Head of Senior School’s Welcome
Mr Nick Hackett, Head of Senior School, gives an insight into the programmes, facilities and extensive opportunities to pursue academic excellence at TIGS.
Senior School
Why TIGS Senior School
Results
Results
Students at TIGS excel across a range of disciplines including their core academic subjects, as leaders and through sport and the arts. Each student is supported to achieve their personal best in a culture of high effort and achievement. TIGS students regularly feature in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Merit Lists which recognise the top Year 12 achievers in NSW. Approximately 85% to 90% of our Year 12 students are typically accepted into university.
Exceptional Teaching
Exceptional Teaching
Teacher quality has a profound impact on learning. Our staff are of the highest calibre, handpicked for their extensive level of expertise and dedication, providing your child with the ideal environment to achieve their best. 95% of families at TIGS rank the quality of teaching as the main reason they chose to send their children to our school.
Engaging Curriculum
Engaging Curriculum
Our Senior School curriculum is designed to equip and encourage students to achieve their personal best according to their interests and abilities. With first-class teaching and a reputation for excellence, TIGS has developed a robust curriculum which is specifically tailored to the interests and needs of our students. Our approach is both agile and innovative, allowing our students to pursue varied pathways aligned to their talents, interests and goals in a stimulating and challenging learning environment. TIGS students will undertake deep learning, become more culturally aware, develop their ability to think independently and apply their learning to both local and global issues.
Caring and Inclusive Environment
Caring and Inclusive Environment
TIGS provides an environment where wellbeing is paramount, and students can achieve their best, knowing they are safe and supported. We expect high standards of personal presentation and behaviour and provide guidance through Mentor programmes and the Chaplaincy team. Our House system brings strong camaraderie to life, across every cohort, where the effort of every student is encouraged and celebrated. This strong sense of connectedness is vital to each students’ positive outcomes both personally and academically.
Extensive co-curricular programme
Extensive co-curricular programme
Universities and future employers are increasingly seeking well-rounded students with a range of skills and experiences. The extensive co-curricular programme provides students with the opportunity to tailor their learning and pursue their unique talents and interests on the local, national and international stage. TIGS has the Illawarra’s most extensive co-curricular programme encompassing academic, art, sport, Christian service, outdoor education and cultural experiences.
Facilities and Resources
Facilities and Resources
With an awe-inspiring view of the Illawarra escarpment, the School is in a beautiful natural setting providing our students with a strong connection to nature and the outdoors. Jacaranda trees provide shade for the students at lunch and play, and our exceptional facilities, gym and sporting grounds support students through learning and co-curricular activities. Our private bus fleet transports students to and from school, and students can study and develop a passion for literacy and autonomous, self-directed learning in our Library, the Goodhew Research Centre.
Take A Virtual Tour Of Senior School
Start your tour through the Senior School Campus, to see some of our facilities and have an insight into Senior School Life.
Academic Programmes
Many students at Illawarra Grammar are exceptional and successful in more than one area. Not only are these students extended in their classes, many of which are streamed, but there is a range of rich co-curricular opportunities which allow them to explore their talents beyond the day to day curriculum.
The teachers at The Illawarra Grammar School are competent, generous and hard-working and go to considerable lengths to support students with their learning, even providing holiday and weekend lessons, as well as after-hours assistance.
As well as the academic challenges that exist in the classroom, such as Olympiad Maths class and subject-based competitions, there are many co-curricular activities that are enjoyed by students looking for further academic challenge.
Creative, engaging and authentic problem-solving activities of the highest order empower students to think critically, voice their ideas with courage and collaborate effectively both as individuals and in teams. Participants regularly enjoy interaction and success at local, state, national and international levels of competition. TIGS students have the opportunity to participate in the following programmes:
- da Vinci Decathlon
- Chess
- Model United Nations Assembly competition
- Debating (HICES)
- Public Speaking (Rostrum for Youth)
- Problem Solving Competitions (CmPS)
- RACI Titration Competition
- RACI Crystal Growing Competition
For the full list of academic co-curricular opportunities, please contact our enrolments team [email protected]
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) enables students to specialise in one area or undertake a broad pattern of study. In Year 11 students are required to study a minimum of 12 Units and in Year 12 students are required to study a minimum of 10 Units (five subjects). English is the only mandatory subject. Students at TIGS are required to participate in service activities and are encouraged to participate in sport and co-curricular programmes.
Our carefully selected suite of subjects caters for the interests and talents of students across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, languages, creative arts and technology. We offer a wider range of electives than any other school in the region.
Year 7: Biblical Studies, English, Geography, Mathematics, Music, PDHPE, Science, Design, Visual Arts and Languages (students can choose to learn French, Japanese or Mandarin).
Year 8: Biblical Studies, English, History, Mathematics, Music, PDHPE, Science, Design, Visual Arts and Languages (students can choose to learn French, Japanese or Mandarin). From 2025, Year 8 students will select 2 elective courses.
Years 9 and Year 10
Students study the compulsory subjects of Biblical Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, PDHPE.
They also make two (2) elective choices from Chinese (Mandarin), Commerce, Design and Technology, Drama, French, Industrial Technology – Multimedia, Industrial Technology – Timber, Japanese, Media Arts (Photographic and Digital Media), Music, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Philosophy and Visual Arts.
Year 11 and Year 12
In Year 11 and Year 12, English is the only compulsory subject. Students choose a range of electives to cater for a diverse range of interests and aspirations: Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, Economics, English Standard or Advanced, French, Geography, Industrial Technology, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics Standard or Advanced, Modern History, Music 1, Music 2 and Extension, Personal Development Health and Physical Education, Physics, Visual Arts, Society and Culture, Chinese and Literature, Japanese Continuers and VET Entertainment (delivered by TIGS under the scope of AIS RTO No: 90413).
For students who have demonstrated both good aptitude and strong interest in the subject, the following Extension courses are also available: English Extension 1 and 2, History Extension, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Music Extension, and Science Extension.
Please note subjects offered may vary from year to year and are dependent on student choice and course numbers.
Representative Sport
TIGS students have the opportunity to follow a representative sporting pathway from local all the way through to national and international championships. We support all of our students in achieving their goals and have expert coaches we provide at the school and can offer flexible learning arrangements for students who travel for their sport so they can uphold their academic commitments as well.
We have supported students at state and national levels in swimming, athletics, cross country, football, hockey, rugby league, skiing and mountain biking.
Students have the opportunity to play representative sports in:
- AFL
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Cross Country
- Equestrian
- Futsal
- Hockey
- Netball
- Mountain Bike Riding
- Oztag
- Rugby Union
- Rugby League
- Snowsports
- Soccer
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Touch Football
- Triathlon
Elite Sports Programme
In Senior School, students may be nominated for our Talented Athletes Programme which is designed to propel TIGS students towards their dreams. In this programme we identify students with sports potential and nurture them as they grow into elite athletes. The sessions are run twice a week and focus on strength, mobility and conditioning. Students can develop holistic fitness for their chosen sport. For warmer months, there is swimming and aquathon training and cooler months are more focused on cross country and athletics training. Students who are invited to participate in the programme will develop an athletes all-round fitness by drawing upon a variety of disciplines, work out strategies, and training intensities.
Co-Curricular Sport
From tennis to rugby and futsal, to surfing, stand up paddle boarding and snow sports our sporting opportunities are as diverse as the students we teach. We want all students to enjoy participating in a variety of sports, and believe sport is vital to a holistic education, providing a range of benefits including fitness, friendships and personal development.
- Talented Athletes Programme
- Talented Football Programme
- Tennis
- Rugby Union
- Futsal and Soccer
- Surfing
- Netball
- Standup Paddle Boarding
- Athletics
- Carnival Training
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Snowsports
- Taekidokai Martial Arts
For more information about the programmes offered, please contact our enrolments team [email protected]
Co-Curricular Arts
Each year, our programmes become more diverse, as our students are provided with a variety of learning experiences ranging from Drama and Dance to Orchestra and Capture Team. The benefits of learning an instrument, performing in front of an audience and making artworks are well documented and include opportunities to build self-confidence, to refine music performance and artistic skills and to develop collaboration, goal setting and time management skills. Our Co-Curricular Arts Programmes include:
- Senior School Production
- Orchestra
- String Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Modern Musicians
- Senior Choir
- HICES Music Festival (postponed until 2023)
- AV Club
- Senior Dance Ensemble
- Private Music Tutor Programme
- Art After Hours
- Concert Band
School Productions
The School Production is the highlight of our Arts calendar and brings together the entire community at TIGS. The School community contributes their unique talents as cast members, stage crew, orchestra, technical team, set designers, makeup, wardrobe and front of house managers to create a refined and entertaining show. Our productions are recognised externally for their high level of professionalism, winning industry awards such as ‘Best School Production’, ‘Best Leading Actress’ and ‘Best Orchestra’. This annual event is a great chance for your child to engage in a fun but demanding performance that builds camaraderie, creativity, teamwork, and self-esteem.
School Productions
2021 My Fair Lady
2019 High School Musical
2018 The Addams Family
2017 Mary Poppins
2016 The Wizard of Oz
2015 Beauty and the Beast
2014 The Secret Garden
2013 Cats
Outdoor Education
Our Outdoor Education Programme provides the catalyst for valuable teamwork, communication and leadership skills to develop and flourish. Our programmes are designed to extend students beyond their comfort zone in a controlled and supportive environment, tailored to best suit their ability and confidence. Outdoor Education adds a valuable dimension to every student’s educational experience. Some things are best taught outside of the classroom, and with a comprehensive range of activities and opportunities, each child is able to build their resilience, grow in confidence, and expand their understanding of what’s possible.
Camps
Year 7 Camp
Year 7 Camp
The Year 7 Camp focuses on building positive relationships and community. Through team building, trust and awareness activities such as ropes courses, navigation, giant swings and orienteering, we encourage teamwork, collaboration and leadership. Students also build friendships and strive beyond their perceived limits on a two-day adventurous hike.
Year 8 Camp
Year 8 Camp
Our Year 8 camp takes place in the bush and develops the essential skills of outdoor education like selecting a campsite, pitching a tent, cooking on stoves and equipment maintenance. By stepping out of their personal comfort zones in an adventurous outdoor journey, your child will learn what it means to become more accepting of themselves and others.
Year 9 Camp
Year 9 Camp
This five-day journey is physically and mentally challenging. It involves substantial travel and hiking and mountain biking on steep terrain in cold temperatures. By participating in challenging activities, students will build upon skills developed in previous camps and develop their understanding of character strengths, leadership, teamwork and resilience.
Year 10 Camp
Year 10 Camp
Year 10 students have a choice of three programmes. At Winter Camp, skills like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and building snow shelters are developed alongside vital survival skills during four nights in the snow. Summer Camp Option 1 is a six-day journey-based programme taking place in the Kosciusko National Park. Students hike through NSW high country, learning life skills that they can apply well beyond school. Summer Camp Option 2 is a six-day white water programme based in Victoria. Your child will paddle the Snowy River, heading towards the Victorian coast and mastering fast-moving water. They will develop leadership and teamwork skills as they work together to survive remotely with little outside support.
Year 11 Camp
Year 11 Camp
This three-day camp at the Shoalhaven River encourages creative exploration through a range of activities including artmaking, filmmaking, creative writing, play building, dance, storytelling, technical production and music. Students gain inspiration for future school assessments including exhibitions and performances.
Snow Trip
Snow Trip
The Snow Trip is an annual weekend of skiing and snowboarding in the Australian Snowy Mountains open to Year 7 to Year 11 students. Lessons cater to beginners through to those looking to refine their technique in a non-competitive setting.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a leading youth development programme that empowers an exploration of your child’s full potential. The programme is voluntary, flexible, interesting and fun. Programmes are individually tailored to incorporate four key areas: Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and Adventurous Journey.
Each year, a large number of students will achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards with the support of a network of supervisors, mentors, teachers and our Outdoor Education Coordinator.
If your child chooses to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, they will have the opportunity to travel to New Zealand to fulfil the Award’s expedition requirements.
Cultural Learning
Each year, TIGS Senior School students have the opportunity to see the world and experience new cultures. Exploring the world allows students to develop their own global perspective as well as their cultural appreciation. Our Cultural Learning programme allows students the opportunity to experience the following trips.
Available Trips
- Taiwan Trip
- Japan Trip
- New Caledonia Trip
Languages
One of the best ways a child can learn to appreciate and understand another culture is through language, so we offer a range of languages other than English – as well as an Enrichment Programme for students where English is a second or third language.
Available Languages:
- Japanese
- French
- Mandarin
Outside School Hours Activities
The school day doesn’t start and end with the school bell. We have a variety of opportunities for students to make the most of the programmes and resources available at TIGS. Students can receive additional tuition at our daily Homework Hub, practice study papers or train and compete in our academic, sports and arts co-curricular programmes.
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