CHRIST CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Christ Church Grammar School
Established in 1910, Christ Church Grammar School is a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 Anglican day and boarding school for boys in Perth, Western Australia. With more than 1700 students, its Preparatory School caters for boys from Pre- Kindergarten to Year 6, and its Senior School for boys in Years 7 to 12. Students from Years 7 to 12 can attend as day students or boarders.
Christ Church is an academically inclusive school with a long and proud history in educational achievement. With consistently strong academic results, it is one of the best performing schools in the country.
Our students live in a globally interconnected world and digital technologies are rapidly disrupting and shaping the world of work. Education is at the centre of preparing our students to exist and thrive in a transforming world and quality teaching is pivotal to our students’ success. Our dedicated and talented staff are inspiring professionals who exhibit amazing capacity and commitment every day as they deliver our internationally respected program.
Getting to know students as individual learners and young people is the philosophy of the School and the foundation of our differentiated curriculum and pedagogy.
By delivering a holistic educational experience, Christ Church graduates leave with a deep sense of who they are and who they want to be.
Alan Jones Principal, Christ Church Grammar School
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and home to almost 2 million people.
Perth has wonderful weather all year round, with a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This climate is perfect for an outdoors lifestyle.
Perth has beautiful soft sand beaches with clear blue water. Cottesloe Beach is a popular spot with visitors to Perth and is close to Christ Church Grammar School.
Perth is home to a beautiful scenic park, Kings Park. This park is both one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks and also a rich cultural heritage site. It is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora — a sight unlike anywhere else in the world.
Christ Church Grammar School is located in the suburb of Claremont, which is 9 kilometres from the city of Perth. The main campus is situated on the banks of the Swan River, overlooking Freshwater Bay.
Photo by Nathan Hurst on Unsplash
Safety
Perth is a lovely capital city to live in. Crime rates are low and the locals are welcoming. Living in a beautiful, safe and supportive city while learning from highly educated and experienced teachers is incredibly beneficial to our students.
Students and their families select Perth for many reasons. It offers a healthy mix of comfort and excitement and is regularly ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Perth
has:
Sunshine (almost) all year-round
Breathtaking beaches
A multicultural demographic
A thriving employment market
Affordable public transport
A growing arts scene
Photo by Fadzai Saungweme on Unsplash
Cateringforindividual differences
To know to do to live with others and to be
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Learning throughthesupport of others Learningth
Providingstructure and
Learning at Christ Church
The Christ Church pedagogy is a learning framework that underpins our approach to educating boys.
This unique framework was developed from extensive research into boys’ motivation and how they learn, and it is the basis upon which we design learning experiences for our students.
Our teachers play an important role in boys’ lives –motivating boys to achieve their best. The research we conducted into what motivates boys to learn is formed into the pillars that guide our approach to learning:
• Catering for individual difference
• Providing structure and feedback
• Enhancing personal bests
Catering for individual differences
Our teachers are encouraged to know their students as individuals so that the can tailor experiences to help each boy to learn in the best way he can.
Providing structure and feedback
Our experience with educating boys teaches us that they respond well to high expectations and well structured lessons. Communicating clear learning intentions and success criteria empowers boys to assess their own progress and form the basis of effective feedback.
Enhancing personal bests
Our teachers create the conditions for success by building a classroom climate that is based on high expectations and collaborative competition among students.
Post-graduation
At Christ Church Grammar School, all senior students aim to achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) via either an ATAR or non-ATAR pathway. Students on an ATAR pathway study six subjects of which at least four are ATAR subjects that include a final examination. Students on a non-ATAR pathway study six subjects which include a combination of ATAR, General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. Upon completion of Year 12 studies, students achieving the WACE will progress to either university, Training and Further Education (TAFE), apprenticeships or the work force.
All ATAR subjects
Combination of ATAR, General subjects and VET course
All General subjects and VET course
• University
• TAFE
• Apprenticeships
• Work
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE ATAR
A student choosing this pathway is aiming to gain direct entry to university.
A minimum of four ATAR subjects is required to be completed to achieve an ATAR at the end of Year 12. A student may also be required to complete prerequisite subjects for specific university courses.
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE CERTIFICATE IV
A student choosing this pathway is aiming to gain direct entry to university. To achieve this a student would need to do ATAR English (achieving a scaled mark of 50% or above in the ATAR exam) and complete a Certificate IV. It would also be strongly advisable to be adequately prepared for university to do at least 1 other ATAR subject such as Maths Application. This would gain entry to a Degree with the requirement of a 70 ATAR.
For entry to university enabling courses the student should aim to achieve A/B grades in non ATAR subjects and complete a Certificate IV in Year 12.
Degrees available
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Science
Accepting universities
Curtin University
Edith Cown University
Murdoch University
University of Notre Dame
University of Western
Australia
Year 11
English ATAR
Maths Application
Career & Enterprise
+ 3 General Subjects
+ WPL
Year 12
English ATAR
Maths Application
+ 4 General Subjects
+ WPL
+ Certificate I
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE DIPLOMA OF SPORT
A student choosing this pathway is aiming to gain direct entry to university. Completion of the Diploma allows students to apply for university courses requiring an ATAR score up to 80.
Two study options are available for completing the Diploma:
Year 11 1 day a week
Year 12 2 days a week
Degrees available
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Science
Accepting universities
Curtin University
Edith Cown University
Murdoch University
University of Notre Dame
University of Western Australia
Year 11
English ATAR/General
Maths ATAR/General
Career & Enterprise
+ 3 General Subjects
Year 12
English General
Maths Essentials
+ 3 General Subjects
*There is an extra cost of $6200 for the Diploma course.
ATAR Subjects
At Christ Church, we equip our students with skills that set them up for future success.
We achieve this through our unique pedagogy or art of teaching and learning, co-curricular offerings, and Outdoor Education program.
At Christ Church, boys can participate in a range of subjects appropriate for their development and relevant to their interests.
In the Senior School, boys can choose the following academic subjects:
Years 7 and 8 (A breadth of subjects for boys to explore his abilities)
English • Mathematics • Science • Humanities • Digital Thinking • Design & Technology • Language (French, Japanese or Chinese Mandarin) • Music • Drama • Health & Wellbeing • Physical Education
Years 9 and 10 (Choice and Voice — discovering his strengths)
Core subjects: English • Mathematics • Science • Humanities • Health & Wellbeing and Physical Education
Along with electives selected from:
Algorithmic Programming • App Development • Astrophysics • Bioinformatics • Data Security • Engineering • Marine Studies • Mechatronics • Drama • Sport Science • Music • Digital Photography • Graphic Design • Visual Art • Systems & Networking • Creative Writing • Psychology • Philosophy • Language (French, Japanese or Chinese Mandarin)
Years 11 and 12 (Personalised pathway to master skills for the future)
English • Literature • Mathematics Specialist • Mathematics Methods • Mathematics Application • Computer Science • Politics & Law • Physics • Chemistry • Biology • Human Biology • Economics • Business Management & Enterprise • Design • Accounting & Finance • Music • Ancient History • Modern History • Materials Design & Technology • Drama • Engineering Studies • Geography • Philosophy & Ethics • Psychology • Chinese • French • Japanese • Marine and Maritime Studies • Materials Design and Technology • Media Production • Physical Education Studies • Visual Arts
Graduating students go overseas
As one of the leading boys’ schools in Australia, it is not unusual to have many graduating students pursue tertiary studies away from Perth.
After successfully completing their final year exams, they go on to attend universities around Australia and the world, and in particular the top universities in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Students travel overseas either by applying to be admitted or being the recipient of a scholarship.
Sport
Sport is compulsory and there is a broad range of summer and winter codes on offer. All students participate in Physical Education as part of the academic program and compete in swimming and athletics carnivals as well as other events. From Year 7, students compete in the Public Schools Association (PSA) of Western Australia, against fellow independent boys’ schools Aquinas College, Guildford Grammar School, Hale School, Scotch College, Trinity College and Wesley College.
Under the guidance of highly regarded coaches including former international players and Olympians, our students have achieved consistent success across many of the PSA sporting codes. Our outstanding facilities include a strength and conditioning complex, two naturally heated, saltwater pools and extensive playing fields. International and national tours are also offered for many sports.
Cricket
Cricket is a very popular sport at Christ Church. It fosters teamwork and discipline, allowing students to master skills that enhance their game and overall mental and physical fitness and agility.
Christ Church regularly finishes among the top three schools in the Darlot Cup, winning the competition
Director of Cricket
Christ Church’s current Director of Cricket is Andy Greig, who follows in the footsteps of previous coaching greats at the School, like Graeme Wood and Mickey Arthur, known globally for their skill in building high performing teams.
Our coaches bring a wealth of experience to the position and focus on teaching students about the
Soccer
In 2011, the First XI became the first team to win a PSA Soccer Premiership for Christ Church since the sport was introduced to the competition in 1986. Since then, Christ Church has retained its momentum in the sport, winning a further three premierships.
Soccer is played during Terms 2 and 3 with training and fixtures at our St John’s Wood playing fields and away games at other school venues. The First teams compete for the Lawe Davies Cup.
Former Perth Glory player, Mark Lee, who coached the students to the School’s historic first premiership, is Head Coach of the Firsts. Mark made his professional debut at 16 in the UK for Scarborough before moving to Scottish club Hibernian. In 2005, he was named the WA State League’s Player of the Year.
Soccer is also played in the annual House Winter Sports Carnival where boys from Years 7 to 12 have a chance to compete for their House.
Hockey
Hockey is a well-established sport in Australia and since joining the Public Schools Association in 1957, Christ Church has built a strong presence in the PSA Hockey competition.
Since 2000, the School has finished top of the ladder five times, most recently in
Most recently, Australian field Hockey player Eddie Ockenden has coached the First team. Eddie is a five-time Olympian, three-time Olympic medallist, two-time Gold medallist for the Champions Trophy Competition, and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist. He has represented the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League, and he has played professional hockey in the Netherlands.
Senior students are encouraged to umpire junior students during the season and the School offers an umpiring course for boys in Year 11. Over the years, the School has developed ties with interstate and international schools and offers a biennial pre-season tour to Melbourne.
Health and Wellbeing
Student health and wellbeing is a priority and is nurtured through a range of programs. Our Centre for Health and Wellbeing focuses on inspiring a new generation of students to make informed decisions regarding holistic health and wellbeing.
The Health and Wellbeing (HWB) program develops knowledge and skills on a variety of topics including leadership, mental health, safe driving, religious education, career counselling and more.
Outdoor Education Program
Our Outdoor Education centre is known as Kooringal, a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘place by the water’ and is situated in a Jarrah tree forest 110 kilometres south-east of Perth.
The Outdoor Education program aligns with the School’s Phases of Learning, offering experiences that match students’ developmental stages and challenge them. These annual camps are compulsory and foster skills like initiative, self-reliance, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, healthy risk-taking, and environmental care.
In Year 7, students undertake a two-day expedition focused on relationships and leadership. Year 8 involves a four-night stay in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with peers from St Hilda’s Anglican School. Year 9 features an 8-night expedition at Kooringal in House groups, while Year 10 culminates with an 11-day Venture expedition through Walpole Nornalup National Park.
Through adventurous activities in our Outdoor Education Program, students explore self and nature and learn valuable skills and qualities that can be applied to everyday life.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy plays an important role in defining a student’s ability to succeed in school and throughout their lives. It involves any number of digital reading and writing techniques across multiple media forms, including words, texts, visual displays, motion graphics, audio, video and multimodal forms.
Christ Church has created a technology rich learning environment committed to high levels of digital literacy. Technology has played a significant part in making information far more accessible and learning a more immersive, relevant and compelling experience.
Our teachers use technology in a meaningful and safe way to improve learning and change the way students think. Computer programming, promotes logical thinking and teaches students how to tackle complex problems by breaking them down into smaller problems, which are easier to manage and solve.
Coding allows students to be creators. By learning to code, students maximise their creativity and develop persistence as to solve the problem they have, they must keep going and propose different solutions until they have the right one.
Ethical Hacking
Ethical Hacking is a subject at Christ Church gaining popularity. The School has partnered with the Security Research Institute at Edith Cowan University with students learning to perform hacking in a professional manner. The Institute is one of only six in the world.
During the course, students learn to assess the security of computer systems by looking for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems, and using the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but with the intention of improving security and safeguarding the targeted system.
Soft Skill development
For students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world they need to develop a range of soft skills. The ability to solve problems and lead change is incredibly important for the youth of today. The School focuses on incorporating the development of many soft skills in core subjects.
Students learn the following skills through our personalised learning environment:
• Communication
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Social Skills
• Digital Literacy
Rites of Passage
On Queenslea Drive (OQD) Year 9 Program
The Making of Men is a year-long program for Year 9 students, aligning with the School’s Health and Wellbeing curriculum, Outdoor Education at Kooringal, and a three-week live-in experience called On Queenslea Drive. It supports students through significant adolescent development and exploration of new life possibilities.
Based on campus to avoid interruption to their schooling, the On Queenslea Drive experience sees students sleep in a facility created specifically for the program. They participate in sessions, creative workshops and activities where they explore new concepts and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. During these sessions, life skills are introduced and developed, spirituality and values are questioned and investigated, and leadership and character begin to surface.
The program involves the whole community (including parents and significant role models) so that the young men develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. Led by a talented team of educators, The Making of Men complements the existing holistic framework of Christ Church and its focus on building the inner man.
Service learning
Service is a fundamental part of our culture and an integral part of life at Christ Church. Students develop a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to serving others that will guide them in life. Service is weaved seamlessly into our programs and activities, and it is part of the alchemy of building good men. Although sometimes intangible and impossible to measure, service is an invaluable experience and one that delivers life lessons for all our young men.
Activities and tours on offer are intended to expand their worldview, introduce them to those less fortunate, and offer chances to positively impact others without expecting anything in return. Service experiences foster empathy, acceptance, and respect, helping students become well-rounded individuals aware of their contributions to the community.
Cadets program
Our Cadets program commences in Year 10 when all students participate in one of three cadet programs:
Army Cadets
This program provides an opportunity to develop fitness, confidence, selfdiscipline and learn a wide variety of skills.
Surf Life Saving Cadets
This award-winning program is conducted through the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club with students working directly with the community.
Environment and Community Cadets
(ENCOMM)
This program involves volunteering at aged care facilities, undertaking wetland restoration, and participating in food rescue programs that often see students preparing meals for those experiencing homelessness.
Drama
Our renowned Midnite Youth Theatre Company, based at our Claremont campus, has contributed to youth arts in Western Australia for over 30 years. The company presents an exciting production season each year featuring casts of Christ Church students in Years 6 to 12 alongside students from other schools, providing extensive opportunities to participate and develop skills.
The Drama curriculum focuses on verbal and nonverbal communication, improvisation skills, and group-devised and scripted drama for stage and television. Students are encouraged to take part in at least one public performance each year in either acting or production roles. Visiting directors, overseas tours, festival performances and unconventional venues have contributed to some of the company’s award-winning plays.
Music
Music is integral to the artistic fabric of Christ Church and students of any skill level and ambition are encouraged to join the program. Students can choose from almost 30 instruments and 15 different ensembles to participate in. Our peripatetic staff tutor students on any classical, jazz or contemporary instrument, which are supported by an array of ensembles, co-curricular activities, and performance opportunities throughout the year.
The range of musical opportunities significantly broaden our students’ educational experience. They not only develop musical talents but also a wellrounded education that prepares them for diverse future opportunities.
The Music calendar features a variety of venues both on and off campus and performance styles. These venues are renowned for hosting internationally acclaimed musicians and provide our students with an authentic experience beyond the classroom.
Boarding
Around one-third of our 90 boarders come from overseas.
We offer specialised support for international students, with a dedicated Director of Boarding and Year Group Co-ordinators who work with families and boys from overseas to ensure that their particular circumstances are looked after.
Our international boarders enjoy academic support, superb facilities and a comprehensive Australian recreation program.
Pastoral care
Students thrive in our diverse, caring community, supported by an exceptional pastoral care program that fosters belonging, recognition, and challenge.
Each student is assigned to one of eight Houses and remains there until graduation. Houses are divided into smaller tutorial groups of students from Years 7 to 12. Each student has a dedicated tutor who meets with them daily and serves as the main contact for both students and parents, emphasising supportive relationships, teamwork, and leadership.
DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
YEAR GROUP CO-ORDINATOR
BOARDER
TUTOR
HEAD OF HOUSE
Square of Care
Square of Care
Boarders at Christ Church are cared for by staff who make up the Square of Care.
During the school day, a student’s Head of House and Tutor monitor his academic and co-curricular progress, while his Housemother and Year Group Co-ordinator are responsible for supporting and caring for him while he is in the boarding house.
The Year Group Co-ordinators and Director of Boarding support each student in every facet of their boarding and educational experience. Boarding staff work collaboratively with parents and teachers to ensure a complete understanding of each student’s school and boarding life.
Our dedicated pastoral team care for the whole student. Students are guided by the School’s values and encouraged to be happy, healthy, embrace challenges and extend themselves.
At the beginning of each new year, all incoming boarders, including overseas students and their parents attend an extensive orientation program. This program includes an overnight stay at the boarding house where parents and guardians meet with the Director of Boarding and the Year Group Co-ordinators and students are introduced to their Tutor, Head of House and Year Group Co-ordinator.
Contact details
Mahendra Vaswani
Deputy Principal/Director of Studies
BSc, Grad Dip Ed, MEd Mgt, MACEL, FAIM mvaswani@ccgs.wa.edu.au
+61 8 9442 1543
Joanne Wheeler
Director Communication and Engagement
BEd, MBA, GAICD jwheeler@ccgs.wa.edu.au
+61 8 9442 1531