of community and belonging. It provides a vertical structure across all age groups where a spirit of cooperation and team is fostered.  Consideration has been given to the physical and emotional wellbeing and development of each student.

Students have the opportunity to compete for shields in a diverse range of activities during the year.

Activities include:

  • Activate – Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and Lunchtime Round Robins
  • Encore – House Performance
  • Be Heard – Debating and Public Speaking
  • Synergy – Community Service