award criteria
Middle and Senior School
Awarded throughout 2024
Foundation Day Cordis Spiritus Award
This award recognises a student from the Junior School and a student from Middle School or Senior School who reflects the ‘spirit of Snowy Mountains Grammar School’. It is awarded to a student who is outstanding in their contribution to the School and whose efforts, through ‘heart and spirit’, have made a significant impact on our School community. Respect to self, family, school and others is an underpinning consideration in the determination of this award.
Maria Kisich Trophy for Public Speaking
The School’s public speaking competition is named in honour of one of our foundation staff, Maria Kisich. Maria was an English teacher who promoted public speaking. Students present speeches in three divisions: Junior School (from Years 5 and 6), Middle School and Senior School. A winner for each division is determined by adjudicators, frequently alumni. One of the divisional winners is eligible to be selected by the adjudicators as the recipient of the Maria Kisich Trophy.
Awarded throughout 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Bronze and Silver
This award is an internationally recognised youth development program focussing on fostering the skills of perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and optimism. There are three levels of the award program - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. In the program students are required to complete activities in four sections, including physical recreation, skill development, community service and adventurous journeys. These awards involve a six-month and twelvemonth commitment.
Australian Olympic Change-M aker Award
The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program (previously called the Pierre de Coubertin Award) recognises students who demonstrate the Olympic spirit through leadership, and drives positive change in the community. This may take many forms, from minor to major, and from the ordinary to the amazing; whether leading teams, coaching juniors, supporting seniors, making a difference at a sports club, a national cause or effecting change on the world stage. One student is nominated from each school; they are chosen for their attributes as a good sportsperson, a student who has contributed to the sporting life of the school and who has achieved distinction in one or more sporting activity.
Awarded throughout 2024
Sportsperson All -Rounder of the Year
The Middle School Sportsperson of the Year Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding levels of participation and athletic achievement in a range of sporting activities in House, ISA and representative sports. The recipient must also clearly demonstrate a high level of sportspersonship and commitment to all School sporting activities.
The Senior School Sportsperson of the Year Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptionally high levels of participation and athletic achievement in a range of sporting activities in House, ISA, and representative sports. The recipient must also clearly demonstrate a high level of sportspersonship and commitment to all School sporting activities.
The Sue West House Shield Award - House Champion
The Champion House is determined by a School House accumulating the most points from activities and competitions throughout the year.
Significantly the House Shield's points are accumulated from academic, cultural and sporting pursuits, as these form part of the holistic educational process of the School.
The ‘year’ cycle for the House Shield starts at Term 4 and concludes in Term 3. This allows Year 12 students to contribute within a twelve month period, particularly the House Captains.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
Accelerated students will be considered for Major Awards for the year of completion of their nominated course.
Academic Endeavour (Sp eech Day)
This is awarded to students who have maintained a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or above out of 5 for endeavour in all subject, across all school terms,.
Academic Honours (Speech Day)
Students who have maintained a Grade Point Average of 80 or above in all subjects across all school terms are awarded Academic Honours.
Students who have achieved a Grade Point Average of 85 or above are awarded Academic Honours with Distinction
Students achieving a Grade Point Average of 90 or above are awarded First Class Honours.
Ex Machina Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has shown exceptional perseverance, resilience and creativity in designing and building robots. This award is reserved for those who go above and beyond, and who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the robotics group.
The Aspiring Technologist Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student in Stage 4 Design & Technology who has shown creativity and technical skill across a range of technologies.
The Emerging Designer Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has shown potential as a future designer within Stage 5 Design and Technology. Their designs are creative and address the needs of their intended user.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Digital Media Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has created engaging content across photography, podcasting and videography. The recipient of this award demonstrates skills as an emerging content creator.
The Westpac Award for Design (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises someone who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Design and Technology, and who demonstrated continual improvement, innovation, and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in design.
The Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 4, this award is presented to someone who has excelled in their exploration of Drama exhibiting their ability to work with others, who thinks creatively and participates in school community activities in the Arts.
The Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 5, this award is presented to someone who has excelled in their studies of Drama, exhibiting teamwork and communication skills, with critical thinking, creativity and involvement in the Arts school community.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
Rising Star of Visual Arts Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 4, this award recognises a student who has shown outstanding passion, dedication, and continuous improvement in visual arts throughout the year.
The Emerging Artist Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 5, this award recognises a student who has shown remarkable growth, creativity, and potential in visual arts. This award honours their hard work, originality, and the exciting promise they bring to the future of the arts.
The S&S Wholesale Award for Visual Arts (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Visual Arts, further recognising the student who strives for excellence as well as generously contributing their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Da Capo Award for Music (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 4, this award recognises a student who has keenly pursued their instrumental studies demonstrating commitment and improvement. They have exhibited an ability to work with others, think creatively and participate in school music activities. The award is titled Da Capo - a musical direction to ‘repeat’. This award is to encourage the recipient to ‘repeat’ what they have been doing and continue to grow as a musician.
The Sostenuto Award for Music (Arts and Design Presentation)
Awarded to a student in Stage 5, this award recognises a student who has achieved outstanding results and exhibits determination to hone their music skills. They have also exhibited excellent collaborative and teamwork skills and work positively within the school music community. The award is titled ‘The Sostenuto’ - a musical instruction to play with continuity and expression.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Jindabyne Aero Club Award for Aviation (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of aviation while studying for the RA-Aus Pilot Certificate and/or the Remote Pilot Licence. The recipient of this award has demonstrated significant commitment, self-discipline, and a high level of achievement in the theory component and/or the flying component of either or both courses.
The Alice Purss and Emma Rupcic Award for English (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of English. The award may also consider achievement in other areas of English, both internally and external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School. Alice Purss and Emma Rupcic are former students who, throughout their schooling, excelled in English. Both students represented the school in debating, Emma won the Maria Kisich Public Speaking Competition twice and Alice was Dux of the School.
The Kosciuszko Thredbo Award for Humanities (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Business Studies, Commerce, Geography, History and Legal Studies, or a single subject within the Humanities Faculty. The award may also take into consideration achievement in Humanities external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Perisher Award for Mathematics (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Mathematics. The award may also consider achievement in Mathematics external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for Physical Development, Health, and Physical Education (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Physical Development, Health, and Physical Education and/or Physical Activity and Sports Science. Further, recognising the student who has promoted participation in sports across the school, demonstrating determination, commitment to training and sportspersonship.
The Action Learning Initiatives Award for Adventurer of the Year (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student from Years 9 to 11 who exemplifies a strong commitment to the outdoor education programs at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. This student plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive culture among peers and staff, demonstrating resilience, problemsolving skills, and teamwork. Through their engagement with outdoor adventures, they also develop a deep connection to the natural world.
Major Awards – Year 7 to Year 11
The Action Learning I nitiatives Award for Science (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of Science. The award may also consider achievement in Science external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
The Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has exhibited leadership, teamwork, values, problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, communication skills, cooperation, and community involvement.
The Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated a high level of citizenship and concern for the welfare of others, aligned with the School’s core values of CARE: courage, authenticity, respect, and empathy.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
Accelerated students will be considered for Prestigious Awards in the year of completion of their nominated course.
The Action Learning Initiatives Award for Adventurer of the Year (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who exemplifies a strong commitment to the outdoor education programs at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. This student plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive culture among peers and staff, demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Through their engagement with outdoor adventures, they also develop a deep connection to the natural world.
The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises the recipient’s design, science, and mathematics abilities, while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within Defence.
The Snowy Hydro Award for Design and Innovation (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises someone who has excelled in the study of Design. This award recognises continual improvement, innovation, and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in design, to develop a product that can serve the world beyond the classroom.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents and Friends Award for Drama (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has achieved to an exemplary level in the study of drama and the performing arts. The student has also enthusiastically participated in drama activities within the School, contributing their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The McGowan Award for Drama (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of drama and has significantly contributed to the Arts. The student has enthusiastically participated in drama activities within the School, and has contributed their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
The Hunter Music Award Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in their study of music and has offered a significant contribution to the musical life of the school. The award is donated by the Hunter family, a founding school family.
The Novotel Lake Crackenback Award for Visual Arts (Arts and Design Presentation)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Visual Arts. The award may also consider achievement in Visual Arts external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School. This award also recognises those students who strive for excellence and generously contribute their time and talent for the enjoyment of others.
The Progressive Agriculturist ( Speech Day )
This award recognises a student who is a young leader in agriculture and is dedicated to innovation and sustainability. This award recognises an individual who shows a commitment to improving agricultural practices, demonstrates strong leadership, and works collaboratively with others. It honours a student who reimagines the future of agriculture through creative, sustainable solutions, inspiring progress and resilience in the industry.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards - Gold (Speech Day)
To achieve a Gold Level Award, students are required to complete a minimum of twelve months of weekly and progressive community service, physical recreation and skill development. In addition, students have completed two Adventurous Journeys of four days and three nights, in remote wilderness areas. The have also undertaken a residential project of five days and four nights in length, with the focus on further developing skills in an identified area. The Bronze and Silver Level Awards have been achieved two years prior to the Gold Award
The Scotty Allan Award for Excellence in English (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled across several English courses, or a single subject within the English Faculty. The award may also consider participation at a high level in activities such as debating, public speaking and similar.
George Urquhart (Scotty) Allan served in the RAF on the Western Front during the First World War. When a student Scotty's English teacher, Mr D B Nicholson insisted that every word has a meaning and is to be used in its proper sense and correct grammatical context. This gave Scotty a sense of the beauty of language, which he maintained throughout his life. He valued his education greatly, particularly inspired by his love and command of the English language. His vision was sponsored by faith, sustained by hope, sparked by imagination, and strengthened by enthusiasm.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Greentree Family Award for Humanities (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Geography and/or History. The award may also consider achievement in Humanities external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
The Greentree family are deeply involved in Snowy Mountains Grammar School; Geoff Greentree taught in the Humanities Faculty with dedication and passion and served as Deputy Principal for several years. His wife Sallianne was a dedicated Art teacher. Their two children graduated from Snowy Mountains Grammar School
The Far South Coast & Monaro Law Society Award (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Legal and/or Business Studies. The award may also consider achievement in Legal and Business Studies external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School, which may include participation in relevant competitions.
The Sue West Award for Mathematics (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of several Mathematics courses, or a single subject within the Mathematics Faculty. The award may also consider participation at a high level in Mathematics competitions external to the School.
Sue West taught Mathematics at the school for more than twenty years. She also served as the Head of Senior School for many years. Her passion for Mathematics inspired many students.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council Award for P hysical Development, Health, and Physical Education (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in their study of Physical Development, Health, and Physical Education. Further, recognising the student who has promoted participation in sports across the school, demonstrating determination, commitment to training and sportspersonship.
The Herringer Family Award for Science (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has excelled in the study of Biology, Chemistry, Investigating Science and Science Extension, or a single subject within the Science Faculty. The award may also consider achievement in of Science external to Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
Dr James Herringer and Jane Herringer are past students, and they excelled in Science. Their mother Joan Herringer served as Registrar at the School for many years.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Award for Personal Excellence in Academia (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated diligence, determination, perseverance, and resilience to achieve their best. The recipient has continued to strive for personal excellence to achieve their potential throughout their senior years of learning and demonstrated consistent improvement over time.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Australian Defence Force Leadership and Teamwork Award (Speech Day)
This award is presented to a student who has exhibited leadership, teamwork, values, problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, communication skills, cooperation, and community involvement.
The RSL Snowy River Sub-Branch Award for Boarding Leadership (Speech Day)
This award recognises a Boarding student who displays exemplary character and leadership. The award considers all aspects of boarding life, the student leads by example and their character makes the boarding house a better place in which to live.
The Member for Monaro 4Peaks Citizenship Award (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has demonstrated a high level of citizenship and concern for the welfare of others, aligned with the School’s core values of CARE: courage, authenticity, respect, and empathy.
The Member for Eden-Monaro Leadership Award (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student with outstanding leadership skills, further recognising success in motivating students in community spirit, and displaying an exemplary standard of leadership and teamwork.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has displayed outstanding teamwork and contribution to a variety of school activities, whilst upholding the School’s core values and demonstrating strength of character.
The Ampol Medal (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student who has made an outstanding contribution to a wide range of sporting, academic and community pursuits. It represents a select group of students recognised across the state for their involvement and commitment.
The Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment (Speech Day)
This award recognises and honours consistent effort and the desire to improve and ultimately achieve one’s personal goals. Reuben F Scarf believed that with hard work, common sense and purpose, all goals were achievable. He held the view that young people who are persistent and dedicated will ultimately reach their goals, accordingly he chose to support these dreams with the perpetuation of this award.
Prestigious Awards – Year 12
The Chairman’s Award (Speech Day)
This award is donated by the Chairman of the School Board and recognises a student who has made a valuable contribution to the life of the School across all areas, whilst maintaining a high academic standard.
The Sir William Hudson Shield (Speech Day)
This award recognises a student contributes exceptionally to all aspects of school life. This shield honours the life and work of Sir William Hudson. He was the first commissioner of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority, and he oversaw construction from 1949 to 1967.
As well as being a distinguished engineer, Sir William was a man of great personal strength, character, and vision. Honoured throughout his life, he maintained his modesty and was a fair and honest person.
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents and Friends Association Award for Dux of the School (Speech Day)
This is awarded to the top academic student who has achieved outstanding results in their scholastic endeavours at Snowy Mountains Grammar School, demonstrating great academic rigour, determination, and success.