Forward December 2019 | Page 20

SENIOR SCHOOL Focus on Co-Curricular Explore your interests. Cultivate leadership skills, teamwork and service to others. Try your hand at something totally new. Guildford Grammar School’s 150+ opportunities including music ensembles, sports, drama productions, clubs and activities let you learn and have fun. From physical pursuits like stand-up paddle, crossfit, fencing, yoga, mountain biking and surfing to academic activities such as mock trial and model UN, debating, public speaking, philosothon, titrations and much more - there’s at least one activity, team or club for everyone. Here at Guildford Grammar School, we aim to provide students with practical, hands- on, meaningful experiences that help our students to develop particular skills and exhibit a range of non-academic abilities that complement their curricular program and improve their health and wellbeing. Although they are not a part of the core curriculum, co-curricular activities play an integral role in helping students to mold their lives and become well-rounded adults. Co-curricular activities are true and practical experiences gained by students through their own choice and participation. The importance of co-curricular activities in a student’s life cannot be easily measured; however, there are a number of benefits attributed to co-curricular activities: • Exposure to new activities and discovery of new talents You never know what you’re good at or enjoy until you give it a try! Our co- curricular program gives students the opportunity to try a range of different activities, from First Aid and CPR qualifications, defensive driving lessons, fencing, cooking, surfing, ceramic sculpting and lots more! • Strengthen self-esteem and self- confidence Co-curricular activities can provide an opportunity for students to excel in non-academic pursuits, which can lead to increased confidence in and out of the classroom. • Develop specialised skills and enhanced academic learning 20 Co-curricular activities allow students to gain practical skills and experiences