Support.

In every subject, lessons are created to drive conceptual understanding and critical thinking, not just to convey information. Flexible teaching strategies and genuine care for each individual results in high levels of student engagement. As well as effectively differentiating the curriculum, teachers may use strategies such as setting open-ended tasks, and allowing like-minded or similar-ability students to work together.

Students are further challenged through extension and enrichment opportunities in areas of particular interest or ability. There are pull-out classes from Kindergarten to Year 10 which facilitate above-level learning. Enrichment camps and lunchtime clubs provide further opportunities. Extension and enrichment days expose all students to deeper thinking. Students can also represent Covenant in a range of interschool academic programs and competitions including GATEway8 and Da Vinci Decathlon.

Major work projects such as FLIP (Year 6) and Passion Project (Year 8) allow all students the opportunity to create a major work which they are passionate about. It challenges and extends them while preparing them for major works in their senior years.

When you’re out on the field, you know that whatever happens, God will be with you and he will strengthen you, and you will glorify him.

Sport & physical development

Sport is an important part of our offering at Covenant, and it is our desire to provide every student with an opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities. As well as supporting students in exploring, developing and using their God-given gifts and abilities, we hope to nurture a lifelong love of sport, and an appreciation of the benefits it offers.

Physical Education (PE) is a compulsory element of the curriculum, and we provide a range of opportunities that allow students to increase their skills in a variety of sports, while learning valuable lessons about participation, commitment, responsibility and teamwork.

Covenant is a member of the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) and the NSW Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (CIS), which offer pathways to state and national level competition in a wide variety of individual and team sports. Students can progress from our swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals to represent our school at higher level interschool competitions. We also participate across a number of sports in the Peninsula Interschool Sports Association (PISA), Peninsula Cup, and state-wide knockout competitions such as the Bill Turner Cup.

We encourage students to do everything in a way that honours and glorifies God, whether it be trying a school sport like rock climbing, developing netball and soccer skills in PE classes, trialling for one of our many sports gala day teams, or being encouraged as they represent the school at an elite level.

Creative arts

Creative arts are a wonderful gift from God and a way for students to express their faith and creativity. From classical music to modern dance, students learn how to express themselves through creative mediums, and are taught how to glorify God through expression and deeper thinking. These subjects are not just a creative pursuit but form part of an academically rigorous education.

Dance

Dance is available to students from Prep to Year 12 and caters for curricular (Stage 5, Preliminary and HSC Dance), co-curricular (eisteddfod troupes) and extra-curricular dance through the Covenant Dance Academy. Dance is taught at Covenant in a culturally engaging, encouraging and Christ-centred atmosphere. We are deliberately counter-cultural in the selection of age appropriate music, choreography and costuming. Classes include a variety of dance styles including jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tiny tots dance, and musical theatre. Covenant Dance Academy classes are conveniently offered on-site after school. Students may work towards performing in dance concerts, assemblies and school events.

Music

Music is an integral part of life at our school from Prep through to the HSC. There are a wide range of opportunities for all students to participate in music ranging from individual lessons, to curriculum music, and corporately singing and giving praise to God in our weekly assemblies.

In Junior School, students participate in weekly music classes with a specialist music teacher. During this time, they engage in singing, and learning fundamental musical concepts including music appreciation, music reading and writing, rhythm, aural training and instrument playing.

Students commence the Band Program in Year 4 which takes place during school time. They are provided with a string instrument for six months and a wind or brass instrument for the following six months of the year to trial and learn.

In Secondary School, students seek to refine and perfect their expression, creativity and performance. Opportunities such as leading in the Worship Band and Music Tour exist to develop skills through service to others. Extra-curricular musical opportunities include the Junior and Senior School bands, Orchestra and choirs.

Art

With an emphasis on creativity, students are encouraged to use skills and techniques they have learned through art classes in Junior School. Combined with a passion for arts and education, our staff take great pleasure in identifying talent and guiding and advising students. Every art subject challenges students to consider the way artists view the world and to engage with culture through a biblical lens.

Drama

Our professional and highly experienced staff create a holistic learning atmosphere; a safe and inspiring environment for students to express their creativity and to develop their skills. Drama students are encouraged to study as well as devise works that wrestle with worldviews while also giving them the opportunity to bring the gospel to the Covenant community through storytelling.

Musicals

Musicals are part of Covenant’s culture, history and educational offering. Every second year, all students in Kindergarten to Year 6 perform in the Junior School Musical. The alternate year is the Secondary School’s turn with students electing to be involved in the performance and production. Students learn to work together, express their gifts and bring great joy to their audiences.