Prep them well for VCE

Middle School Co-curricular Activities

Sport Programs - 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. 

Years 5 and 6 Sport
In Years 5 and 6 the emphasis switches to a competitive weekly interschool sporting program while developing individual physical skills. Competition is under the guidelines of School Sport Victoria (SSV) which promotes the development of healthy living and a healthy lifestyle through the provision of a well-organised competitive environment for primary school students. Competition in a wide range of sports is available at district, zone, region and national level.

Seasonal sport training and competition is offered in both summer (Terms 2 and 3) and winter (Term 1 and 2) on Friday mornings. Team structure is organised so that students can participate in boys, mixed or girls only competitions. A comprehensive schedule of weekly round robin competitions is offered in a variety of team sports including basketball, hot shot tennis, football, kanga cricket, netball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Keilor and Taylors Lakes Campuses compete as separate entities.

In Term 4, all Year 5 students compete in an additional sporting competition with other schools within the district. Year 6 students prepare to join the Assocition of Co-educational Schools (ACS) competition through exposure to a range of sport specific training sessions.

Years 7 and 8 Sport
At the secondary levels, students are involved in a seasonal weekly interschool sporting program and three major sport carnivals (swimming, cross country and athletics) within the ACS competition. The competition adheres to a code of ethics and behaviour and general rules agreed upon by all members to maintain the integrity of the competition and the Association.

Performing Arts - Encore Theatre

In Years 5 - 8 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 Acting Up. 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 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 our extensive dance and drama programs.

Students have the opportunity to participate in many events which are offered each year:

  • College Musical (Years 7 – 12)
  • Year 5 - 6 Musical
  • Battle of the Houses competitions
  • Years 7 and 8 Acting Up

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:

  • Middle Guitar
  • String Orchestra
  • Years 5 - 6 Choir (Campus based)
  • Years 7 - 8 Choir (Campus based)
  • Middle School Band (Campus based)

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:

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

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

  • DAV Junior Public Speaking competition for Years 7-8
  • ACS Public Speaking 
  • Legacy Public Speaking competition

The House Program

The House Program 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 Lunch Time Round Robins

Encore – Battle of the Houses and House Performance

Be Heard – Debating and Public Speaking

Synergy – Community Service, Healthy Lunches, House Chants, Trivia and the House Points Program