Newcastle Grammar School

At Newcastle Grammar School we are proud of our record of achievements, but accolades and awards are not our motivation. Rather they are the simple recognition of our Students reaching their potential.

In the 2012 HSC, Newcastle Grammar School ranked 59th in the State. This is the fourth consecutive year the School has been placed in the top 60 Schools in NSW.

35% of Students received an ATAR over 90.

95% of Students received an ATAR over 60.

Top ATAR of 99.7.

5 Students were included on the All Round Achievers list (achieving 90 or more in 10 course units).

Two Students were nominated for 2013 OnSTAGE.

One Student was nominated for Encore 2013.

One Students' HSC Body of Work was nominated for 2013 ArtExpress exhibitions.

One Students' HSC Body of Work was nominated for 2013 DesignTECH exhibitions.

Rowing National Championship Silver Medallists Schoolboy Coxed Quad.

Junior Step Aerobics team achieved 8th at the FISAF World Aerobics and Fitness Championships.

Students raised over $150,000 to construct three boarding houses in Farkwa, Tanzania.

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Academic
The achievements of Newcastle Grammar School Students in external examinations and competitions have been such that the School has gained an enviable reputation for academic success. Such successes include:

National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
Year 9 student achievement on the 2012 NAPLAN tests placed Newcastle Grammar School students well above State averages in the top bands of performance on all tests with more than double the percentage of students achieving above the State average in the top band of performance for: Writing, Grammar and Punctuation, Numeracy, Data Measurment, Space and geometry, and Number Patterns and Algebra. The percentage of students from Newcastle Grammar School was more than three times above the State average in the top performance band for Reading.

During 2012, Middle School has had wonderful success over the school year with students performing exceptionally well in the academic and sporting arenas.
In the UNSW Science Competition, Newcastle Grammar School’s Year 5 and 6 students gained the following outstanding results:.

In Year 6, five students received Distinctions and eight with Credit certificates.
In Year 5, one student received a High Distinction, four students gained Distinctions and nine students received Credit certificates.

The Year 5 and 6 students competed in the UNSW English Competition in July and it was pleasing to announce that three High Distinctions, eight Distinction certificates and eighteen Credit certificates were awarded.
The UNSW Mathematics was undertaken by students in Years 5, 6 and 8 with the School gaining excellent results with distinctions and credit certificates in this competition.
Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition with outstanding results being achieved by all involved.
Emma Reid received a Distinction Award for gaining the third highest score for Year 6 in the Hunter Region. Three other children also finished in the top 100 in the Region.
Student achievement in the 2012 Year 5 and Year 7 National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) was substantially above the State averages in all tests:

The number of Newcastle Grammar School Year 5 students that achieved in the top band of performance for Reading, Numeracy and Data, Measurement, Space & Geometry, was twice the State average.
In Year 5, the following percentage of students gained a band 6 or above: 84% in Reading, 63% in Writing, 74% in Spelling, 85% in Grammar and Punctuation, 87% in Numeracy, 87% in Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry and 83% in Number, Patterns and Algebra.
The number of Newcastle Grammar School Year 7 students that achieved in the top band of performance for Reading and Grammar and Punctuation was twice the NSW average.
In Year 7, the following percentage of students gained a band 7 or above: 83% in Reading, 59% in Writing, 84% in Spelling, 88% in Grammar and Punctuation, 80% in Numeracy, 84% in Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry and 84% in Number, Patterns and Algebra.
The Secondary School Chess team of Glenn McNamee, Josh Merritt, Elizabeth Behne-Smith and Brendan Murtagh won the Hunter Region Secondary Schools Knock-Out Chess Competition for the third year in a row. They then attended the state finals in Sydney playing off against the other five Regional winning teams.

Great Achievements that have occurred in the NGS Junior School during 2012:

All children from Kindergarten to Year 4 participated in the Premiers Reading Challenge.
NAPLAN assessment in Year 3 placed most of our students well above the national average.
Twenty two students from Year 4 entered the 2012 Science Competition which was run by ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) through the University of NSW. Two students achieved a Distinction (top 10% of the state), eight students received a Credit (top 30% of the state) and twelve students received a Participation Certificate (demonstrating a significant personal achievement).
The Junior School entered two teams in the annual Tournament of Minds competition. One Team competed in the Applied Technology Challenge while the other team competed in the Maths Engineering Challenge. The Maths Engineering team won Tournament Honours for their efforts.
Year 4 students achieved outstanding results in the recent 2012 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools in English. Eight students achieved a Credit and four students achieved a Distinction.
In Junior Chess, the Year 3 team came first in their zone and were invited to play in the Rookies Finals Day. Two players from that team were recognised as the most successful players for their Zone.

Drama and Performances
Highlights for 2012 include:

Sonnet Stroll - The Year 10 Drama class performed scenes from Shakespeare’s plays and the Year 11 Drama class performed group devised performances from In Our Name by Nigel Jamieson.
A Night with NGS Players involved all of the Senior School elective Drama students in performances of group devised works.
The Junior School Performance Evenings were the highlight of the year. Every student in Pre-School to Year 4 participated in these two very successful evenings. Pre-School, Kindergarten and Year One combined to take the audience on ‘A Journey Around Australia’. Years Two, Three and four gave a magnificent performance in the one-hour musical ‘Rocks to Rap’ which told the history of music.
Friends and Family Night – The Year 12 HSC Drama class performed their group devised pieces and their individual projects and performances.
The Year 9 Drama class performed Commedia dell arte in the lunchtime snack pack theatre.
The Year 10 Production of The Music Man harnessed the talents of all Year 10 students.
Year 12 Students, Brittany Angus and Thomas Walker were nominated for 2013 OnSTAGE.

Music
Classroom Music along with the Instrumental Programmes continued to be the foundation of the faculty. In this time, students of all levels gained a knowledge base which empowered the performance standards across the ensembles and orchestras of our School. Programmes have been developed and implemented with maximum student involvement, focus, support and opportunity to develop mature academic and performance skills.
Music at NGS continued its high profile across the School and the community. There were many memorable moments, occasions and ceremonies such as:

Year 12 student, William Cesta was nominated for 2013 ENCORE.
Four scholarship holders’ concerts took place.
Music Camp at Naamaroo for Years 7 – 12 with special guests George Ellis.
Brass RaZoo performed at many events including the Law Ball, Year 12 Graduation Dinner, NGS Debutante Ball and the annual Brass RaZoo Dinner Dance.
Members of Grammarphones, Chamber Choir, Wind and String Orchestras were involved in the HRIS Cultural Festival.
17 NGS students attended the HICES Music Camp and Festival at Meroo.
Instrumental Ensembles performed at Newcastle Show.
Junior, Middle and Senior School Ensembles performed at the Winter Concert.
Senior Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra performed at Founders’ Day Service.
Chamber Choir continued to support services and ceremonies throughout the year.
Middle School groups continued to support assemblies and services.
Chamber Choir was awarded a Highly Commended in the Open Section at Sydney Eisteddfod and won the ABC 1233 Cover Loving Choir Competition.
Junior School’s Productions of Journey Around Australia and Rocks to Rap attracted large crowds to the Sandi Warren Performance Centre over two nights.
Brass Ensemble performed at the United Nations Day in Civic Park and Musica Viva event in Christ Church Cathedral.
Students competed in Lake Macquarie and Sydney Eisteddfods with great success.
Brass Ensemble performed at Sonnet Stroll.

Spiritual & Community Involvement
2012 commenced with our second group of students and staff visiting our sister School, the Farkwa Secondary School in Tanzania. During Chapel services and other special days we have continued to raise money and our aim is to make the Farkwa Secondary School sustainable within the next four years. We have now been able to contribute to the building of boarding houses, water tanks and solar panels.

The School continued to conduct weekly worship services and we thank Fr Mark, Fr James, Bishop Peter and Bishop Brian for officiating at our weekly services and ceremonial acts of worship.
Students and staff have contributed to the needy through the Samaritans Easter and Christmas food drives.
Students have increased their support for the Cathedral community lunches. They have helped set up, prepare and serve food. The Cathedral lunches provide food to the needy within our community.
The Junior School participated in Harmony Day where students from Kindergarten to Year 4 participated in activities from all over the world. The day concluded with Chapel and assembly where parents and visitors from other countries spoke of the contrast between their homeland and Australia. As part of Harmony Day, we also focused on our contribution to Farkwa Secondary School.
As part of our outreach, each term one of our Houses focuses on a theme and raises awareness and funds for one or more charities. This year we have supported Allambi Youth Service, Newcastle PCYC, RSPCA, NSW Surf Life Saving, Kidsafe and the Breast Cancer Appeal.

Service and Adventure Training Unit
The SATU provides students with the opportunity to be involved in outdoor pursuits, leadership training and community service. 2012 Activities included:

Annual Camp was conducted at the Singleton Army Base and involved five days of continuous training which included navigation, field craft, first aid and radio-telephone procedures. The camp included a command post exercise and a number of activities at the School of Infantry.
The Unit marched on Anzac day as part of the Newcastle Anzac Day Parade. Representation was also made at the Dawn Service. The SATU conducted the School Anzac Service in Christ Church Cathedral.
In Term 2, the SATU held a bivouac at the Challenge Ranch facility. This camp involved cadets testing their comfort zones and building confidence through participation in a number of activities including abseiling and high rope courses.
The annual Passing Out Parade was conducted on Founders’ Day. The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Docwra CO of The University of New South Wales Regiment. A number of cadets were presented with prizes for their achievements throughout the year and the Year 12 cadets paraded for the last time with the School Unit.
The SATU conducted its annual Dining In Night, where senior cadets, staff and parents enjoyed each other’s company and reflected upon the achievements of the Unit.
The Unit conducted a Promotions Course at Singleton Army Range. This course provided the cadets with leadership training and allowed them to apply their knowledge in a practical field environment.
A number of cadets acted as Flag Orderlies for the Battle for Australia Ceremony.
The Unit conducted a training bivouac in and around the Glenworth Valley Recreation Area in Term 4. The bivouac provided an introduction for Year 7 cadets, as well as leadership training for more senior cadets. Navigation exercises, a command post exercise and abseiling were also conducted during the camp.
The SATU provided a Catafalque Party and Flag Party for the School Remembrance Day Service held in Christ Church Cathedral. A member of the SATU laid a wreath to acknowledge and reflect upon the many sacrifices that have been made during conflicts throughout history. The wreath was then placed in the Field of Remembrance following the Service.

Sport
Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and personal satisfaction in what is regarded as a key character building area. NGS has had another very successful year in Sport in 2012. The Students from the School continue to be well represented at all levels of competition from HRIS, AICES, CIS and NSW Schools’ level. Highlights and successes included:

In addition to the large number of teams/individuals involved in Rowing (52 students), Junior Soccer (75 students) and Surf Lifesaving (27 students), over 90 teams have represented NGS (K-12) in various Newcastle Junior sporting competitions including Netball, Hockey, Tennis, Cricket, Basketball, Futsal and Touch this year. 86 of those teams participated in structured seasonal competitions organized by local sporting groups. 39 teams finished their season as semi-finalists.
The NGS Junior Secondary Boys, Senior Secondary Boys and Senior Secondary Girls Tennis teams were HRIS Champions this year.
The NGS Senior Secondary Boys Hockey team were HRIS Champions this year.
The NGS 15 years Futsal side were Semi-Finalists in the NNSW-Lake Macquarie Regional Championships.
The NGS Senior Secondary Athletics team, Senior Secondary Cross Country team, Senior Secondary Open Netball team and the Senior Secondary Open Girls Hockey team were all Runner’s Up in their respective HRIS Championships, while the Senior Swimming team, was placed 3rd in it’s respective HRIS Championship.
54 students have represented the Hunter Region Independent Schools across a range of sports.
24 students have represented the Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools across a range of sports.
The Surf Survival/Surf Lifesaving programme continued to enjoy strong participation in 2012. This year the Surf Lifesaving component was introduced. Seven students completed the rigorous training programme to gain their Bronze Medallion and then participated in community service as active patrolling lifeguards at Cooks Hill Surf Club. NGS again entered two teams in the Newcastle Now Surfest Schools Challenge competition in March and also hosted their 2nd Inter-School surfing competition. This year also saw the introduction of a surf camp.
The NGS Rowing team of over 50 students had yet another outstanding season, including:
- Winning a Silver Medal at the 2012 National Championships. The team consisted of Nicholas Minch, Samuel Hall, William Rodgers, Benjamin Robinson and Christopher Boyle.
- NGS winning the NSW Under 17 point score and being the highest placed school in NSW.
- Winning 8 Gold, 6 Silver and 7 Bronze medals at the 2012 NSW Rowing Championships.
Our Aerobics, Step, Funk and Theme teams again had great success throughout the year, including:
- Won the National Men’s U17 Coxed Quad Scull Championship in Adelaide.
- Finalists in the National Men’s U17 Double and Women’s U19 Quad Scull Championship in Adelaide.
- Achieved fifty-four Gold, forty-two Silver and forty-eight Bronze medals at the regattas contested this season.
- Finished second at the NSW State Championships the school/club point score
Once again, the Aerobics, Step, Funk and Theme teams have had considerable success throughout the year, including:
- Having a squad over 88 girls and boys competing across the four disciplines of Hip Hop, Step, Theme and Aerobics.
- Three Gold, three Silver and three Bronze medals at the NSWFISAF Championships (Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness).
- One Gold and two Silver medals at the FISAF (Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness) National Championships.
- The NGS Junior Step team qualified for, and competed at, the FISAF World Aerobics and Fitness Championships which were held in the Netherlands in October, finishing in an outstanding eighth place. The team consisted of Ruby Abbott-Monnox, Sophie Bowman, Claudia Boyce, Abbey Bush, Lena Ingram, Dominique Murphy, Dominique Oakley and Mackenzie Smith.
Successful swimming carnivals were held with maximum participation.
Over 80 coaches/managers/MIC’s were involved in the organization of our sporting teams this year drawn from staff, parents, friends of the School and community members.
NGS staff members held various positions as HRIS Swimming Manager, HRIS Open boys Basketball Coach, AICES Athletics Team Manager, NSWCIS Open Team Touch Manager and NSW All School’s Under 15 Team Manager.
Representative Honours:
- Christopher Boyle represented School Sport Australia in the 16 years Hockey team.
  Laura Flack was selected in the NSW All Schools Triathlon team.
- Philippa Patterson represented NSW Combined Independent Schools in Water Polo.
- Samuel Harris represented NSW Combined Independent Schools in Rugby League.
- Olivia Leonard represented NSW Combined Independent Schools in Cross Country.

Visual Arts
Newcastle Grammar School has strong links with the local Visual Arts community, a proud tradition of artistic achievement and dedicated Visual Arts staff who encourage students to value and embrace their creative imagination and talents. Programming within the Department has been developed to enable maximum student involvement, opportunity and support to develop confidence and achieve personal goals in the areas of academic achievement and participation in available exhibitions, workshops and courses. Achievements for 2012 have included:

Nexus 14 - This exhibition of leading Newcastle artists was held in May in the Holland Staff Common Room, with funds raised to support the work of the Nexus Adolescent Mental Health Unit at John Hunter Hospital and the Visual Arts Department at NGS.
Year 11 students, Isabella Cornell and Lillian Jackson-Fowler, were selected to attend the National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice Course.
Year 12’s completed 2012 HSC Body of Works were displayed at a Parents’ and Friends’ Evening in the Margaret Mitchell Room, Hill Campus Library, in August.
The Annual Student Exhibition – Response 2012, comprised of artworks by Elective Visual Arts Students from Years 9, 10 & 11 and was held in October in the Holland Staff Common Room. The exhibition was opened by Mrs Kerrie Coles, a well known professional Newcastle artist, former Secondary School Visual Arts Teacher and Head of Visual Arts. The Visual Arts staff and students were supported at this event by the Year 11 Hospitality students who provided outstanding food and service for the evening
Year 12 Student, Jake Parkers’ HSC Body of Work was nominated for 2013 ArtExpress.

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