Universities always require the Head of a School to list and confirm extra curricular involvements for students applying for academic scholarships. This is done for good reason, as individual or team pursuits (whether they be in music, debating, the Cadet Unit, sport or other interests) provide an education in multiple intelligence building that may only be tapped into in a minor way within the classroom.
The community requires adults to have experience in working with groups. The understanding of these dynamics are essential for anyone's development. Lessons learnt outside the classroom also have a beneficial effect on improving academic performance. There are a thousand reasons for involving students in extra curricular activities and we offer a campus buzzing with activities over the whole year. The broad choice allows for all tastes and the School size allows all to be involved in one activity or another.
The Athletics Carnivals in the Grammar and College are held in Term III. Pupils train during PE during Term II to prepare for the season ahead. A team is selected from the College/Grammar Athletics Carnival to compete at the CDSSA Championship in late August. Athletes can progress to AICES, CIS and ultimately the State All Schools Championships.
The School enters teams in the Manly Warringah Basketball Association (MWBA) competition. Games are played in the afternoon/evenings during the week. Trainings are held before or after classes and sometimes during lunch. Players participate in the annual CDSSA Gala Day. If Open teams win this competition they progress through to the AICES Team Tournament. Boys and girls are also invited to trial for the CDSSA Representative team. CDSSA sends teams to the AICES Tournament. Teams are then selected to compete against other CIS association teams such as IGSSA, GPS, CAS and ISA.
This lively band plays mainly jazz, swing and up-tempo styles of music. With an emphasis on improvisation, the Big Band is popular with players and audience alike. Instrumentation includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitars and percussion. Membership is by audition/invitation and members must also contribute to another major School instrumental ensemble.
The College Performing Arts Festival is held every year. This is run by the girls and involves every House producing a House Choir and Dance.
The Concert Band is the première group for wind and percussion instruments. Membership is by audition and/or invitation. The Concert Band plays at many school events and has also performed at venues outside the School.
Pupils are selected from our PE classes to participate in the CDSSA Cross Country Trials. The top five runners progress through to CIS and then NSW All Schools if selected.
The Trans Harbour Cup was set up to offer Cricket for schools in the Manly-Warringah and 'south of the harbour' regions in different age groups. All games are played locally and during Term IV. A season of matches are played between Peninsular schools to determine the champion team to face up against the champion school from 'south of the harbour'. The winning teams progress to play in Term I of the following year.
Debating in the Secondary School is going from strength to strength. This extra-curricular activity is available to all students in Forms 7-12.
Students have the opportunity of participating in a range of public speaking and debating events organised by universities and debating unions throughout the year. Students are also invited to attend workshops to be introduced to the basic elements of debating and relevant terminology. Pupils, even first-time debaters, are then able to understand the formalities and workings of debating. These training sessions are organised and facilitated by professional and experienced coaches.
Debating goes into full swing during Term III with the SDN Interschool Competition. Pittwater House has enjoyed excellent results in this competition with teams reaching the final round.
Students develop many useful skills that are relevant not only in debating competitions but in their academic studies, such as essay writing. More importantly, they are equipped with the skills and confidence to become future spokespeople and world citizens.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is an internationally recognised program that is coordinated by the Outdoor Education Unit. It is about challenging individuals to set goals and then to achieve them in their own timeframe. Perseverance and self-motivation are the keys to success. The scheme is open to any student who is above 14 years of age.
The Award operates at three different levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Participants begin with the Bronze level and then may progress once the previous level has been completed. Each of these levels are broken up into four sections, Community Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Expedition (Gold has an additional section - a Residential Project). In the past students have chosen activities such as bushwalking, sport, instrumental music, cooking, pet care, defensive driving, kayaking, Cadet Ceremonial activities and overseas adventures.
The fitness programme uses the Strength and Fitness Centre. College and Grammar students from Forms 9 - 12 are supervised during their twice weekly, single sex sessions, by qualified staff.
The Peninsular Cup was set up to offer Netball for schools in the Manly-Warringah area. All games are played locally and during Term II after school. Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams are selected and graded on ability. Girls are also invited to trial for the CDSSA Representative team. CDSSA sends teams to the AICES Tournament. Teams are then selected to compete against other CIS association teams such as IGSSA, GPS, CAS and ISA.
Orchestra
Taking on repertoire from across centuries, this advanced ensemble includes our most skilled string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians. The orchestra provides music for many services throughout the year and on special occasions. Membership is by invitation.
Read more about the Pittwater House School Cadet Unit.
Every two years, the School puts on a musical or drama as a production. Recent years have included HMS Pinafore, Calamity Jane and Guys and Dolls and in 2007 the pupils presented Leader of the Pack. Pupils may choose to be involved in any aspect of the production, depending upon their particular interests and abilities. Some pupils choose to perform on stage or in the orchestra, while others are involved behind the scenes in areas such as costumes, make up or set design and construction.
Instrumental and Vocal tuition are available to all pupils. Lessons are available on the majority of popular instruments. The School has a team of carefully chosen Instrumental and Vocal teaching staff who will provide lessons by arrangement throughout the school day. Pupils who have lessons are expected to join one of the School's many ensembles. The School's philosophy is that an individual lesson is only one small part of instrument or vocal music education. By participating in an ensemble there are many extra benefits to be achieved. These benefits will produce a well-rounded instrumental or vocal musician.
A Musical Instrument Hire Scheme is also offered. A variety of instruments are available for hire. After a twelve month hire period it is usually expected that a pupil has their own instrument. This allows for others to hire an instrument and decide if they wish to continue lessons without the expense of purchasing an instrument.
The Peninsula Cup was established several years ago for local Manly Warringah Schools. Matches are played mid week (4-5 pm) during Terms II and III in age groups, Form 7/U14, U15, U16 and 1st XV teams. AICES also offers an avenue through to CIS and beyond.
Pupils may elect to join the Band of the School Service Training Unit (Cadet Unit). This Band is a marching Band which operates independently under the STU, not the Creative Arts Department. It is a worthwhile optional extracurricular activity which is supported by the Creative Arts Department.
Singers in the Secondary School are all welcome in the Senior Choir. This group of mixed voices (male and female) sings many styles of music and is often responsible for leading the School in major events.
A small group of string players, Sinfonia has a very big programme of performances both inside and outside the School. This advanced ensemble plays in many styles with a particular emphasis on light classical music.
Interested pupils are provided with the opportunity to participate in two Invitational Championships during the month of July. From there pupils may enter the Interschools Skiing and Snowboard Championships for the Sydney Region area followed by State then National Championships. In recent years we have been very successful sending many pupils to participate at the National Level.
The Peninsular Cup was set up to offer Soccer for schools in the Manly-Warringah area. All games are played locally and during Term II, Grammar and Term III, College after school. Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams are selected and graded on ability. Boys and Girls are also invited to trial for the CDSSA Representative team. CDSSA sends teams to the AICES Tournament. Teams are then selected to compete against other CIS association teams such as IGSSA, GPS, CAS and ISA.
Students meet at a local beach before school in a supervised activity during Term I and II. Open for College and Grammar students.
Our swimming programme has always been very strong as we offer pupils excellent facilities to improve their skills. A squad is selected after the College and Grammar Carnivals to participate in several invitational carnivals as well as the CDSSA Championships where top finishers go through to AICES, CIS and State All Schools. We encourage all our pupils to make use of the pool in squads or learn to swim programmes. Swimming also plays a large part of our Term I and IV PE lessons which take place in our school pool.
Pupils can play in the Peter Cullen Cup on Tuesday afternoons. Three players make up each team within each age group. We also participate in the CDSSA Team Gala day which offers players the chance to progress to higher levels if successful. There is also the opportunity to participate at the AICES Open, Term I, and 15, Term IV, Tennis Tournaments. This also offers players the chance to play at higher levels such as CIS. Annually there is the School Singles Championships which occur in Term IV. Private coaching is available at school at additional cost.
The Peninsular Cup was set up to offer Touch Football for schools in the Manly-Warringah area. All games are played locally for College and Grammar during Term IV. Junior and Intermediate teams are selected and graded on ability. Boys and Girls are also invited to trial for the CDSSA Representative team. CDSSA sends teams to the AICES Tournament. Teams are then selected to compete against other CIS association teams such as IGSSA, GPS, CAS and ISA.
This sport has grown and prospered over the years offering swimmers a different experience in the water. The local Manly Warringah Secondary Schools Water Polo Association is well run, offering boys and girls of every age an opportunity to learn and play the game. Games are played in the evenings at Warringah Aquatic Centre. Trainings are held in our school pool, generally before school. In Term IV there is an AICES water polo trials where if students are selected they move onto CIS.
Open to all woodwind, brass and percussion students, Wind Band is an ensemble for players that enjoy their music and would like to improve their group playing skills. Although generally not auditioned, a good level of skill is required to take part.
There are opportunities to attend Triathlon and Biathlon carnivals as well as Surf Lifesaving Carnivals.
Pupils are eligible to compete in other CIS sports such as Softball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Baseball, AFL, Golf, Diving, Hockey and Rugby League.
Pittwater House belongs to CDSSA (Combined Districts Schools Sports Association), which is our Zone level of representation. This is followed by AICES (Association of Independent Co-educational Schools), which is the regional level of representation. This level proceeds to CIS (Combined Independent Schools). CIS select teams to compete at the State All Schools against CHS and CCC.
