Prep them well for VCE

Year 9 Co-curricular Activities

Sport - Activate

The Year 9 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, excellence and learning. 

Peforming Arts - Encore Theatre

At Years 5-12 opportunities are provided for students to become skilled in, and to express their ideas through the Performing Arts co-curriculum. Year 9 students are able to participate in performance activities such as College Presentation Night and school productions. Each of these events present the students with a live audience and an opportunity to develop the sense of team work and their self-esteem and self-worth. The performing programs are key elements of the College’s rich educational program and students are encouraged to explore their individual creative and artistic talents through participation in extensive dance and drama programs. 

Year 9 students have the opportunity to participate in the following events which are offered each year:

  • College Musical (Years 7 – 12)
  • Canowindra's Got Talent

Music - Encore Instrumental Music

The College provides an extensive Music Program 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 Bands
  • String Orchestra
  • Year 9 Vocal

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 co-operatively 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 a number of different ways:

  • Year 9 House Debating
  • Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Years 8 - 12
  • British Parliamentary Debating (Years 7-9)

Students in the different year levels are able to enter a variety of public speaking competitions. Each has 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:

  • DAV Intermediate Public Speaking competition (for students Year 9-10)
  • ACS Public Speaking
  • Legacy Public Speaking

House Program

House is a supportive school structure that helps build a community of carers, embracing the philosophy of Christian faith. It provides a vertical structure across all age groups where a spirit of cooperation and cross age care 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 – Canowindra's Got Talent
  • Be Heard – Debating and Public Speaking
  • Synergy – Community Service