DISCOVER EXTRAORDINARY
DISCOVER EXTRAORDINARY
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME A WARM WELCOME On behalf of our staff, students and families, welcome to Knox. Knox is an independent Uniting Church school for boys from Kindergarten to Year 12 across three campuses. We offer boarding for boys from Year 7 to Year 12. We also operate Wahroonga Prep, a small, co-educational campus for girls and boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. We are a community which values our traditions while embracing new technologies, ideas and opportunities.
HOLISTIC EDUCATION
OUR PHILOSOPHY
As a Uniting Church school, we are committed to the achievement of academic excellence in a Christian environment, where students are equipped to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world. Personally, I believe learning is more than just an academic pursuit; it is holistic, providing a balance between a student’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
At Knox, we value each child for his or her strengths and abilities. Our aim is to help our students find and develop their passions and talents and grow from young people into great leaders of ‘Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage’.
TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Knox is a school of opportunities; we offer opportunities for every child to thrive.
We are an inclusive, non-selective school and the consistently high results of our students attest to the quality of our teaching and our ability to bring out the very best in every child.
POSITIVE APPROACH Through our innovative Knox Total Fitness and Positive Psychology programs, every Knox student receives individual mentoring to support them to grow into a person with a sure knowledge of who they are and how they should live.
EQUIPPED FOR THE FUTURE Our world is transforming. The achievers of tomorrow will need to be agile self-starters who can problem solve and persevere. At Knox, our diverse opportunities aim to prepare each child for the future they will create. Join us and ‘Discover Extraordinary’. I look forward to welcoming you into our community.
SCOTT JAMES HEADMASTER
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Scott James commenced as Headmaster of Knox in 2018. He has more than 25 years’ experience as an educator and is passionate about how mental fitness and a growth mindset can empower young people.
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WELLBEING AND FAITH
A POSITIVE APPROACH KNOX TOTAL FITNESS Knox Total Fitness is our integrated Positive Psychology program which aims to support and improve the social, physical, spiritual and academic fitness of every student. Our program equips our students with life skills to ensure they perform at their very best and are more resilient to the stresses they may encounter as teenagers and young adults. Positive Psychology can play a crucial role in reducing depression and anxiety within the school environment. All Knox staff, including sport coaches, receive expert training in Positive Psychology from qualified psychologists. We are proud to be a global leader in Positive Education and a member of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) and the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA).
SPIRITUAL LIFE We enhance and support the spiritual growth of every child through Uniting Church faith and leadership. Our students have many opportunities to explore and celebrate their faith through regular chapel services, Bible study sessions and student groups. Boys in the Prep School attend weekly ‘Wisdom, Life, Faith’ lessons while Wahroonga Prep students attend weekly ‘Religious Education’ classes. Senior School students participate in a religious studies course titled ‘Wisdom, Life and Faith’ until Year 10.
MENTORING FOR MENTAL FITNESS Every Knox Senior School student has an individual, trained mentor who helps him to identify his strengths and set academic and personal goals. Students are introduced to activities and exercises scientifically proven to increase levels of wellbeing and performance. All Knox teachers are trained in Positive Psychology. Prep School class teachers and Senior School mentors are an important point of communication between parents and the School.
04 All staff are trained in the principles of Positive Psychology by qualified psychologists.
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QUALITY TEACHING
REVOLUTION IN THE CLASSROOM Research shows that the single biggest factor in helping young people to achieve academically is the quality of the teacher before them.
QUALITY TEACHING Outstanding teaching is the key to our students’ success. We employ highly skilled and innovative teachers who are passionate about teaching and learning.
LESSON OBSERVATION AND CRITIQUE Knox teachers work in small teams using the ‘action research model’, informed by data, to target teaching and learning areas for improvement and identify opportunities for change and innovation. Our teachers set strategic goals informed by the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and work together to learn from each other and our best performing teachers.
STUDENT VOICE
“Having your lessons filmed, whilst daunting, is such a rewarding experience. To see your lesson from the perspective of your students, is really what you need to see as a teacher.” FIONA DOUBÉ HISTORY AND LEGAL STUDIES TEACHER
Student surveys help teachers understand how to target their teaching and personalise the learning. Student representatives from across the School also provide input into the curriculum and how student learning can be enhanced.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Our on-site research institute, the Research Institute for Innovation and Professional Learning (RiiPL), is committed to being a collaborative, innovative and altruistic institution that fosters student and teacher excellence. RiiPL has partnered with the University of Newcastle, businesses, agencies and government and non-government schools to research and explore the best teaching strategies and how they can benefit students.
BOOSTING POTENTIAL At Knox, by investing in programs to promote quality teaching, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full academic potential. To learn more about how our Quality Teaching programs are benefiting our students, watch our Quality Teaching video at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/qualityteaching.
Every Knox teacher has their lessons observed and critiqued, providing them with opportunities to improve and enhance their teaching practice.
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OUR ACADEMIES
STRUCTURED FOR SUCCESS If a student is to thrive, it is essential for them to be truly known as an individual – their story, passions, weaknesses and strengths. Knox has been structured with this in mind; we ensure every child is supported within the larger environment of Knox and the opportunities this offers.
OUR SCHOOL STRUCTURE PREP SCHOOLS
Knox has two preparatory school campuses: • Knox Prep – K-6 school for boys • Wahroonga Prep - Pre-K to 6 school for girls and boys SENIOR SCHOOL
Our larger Senior School campus is made up of three stage-based academies, catering to the specific learning and developmental needs of boys through their schooling: • Junior Academy – Years 7 to 8 – introducing boys to secondary school, instilling good learning habits • Middle Academy – Years 9 to 10 – building confidence and character, encouraging teamwork and autonomous learning • Senior Academy – Years 11 to 12 – focusing on independent learning, leadership and academic excellence Each Senior School year group has its own year leader and assistant year leader, who oversee the wellbeing and personal growth of the boys. Every year group is also supported by an in-house psychologist, student administration officer and a team of mentors who meet several times a fortnight with the boys in their care.
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The Weeks Senior Academy, located at the southern end of the Senior School, provides a learning, administrative and social hub for Years 11 and 12 students.
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KNOX PREP
A FIRM FOUNDATION Our dynamic Knox Preparatory School campus, located a short walk from the Senior School, provides boys from Kindergarten to Year 6 with the foundations for a life-long love of learning. The unofficial motto of the Prep is ‘have a go’. We encourage the boys to constantly try new things.
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LIFE We understand and track our boys’ individual levels of progress in literacy and numeracy and offer a tailored program that targets what each boy is ready to learn next, catering for all levels and abilities. A comprehensive specialist program is offered in Science, Music, Languages, Music, Visual Art, Sport and Languages.
TINKERING TOWARDS TOMORROW
MEET THE HEAD OF KNOX PREP
Welcome to Knox Prep, a world of adventurous opportunities for boys. Through our powerful learning programs, our boys are encouraged to understand both their impact and potential influence on our world. Our personalised program of learning is tailored to the specific needs of each boy. Our many service learning initiatives encourage the boys to develop empathy and compassion. Prep boys are encouraged to ‘have a go’ at the myriad of opportunities that are offered, giving them the chance to find their passions and talents. Knox boys finish at the Prep as happy, confident learners who are ready to tackle the challenges of the Senior School.
Curiosity, creativity and critical and creative thinking are encouraged through Knoxigations, our integrated investigative units. Boys learn the Australian curriculum content, before conducting their own inquiries on a global scale. With a focus on e-STEAM, they seek to understand the perspectives of the people involved and then use technology in a purposeful way to solve problems. Through these investigations, the boys come to understand their role in making a difference in the world.
LIFE AT THE PREP Lunchtime and after-school clubs offer additional opportunities for boys to participate in activities such as dance and drama, Lego robotics, movie-making and language learning.
FAITH, WISDOM, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION AND COURAGE Boys from Kindergarten to Year 6 attend weekly Wisdom, Life and Faith lessons, which reinforce their understanding of the character strengths through the Christian message, with a focus on the School’s values of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage.
OUTSIDE HOURS CARE On-site before- and after-school care is available for Prep boys from 7am until the start of school and from the end of lessons until 6.30pm.
SUE FLORO HEAD OF KNOX PREPARATORY SCHOOL
11 Through a strong focus on teamwork, Prep boys learn important skills in how to get along with others.
WAHROONGA PREP
A PASSION FOR LEARNING Located adjacent to Wahroonga Park, Wahroonga Preparatory School is our vibrant co-educational campus for girls and boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN To help girls and boys prepare for school and get a head-start for Kindergarten, we offer three- and five-day Pre-Kindergarten places for children. Our specialist early learning teachers provide a structured school-readiness program, developing literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills in a fun, positive learning environment.
KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 6 Our small class sizes and dedicated, innovative teachers help our girls and boys develop core academic skills, providing a firm foundation for secondary school. Specialist subject-based teachers provide Literacy and Information Technology, Science, Music, Japanese and PDHPE classes each week.
EXTRA SUPPORT Our learning support staff assist classroom teachers with group work in literacy and numeracy. A gifted and talented program led by specialist staff provides opportunities for enrichment and extension of the curriculum.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Comprehensive music, sport, service learning and club programs are all part of life at Wahroonga Prep. Visit our website to find out more about these programs.
PATHWAYS We offer a pathway for Wahroonga Prep students to attend Knox Senior School (7-12) or Ravenswood School for Girls (7-12). For more information, please contact each Enrolment Team.
MEET THE HEAD OF WAHROONGA PREP
At Wahroonga Prep we value each girl and boy as a strong, capable and resilient individual, with wonder and a passion for learning. Our educational philosophy is based upon the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. We want our students to be engaged in their learning, so we encourage each girl and boy to challenge themselves and explore topics of interest through inquiry-based learning. Wahroonga Prep is a small, caring learning community with experienced, dedicated teachers. We look forward to showing you around! JULIE WISEMAN HEAD OF WAHROONGA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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Wahroonga Prep is our dynamic co-educational campus, with a strong community and an innovative team of teachers dedicated to their students’ success.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
A STRONG FINISH The Senior School is an energetic and engaging place where boys are transformed into mature young men who are equipped for life beyond school. Our innovative curriculum, structured especially for boys, breaks down the walls of traditional teaching with project-based learning and an emphasis on integrating technology.
BREADTH AND DEPTH
OPPORTUNITY KNOX
The Senior School is a bustling, energetic place where boys are challenged within and beyond the classroom. Academic excellence and personal growth are woven into all aspects of student life. There are so many opportunities to try new activities, whether it be gaining Surf Life Saving skills, joining a rock band or discovering da Vinci Decathlon. STRENGTHS AND SPIRIT
We nurture and celebrate every boy’s strengths and passions. This culture of inclusivity leads to a sense of belonging and school spirit that the boys love and embrace.
Boys in Years 7 and 8 study core subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History and Geography and get a taste of other subjects including Visual Arts, Wisdom Life and Faith, Languages, PDHPE, Music and Technology. From Years 9 to 12, boys are able to select from a broad range of subjects, enabling them to pursue their passions and plot their course for future studies. More than 30 subjects are on offer for Years 11 and 12 including: • Agriculture
• Engineering Studies
• Modern History
• Ancient History
• English
• Music
• Biology
• French
• Physical Education
• Business Studies
• German
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Industrial Technology
• Religious Studies
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Software Design
• Drama
• Legal Studies
• Visual Arts
• Economics
• Mathematics
A HELPING HAND The Learning Enhancement Team works inside and outside the classroom to provide individual care and support for students with particular learning needs.
Years 11 and 12 students are challenged through more than 30 subjects. See our full curriculum at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/curriculum
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
THE LOVE OF LEARNING STRETCH YOURSELF
HSC PERFORMANCE
Programs such as da Vinci enrichment classes provide academically capable Prep and Senior School students with opportunities to extend themselves with challenging projects beyond the standard curriculum.
We provide support and individual academic coaching to ensure every boy can perform at his best. The HSC results of our students are a testament to our approach.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Teacher-led after-school tutorials provide students with opportunities to receive extra academic support and consolidate their learning. Years 11 and 12 boys can also participate in supervised study in the Weeks Senior Academy in the evening from Monday to Friday.
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE The leaders of tomorrow will need outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) skills, as well as the ability to solve problems creatively. Across our campuses, we provide our students with opportunities to develop their creativity, collaboration and critical problem solving skills through inter-disciplinary inquiry-based learning connected to real-world problems.
GLOBAL LEARNING Knox students connect with their peers around the world through collaborative research projects, competitions and exchange programs.
CAREER GUIDANCE The Knox Careers Advisor provides senior students with one-on-one guidance in selecting a future career and further studies.
Knox is regularly a top performer in the HSC. In recent years: • A pproximately 4 percent of Knox boys have achieved an ATAR of 99.0 or higher, placing them in the top one percent of the state. • M ore than 40 percent of our Year 12 students have achieved an ATAR of 90.0 or higher. • K nox has been ranked in the top 20 in NSW for its STEM subject results. • K nox Year 12 students consistently finish at the top of the state and are selected for ARTEXPRESS, ENCORE, OnStage, Shape and InTECH. • K nox students have received scholarships to attend the University of Sydney, University of NSW, University of Technology, Sydney, Macquarie University and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, to study Accounting, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Actuarial Studies and Music.
16 Our diverse curriculum provides our students with many opportunities to develop and extend their STEM skills.
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PERSONAL GROWTH
LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY Student leadership and emotional growth are a strong focus at Knox and boys have many opportunities to attain leadership roles during their time at the School.
PREFECTS AND PEER SUPPORT Our portfolio-based prefect and leader structures provide Prep and Senior School students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills in specific areas of personal interest or challenge. Junior students are led by senior students through peer-support groups and activities such as sport, cadets, clubs and music.
A WEEK IN THE BUSH
For many Knox boys the highlight of the year is the Cadet Annual Field Exercise, a week-long camp. As well as learning to live in the field, our cadets participate in high and low ropes courses, abseiling, trekking and many other challenging outdoor activities. PLAY IN THE PIPE BAND
Established in 1946 with a group of nine boys and four sets of bagpipes, the much-loved Knox Pipes and Drums Band plays at commemorative events such as the Anzac Day Parade in Sydney and participates in competitions across Australia. The band, which now has more than 100 members, also tours the United Kingdom regularly. The Knox Pipes and Drums recently won the Australian Pipe Band Championships.
JOIN THE CADETS Our School’s 1000-strong Cadet Unit, the largest in Australia, has been an integral part of the Knox tradition since the School’s inception, providing exceptional opportunities for boys to take on responsibility and demonstrate leadership. The Knox Grammar School Cadet Unit is made up of boys from Knox and girls from Ravenswood School for Girls, providing a co-educational leadership opportunity.
SKILLS FOR LIFE Cadets learn self-discipline, survival and field skills and participate in activities such as an annual field camp and parades. Participation in cadets is compulsory for Year 9 students and is optional thereafter.
The Prep School Pipe Band is one of only a handful of junior pipe bands in Australia. The band has about 25 members from Years 3 to 6.
Cadets participate in events such as the Anzac Memorial Service and Parade, an important tradition in the life of the School.
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OUR FACILITIES
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Knox offers facilities like no other Australian school. Our classrooms, sports, drama and music facilities provide opportunities for every Knox student to pursue their diverse talents. The Senior School facilities are regularly used by Knox Prep and Wahroonga Prep students.
CLASSROOMS
THE ACADEMIES
EWAN HOUSE YEAR 6 CENTRE
Our Junior (Years 7-8) and Senior (Years 11-12) Academies provide dedicated spaces for our Senior School boys to study, collaborate and socialise. The Senior Academy, which offers extended opening hours for evening study, includes a specialist senior library, modern science labs and classrooms, a lecture theatre and a Seniors Hall. A new Middle Academy for boys in Years 9-10 is due to open in 2020.
PERFORMING ARTS FACILITIES Opened in 2019, the ground-breaking Knox Performing Arts Centre includes a 750-seat auditorium, 160-seat drama space and musical rehearsal spaces. This incredible facility is also home to our academic Drama and Music Departments.
KNOX GREAT HALL
All classrooms have SMART Boards and all campuses are equipped with wireless networks for the students to use their laptops and other devices.
This beautiful 1896 heritage home has been renovated with modern Year 6 classrooms, breakout spaces and multimedia facilities.
K-2 CENTRE Purpose-built to meet the needs of young boys, this bright Prep School facility has large, open-plan areas for inquiry-based learning and group activities.
WAHROONGA PREP CENTRE
The iconic Great Hall is used for school assemblies and functions, music and theatre events and basketball matches.
Wahroonga Prep’s colourful building has dedicated classrooms, including specialist rooms for our Pre-Kindergarten students and music lessons.
KNOX AQUATIC CENTRE
CHAPEL
Our indoor, Olympic-sized swimming pool has electronic timing and seating for over 500 spectators. It is used for swimming carnivals, water polo, training squads and learn to swim programs.
KNOX BOARDING CENTRE This world-class facility has modern accommodation featuring single and twin rooms with ensuites.
Boasting ornate stained-glass windows and a traditional organ, the historic William McIlrath War Memorial Chapel is the spiritual heart of Knox.
FITNESS CENTRE Boys have access to the latest cardio, strength and conditioning equipment.
PLAYING FIELDS The Prep and Senior School campuses both have high-quality playing fields. Additional off-campus fields are located at Warrawee and Turramurra.
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Learn more about the Knox Prep, Wahroonga Prep and Senior School facilities online. See our virtual reality video at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/virtual
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PERFORMING ARTS
A PLACE TO PERFORM Extensive music, drama and performance activities are offered at Knox to expand and challenge students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Every student has opportunities to learn a musical instrument, play in an ensemble or take part in a drama production.
FIND YOUR TALENT Whether they love tap dancing or tickling the ivories, drama or drumming, classical or contemporary, the new Performing Arts Centre supports each student in their engagement with the performing arts.
LEARN AN INSTRUMENT HAVE A GO!
Gain qualifications that lead to industry accreditation. Learn how to dance from a qualified professional. Direct, film and edit your own short film for the annual Knox Flix Film Festival. Play in front of the entire Senior School in the Battle of the Bands.
We offer private lessons for over 30 different instruments across all disciplines including wind, brass, strings, percussion, piano and voice.
STAR IN A MUSICAL OR DRAMA PRODUCTION There are opportunities for students to be the lead, join the chorus, work backstage or operate the lights. Musical and drama productions are held at Knox Prep, Wahroonga Prep and the Senior School every year. Hugh Jackman and Hugo Weaving started out in Knox performances.
MUSIC FOR ALL TASTES Boys are encouraged to join one or many of our bands, ensembles, orchestras, choral groups, jazz or rock bands, or play in the pit for the annual musical. Our music groups tour overseas, play at the state and national band championships and participate in the annual Sydney Eisteddfod. Boys can experience a world of different music styles.
SING AND BE HEARD Our students can sing their hearts out with our extensive choir and curriculum music programs.
WORK BEHIND THE SCENES Under the guidance of industry experts, boys can be a part of our student Tech Crew, which operates the sound, lights and technical equipment for the School’s musical and drama productions.
Located at the Senior School campus, the new Knox Performing Arts Centre provides world-class learning and performance opportunities for all students at Knox.
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KNOX SPORTS AND AQUATIC ACADEMY
TEAM FOCUS Playing sport is an essential part of every child’s education at Knox. Whether they are a novice who loves to kick around a footy or an elite athlete looking for a professional pathway, the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy aims to instil lifelong habits in sport and physical fitness.
GET FIT AND HAVE FUN WITH MORE THAN 25 SPORTS Knox students enjoy one of the most diverse sporting programs of any Australian school.
LESSONS FOR LIFE
Through sport our students learn about teamwork, mental fitness, fair play and how to deal with defeat as well as success. SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Several Knox students regularly participate in national and international competitions in sports including Basketball, Fencing, Football, Golf, Mountain Biking, Rugby, Swimming and Track and Field.
• AFL
• Futsal
• Squash
• Athletics
• Golf
• Surf Life Saving
• Baseball
• Karate
• Surfing
• Basketball
• Mountain Biking
• Swimming
• Cricket
• Orienteering
• Table Tennis
• Cross Country
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Diving
• Sailing
• Volleyball
• Fencing
• Rifle Shooting
• Water Polo
• Fitness Classes
• Snow Sports
• Football
• Softball
Please note, some sports choices are limited to specific year groups.
PATHWAYS FOR ELITE ATHLETES
Our Pathways for Elite Athletes at Knox (PEAK) program has been designed to support and assist high performing student-athletes considering a career in elite sport to achieve excellence in their chosen sport, while achieving their best academically.
TRAINING AND MATCHES All boys from Years 3 to 12 are expected to play sport for the school. Boys normally attend regular weekday sports training after school and participate in weekend sport on Saturdays during term time.
LEARN FROM THE BEST All boys are coached by qualified professional coaches who have received expert training in Positive Psychology. Several former Olympians and Australian representatives are among our coaching staff.
At Knox we believe that playing sport provides every child with important life skills such as teamwork and perseverance.
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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS Overseas history, academic, music and sports tours take place regularly, including trips to the NASA Space Centre in Houston, USA.
EXPERIENCE OTHER CULTURES Senior boys have the opportunity to participate in cultural, language and youth leadership exchanges to destinations including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, North America and South Africa.
GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Cook a dish for the homeless, fundraise for charity or volunteer for a community organisation; every Knox Prep and Senior School boy has opportunities to make a difference to the lives of others.
OVERSEAS IMMERSION Social justice trips to countries such as Papua New Guinea provide boys with the opportunity to help others and learn more about the world beyond Knox.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT Activities including debating, Future Problem Solving, the da Vinci Decathlon (a regional, state, national and international academic competition), chess and computer coding classes give our students opportunities to hone new skills. From the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to mock trials, there’s something for everyone.
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All boys in Years 3 to 10 participate in an integrated program of camps and outdoor adventures as part of the regular school and cadet program.
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BOARDING AT KNOX
A HOME AT SCHOOL A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BOARDER
A HOME AT SCHOOL
Wake-up – Boarders are woken up by their House Manager at about 6.45am.
We offer boarding for boys from Years 7 to 12 in a family-style environment. Our boarding community is a diverse, close-knit group, with boys from local suburbs, rural areas and overseas.
Breakfast – Served in the Dining Room at about 7.15am. Some boys have an early breakfast and attend before-school activities such as music practice. Classes – Boarders sign out with their House Manager and leave the boarding house at about 8am. Recess and lunch – Boarders eat in the Dining Room and then join their friends in the school grounds. After school – Boys either attend sports training, relax in the boarding house lounge areas or use the School’s facilities. Dinner – Dinner commences at 6pm. Homework – Evening Prep is a quiet time where boys work on homework or assessments with supervision from tutors who are Knox teachers. Bedtime – Years 7 and 8 boarders need to be in bed by 9pm. Senior boarders normally go to bed at about 10.30pm. Weekends – Weekends are normally very casual. After Saturday sport, boarders often spend time with visiting family members, relax around the boarding house or go on outings or supervised excursions.
What facilities are available in the boarding houses? What is the food like for boarders? Find out more online: www.knox.nsw.edu.au/boarding
FAMILY CARE Highly qualified and experienced staff including ‘House Mums’ take an active role in the pastoral care of the boys and establish strong relationships with parents. Our leave arrangements are flexible and boys are welcome to spend time with visiting family members. Meals are prepared by professional chefs to a nutritious menu designed by a dietitian with input from boys.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES Our modern boarding accommodation offers single and twin rooms with ensuites, personal study spaces, a wireless network, communal lounge areas and kitchen facilities. Boarders enjoy after-hours access to school facilities such as the Weeks Senior Academy, Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre, aquatic centre, basketball, tennis and squash courts, gym, playing fields and library.
WHOLE OF LIFE LEARNING Boarders participate in a busy social program including events with neighbouring girls’ schools and activities such as trips to the theatre, beach and major sport matches. Life skills such as cooking, first aid, etiquette and public speaking are imparted through courses for the boys.
PERSONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT Knox boarders enjoy study sessions in core subjects and major electives, assisted by our own teaching staff. Regular seminars on topics such as essay writing, exam technique and time management help boarders to thrive in their academic endeavours.
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THE KNOX COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Being a Knox student and parent means that you become part of an extended school community.
SCHOOL COUNCIL The strategic direction of the School is governed by the Knox Grammar School Council, a group of professionals from a wide variety of fields. Council members generously volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise to support and guide the School.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT The Knox Parents’ Association maintains and fosters the community of parents and friends through regular social and fundraising events including Gala Day and the Christmas Markets. Parent Supporter Groups exist for many co-curricular activities to enable further involvement and interaction with your son’s chosen interests. These groups are also a great way to meet other Knox parents.
PARENT SEMINARS Knox regularly holds seminars for parents presented by Knox staff and visiting experts. Topics include social media use, mental health and how to support your child’s learning of literacy and numeracy.
GALA DAY
Held at the Senior School in Term 2 every year, Gala Day brings the entire Knox community together for a day of sport, music, rides, food and market stalls. This is a great opportunity to discover our strong school spirit; visitors are welcome.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEES Knox invites parents and community members to join curriculum committees for projects such as ‘Elevate’, a national program focused on lifting student performance.
CONNECTING THE GENERATIONS Past students are a vital part of the School’s future. Once you attend the School, you are a Knox boy for life. The Old Knox Grammarians’ Association maintains contact with our community of former students by supporting reunions, social gatherings and networking opportunities.
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There are over 15,000 Old Knox Grammarians, all of whom share the experience of having attended Knox. For some families, three generations have attended Knox.
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HISTORY AND TRADITION
THE BLACK AND BLUE EARLIEST DAYS Knox Grammar School was established in 1924 in the tradition of John Knox, the 16th Century Scottish reformer who planned a network of schools in every church parish. The original school building, Earlston, has been renovated and is now a boarding house for senior students.
OUR TRADITIONS While we are a truly innovative and global school, our traditions and past are an important part of life at Knox. Endeavours such as the Cadet Unit and the Knox Pipes and Drums Band celebrate and keep the School’s traditions alive.
THE KNOX BOATER The iconic symbol of Knox, the boater with a blue and black striped band, is worn to and from school by all students from Years 5 to 12. Boys in Kindergarten to Year 4 wear a blue cap.
THE KNOX BLAZER
A DOFF OF THE BOATER
The distinctive blue Knox sports blazer was adopted as the Senior School’s dress blazer in 1985, replacing the grey suit, which had been the Knox uniform since 1925. Knox Prep boys continue to wear the traditional grey suit.
Brian Fitzhardinge, a Knox student who used to enter Senior School from the ‘north-east shortcut’, passed away in 1932. In respect for Brian, Knox boys traditionally doff their boaters when passing through the School gates on Borambil Street near Warrawee Station.
33 Knox Prep students drinking government issue milk c.1954.
TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL
GETTING TO SCHOOL CATCH THE TRAIN The Senior School is a two-minute walk from Warrawee Station, while the Knox Prep and Wahroonga Prep are a three-minute walk from Wahroonga Station. Trains run regularly during peak periods.
HOP ON A KNOX BUS We currently operate daily private return bus services from across northern Sydney (including the lower North Shore, Northern Beaches and Hills District) to the Knox Prep and Senior School campuses. Responsive to our community needs, additional bus routes are added as the need arises.
OUR LOCATION Our three campuses are located at Wahroonga on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, about 20km from the CBD. We are two minutes’ drive from the M1 Pacific Motorway and 40 minutes from the international and domestic airports.
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Our Enrolments Team can help you to arrange bus and train travel passes. To find out more about our location, visit www.knox.nsw.edu.au/location
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TOURS AND ENROLMENTS
DISCOVER EXTRAORDINARY The choice of a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.
JOIN A SCHOOL TOUR We would love to show you around our campuses. School tours are held regularly throughout the year and are a great way to see the School’s facilities and to ask questions. Visit our website to make an appointment at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/tours.
ENTRY POINTS Students can enter our schools in any year group provided a vacancy is available. We ask that students entering Kindergarten are at least five years old by 30 March. We strongly encourage you to submit your Application for Enrolment as soon as possible so we can confirm a place for your child.
SCHOLARSHIPS A number of scholarships are available each year. For more information, please visit www.knox.nsw.edu.au/scholarships.
FIND OUT MORE www.knox.nsw.edu.au/knoxprep www.knox.nsw.edu.au/wahroongaprep
STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH KNOX LIFE
www.knox.nsw.edu.au/senior
Within this package you will find the most recent edition of our Thistle Headmaster’s Review as well as a USB with videos about us. For the latest news from Knox, visit www.knox.nsw.edu.au.
www.knox.nsw.edu.au/enrol
www.knox.nsw.edu.au/boarding www.knox.nsw.edu.au/curriculum www.knox.nsw.edu.au/virtual www.knox.nsw.edu.au/location
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? We look forward to hearing from you Telephone: +61 2 9487 0122 Fax: +61 2 9487 0186 Email: enrol@knox.nsw.edu.au CRICOS Provider Code: 00399E Published August 2019 Knox Grammar School PO Box 5008 Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia
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The information in this prospectus is correct at the time of printing but is subject to change. For the latest information about what’s on offer at Knox, please contact our Enrolments Team.