Hunter Valley Grammar School

Hunter Valley School
Success Through Endeavour
Location
Ashtonfield, New South Wales Australia
Coordinates	32°46′1″S 151°35′45″E / 32.76694°S 151.59583°E / -32.76694; 151.59583Coordinates: 32°46′1″S 151°35′45″E / 32.76694°S 151.59583°E / -32.76694; 151.59583
Information
Type	Independent, Co-educational, Day school
Denomination	Non-denominational
Established	1990
Chairperson	Kristine Littlewood
Principal	Paul Teys
Employees	~130[1]
Enrolment	~950 (P-12)[2]
Website	www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

Hunter Valley Grammar School is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational day school located in Ashtonfield, a suburb in the city of Maitland, in the lower Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.

The school was founded in 1990 and is situated on 13 hectares (32 acres) of land. In 2015 Hunter Valley Grammar School catered for an excess of 1300 students and staff,^[3] right up from pre-school to Year 12.^[2] Also in 2015 Hunter Valley Grammar School celebrated its 25 Year's of Excellence (Silver Anniversary) with celebrations occurring throughout the year.

History

Hunter Valley Grammar was established in 1990, with 112 students enrolled. The founding principal John Weeks, served for 7 years building strong foundations in the school, and establishing HVGS as a leading independent and co-educational school in NSW.

By the time Michael Clapper took over as principal in 1998, HVGS had over 700 students enrolled. Lasting for 7 years, Michael Clapper was succeeded by Geoff Millar in 2005. Geoff Millar played a vital role in developing the pastoral care system and promoting the school's fundamental values of; responsibility, integrity, respect, citizenship, courage and compassion.

After 3 years as principal, Geoff Millar was succeeded by Paul Teys in 2008. Paul Teys who served as acting principal for most of 2008, was appointed principal and continues to achieve academic excellence (both in the classroom and out) to this day.

Curriculum

Students have the opportunity to be accelerated in mathematics, English, science and variety of other subjects. Electives from Year 9 include; woodwork, metalwork, food and textiles, hospitality, IT, languages (Japanese, French and German), photography, drama, philosophy, commerce, and more.

Co-curriculum

Hunter Valley Grammar School offers a wide range of opportunities for students in a wide range of areas.

The Hunter Valley Grammar Lion Club, or 'Leos Club' is one of the fastest growing Lion Clubs in the Hunter, with an excess of 50 members. A community of like-minded individuals the Leo's Club is charge of school fundraisers, and community programs throughout the Hunter Valley.

Academic

Throughout their school years, students have the opportunity to explore academic-based co-curricular activities.

The ASX Sharemarket Game, Australian Business Week, Chess, Lego Robotics, and the Online Global Challenge are examples of math orientated activities, whilst Debating, Drama, Tournament of Minds and Mock Trials bring out the English expertise in others.

Sport

Sporting opportunities include equestrian, Taekwondo, rugby union, rugby league, touch football, netball, cricket, badminton, athletics, equestrian, tennis, cross country running, hockey, swimming, golf, basketball, aerobics, football (soccer) and rowing. Most of these sports are able to be undertaken on the school premises, which includes a sports centre, rugby oval, soccer oval, cricket oval, basketball courts, tennis courts and cricket nets.

The school's rowing shed is located at Berry Park, Morpeth along the Hunter River. Rowing at HVGS promotes: individual commitment; personal achievement; physical fitness; self discipline; self esteem; sportsmanship and teamwork. In 2015 the extension to the Rowing Shed was completed, allowing for more boats and facilities.^[4]

Music

Hunter Valley Grammar School has an active music program. It runs all Higher School Certificate (HSC) relevant music courses.

In 2010 construction was completed on the Music Centre, which includes additional performances spaces, practice rooms and staff areas.^[5]

In 2011 HSC Music extended to include Extension 2.^[5]

At Hunter Valley Grammar School students are given the opportunity to perform, tour and develop their music skills; including performances at the annual HRIS and HICES cultural festivals and other such events.^[5]

Some of the co-curricular activities include: the K-6 Choir; 7-12 Choir; Senior Vocal Ensemble; Junior and Senior Concert Band; Stage Band Senior; Senior Strings; K-6 Percussion Ensemble and the 7-12 Percussion Ensemble.

Drama

Hunter Valley Grammar School offers drama as a subject for students from grades 9 to 12; and HSC drama students consistently achieve some of the best results in the state.^[6]

The school presents an annual drama production; alternating between musicals and plays. Throughout the years Hunter Valley Grammar has put on a variety of productions including: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Oh, What a Lovely War!; The Wizard of Oz; Hamlet; Moonlight Avenue; Death by Chocolate; Blabbermouth; Friday Knight Fever; A Midsummer Night's Dream; High School Musical, Community Spirits and Peter Pan.^{[5] [7]}

Associated schools

The Hunter Valley Grammar School is the sister school of the Erasmus-Gymnasium in Grevenbroich (NRW) in Germany which visits the school yearly with German students learning the English language in the school.

See also

• List of non-government schools in New South Wales

References