The King's School, Senior School Prospectus

KING’S

Senior School Prospectus

The King’s School is a Christian community that seeks to make an outstanding impact for the good of society through its students, and by the quality of its teaching and leadership in education.

THE KING’S SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The King’s School was established in 1831 to provide Australia with the next generation of leaders. Almost 200 years on, the original charter of the School is both central to our Mission and the educational offering the school provides.

The King’s School uniform, while being the oldest military uniform still worn in Australia, is wonderfully symbolic of what it means to be a Kingsman - one who is willing to live a life of service to make an outstanding impact for the good of society and others.

The learning landscape of the School provides boys with the challenge and adventure needed to shape the unique character of our boys. With a focus on development of the whole student, the 320 acres of The King’s School is used to deliver curricular and extra-curricular offerings for every student via an authentic and distinctive leadership development pathway.

Our young men strive towards a servant-hearted style of leadership formed on humility in character, competence and relationships.

The King’s School Distinctives of Academic Excellence, Character Development and Christian Community form the framework for our approach to creating Global Thought Leaders.

At King’s, the forming of a student’s quality of mind (competence in the relevant domain) requires good character and integrity and is nurtured in the context of an inclusive Christian Community which celebrates every student.

Our approach to education is one of constant evolution that ensures we lead with expertise.

The King’s School is endowed with an extraordinary geographic footprint in Parramatta and the Southern Highlands, with facilities for teaching and learning, sport, drama, music, outdoor education and residential facilities. We have the responsibility to ensure that their benefit extends to always making an outstanding impact for the good of a global society.

A prospectus cannot hope to capture the true magic of a place, so we hope that you will visit us and tour the School to see King’s for yourself.

We look forward to welcoming you to King’s.

Tony George Headmaster

“The education in The King’s School is not for the exclusive benefit of those upon whom it is bestowed, but for that of the entire community.”

WILLIAM GRANT BROUGHTON, 1832

Our Values

HUMILITY

We do not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We are human and we share in the humanity of others. Being humble arises from our Christian belief that we are equal in the sight of God because we are all created in His image. Humility is a fundamentally Christian value and is the starting point for all our other values, for it is when we are humble that we are able to be honest about ourselves and with others.

BE HUMBLE

GRATITUDE

We celebrate with Gratitude to God and each other. Gratitude is important in celebrating excellence in others, for keeping us humble and protects us from a spirit of complaint.

CELEBRATE WITH GRATITUDE Humility Respect

Compassion Responsibility

EXCELLENCE

We strive to be excellent for others and ourselves. We do this in order to make an outstanding impact for the good of society. Striving for Excellence means seeking to improve and better ourselves; to be always growing. Our striving for Excellence is that we may be excellent for the sake of others. Excellence begins with an attitude of Humility that enables us to be Honest with ourselves and one another, so that we might Respect each other, taking Responsibility for ourselves and others, as a community of Integrity and Compassion.

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

COMPASSION

We live to serve one another. Having Compassion means caring for others, being kind and gentle. Compassion is stronger than sympathy or empathy; it is much more active and intentional. In a Christian sense, it is going out of one’s way to help others, to be generous towards others, to care for others and stand up for others. Compassion flows from our Humility, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Integrity, and underpins our understanding of Excellence.

BE COMPASSIONATE

HONESTY

We are honest about ourselves and with others. Honesty means being trustworthy, sincere and authentic. We are true to ourselves, and one another. We do not mislead or misrepresent each other. Honesty depends on an attitude of Humility. It is when we are honest about ourselves and towards each other that we are able to Respect one another.

BE HONEST

RESPECT

Humility Respect

Integrity Honesty

We Respect one another and ourselves. Respect involves valuing people and property so that neither is dishonoured, and follows from our Humility and Honesty. We respect other’s beliefs and points of view. We do not bully or impose our will on others, whether in thought, word or deed. We do not gossip or spread rumours. Respect is important for being willing to take Responsibility for ourselves and each other.

Humility Respect

INTEGRITY

SHOW RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

Compassion Responsibility

We take Responsibility for ourselves and each other. Responsibility means recognising that we share our lives with others in a shared world. Living and learning in community means taking Responsibility for contributing positively and actively to our community and our world. Responsibility depends on our respect for ourselves and each other, and is essential for living lives of Integrity.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

We live our lives with Integrity. To demonstrate Integrity means to live a life that is integrated and balanced, cohesive and coherent. As a community of integrity, we are unified and work together for the common good. We are trustworthy and reliable, we follow through with conviction and courage. Integrity arises from our Humility, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, and allows us to serve one another as a compassionate community.

DEMONSTRATE INTEGRITY

The Senior School caters for boys from Year 7 to Year 12.

Sharing the same 320 acres site as the Preparatory School, the unique learning landscape of the School provides the challenge and adventure to foster healthy appetites for risk taking and growing personal character.

Boarding is at the heart of the King’s experience. From Year 7, boarders enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to live and learn on campus, develop their independence and resilience and form lifelong friendships.

Welcome to the Senior School

I have no doubt, you will be amazed as you flick through this prospectus. The images and words all seem a bit too good to be true! It is like gazing at a holiday brochure and hoping that the reality is as good as what is presented. Be assured that all you see and read in this booklet does depict the real story of King’s. What boys find at King’s is that challenge and adventure wait for them at every turn so that they may have the opportunity to develop and grow into young men who are confident and willing to serve in our community.

In a culture of constant communication, information is at our fingertips, and it can be overwhelming as we seek to understand our world. The challenge for our academic program is to not simply provide information, but to develop skills and a passion for students to learn both now and into the future. We desire for our boys to have a thirst for knowledge, along with the wisdom of knowing where and how to apply it. In a complex world where life can be perplexing and confusing, strength of character is critical. Our co-curricular program allows our students to tackle challenges head on. Whether it be performing on a stage, playing in a team, abseiling off a cliff, rounding out a debate or making their next move in chess, boys can grow from their failures and gain confidence in their achievements.

To walk through the challenges of life confidently, everyone needs a solid base from which to launch. The community at King’s is based upon our house system. Every boy is part of a day or boarding house which they call home. It is in their house that they will be part of a strong connection which allows them to feel a part of and at home at King’s.

A holiday brochure or a prospectus can only tell you so much, you need to experience it for yourself. Come and join our beautiful campus along with our professional and inspiring staff as we seek to equip our young men with the knowledge, character and support to meet, and grow through, the challenges of life.

Rev Stephen Edwards Head of Senior School and Deputy Headmaster

Academic Excellence

Students at King’s are provided with an enriched learning environment and an academic focus on the development of 21st Century competencies including critical and creative thinking, problem solving and collaboration, along with dispositions of curiosity, perseverance and empathy. These capabilities are essential in growing our students to become global citizens who are able to make an outstanding impact in their community beyond the school gates.

During their senior school years, boys build on the solid foundations of primary schooling, enriching their learning and strengthening their skills. Our focus is on delivering authentic learning experiences that develop young men to go on and take their place in the workforce or go on to further studies.

Teaching and Learning

The School motto, “Fortiter et Fideliter” empowers students to be brave learners, to take risks, to fail and, as a result, develop resilience. It takes bravery to be a person of integrity. Students who are best prepared for the future are change agents. They need to be able to make a positive impact on their surroundings, influence the future, understand others’

intentions, actions and feelings and anticipate the short-term and long-term consequences of what they do in order to graduate as leaders of Christian wisdom and integrity for a world in need.

At the core of Academic Excellence is the ability to empower students to think critically, to synthesize and integrate new information in novel ways and to ‘learn to learn’. These skills remain with students long after they have left school and will become increasingly essential to student success in the future as the amount of available information increases exponentially and is ubiquitously available online. Similarly, motivation plays a critical role in achieving academic excellence.

There is no doubt that many jobs of the future are yet to exist. To be employable and positively contribute to society in the future, our students will need to be problem solvers, creative and critical thinkers and good team players. If we are to prepare our students for the next 50 years of their lives and beyond, we must embrace cutting-edge teaching and learning practices.

The School’s Robotics Program caters for the growing demand for teaching science, technology, engineering and maths in schools. Robotics at King’s takes technology education to a new level where skills and knowledge become hands-on, preparing students for the future through creativity and engagement.

Our teachers use the latest evidence-informed research and student data to know our students’ stories, inform targeted teaching practice and enhance each student’s learning. Year Coordinators support our students to become more agile, independent and resilient learners who develop a growth mindset that enables them to apply feedback and enjoy being challenged.

The Senior School offers the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum organised into three stages: Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8), Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) and Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12).

Educational Support Services

Specialised Educational Support Services (ESS) teachers work collaboratively with staff to enable boys to develop their full academic, social and emotional potential. ESS supports students to consolidate their literacy skills, including students with English as a second language.

The quality of the unique and progressive ESS programs at The King’s School demonstrate leadership in education by facilitating student learning through the use of encouragement, empowerment, personal growth and academic learning. Teaching practice facilitates student learning by providing the necessary tools, both cognitive and life skills, upon which to develop their understanding and encourage a love of learning.

The ESS Department also offers a Transition Class for students in Years 7 to 12 with mild to moderate learning disabilities.

Information Services

The Senior Library staff provide a welcoming and dynamic learning environment that empowers students to be collaborative, curious, creative, critical and competent users of information and to be engaged readers.

Enrichment and Extension

Success for each individual student at King’s is to feel a sense of rigour, motivation, achievement and enjoyment from what they are learning by acknowledging their learning needs, strengths, interests and goals.

Enrichment and extension opportunities at King’s ensure that the needs of all our students are met through varied and rigorous classroom and co-curricular experiences.

For high potential learners, including gifted students, further programming options are also utilised. For students with academic gifts, we aim to develop talent through a variety of educational opportunities designed to promote their intellectual, social and emotional capabilities through their time at King’s.

The CLL is a well-resourced and dynamic space with flexible learning areas dedicated to reading, maker education, individual study and group work. The CLL is also home to The King’s Institute and the Professional Learning Centre for staff. These spaces cater for formal classes, informal use by students and staff, and co-curricular activities that include the Reading and Writing Clubs and the Maker Place.

Multiple Pathways

As a comprehensive school, The King’s School is dedicated to providing multiple pathways to success. Whether that be an industry pathway, a HSC pathway, or an IB Diploma pathway in the future, each boy is supported and encouraged to explore, enjoy and fulfil his potential.

A wide range of courses cater for different interests and ability levels, and boys are encouraged to choose courses appropriate to their needs and which will help build on their abilities.

For students with academic gifts, we aim to develop talent through a variety of educational opportunities designed to promote intellectual, social and emotional capabilities through their time at King’s.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses provide workplace skills, technical knowledge and qualifications for rewarding jobs and careers. At The King’s School, we are committed to preparing our young men to take their place in the workforce or pursue further studies. Every student learns differently, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to learning. For some students, learning takes place through practical experiences at school or in the workplace.

VET courses are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and can count towards a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). VET courses not only appeal to the interests and aptitudes of young people, but they also reflect the realities of the job market and its shifting demands for skills and training.

Higher School Certificate (HSC)

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the culmination of a student’s school career and the highest educational award achievable at secondary school in New South Wales. School students in NSW generally work towards the HSC in Years 11 and 12. Certain patterns of study and course requirements apply.

Students must satisfactorily complete a Year 11 pattern of study that includes at least 12 units, as well as a HSC pattern of study that includes at least 10 units. Both patterns of study must include at least 6 units of Board Developed Courses, 2 units of a Board Developed Course in English, 3 courses of 2 or more units (either Board Developed or Board Endorsed Courses) and 4 subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)

The King’s School is currently a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and is working towards authorisation. The School will offer the IB Diploma to Year 11 students from 2025. The IB Diploma Programme is a diverse and rigorous pattern of study that provides an excellent foundation for higher education. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognised by many universities worldwide. The adoption and implementation of the IB Diploma Programme is another way The King’s School seeks to develop Global Thought Leaders.

Character Development

The King’s School is renowned for the character and integrity of its students, qualities that are framed by our values – the supporting pillars of all that it is to be a Kingsman. These values provide the framework, but it is through application that students forge true character, facing each contest and striving to succeed against adversity, the competition or the natural elements.

As the cornerstone of the King’s Character Development Framework, students are encouraged to participate across the variety of co-curricular activities on offer. With this comes the inherent challenges that aim to inspire and develop each student during their journey at the School.

The array of co-curricular programs offered exposes students to opportunities to be active and engaged with the School community outside the classroom. The experiences students encounter in the arts, sport, cadets and clubs ranges from those of participation and enjoyment to those of considerable skill and elite aspirations.

The student-centred approach whereby each student takes personal responsibility for their chosen co-curricular activities aims to foster individual development and a growth mindset under the framework of Character Development. The link between co-curricular and curriculum pursuits is one that encourages this evolution as well as engaging the student in a sense of belonging and community pride.

As the cornerstone of the King’s Character Development Framework, students are encouraged to participate across the variety of co-curricular activities on offer. With this comes the inherent challenges that aim to inspire and develop each student during their journey at the School.

Sport

The King’s School fosters an environment of enjoyment and advancement in sport. It is an activity that cultivates leadership, resilience and teamwork and is where our students can test themselves through physical endeavour. The advancement of our students in sport extends far beyond the school grounds with many students going on to representation at State and National levels and a number of Old Boys pursuing professional careers in sport.

The level of participation of our students in sport has led to a significant investment across all sporting programs. The School attracts leading national and international coaches and directors who expose students to individual and team skill development pathways that extend their sporting ability and performance. These staff operate within state-of-theart facilities including extensive playing fields, indoor sports centre, indoor basketball courts, strength and conditioning facility, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, track and field facilities and a 50m swimming pool.

Boys look forward to the twice weekly training sessions and Saturday games. The enjoyment derived from participating in sport and in the improvement of skills is enriched further by excellent inter-school competition.

The King’s School is one of the nine members of schools in the Athletics Association of the Great Public Schools (AAGPS) in New South Wales. The School has had almost 200 years of competitive rivalry in a range of sports and in one of the country’s most keenly contested schoolboy competitions. GPS sport is played from Years 7 to 12 and each student is offered the chance to participate in a different sport each sporting season.

Senior School students have the option of the following sports:

• Winter: Badminton, Rugby, Football (Soccer), Snowsports, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field

• Summer: Basketball, Cricket, Rowing, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Water Polo or Summer Athletics

• Year-round: Rifle Shooting, Mountain Bike Cycling, King’s Fit

Developing and maintaining physical conditioning and strength is an integral part of each student’s sporting journey at the School. The Strength and Conditioning Centre is a stateof-the-art facility open to all students regardless of ability or age. The Head of Strength and Conditioning oversees a team of specialist coaches and works very closely with the head coaches and directors of each sport to optimise training for every student.

Cadet Corps

The King’s School Cadet Corps is the oldest and one of the largest in Australia, involving 850 cadets. Although a compulsory activity for boys in Years 9 and 10, Cadets becomes optional in Years 11 and 12. The attraction to remain in Cadets is strong with a myriad of leadership opportunities through promotion courses available to the senior Cadets.

The program goes beyond the facilitation of outdoor activities and recreation with the main focus being leadership development and unit collaboration through the five key programs: Annual Field Exercise (Corps Camp), Promotion Courses, Ceremonial Parades, Drill Competitions and Parade Ground Practice.

One of the most popular elements of the cadet year is the annual camp which is usually undertaken in a bush setting in the Hunter Valley. Trekking, camping, initiative exercises, rock climbing and abseiling are just some of the activities undertaken on the camp. Another significant event in the King’s calendar is the Regimental Passing Out Parade, which is a breathtaking spectacle honouring the Senior students who are leaving. The parade is preceded by the Annual Corps Dinner – a gracious evening of sparkling silverware and fine dining in keeping with the rich traditions of the Australian Army Cadets.

The Arts

Performing Arts is a vibrant aspect of life at King’s and one in which the majority of students are involved. The School continues to attract talented musicians and performers and the calibre of school productions across the year are a highlight in the School and community calendars. Annually, The King’s School Musical is staged in conjunction with Tara Anglican School for Girls.

The commitment of our students to the arts is evident through the extensive range of ensembles and choral groups on offer and the outstanding calibre of students involved.

With its inclusive, participatory approach to Music and Drama, The King’s School caters for the interests and abilities of every boy from the beginner to the most advanced.

Clubs and Societies

King’s offers an extensive array of clubs and societies. These clubs range from being academic focussed, such as the Academic Enrichment Club, to more hands-on, such as the Industrial Arts and Agriculture Clubs, and are in addition to the students’ sporting endeavours.

Christian Community

The concept of a Christian Community has been central to the way King’s understands itself since it was founded in 1831.

Our mission statement is to be a Christian community that makes an outstanding impact for the good of society. The School was founded almost 200 years ago to produce leaders who exhibited Christian character, Christian wisdom and Christian discernment. The community beliefs, values and attitudes of The King’s School are founded on Christian values. Every Kingsman, regardless of his personal faith, background or, indeed, even if he professes no personal faith at all, is to observe the values of Humility, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Gratitude and Excellence.

The founders of The King’s School intended that Kingsmen would be young men prepared to live their life in the service of others, as Jesus did. So, regardless of whether a boy believes in God personally, the way in which Christianity holds up God is as one who seeks to save us. The sort of character we seek to instil in Kingsmen is that they, too, will live their lives to save others.

We expect students to respectfully, courteously and positively commit themselves to the Christian community of the School.

Chaplaincy

The School’s vibrant and creative Chaplaincy team have the vital function of upholding and promoting the Christian foundations and values of King’s. Chapel services are an integral experience of the King’s School as a Christian Community. Through them, students and staff can engage with the message of Christ, explore the Scriptures together and be challenged by the faith, values and practices that arise from them. Our Chaplaincy team focuses on the spiritual wellbeing of our community, but also seeks to address the needs and questions of the whole person.

Biblical Studies and Studies of Religion I/II

Biblical Studies is a part of every boy’s experience throughout their time at King’s. Years 7-8 Biblical Studies examines the foundational Christian story that underpins the School’s history, culture and values and how to use these values in practical ways. Years 9 to 10 build on the previous years to explore how the events of the first Easter bring Christian communities into life and propel them on their journey throughout the centuries. These year groups probe the history of the Christian Church and the impact that Christianity has had on social and community issues. Year 10 also takes a preliminary look at four of the main world religions.

Years 11 and 12 take a more practical look at the implications of the Christian faith on ethical decision-making. Year 11 investigates major ethical theories and Christian ethics. The year culminates in an ethical research project and class presentation on a current ethical issue. Year 12 extends further on this ethical application of the Christian faith in a more conversational forum. In addition, Biblical Studies offers the NESA HSC Studies of Religion I and II Courses.

CRU Groups

CRU Groups are our lunchtime devotional spaces that form part of our wide array of co-curricular offerings at King’s. Students have opportunities to make friends, to explore the Christian faith further, to join together with others who identify as Christian, and to find pathways for Christian leadership. Kingsmen join together with other schools for combined CRU events.

Wellbeing

The emphasis on wellbeing at King’s is to strive to ensure that our students have good mental health, high life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose and ability to manage stress. Wellbeing is fundamental to health and a person’s ability to overcome challenges and flourish in life. This is achieved by integrating our activities and programs within the King’s distinctives of Academic Excellence, Character Development and Christian Community.

Good relationships are integral in supporting and improving the mental health of our students. The House System and Mentor Groups provide small communities within the School to establish closer bonds and a greater sense of identity. The Chaplaincy team, Year Coordinators and Counsellors provide further layers of wellbeing support.

Pastoral Care

Healthy, positive relationships are the cornerstone of student life and wellbeing. Our Pastoral Care Program nurtures positive mindsets and a sense of spiritual connection in every student, ensuring they feel a genuine sense of belonging and a part of their immediate surroundings and the wider King’s community.

The foundation of The King’s School Pastoral Care Program is the House System, which provides a framework to care for each boy in the School, as well as fostering strong attachments and relationships. A network of Mentors, Housemasters and Year Coordinators monitor the progress of every student.

Good relationships are integral in supporting and improving the mental health of students and our House System and Mentor Groups provide small communities within the School to establish closer bonds and a greater sense of identity.

The staff of Gowan Brae House provide exception pastoral care through the Year 7 Transition Program for both day students and boarders.

In Years 8 to 12, students join the vertical house system which connects them to one of ten senior houses. Each senior house has its own distinctive culture and personality to which students have a deep sense of belonging and community.

The Dining Hall

The real heart of the campus, according to students, is the Dining Hall. Students and staff come together socially three times a day as they share nutritionally balanced and inspired meals prepared fresh on site.

Health Centre

Nursing and medical care is provided on site in the School’s Health Centre by qualified medical staff. A registered nurse is in residence every night to provide 24-hour care and the School Doctor conducts regular clinics.

The community beliefs, values and attitudes of The King’s School are founded on Christian values. Every Kingsman, regardless of his personal faith, background or, indeed, even if he professes no personal faith at all, is to observe the values of Humility, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Compassion, Integrity and Excellence.

The King’s School Corps offers a unique experience in that our students engage first-hand in adventure, often in a path they direct themselves, and are given the opportunity to lead fellow students under the careful guidance of staff.

Student Leadership

Beginning their Senior School leadership journey in Year 7 with the Student Representative Council (SRC) elected in Term 1, leadership offerings increase in diversity and complexity as Kingsmen continue their journey through the Senior School.

Service Learning

Service Learning provides the opportunity for students to put their leadership skills and character into action, encouraging students to engage in community service opportunities at home, locally, nationally and globally.

The program further encourages students to develop a local and global awareness of human and environmental needs and facilitate the opportunity for students to put their character into action through helping and supporting others in need. Service Learning fosters the opportunity for our students to act locally in their own home, support our rural communities with service trips to the country, and develop global awareness by supporting our cousin School in Bangladesh.

Younger students are encouraged to learn to serve and develop a genuine level of compassion for those around them. Middle year students serve to learn, through an authentic opportunity to serve others and make an outstanding impact for the good of society. Student leaders aim to lead to serve, through a student initiative program which gives students the opportunity to create, implement, execute and then reflect on service initiatives aimed at serving our community.

Service learning begins in Mentor time supported by the Year 11 students and School Monitors. Our Service Learning Program determines our desire to produce graduates who are servant-hearted leaders.

School Monitors

Senior School students are led by School Monitors appointed following a rigorous selection process. This group is led by the School Captain, Vice Captain and a team of Executive Monitors (Academics, Character Development, Chaplaincy and Community). This group of young leaders works closely with the Headmaster and Head of Senior School to lead initiatives, be a voice of the student body, and to serve the community to continue to create a positive and welcoming environment for all of our students.

House Leadership

The King’s School vertical house system offers a broad range of leadership opportunities for Senior students. Each House appoints a House Captain and several supporting roles, which are often formed around the responsibility of supporting a particular year group and the facilitation of the academic and pastoral needs of students. This is overseen and guided by each Housemaster.

Year 10 Monitors

Year 10 students have the early opportunity to test and grow their potential leadership skills as a Year 10 Gowan Brae Monitor. In this role, young men are assigned to a Year 7 Gowan Brae mentor group for a semester, allowing for a large number of students to engage in this important developmental leadership pathway.

Year 10 Gowan Brae monitors, under the guidance of the Gowen Brae Housemasters, Year Coordinators and Mentors, play an instrumental role supporting Year 7 students to settle into The King’s School.

Year 10 Monitorship is often the first step in a Kingsman’s leadership journey. Through this, boys enrich a younger student’s experience while gaining valuable first-hand experience to understand their own leadership strengths and weaknesses.

Year 11 Monitors

The Year 11 Monitor Program offers an important stepping stone and succession planning for the Student Leadership Program. It allows the Year 11 leaders to spend time with the Year 12 School Monitor Team. This group of young men are assigned to a portfolio of either Academics, Character or Community, joining the School Monitor meetings and working on initiatives with the older students and staff. This opportunity allows the young leaders to understand what is required of student leaders, helps create a collegial working environment and fosters reflection of their own leadership style before they potentially take senior leadership roles.

Student Representative Council

The Student Representative Council (SRC) operates in the Senior School, with membership of elected students from all year levels. The SRC acts as a generator of ideas that aims to improve the operation of the School and works to give back to the student body and broader community.

The motto of the SRC is “For the Boys” which places a strong emphasis on servant leadership, yet the SRC also engages in significant fundraising for a variety of charities throughout the calendar year.

The King’s School Cadets Corps

The King’s School Cadet Corps is the oldest and one of the largest in the country, engaging 850 young men in various activities during the school year. A compulsory activity for boys in Year 9 and 10, cadets becomes optional for those in Years 11 and 12. The King’s School Corps offers a unique experience in that our students engage first-hand in adventure, often in a path they direct themselves, and are given the opportunity to lead fellow students under the careful guidance of staff. Much of its success is due to the fact that many senior students participate in the promotions courses each year to gain rank in Years 10, 11 and 12.

In the Corps, students learn and experience discipline, teamwork and character building exercises, culminating in the annual Cadet Camp at Singleton Army Base. The annual Cadet Corps Camp is a thrilling experience for our students who face and overcome challenges, learn to work as a unit and practice leadership. This occurs all in the context of a variety of outdoor education experiences.

Boys to Men

Boys to Men is an annual program, developed by The King’s School, with a particular focus on our Year 10 men. Introductory elements are also provided for younger students and there are follow-up topics for Year 11 students.

The early concepts are centred around the challenges young men face as they enter manhood, while the latter stages focus on elements such as risk taking and a continued discussion around maintaining a healthy lifestyle and relationships, particularly in relation to drug and alcohol awareness. It is designed to help equip them with skills to foster healthy relationships and develop the character to show leadership in overcoming the challenges and issues that face them and society now and in the future. Boys to Men aims to help create young men who are both self-aware and selfless. The program focuses on key areas such as health masculinity, healthy living, well-being, service learning, safe driving, life skills, healthy relationships and respect for others and leadership.

Leadership Seminars

The School’s eight values provide a context from which regular seminars and workshops are planned throughout the year. Delivered during House and Year meetings, Housemasters, Year Coordinators, members of staff and external guests are invited to speak on topics mapped and planned in our Character Development scope and sequence built in consultation with the Director of Wellbeing and the School’s Counselling team.

These topics are dynamic, allowing for flexibility for staff to address current issues which may arise within the School or of a broader nature in society.

Mentor Time: coaching and mentoring

Our young men are encouraged to face and embrace challenges, but not alone. The King’s School fosters a coaching and mentor environment and relationships, in which staff encourage and challenge our young men to get involved and participate beyond their comfort zone.

Our boys succeed, but sometimes they fail too. Failure is important as it provides one of the greatest opportunities for personal growth. Sport, Cadet Corps, the arts, clubs and societies provide spontaneous opportunities for mentorship to occur. The skills and self-awareness developed through reflecting on failure help our young men to become Global Thought Leaders. Mentors provide time for our young men to reflect, identify strengths and weaknesses, grow and then exercise again. This reflection and mentoring process supports our young men to grow in a nurturing and supported environment.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach develops leadership through service. Running concurrently with the Cadet Corps Program, the Community Outreach Program provides students with the opportunity to work selflessly for the betterment of others.

The program has developed strong connections with local nursing homes, retirement villages, schools, special schools,

preschools, charities, churches, centres of excellence for adults with disabilities and historic sites. Students are allocated to an organisation and will complete 70 hours of service. During that period of time, students may be asked to support activities, create resources, converse meaningfully, engage in gardening and maintenance tasks and even play games and dance with the residents. The underlying motivation for students is that they can grasp the opportunity to enact change, improve the wellbeing of others and discover the joy that is derived from selfless service.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised program open to individuals aged 14 to 24 with the aim of providing opportunities to grow personally and connect with others through a range of new experiences.

The program combines physical challenges with the development of a broad range of skills, developing a participant’s empathetic understanding of the world around them. Students are engaged in organising expeditions that will require them to trail walk, ski, paddle, sail, camp and prepare meals.

Students learn teamwork and leadership skills and are given the opportunity to demonstrate responsible management of ‘self’ and others. Duke of Edinburgh has three levels Bronze, Silver and Gold and participants are challenged to complete service within the community, improve their personal health and fitness, expand and widen their interests, explore and undergo new adventures and, finally, complete a purposeful project that will build on a talent previously developed.

Boarding

Boarding is at the heart of The King’s School

King’s boarding is very much a home away from home where the wonderfully supportive and highly qualified staff strive to make it a safe, enjoyable and supportive learning environment for all. It is a place where the boys feel valued and encouraged to develop their individual talents and interests.

We believe the boarding experience should be based on the boys discussing, learning about, and putting into practice The King’s School values of honesty, humility and respect, a responsibility for self with actions and words, a sense of place and understanding of opportunities available to the boys and an appreciation of them. The results are compassion, empathy and understanding in our dealings with others. From this foundation, they will nurture compassion, generosity, and a true sense of humility and place.

Boys start their senior boarding journey in Year 7 as excited and, no doubt, nervous young men. The boys who graduate from a King’s boarding experience are humble and appreciative of the opportunities they have been given. Their lives have been enriched through so many different experiences and, more importantly, through the relationships they have developed and the friendships they have forged.

House Leadership

King’s architecturally-designed and purpose-built boarding houses offer every comfort and amenity and a genuine home away from home. From here, boys have access to the School’s extensive grounds and facilities as well as a rich range of academic and pastoral support programs.

Each House is nestled in the Australian natural landscape on which it is built. Boys are expected to assist with jobs around their House to aid in the maintenance of this setting. Accommodation is available in dormitories in Year 7 and in twin-share and single bed studies in Year 8 to 12 that feature king-single beds and climate controlled air-conditioning.

All senior houses provide lockable cupboard spaces for each student. External security is provided by strategically placed CCTV cameras and a security company is employed to patrol the School grounds during the evenings.

All boarding houses have large screen TVs and other audio-visual equipment, pool and table tennis tables and a number of areas for recreation. We embrace the use of technology and all boarders have access to high-quality digital services.

The School operates a full laundry service on the Senior School campus with additional laundry facilities also provided in each House.

A kitchen hub is provided in each House for the preparation of supper and snacks.

Pastoral Care

Boarding Housemasters are assisted by a variety of staff who deal with pastoral care, health, academic support, social outings and supervision. All residential staff are trained in basic first aid and are accredited against national standards.

Attached to each House are Mentors who meet regularly with boys and guide them in both academic and pastoral matters.

Boarding Housemasters are assisted by resident members of staff and a House Matron. These staff are responsible for monitoring the whereabouts of each boarder, 24 hours per day. Tutorial support in the boarding houses is provided by the Housemaster, the resident staff who are all teachers at King’s as well as other members of the teaching staff plus Patrons who are handpicked Old Boys to help with all facets of a King’s boarding experience.

House Matrons

House Matrons are an integral part of pastoral care at King’s. Within each house, House Matrons act as a ‘Mum-awayfrom-home’. Whether it be keeping tabs on laundry, serving supper, lending an ear to listen or shoulder to lean on, House Matrons affectionately regard each of the 80 boys in their house as a “son”.

For further information, visit www.tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au

Senior School Facilities

The unique Australian landscape of The King’s School offers students world-class learning spaces, highest quality sporting complexes and outdoor space to fuel challenge and adventure.

Learning and leadership are central to life at King’s. We want boys to explore their potential to the fullest and develop valuable skills in critical and creative thinking. King’s provides a range of learning spaces and resources that together offer every opportunity to explore, inquire and develop. Centres for learning, science, performing arts, music and design support a range of informal and formal learning zones that encourage boys and teachers to collaborate.

Sport and physical activities are central to a boy’s development and wellbeing. In support of this, King’s offers an unrivalled range of facilities that cater to every sporting requirement. From cricket nets and ovals to rugby and football pitches, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, playing fields and gyms – anything relating to physical activity can be served at King’s.

During their King’s journey, boys can take part in numerous musical programs and performances, sing in the Chapel and be a part of drama productions and plays in their time at King’s.

To support such a vibrant range of activities, we provide an extensive range of music and performance facilities including a fully equipped Music Centre complete with classrooms and individual practice rooms, the renowned King’s Theatre, a 350-seat industry standard performance space and drama centre incorporating a black box theatre, green room, changing areas and storage facilities.

Our renowned Centre for Learning and Leadership is the core of the School incorporating a library and conference space. While our Science Centre offers a commercial-level research hub housing up to 16 full-time scientists from universities and the wider commercial world.

With airy, engaging classrooms, welcoming boarding houses, high quality sporting facilities and plenty of wide-open spaces, Senior School at The King’s School is designed to inspire.

The beautiful School Chapel sits at the heart of our community and serves all of the students and the broader King’s community.

Enrolment

Steps to enrolling

Our process is intended to be efficient yet thorough, so that you may learn more about us, and we about you. We choose candidates through four main steps.

Step 1 – Registration

Points of entry

King’s accepts boys from Pre-Kindergarten (four years of age) and upwards. Entry points are Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7 with occasional vacancies outside of these year groups.

Year 7 is the first year of Senior School. Our students join the Senior School as either day boys or boarders. Subject to availability, casual boarding is also offered.

Due to the School’s reputation, there are characteristically more boys applying for a position at King’s than there are places available. While The King’s School does not adopt a chronological waiting list, it is advisable to register for enrolment early to avoid disappointment.

Visit our website at www.kings.edu.au and complete the online Student Enrolment Registration Form. A non-refundable $250 registration fee is payable at the time of registration.

Step 2 – Family Interview

Our community is important to us and for this reason, applicants who are chosen to be interviewed for a position will be invited for a family interview. The interview provides an opportunity for us to get to know your family and for you to get to know our School. Family interviews will be conducted in the 9 to 18 months before your son’s anticipated commencement.

Step 3 – Offer of a Place

Following your family interview, an Offer of Place to attend the School may be made. Such an offer will nominate year and level of entry and whether the place is as a day student or boarder. Please note that boarding places cannot be transferred to day places.

Step 4 – Acceptance of a Place

A student’s place is secured when all appropriate documentation has been signed and returned and the non-refundable student admission fee of $4,500 has been paid.

Contact Details

For all enquiries about enrolments at The King’s School, please contact us on the following:

Phone:

(02) 9683 8555

Email: enrol@kings.edu.au

Register:

To register your son for enrolment, please visit www.kings.edu.au

Website: www.kings.edu.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheKingsSchool

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekingsschool_official

The honour of being able to partner with you in educating your son is something that we do not take lightly. There can be no greater privilege than being able to shape the character of future generations.