Welcome Booklet

TI G GSS

Welcome

The Illawarra Grammar School - www.tigs.nsw.edu.au PO Box 225, Figtree NSW Australia 2525 - Western Avenue, Wollongong Tel: + 61 2 4220 0200 - Fax: + 61 2 4220 0201 Email: info@tigs.nsw.edu.au

TIGS

The Illawarra Grammar School

Mission Statement “The achievement of academic excellence in a caring environment that is founded on Christian belief and behaviour, so that students are equipped to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world.”

School Motto “De virtute in virtutem” – “From Strength to Strength” From Psalm 84:7

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Gifted & Talent Program

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

PYP- Primary Years Program

Junior School - Kinder to Year 6

The Piper Centre

TIGS Extended Program

A brief History of The Illawarra Grammar School

TIGS a brief history The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) was founded in 1959 through the concerted efforts, vision and energy of the late Bishop Gordon Begbie and a dedicated band of ‘founding parents’ who firmly believed in the need for a regional Anglican School to be based in the Illawarra. The vision and philosophy of those families to fully develop young people spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically in order that they might enter society with strong Christian Foundations to lead and serve are still followed today.

The School has come a long way in its short history thanks to the leadership of successive administrations and the dedicated support of its many families.

On its opening day on 3rd February 1959, the first Headmaster, Rev R F Bosanquet and two staff, welcomed 28 boys into a close and caring community.

In 1975, the School became coeducational when it amalgamated with SCEGGS ‘Gleniffer Brae’.

TIGS now has an enrolment of over 1000 students, Pre-preparatory – Year 12, housed in a modern educational setting with a well established and acknowledged reputation for delivering programs of excellence.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Gifted & Talent Program

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

PYP- Primary Years Program

Junior School - Kinder to Year 6

The Piper Centre

TIGS Extended Program “The School Mission and Values Statement states that we seek for our students to be “equipped to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world.” A TIGS education is an empowering experience and we continue to be delighted and uplifted by the achievements of our students as they utilise their learning, faith and values in their life after School.”

TIGS Extended TIGS Extended is the After School Care service for Kinder to Year 6 children. Located in the Junior School, TIGS extended provides a convenient link for working families between home and school. Student are supervised by qualified staff and participate in a variety of structured and unstructured activities.

Children are served a nutritious and tasty afternoon tea and quiet time for homework is incorporated into the daily routine.

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Gifted & Talent Program

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

PYP- Primary Years Program

Junior School - Kinder to Year 6

The Piper Centre

The Piper Centre The Piper Centre offers Preparatory classes for 3 and 4-year old children with 2-day, 3-day and 5-day programs available.

These programs aim to enhance and nurture development in a Christian environment through: • play; • structured learning experiences; • learning in an environment that is safe, friendly and stimulating; • creativity; • making friends; • developing confidence, in readiness for school.

Learning Philosophy Influenced by the School’s Christian world view and the principles of the Reggio Emilia1 philosophies, particular attention is given to the needs of the individual child.

Emphasis is on: • the involvement of each child as an active learner, • making independent decisions, • and on the development of a positive self image.

Children are also encouraged to develop self help skills and independent, creative and divergent thought, and a respect for the rights and feelings of others.

The Piper Centre provides a wonderful window of opportunity where the child is given shared positive experiences in a harmonious environment. The learning process is valued, fun and engaging. Programs are carefully designed and based on our children’s interests, passions and individual needs, providing them with the best foundation for their first years of formal schooling.

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Gifted & Talent Program

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Enriched Learning Learning is enriched through creative and cultural experiences in the specialist areas of Music, Art, and Library. The gross motor needs of children are further catered for through the Perceptual Motor/Physical Education Program.

PYP- Primary Years Program

The Facilities The Piper Centre was established to meet the particular requirements of young children. The indoor and outdoor environment has been planned in consultation with early childhood specialists and includes excellent facilities and equipment. Although the Centre is a physically separate secure environment the children are given regular opportunities to enjoy TIGS extensive facilities.

Junior School - Kinder to Year 6

It is recognised that children have already acquired much knowledge, understandings and gained many perceptions of their world. At TIGS each child’s sense of wonder, discovery and natural curiosity is affirmed. The Piper Centre provides an environment that allows for rich play experiences that stimulate further development.

Junior School - Kinder to Year 6 The Junior School Cirriculum caters to 21st century learning. ICT is seen as an integral part of learning utlised by teach and accessed by the teachers, to enhance learning. TIGS Junior School is a vibrant, caring community where students learn, laugh, play and explore the world around them. It is a welcoming Christian environment where friendships can flourish and personalities develop. Students develop confidence, feel part of their class group and their school, and grow into happy, enthusiastic learners. The close partnership between the School and parents provides students the care and attention they need to develop self-esteem and confidence - the building blocks for school success.

In the Junior School, students are able to achieve academic excellence through: • Implementation of the NSW Board of Studies Curriculum in the key learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, HSIE, Personal development, Health and Physical Education and Creative and Practical Arts. In addition, students study Biblical Studies (K–6) and Japanese (Years 2–6); • Planned explict and sequented teaching to develop skills in core areas; • Implementation of IB Primary Years Program (TIGS is a candidate school); • Small class sizes (Kinder–Year 2 around 20 and Years 3–6 around 25); • Implementation of a differentiated curriculum to meet the needs of all children; • Provision of rigorous learning activities that allow every child to achieve personal excellence; • Programs of extension for Gifted and Talented students; • Programs of enrichment for all students;

• Participate in regular Chapel services and Biblical Studies; • Participate in service opportunities both inside and outside the School Community; • Model the restoration of broken relationships in managing student welfare; • Care for each other across the School.

Learning is nurtured by the caring community that is a true partnership between families and the School. This can be seen in: • The unique role of the parent group Karobran (which means “together”); • The provision of support for students and their families in times of need; • The support given by staff for each child in their care; • The student leadership program; • The interaction between students of the Junior and Senior School through mentoring programs; • Parent participation in many areas of school life.

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Christian belief and values are central to learning in the Junior School and are in evidence across the curriculum and programs of the School in the way the children and staff:

Gifted & Talent Program

• Specialist teachers in the areas of Japanese (2-6), Art (P -2), PE, Christian Studies, Music and Drama;

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

• Local, state, national and international tournaments and competitions;

PYP- Primary Years Program

• Specialist learning support for students experiencing learning difficulties;

Primary Years Program (PYP) The Illawarra Grammar School has been accepted as a candidate school for the Primary Years Program (PYP) which is designed for students between the ages of 3 and 12 years.

It is an international, transdisciplinary program designed to foster the development of the whole child, not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning.

The PYP, which has been developed by The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems, with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools, to create a relevant and engaging educational framework for all children.

Why use the PYP? Our view is that PYP learning is more powerful and meaningful for the following reasons: • It links different areas of learning, making them more meaningful; • It promotes inquiry skills, that will be a vital tool in life long learning; • It encourages students to engage actively in their own learning, guided by their teachers; • It requires the students to reflect on what they are learning and act upon it; • It promotes an international mindset, for students of the 21st Century.

At the heart of The Primary Years Program’s philosophy is a commitment to guided inquiry as the leading method of learning. Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework for the exploration of knowledge. Teachers and students are guided by these themes as they design curricular units for exploration and study. Students explore subject areas through these themes, often in ways that transcend conventional subject boundaries. In the process, they develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to make socially responsible action.

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Performing Arts

Outdoor Education & Sport

Gifted & Talent Program

Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

Senior School - Years 7 to 12 TIGS Senior School is an outstanding centre of achievement in the Illawarra and in New South Wales.

Comparative data indicates that the academic results of students place TIGS as one of the top schools in NSW. This is achieved through: • Successful implementation of the NSW Board of Studies Curriculum; • Extensive subject choice, including all HSC Advanced and Extension courses; • Planned pathways and programs for gifted and talented students and students requiring support in learning; • Highly qualified and dedicated staff; • Outstanding facilities, including extensive Information Technology resources; • Small class sizes; • Links with other international schools.

Academic success is just one dimension of the lives of adolescents. Students actively participate in a range of activities that promote the development of the whole person, including: • Leading Performing Arts and Creative Arts programs in the Illawarra region; • Extensive sporting and outdoor education experiences; • Comprehensive student leadership and training opportunities; • Many community service and interest opportunities as part of a rich co-curricular program.

• Involvement in planned activities that provide service to others, locally, interstate and overseas; • Integration of a Christian world view into teaching programs.

The caring environment provided in the Preparatory and Junior School programs is continued in the Senior School. Parents and students, former and current, most often cite the care provided

by School staff as the most valued dimension of their TIGS experience.

Performing Arts

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

• Attendance at weekly Chapel services;

Outdoor Education & Sport

• Participation in Christian Studies as part of the time table;

Gifted & Talent Program

Students are encouraged to develop their faith and spiritual awareness through the School’s celebration of the teachings and traditions of the Christian faith. This includes:

Gifted & Talented Program Our specialist staff Our program for gifted and talented students is managed by specialist staff trained through the Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC) based at the University of NSW, together with a qualified School Counsellor and Student Services staff.

Co-ordinator of Gifted Education Mrs Margaret Dyos (BA, Dip Ed, Cert of Gifted Ed) Director of the Goodhew Research Centre - Mrs Jan Hales (BA (Hons), Dip Ed, M Ed, Cert of Gifted Ed) Director of Enrolment and Student Support – Mrs Moira Jefferson – B. Maths, B. Arts, Dip Ed (Special Ed) MACE School Counsellor Mrs Denise Adams - BA, Grad Dip Teaching, Grad Dip Counselling Clinical Psychologist Mr Shane Cross - B. Psych (Hons) M. Psych (Clinical) MAPS CCLIN Teaching staff are trained and supported in the identification of gifted students and in devising a differentiated curriculum that meets their needs.

Identification The identification of gifted and talented students occurs in partnership with parents. Teachers have access to the results of formal tests as well as anecdotal evidence from the classroom and playground. They are able to respond to the unique and identifying characteristics of gifted students.

Parents are encouraged to speak with staff about the presenting evidence to determine the appropriate educational program for their child. Assistance with identification is sought through GERRIC where required.

The School then devises a program that is appropriate for the student’s needs.

Programs for Gifted and Talented students The needs of gifted students vary considerably and the School provides a range of programs and pathways from which to choose.

In the Junior School, students are able to benefit from: • Specialist classes • Differentiated curriculum • Withdrawal programs providing grouping with other gifted and talented students • Mentoring by specialists in specific areas of interest • Access to the ‘Honours Program’

• Subject acceleration, including Mathematics, Science, Languages and Music • Differentiated curriculum • Grouping of talented students through subject grading • Access to the ‘Honours Program’ • Mentoring by experts, including links with the University of Wollongong • Da Vinci Decathlon • Special Interest Days • Participation in specialist activities, including: - Macquarie Bank Future Problem Solving Program - Tournament of Minds - Model United Nations Assembly - Debating and Public Speaking - Lions Club Youth of the Year - Interschool Competitions and Challenges The Honours Program The School has developed its own Honours Program which provides gifted and talented students with an opportunity to participate in a significantly challenging and holistic program of academic and social activity.

Students can choose to engage in the program at their own level of interest and ability. Within this program, students are encouraged to: • Undertake a Personal Interest Project • Be involved in sporting and creative activities • Engage in school and community service • Participate in social events Participating students are guided and supported by the Co-ordinator of Gifted Education and Heads of Subject Departments for the duration of the program.

Performing Arts

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

Programs offered in the Senior School include:

Outdoor Education & Sport

• Participation in specialist activities, including - Macquarie Bank Future Problem Solving Program - Tournament of Minds - Gifted and Talented Camp - Writers In Residence Camp - Debating - Interschool Competitions and Challenges

Sport & Outdoor Education Sport at TIGS aims to: • Encourage enjoyment and fun through participating in physical activities • Encourage social interaction with peers during physical activity • Promote participation in lifelong physical activity • Develop individual and team skills in a variety of activities • Create opportunities for students to develop skills in leadership • Instil in students:

- approporiate behaviour and self discipline

- commitment to an activity

- respect for others involved in an activity

- respect for rules (laws) governing the activity

- a feeling of belonging

- tolerance, reliability and co-operation

- respect for property and equipment.

TIGS Co-Curricular Sports and Club Program The fundamental aim of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to become involved in physical activity, in a way which promotes short and long-terms benefits. These benefits are measured in terms of increased levels of fitness and health, improved skill level and competence, as well as the pleasure of social interaction derived from involvement in sport and training.

The TIGS Program offers students expert coaching that will enhance their skill level and supplement their own training for outside clubs. A number of fixtures will be played in various sports, but the main emphasis is on training sessions and inter-school competitions that enhance and build students’ confidence and their sporting ability.

Each activity has a Mast/Mistress In Charge (MIC) and the MIC is the first point of contact. The school has endeavoured to provide excellent quality coaches who are well skilled in their field and have the ability to effectively communicate their knowledge and ideas to students.

Some of the sports in which specialist coaching is offered: Athletics, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Hockey, Touch Football, Netball, Rugby, Rowing and Cricket.

Every student has the opportunity to represent their school in: AFL, Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Hockey, Mountain Biking, Netball, Triathlon, Rugby, Skiing, Football, Softball, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Football, Volleyball.

TIGS Sport Program The Sports programme is an integral element in the philosophy of TIGS and it aims to foster and enhance the objectives of the school. Participation in the Sports program broadens the educational experience of students.

Students are selected from school based competitions and trials to represent at NASSA Carnivals, Gala Days and trials, the next level of competition being AICES. From this you may represent or trial at CIS from which a NSW Allschools team is selected. All students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and to represent to the Australian level.

The diagram below demonstrates the representative progression in TIGS sport.

AUSTRALIA NSW ALLSCHOOLS CIS (COMBINED INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS)

AICES (ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS)

NASSA (NEW ANGLICAN SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION)

SCHOOL (TIGS - THE ILLAWARRA GRAMMAR SCHOOL)

Outdoor Education The TIGS Outdoor Education Program seeks to provide excellence in outdoor education in a Christian framework. This is achieved through our sequential camp program from Years 7 to 12 and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. It is becoming of greater importance to provide outdoor education experience as students are increasingly influenced by technological advances and communication. We aim to provide an environment where students can move beyond their self perceived limitations and grow spiritualty, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

TIGS participates competitively in NASSA (New Anglican School Sports Association), Wollongong Diocese Gala Days and Interschool visits and competitions.

Performing Arts

Competitive Sport

Performing Arts Ensembles TIGS offer our students a variety of ensembles, catering for all levels of performance, which enhances their dramatic and instrumental skills. The ensemble programme provides them with extensive opportunities for social interaction and a time to develop their creativity in an exciting, supported environment.

Students are encouraged to join one of the many school ensembles, which perform regularly at concerts inside and outside of school. Senior Emsembles are involved in touring internationally and competing at the Aurora Music Festival.

Junior School (Year 3-6) students can join our co-curricular programme by participating in such groups as: Junior String Ensemble, Junior Orchestra, 5/6 Guitar Ensemble and 5/6 Drama Ensemble. TIGS has a strong choral tradition and all students from Prep to Year 6 sing in an age appropriate choir.

In the Senior School (Years 7-12) students have a wide variety of co-curricular Performing Arts ensembles to join, including: Stage Band, Concert Band, Senior Orchestra, Intermediate String Group, Senior String Group, Vocal Group, Choral Group, Chamber Ensembles, Chapel Bands, Intermediate Guitar Ensemble, 7/8 Dance Troupe, 9/10 Dance Troupe and 7/8 Drama Ensemble.

TIGS has a strong tradition of performance through the TIGS Theatre Company. This company has a range of annual productions that allow our students to act, dance, sing and play instruments. Students are able to participate in musicals and plays, which allow them to develop their skills on the stage and create strong peer relations.

Private Tuition Private music tuition is available to all students during and outside of school hours, with fully qualified professional musicians conducting the lessons.

Private tuition is available for the following instruments: Cello Double Bass Flute Guitar – Bass Guitar – Electric

Piano Trombone Tuba Violin

Clarinet Drums Guitar - Acoustic Guitar - Classical

Saxophone Trumpet Viola Voice

Junior School A mandatory instrumental Music Programme begins in Year 2 with students being given the option of learning Flute, Violin, Piano, Cello or Viola.

Specialists on these instruments then tutor the students throughout the year, and are encouraged to participate in the various concerts that take place during the year.

Every Junior School student is a member of a choir and an ensemble, which perform regularly at various functions throughout the year.

The Junior School Performing Arts Programme is a unique programme that is directly linked and sequenced to the senior music, dance and drama curriculum. TIGS Performing Arts Staff teach in both the Senior and Junior School, allowing great insight into music education as a central developmental process.

The Mandatory Music Programme begins in the Early Learning stage with each student in Preparatory learning the Violin. Again in Year 2 students are asked to select a second instrument to study. In this stage the focus shifts to refining ensemble skills. Specialist instrumental tutors instruct the students throughout the year.

Stage 2 provides the students with choices. Each student selects an area of the Performing Arts to study for one semester. These choices are Dance, Drama, Piano Ensemble or Guitar Ensemble. The Stage 2 programme culminates in a performance that combines all of the Performing Arts. Students not only have an extensive opportunity to explore a variety of Performing Arts disciplines, every student in Stage 2 has vocal training and performs in an age appropriate choir.

The Performing Arts choices continue in Stage 3 with students also being offered the choice of learning a Brass instrument, Dance, Drama, Keyboard Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble. All students continue their vocal tuition by performing with the 5/6 Boys Choir and the 5/6 Girls Choir.

Stage 3 students are all eligible for acceleration into senior ensembles allowing them to further develop their listening and ensemble skills individually tailoring their music education to meet the needs of our students.

TIGS Performing Arts Programme offers: • A programme which caters for beginners to international performers •

An integrated academic and ensemble music programme

• Outstanding HSC results including selection for Encore and Onstage • Acceleration programme for gifted students.

• Composer-in-residence programme giving all students access to internationally renowned composers.

• Opportunities for students to perform at school events, events within the broader community and the opportunity to tour overseas with selected ensembles.

• Extensive co-curricular programme that allows students to combine all three performing disciplines; Music, Dance and Drama

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring

More Information

Three Core Values - Academic, Christian and Caring Academic 1.1 The core business of the School is student learning within a framework provided by Christian faith. The School Community supports students in developing their abilities, empowering them to become fulfilled individuals who can successfully participate and provide leadership in society for the good of others and to the glory of God. 1.2 Success in learning involves the development of the whole child. The School is committed to offering a broad curriculum, adopting a holistic approach to each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, aesthetic, cultural, social and emotional development.

1.3 Learning is a life-long process and the School places great importance on the acquisition of thinking and learning skills that equip, enrich and challenge students to be creative, reflective, critical, discerning, collaborative and independent learners.

1.4 Individual academic disciplines provide a knowledge base and framework for understanding the world. The School is also committed to students achieving an enriched understanding that comes through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning, building on the academic disciplines.

1.5 It is recognised that students learn in different ways and at different rates and that the gifts each child possesses are unique in their extent and combination. Student learning is organised so that each child is given the opportunity to identify and develop their gifts and talents to the fullest extent.

1.6 The School sets excellence as its standard when planning and evaluating its academic programs and outcomes. Excellence is viewed as neither elitist nor exclusive and is accessible to all who aspire to be the best they can be. The advantages of our culture of academic excellence are not just for the individual but are for the benefit of our whole School Community and beyond.

Christian 2.1 As an Anglican School, TIGS is founded on Christian principles.

2.2 The School actively promotes formation in the Christian faith. This is achieved through a commitment to the teaching of Christ and its application to relationships, curriculum, policies and procedures.

2.3 The School is committed to developing and implementing curriculum that reflects a Christian world view. This is achieved through the public celebration of the Christian faith and through the embedding of a Christian world view in all that we do.

2.4 With an understanding of God’s created order and intention for our world through the experience of the curriculum, students will be equipped to act with discernment and have direction in their decision making.

2.5 By modelling servant leadership, promoting service and embedding the concept of stewardship in the School’s programs, students receive guidance and practical experience in living a life that is faithful to the teachings of Christ.

2.6 The School recognises that its community is inclusive and seeks these outcomes for all who are part of the School Community.

Our ultimate authority is God’s Word, the Bible, which reveals to us that: •

God is the true and living God, creator of the heavens and the earth, who sustains His creation with all power

•

He made people in His image and to be in relationship with Him, with each other and the environment

•

Sin has destroyed this relationship with God: in desiring to rule their own lives, people reject God’s authority and distrust his loving kindness; and hence they are alienated from God, others and the environment.

•

Because of His unfailing love for his people, God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to reconcile all things to himself. In His life he taught us the ways of God, demonstrating His authority as well as His love and compassion for people. In His death and resurrection He bore the punishment for our sin and offers eternal life to all who accept His authority and trust in His loving kindness.

•

He has given us a guarantee of this eternal life by sending His Holy Spirit to empower His followers to live as God’s people. He will return to judge all people and have His full authority finally recognised by all.

As Christians, our lives and all that we do reflect these truths. We live in a world still marred by sin, yet we live as God’s people in that world, seeking by his power, to live Christ-like lives and to intentionally proclaim the Gospel so that others come to a restored relationship with Him.

Caring 3.1 Forging strong partnerships between the School and families is foundational to the provision of a caring, nurturing and safe environment which engages children as they grow, learn and mature into adulthood.

3.2 Providing care that is appropriate for the individual needs of each child as they progress through the stages of learning is of paramount importance for the School. Individualised care is seen as an extension of that provided by families and is the platform from which effective learning takes place. Students learn best at school when they feel safe, loved, cared for and valued.

3.3 The School’s holistic approach to learning is reflected in the care and nurture provided for students. Our Pastoral Care programs support the academic, spiritual, physical, aesthetic, cultural, social and emotional needs of the child. The School sees individual differences as a strength from which a strong School Community is forged.

3.4 Through the formative years of schooling, children acquire the skills to make life choices. The School provides guidance for students in making wise choices through programs that are age appropriate, promote responsible decision making and reflect the values of a Christian world view.

3.5 All relationships within the School should be characterised by courtesy, grace and understanding. This forms the basis for the caring community that is The Illawarra Grammar School. When relationships are damaged through poor decision-making, the example of grace and forgiveness set by Christ is used as our model in promoting the restoration of relationships in ways that are just and fair.

3.6 As the School Community cares for each of its members, so it seeks for its students to be caring of others in the wider community.

Through the knowledge and understanding of Christian love, compassion and justice, students will be supported to become active participants in society and wise architects of the future.

The Illawarra Grammar School - www.tigs.nsw.edu.au PO Box 225, Figtree NSW Australia 2525 - Western Avenue, Wollongong Tel: + 61 2 4220 0200 - Fax: + 61 2 4220 0201 Email: info@tigs.nsw.edu.au