May 2009
150 years of educating the youth of Newcastle and the Hunter!
From the Spirit: A History of Newcastle Grammar School
Anne Dunne, Troy Duncan, Rosemary Melville
Excerpt from INTRODUCTION
One of the longest established Schools in the region, Newcastle Grammar School is celebrating 150 years this year and to celebrate, will be launching a hard cover, glossy book on its history. Hunter History Consultants have been commissioned by the School for the project, which commenced in 2006 and covers the long and interesting history of the School.
The School has links to the earliest days of Anglican education in the city, beginning in 1816 when convict Henry Wrensford taught thirty eight children in a small room in Christ Church, on the site of today's Cathedral.
Newcastle Grammar School was originally established as a Grammar School in 1853 in the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral for the education of the sons of Newcastle's growing middle classes. As a Church of England School, it had an historical link to an earlier School that formerly occupied the same building, namely Newcastle's first School, the Christ Church School. In 1859 a new School house was erected for Newcastle Grammar School on land granted to the Anglicans opposite the Cathedral. Later known as Berkeley House this building served Newcastle Grammar School until 1900 when it was forced to close due to lack of enrolments. It would be almost another 80 years before boys returned to Berkeley House although a new Church Grammar School for boys, known as the Broughton School, was founded on the Newcastle Hill in 1926.
In 1918 the Church of England Grammar School for Girls (CEGGS) was opened with 10 boarders and 28 day pupils in the former Newcastle Grammar School house. With the objective to provide "the very best of intellectual, moral, and religious training", CEGGS operated for 58 years, its governance overseen by a School Council appointed by Synod. In reality though, responsibility for every aspect of its day to day existence was in the hands of a succession of formidable headmistresses who, assisted by dedicated staff and loyal support groups, succeeded in keeping the doors open despite inadequate funding and continuing challenges.
The transfer of administrative control to Pittwater House at the end of 1976 marked a new beginning in the history of the School. Charged with the task of re-establishing a viable economic footing, the new management implemented a number of changes including the revival of the name Newcastle Grammar School, and the return of secondary School aged boys to the campus. In 1976 the School had approximately 170 pupils and 15 staff.
By the beginning of 1992 when Pittwater relinquished control and management was transferred to an autonomous body known as Newcastle Grammar School Limited, enrolments had increased to 601 and the staff numbered 70. Although no longer a Diocesan School, Newcastle Grammar School maintains a close association with the Anglican Church and in particular Christ Church Cathedral.
Spanning two campuses, and with just over 800 students, Newcastle Grammar School confidently lays claim to the title of the region's leading independent, co-educational day School.
The most important investment for our future – your child’s education.
In an every changing world, there is only one constant – the importance of a quality education. Our age of economic unrest and rapid technological change demands that today’s youth must be better prepared than ever before.
Newcastle Grammar School continues to be the leading non-selective School in the Hunter Region and its no wonder enrolments continue to increase with the School’s Academic, Music, Visual Art and Sporting achievements exceeding all expectations in 2008.
Highlights include;
• In the 2008 HSC, Newcastle Grammar School ranked 38th in the State and the top non selective School in the Hunter Region.
• 44% of Students received a UAI of over 90 in the 2008 HSC.
• 92% of Students received a UAI of over 60 in the 2008 HSC.
• Top UAI of 99.50 was achieved by one of our Students in the 2008 HSC.
• 1 Student has been selected to perform at Encore 2009.
• 1 Student has had their artwork nominated for Art Express 2009.
• On the sporting field, 73 Students either won at State level or placed at National level.
The School also has a concentrated community focus with a three year World Vision School to School project nearing the end of completion. The goal was to raise $150,000.00 over three years to build three boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa community of Tanzania. This is not just a fundraising initiative, but an educational project encouraging our Students to be more globally minded and globally supportive. So far almost $115,000.00 has been raised.
On a local level, Newcastle Grammar School with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, has launched an environmental project set to save 2 500 000 litres of water per year.
3 large rainwater tanks (totaling 65 kL) have been installed on the School’s Park Campus site, strategically placed to capture and retain rainwater which will then be harvested and used to flush the School toilets. Pending the retention of water, this could also be used for irrigation of the grounds.
Newcastle Grammar School is holding an Open Day on Friday, 26 June from 9am to 11am. Giving Parents and Students a chance to view the exceptional facilities as well as chat to current Students and Staff and get a REAL understanding of what School life would be like at Newcastle Grammar School.
April 2009
Newcastle Grammar School Fundraising Dinner – expected to raise $10,000!
Newcastle Grammar School will be holding a fundraising dinner this Friday, 1st May 2009 to help cap off a 3 year commitment to the World Vision School to School programme – an ambitious project to raise $150,000 over three years to build 3 boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa Community of Tanzania.
The dinner will commence on the steps of Christ Church Cathedral at 6.30pm where guests will enjoy champagne and canapés whilst listening to Newcastle Grammar School Student musicians. The group will then move across to Horbury Hunt Hall on the site of the School, for a smorgasbord dinner, more entertainment and an auction. Dessert will then be served on the balcony of the School’s staff common room in the new Holland building.
Guests have the option of dressing up in African theme / colours and will include Assistant Bishop of Newcastle Peter Stewart and his wife, The Dean of Newcastle James Rigney and his wife, Headmaster Alan Green and his wife, Alan and Natalie Tonks, Harry and Catherine Raftos, Angela and Robert Scrymgour, and Nick and Phillipa Killin.
The dinner is expected to raise approximately $10,000.
Newcastle Grammar School has a strong orientation towards meeting the needs of others in the local and wider community. In addition, extensive and significant fundraising activities are conducted to support major local and worldwide charities.
March 2009
Newcastle Grammar School – saves our community water!
Newcastle Grammar School with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, has launched an environmental project at the School set to save 2 500 000 litres of water per year.
3 large rainwater tanks (totaling 65 kL) have been installed on the School’s Park Campus site, strategically placed to capture and retain rainwater which will then be harvested and used to flush the School toilets. Pending the retention of water, this could also be used for irrigation of the grounds.
“We are proud to work together with the Australian Government to help improve water efficiency within our community” said Mr Alan Green, Headmaster of Newcastle Grammar School. “The Community Water Grants initiative encourages better water use and improvements in water quality through practical on-the-ground projects, such as reducing pollutants reaching our waterways, and in our case water recycling and efficiency initiatives.” said Mr Green.
Total cost of the project was $67 000 with $46 000 being received from Government grants and $21 000 being contributed directly by School, The University of Newcastle and volunteer professionals.
Dr Steven Lucas, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow School of Environmental & Life Sciences at The University of Newcastle said “The University of Newcastle will continue to monitor water use at the School using smartmeter technology. Eventually, the aim is for Students to run their own water savings programme to encourage awareness and improve education in the future”.
Community Water Grants is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. Water savings, recycling and treatment projects that demonstrate community involvement and a clear public benefit are eligible for funding up to $50,000.
Local School raises almost $100,000 for World Vision School to School project in Farkwa, Tanzania!
In October 2007, Newcastle Grammar School committed to a World Vision School to School programme – an ambitious project to raise $150,000 over three years to build 3 boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa Community of Tanzania.
This programme allows our Students an opportunity for learning and cultural exchange as our School raises funds to assist a School in another country. The School to School Programme offers the chance for first hand learning and the potential for bringing new hope to children and young people growing up in a very different environment.
This is not just a fund raising initiative, but an educational project encouraging our Students to be more globally aware, globally minded and globally supportive.
The monies raised for the new facilities in Farkwa will help to:
• Increase the students’ level of education and performance by providing safe and comfortable accommodation.
• Boost the morale and motivation of the students by providing them with a secure home and study environment.
• Reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.
So far………………the School has almost $100,000 through initiatives including;
Farkwa Friday - Farkwa Friday commenced in October 2008, where all Students were given the option of purchasing a specially designed Tanzanian themed shirt – in which they could wear on Friday’s with their sports uniform. This was a huge hit with everyone (including Staff) and the initiative has continued into 2009.
Phones for Farkwa - This campaign has also been successful, with numerous old mobile phone handsets, batteries and accessories being collected for recycling. The proceeds of every handset we collect and have recycled will go towards the project.
Raffle Tickets - The Students have been working hard in selling raffle tickets at various events throughout the year.
Generous Donations – Students, Parents and Staff have also donated generously.
In an effort to illustrate what has been achieved so far, a DVD has been put together by some very hard working volunteers showcasing the small community of Farkwa, Tanzania and the boarding houses that have been built. A touching piece is also included of a Tanzanian Student expressing their thanks for the support of Newcastle Grammar School.
Newcastle Grammar School has a strong orientation towards meeting the needs of others in the local and wider community. In addition, extensive and significant fundraising activities are conducted to support major local and worldwide charities.
February 2009
Newcastle Grammar School raises funds for the VIC bushfire victims.
At 12:25pm TODAY, Newcastle Grammar School Students will be holding a fundraising BBQ in an effort to raise money for the VIC bushfire victims.
Students from both the Park and Hill Campus’ were keen to assist in the fundraising efforts and came up with the idea of the BBQ so the whole School can get together and reflect on the past few weeks events.
With sausages sandwiches selling for $2 and drinks $2, all monies raised will go directly to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. The School is expected to raise over $2,000.00 with donations from Students and Staff also expected.
Local School exceeds all expectations!
Newcastle Grammar School continues to be the leading non-selective School in the Hunter Region and its no wonder enrolments continue to increase with the School’s Academic, Music, Visual Art and Sporting achievements exceeding all expectations in 2008.
Highlights include;
• In the 2008 HSC, Newcastle Grammar School ranked 38th in the State and the top non selective School in the Hunter Region.
• 44% of Students received a UAI of over 90 in the 2008 HSC.
• 92% of Students received a UAI of over 60 in the 2008 HSC.
• Top UAI of 99.50 was achieved by one of our Students in the 2008 HSC.
• 1 Student has been selected to perform at Encore 2009.
• 1 Student has had their artwork nominated for Art Express 2009.
• On the sporting field, 73 Students either won at State level or placed at National level.
The School also has a concentrated community focus with a three year World Vision School to School project nearing the end of completion. The goal was to raise $150,000.00 over three years to build three boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa community of Tanzania. This is not just a fundraising initiative, but an educational project encouraging our Students to be more globally minded and globally supportive. So far almost $90,000.00 has been raised.
On a local level, Newcastle Grammar School with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, has launched an environmental project set to save 2 500 000 litres of water per year.
3 large rainwater tanks (totaling 65 kL) have been installed on the School’s Park Campus site, strategically placed to capture and retain rainwater which will then be harvested and used to flush the School toilets. Pending the retention of water, this could also be used for irrigation of the grounds.
Right now, Newcastle Grammar School is offering Academic, Music and Visual Arts Scholarships for Students entering Year 5 to 11 in 2010. Scholarships come in the form of a reduction in Tuition Fees. Applications close Wednesday 1st April 2009. For further information visit www.ngs.nsw.edu.au.
January 2009
Scholarship opportunities for Local Students!
Every year Newcastle Grammar School offers a number of Scholarships to promising Students for entry into the School in the following year. The majority of these Scholarships are for academic merit, but there are also some Scholarships available in the areas of Music and Visual Arts.
Scholarships take the form of remission of School fees, either in part or in whole, and are only available to Australian citizens and permanent residents of Australia.
Means Tested Scholarships are available after the applicant has been short listed on application.
Scholarship examinations, Music auditions and Music and Visual Arts interviews for 2010 entry will be held on Thursday, 9 April 2009. Applications close on Wednesday, 1 April 2009.
As the premier school in the region, Newcastle Grammar School prides itself on nurturing its students and harnessing their individuality. With a focus on academic, sport, music and the arts, the School’s educational programs and facilities are second to none.
Exceptional HSC Results for local School!
Newcastle Grammar School has had another bumper year of results in the 2008 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
With the School maintaining its record of being the leading non selective School outside of Sydney, the 76 Year 12 Students that sat this year’s HSC gained a total of 107 credits (calculated on the number of instances where a Student achieved a score of 90 or more in a subject).
These results ranked Newcastle Grammar School 38th in the State and the top non selective School in the Hunter Region as reported by The Daily Telegraph (18 December 2008).
44% of Students received a UAI of over 90 and 92% of Students received a UAI of over 60. The top UAI results achieved were Laura Lavis with a UAI of 99.50, Rowan Katekar with a UAI of 99.30 and Genevieve Ryan with a UAI of 98.80
To cap off a wonderful year of results, the School also had 1 Student selected to perform at ENCORE 2009 as well as 1 Student having their artwork nominated for ART EXPRESS 2009.
On the sporting field, 73 Students received Gold either won at State level or placed at National level.
The 2008 Higher School Certificate results continued the School’s fine academic tradition and when reviewing the School’s results over the last decade, places Newcastle Grammar School as the leading non-selective School outside of Sydney.
