Co-Curricular Program

Chess Club

Lead by Jeremy Drury, Prep School Teacher

The Westminster Chess Club has proudly run for over 25 years, offering children the chance to develop strategic thinking, focus, and patience through this timeless game. Traditionally offered to Prep School students, the program will expand in 2025 to include students across the School, and will form part of Intercol for the first time.

The Club is led by Mr Drury, supported by chess professionals Alan Goldsmith and Bill Jordan — both multiple-time State Champions. Sessions will run after school on Mondays from 3.30 – 5.00 pm in Terms 2 and 3.

Debate Team

Lead by Andrea Sherwood, Director of Learning

Debating is for agile thinkers who enjoy exploring ideas, shaping arguments and responding under pressure. The Debate Team offers an intellectually rich environment where students hone critical thinking, persuasive communication and teamwork skills.

Westminster competes in the Debating SA Schools’ Competition, held annually from May to September. Teams meet weekly to prepare responses to complex, contemporary topics, before presenting their cases in formal debates approximately every three weeks. All divisions, except Year 5, may qualify for the finals series held at the end of Term 3. Participants are coached and supported as they develop confidence, clarity and poise — skills that extend well beyond the podium.

Design Club

Lead by Ella Camporeale, Curriculum Leader – Art, Design and Digital Technologies

Design Club empowers students to experiment, innovate and bring their ideas to life across a range of design disciplines. From product and graphic design to CAD, architecture and immersive technologies, students explore their passions through hands-on, interest-driven projects.

Whether working with materials and prototypes or digital platforms and software, students are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems and refine their technical skills. Design Club also provides opportunities to participate in design challenges and competitions throughout the year.

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Program

Lead by Julie Englehart, Curriculum Leader – Outdoor Education

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a globally recognised program that nurtures resilience, independence and service through self-directed learning and experience. Open to students from 13 years of age, the Award offers three levels — Bronze, Silver and Gold — each with activities spanning four key areas: Community Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey.

Students choose their own pathway, developing confidence, responsibility and leadership with the support of experienced mentors. Completion of the Award contributes to SACE with a minimum of 10 Stage 1 credits and is acknowledged with a formal certificate and badge.

Environmental Action Group

Lead by Rachel Abercrombie, Senior School Teacher

The Environmental Action Group leads meaningful change in sustainability across Westminster. Students work collaboratively to identify and address environmental issues through practical projects, innovation and advocacy.

Current initiatives include enhancing School recycling systems and establishing a bee corridor at Sturt Grove Farm. Through their involvement, students develop a diverse skill set — from project management and communication to environmental literacy and policy awareness. Whether drafting proposals or planting native species, students are empowered to make a tangible impact.

E Sports

Lead by Jason Greenslade, Curriculum Leader – Science

E Sports is Westminster’s co-curricular offering in competitive gaming — a fast-growing field that combines strategy, teamwork and quick decision-making. Open to students in Years 7 to 10, E Sports fosters collaboration, focus and digital literacy in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

In 2024, students represented Westminster in the FUSE CUP, competing in titles such as Just Dance 2024, Rocket League and Crash Team Racing against schools across South Australia. More than just play, E Sports builds skills in communication, critical thinking and emotional regulation.

Fashion Design Club

Lead by Kelly Rennie and Anne-Marie Rodden, Senior School Teachers

Fashion Design Club invites students to explore the art and process of clothing creation — from concept to construction. Through guided, progressive sessions, students learn foundational sewing, pattern cutting and garment design techniques that support both skill-building and individual expression.

Whether producing simple pieces or ambitious designs, students are encouraged to experiment with form and fabric in a collaborative, encouraging studio environment.

Literature Club

Lead by Rachel Abercrombie, Senior School Teacher

Literature Club celebrates reading and writing through two complementary streams — Writers’ Club and Book Club.

On Mondays, Writers’ Club offers space for students to work on original writing, receive feedback, and prepare submissions for youth writing competitions. On Wednesdays, Book Club encourages students to share and discuss what they’re reading, discovering new authors and genres through peer recommendation. Students are also invited to participate in events such as Book Week and the Premier’s Reading Challenge, with support from the School Library.

Oliphant Science Club

Lead by Danielle Lockwood, Senior School Teacher

Oliphant Science Club encourages students in Years 5 to 8 to explore scientific ideas and inquiry through project-based learning. Students prepare entries for the Oliphant Science Awards — a statewide competition that recognises scientific innovation and communication across a variety of formats.

With access to the Senior Science Faculty’s expertise and facilities, participants are supported as they pursue passion projects, deepening their scientific understanding and developing transferable problem-solving skills.

Photography Club

Lead by Natalie Zeidas, Senior School Teacher

Photography Club provides a space for creative exploration through the lens. Students learn the fundamentals of digital photography and image editing, using DSLR cameras and professional software such as Photoshop.

Sessions take place in Westminster’s purpose-built Photographic Studio, with the School’s expansive grounds offering an inspiring setting. Whether new to photography or developing a portfolio, students are encouraged to share their work, experiment with techniques and grow as visual storytellers.

Swimming Club

Lead by Marianna Collier, Sports Administration Coordinator

Shelly Jarrett, Head Swim Coach

Swimming Club supports confident and capable swimmers in refining their technique and endurance. Held every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7.15 – 8.15 am throughout the school year, the program is run by highly experienced swim coach Shelley Jarrett.

To participate, students must be at Frog level or higher and comfortable swimming multiple laps of a 25-metre pool for up to an hour. New members will be assessed at the first session to ensure readiness and safety. We recommend a minimum age of 10 years. Students under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or carer for the duration of each session.

Tournament of Minds

Lead by Rebecca Wilkins, Head of Student Diversity

Tournament of Minds is a dynamic problem-solving program that challenges students in Years 7 to 9 to think creatively, work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

Designed to extend potential and build confidence, Tournament of Minds invites teams to respond to complex, open-ended challenges across four disciplines — The Arts, STEM, Language Literature and Social Sciences.

Students develop critical skills in time management, innovation and teamwork, all within a spirited, high-energy environment that encourages originality and perseverance.

Visual Arts Club

Lead by Dee Barton and Karen Horsell, Senior School Teachers

Visual Arts Club is a studio-based space for creative expression and skill development. Students work on individual artworks across both 2D and 3D media, exploring a wide range of materials and techniques at their own pace.

Guided by experienced educators, students are encouraged to think critically, solve visual problems and express their ideas with confidence. Collaborative projects may also be offered throughout the year, fostering community through art.

Running Club

Lead by Jon Dyer, Head of Year 7 and Adam Thompson, Preparatory School Teacher

Offered to students in Reception though Year 12, Westminster’s Running Club offers a combination of interval, fartlek, and distance running. With a focus of improvement for students at any level of fitness, Running Club sessions are hosted on Monday and Friday mornings from 7:30am – 8:30am. Students are welcome to run on both days, or just one, and may prefer to train in Summer or Winter dependant on their sporting commitments throughout the year. 

As Running Club takes place across campus, Junior Primary students must be accompanied by a parent/carer to provide support and supervision. Parents/carers of students in Years 3 through 12 are welcome to join in. 

Dance

Lead by Sophie Wilson, Head of Dance

Creative Dance

Creative Dance is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. Class are offered to students in Years 2-6 and will appeal to male and female students.

Creative Dance involves a range of movement and encourages creative dance making skills and collaborative involvement. Students explore technique and composition through a weekly class and are introduced to the performance aspect of dance through involvement in the Term 4 Year 2-12 co-curricular dance performance.

Foundation Ballet 1 (Years 7 - 12)

Foundation Ballet is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Foundation Ballet is designed for students in Years 7 – 12 who are new to ballet, who have minimal experience and/or are returning to the genre after a break. This class is designed to provide students with a strong foundation on which to develop their classical technique as they progress through the ballet program. They will be introduced to the key principles of the technique, basic positions and a range of classical steps and simple sequences in order to develop skill and confidence in the genre.

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Intermediate Ballet 2 (Years 7 - 12)

Intermediate Ballet is a full year commitment. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Intermediate Ballet is designed for students in Years 7 – 12 who have current experience in ballet technique and demonstrate confidence in foundation principles and steps. Students will be introduced to new steps in sequences of increasing complexity in order to develop their coordination and fluency. This class enables students to experience appropriate challenge and develop their classical technique as they progress through the ballet program. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Senior Ballet 3 (Years 7 - 12)

Senior Ballet is a full year commitment. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Senior Ballet is for students in Years 7 – 12 who have significant experience in ballet technique. This class is designed to extend students expertise in the genre. Students will be introduced to increasingly complex steps and phrases. The emphasis in Senior Ballet is on pace of class in order to develop strength, power and flexibility. This class enables students to extend their classical technique and confidence in the genre.

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Classical Coaching 4 (Years 7 - 12 by invitation) 

Classical Coaching is a full year commitment. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Classical Coaching is for students in Years 7-12 who have extensive experience in ballet technique and are dancing at an advanced level. Students are welcome to expression their interest; however, places will be offered by invitation only. This class is designed to extend students expertise in the genre. Students will be introduced to advanced steps in sequences of increased complexity. There is an emphasis on pace of class in order to develop strength, power and flexibility. Students are exposed to classical repertoire and supported to develop their musicality and artistry as classical performers. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Intermediate Commercial Dance (Years 7 - 9)

Intermediate Commercial Dance is a full year commitment. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Intermediate Commercial Dance is for students in Years 7-9 who are looking for a high energy class and to entertain onstage. Commercial dance involves the study of jazz, musical theatre and/or hip-hop genres depending on the particular expertise of staff. Students will be introduced to the foundations of the genre and new steps in sequences of increasing complexity in order to develop coordination and cardiovascular fitness. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Senior Commercial Dance (Years 10 - 12)

Senior Commercial Dance is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Senior Commercial Dance is for students in Years 10-12 who are looking for a high energy class and to entertain onstage. Commercial dance involves the study of jazz, musical theatre and/or hip-hop genres depending on the particular expertise of staff. Students will build upon their strong foundation of the genre and learning new steps in complex sequences in order to extend coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Students will develop strength and flexibility, through conditioning exercises included in this class.

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Tap

Tap. is a full year commitment. This class will appeal to male and female students.

A new co-curricular dance class in 2024, Tap is offered to students in Years 7-12 with a minimum of 2 years of experience in Tap. This genre emphasises fast and percussive footwork, supporting the development of co-ordination and rhythmical patterns. Tap is also a useful genre for those interested in developing their musical theatre skill set. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Intermediate Acro (Years 7 - 9)

Intermediate Acro. is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Intermediate Acro. is for students in Years 7-9 who are looking to develop their acrobatic skills in a dance focussed class. Acro. involves the study of tumbling, inversions and pyramid building. This class establishes a sense of trust within the group due to the collaborative nature of the genre. With a focus on safe practice, the class also includes conditioning exercises for strength, endurance and flexibility. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Senior Acro (Years 10 - 12)

Senior Acro. is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Senior Acro. is for students in Years 9-12 who are looking to develop their acrobatic skills in a dance focussed class. Acro. involves the study of tumbling, inversions and pyramid building. This class establishes a sense of trust within the group due to the collaborative nature of the genre. With a focus on safe practice, the class also includes conditioning exercises for strength, endurance and flexibility. Senior Acro. extends past the foundation skills developed in Intermediate Acro.

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Dance Collective (Years 7 - 12 subject to audition) 

Westminster Dance Collective is a full year commitment. Entry is by audition. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Westminster Dance Collective is for students in Years 7-12 who have extensive experience in contemporary technique and are dancing at an advanced level. Students are encouraged to nominate as an expression of their intention to attend the audition, however places will be offered by successful audition only. The Dance Collective meet as a company each week to create innovative and challenging dance material. This class is designed to extend students expertise in the contemporary genre. There is an emphasis on pace of class in order to develop strength, power and flexibility. Students are exposed to advanced movement content in sequences of increased complexity and supported to develop their musicality and artistry as contemporary performers. 

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance. 

Contemporary Indigenous Dance (Years 7 - 12 Indigenous Students)

Contemporary Indigenous Dance is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Contemporary Indigenous Dance is for First Nations students in Years 7 - 12 who are looking to connect with culture, develop friendships and a sense of belonging through dance. This class is lead by a First Nations dance artist and includes a fusion of movement inspired by indigenous culture and contemporary dance. The students in the class are involved in the creation of content and direction that the group takes. In previous years, this class has performed at the Term 2 Reconciliation Assembly, either on its own or in collaboration with other dance students, and at the Term 4 Co-curricular Dancer Performance.

All co-curricular dance students perform in the Term 4 Co-curricular Dance Performance.

Aerial Skills

Aerial Silks is a full year commitment. No experience is necessary. This class will appeal to male and female students.

Aerial Silks is for Stage 2 Dance students who are looking to extend their dance skills using aerial apparatus. With a focus on safe practice, this class also includes conditioning exercises for strength, endurance and flexibility. Students have the opportunity to perform this genre in the Term 3 SACE and VET Dance Production and will document their progress as part of their Skills Development Portfolio.

Drama

Lead by John Doherty, Head of Drama

Junior Play (Years 8 - 10)

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Theatre Sports 

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Music

Lead by Kellie Blacker, Head of Music and Mike Degenhart, Director of Performance and Co-Curricular Music 

Preparatory School Ensembles

Preparatory School Junior Choir

The Junior Choir provides students from Years 1 and 2 the opportunity to experience choral singing in a fun and relaxed environment. Performance opportunities include School assemblies, School functions and Concerts, and community performances.

Preparatory School Canto Choir

The Canto Choir provides students from Years 3 and 4 the opportunity to further extend their singing skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is no audition process for the Canto Choir, therefore this group is open to all interested Years 3 and 4 students. Performance opportunities include School assemblies, School functions and Concerts and community performances.

Preparatory School Vox Pops

Vox Pops is a non-auditioned vocal ensemble open to all Years 5 and 6 students. Students will develop their vocal technique and explore a range of contemporary styles. This ensemble focuses on performance practice and aims to sing with confidence at a high musical standard. Performance opportunities include School assemblies, School functions and Concerts and community performances.

Preparatory School Concert Band

Students in Year 5 and 6 who learn woodwind, brass, percussion or keyboard are invited to join the Concert Band. It is preferable that students have reached a desired standard on their instrument before joining. Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Preparatory School Music teachers and/or ensemble director.

Preparatory School String Ensemble

Students in Years 4 through 6 who learn violin, viola, cello or double bass are invited to join a String Ensemble. It is preferable that students have reached a desired standard on their instrument before joining. Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Preparatory School Music teachers and/or ensemble director.

Preparatory School Rock Band

This group is re-auditioned each year. The Rock Band will include up to two vocalists, one keyboard player, one bass guitar, one guitar and one drummer. This group performs at a variety of school events.

Senior School Ensembles

Concert Bands

Our Senior Concert Bands are divided into year level ensembles, with a few exceptions. The Intermediate Concert Band has membership for students in Years 7 through 9, while the Senior Concert Band has students from Years 10 through 12. All students in these ensembles should be undertaking tuition for their instrument. Concert performances include School Concerts and performances, and the annual ABODA competition and Music Night.

Senior Orchestra (Years 7 - 12)

The Senior Orchestra involves all string players. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are included to balance each section. The repertoire includes mostly classical arrangements and compositions. All students in this ensemble should be undertaking tuition on their instrument. All students in these ensembles should be undertaking tuition on their instrument. Concert performances include School Concerts and performances, the annual ABODA competition and Music Night, as well as Strings and Orchestra Night.

Big Bands (1, 2 & 3 by audition)

These bands perform jazz, blues and swing music. Players are auditioned from the Senior Concert Band and Senior Orchestra. In addition, these groups have keyboard and guitar players. To qualify for a position, students must maintain a position in a Concert Band or Orchestra. Concert performances include School Concerts and performances, the annual ABODA competition and Music Night. Some Big Bands take part in Generations in Jazz and performances outside of school including Westminster Jazz Night at the Gov and Big Band Bonanza at Norwood Live.

String and Flute Ensemble

Each ensemble varies in membership from five to 20 players depending on the ensemble. To qualify for these ensembles students must maintain a position in either the Orchestra or Concert Band. Groups may be formed annually depending on numbers and demand.

Guitar Emsemble

It is desirable that students in these ensembles are involved in other groups, but not essential. Membership of these ensembles is usually at the discretion of their Directors. Groups may be formed annually depending on numbers and demand.

Senior Vocal Ensemble (Years 7 - 12)

This ensemble is open to any senior student from Year 7 to Year 12 who can sing in tune. Although, generally students are not auditioned, there may at times be a need to audition for particular parts and solos within the ensemble. Senior Vocal Ensemble take part in events such as the annual Tenebrae service, Sing Sing Sing, Music Night and the Community Carols event.

Vocal Jazz / West Direction (by audition)

Students in these ensembles are auditioned and are selected from members in the Senior Vocal Ensemble where they must maintain a position. Students perform a variety of popular and jazz pieces. The ensembles have a membership of between 9 to 16 students. These ensembles take part in events such as the annual Tenebrae service, Sing Sing Sing, Music Night and the Community Carols event.

Boys Vox Combo

Students in these ensembles are auditioned and are selected from members in the Senior Vocal Ensemble where they must maintain a position. Students perform a variety of popular and jazz pieces. Boys Vox Combo take part in events such as the annual Sing Sing Sing, Music Night and the Community Carols event.

Fusion Strings (By Invitation)

Students in this ensemble are selected from members of the Senior Orchestra where they must maintain a position; however, in some cases, younger students who are advanced on their instrument can also join. This will be done at the Director of Music’s discretion and if that is the case, a personal conversation will ensue.

Directed by a visiting tutor, and professional in their field, Fusion Strings is designed for students interested in a variety of genres to develop their knowledge of the role of string players in modern music. Students perform a variety of popular and alternative pieces that are not necessarily traditional. Concert performances include School Concerts and performances, the annual ABODA competition and Music Night, as well as Strings and Orchestra Night.

This ensemble is open to students with at least one year's experience on their instrument. They rehearse Tuesday lunchtimes, with rehearsals starting in Term 1, week 3. Rehearsals continue each week until mid-Term 4.

Students will be required to arrive, ready to play at 12.45pm. It is encouraged students bring a packed lunch to school on these days and eat this before rehearsal. They need to bring their instrument, required equipment, music, and a pencil to every rehearsal.

Music Production Group (Years 7 - 12)

Students who are interested in IT and music production including composition and arranging are eligible for this co-curricular activity. A basic music understanding is preferable; however, all skills will be learnt as required. Students do not need to play an instrument to be involved in this group.

Music Production Group takes place in the Performing Arts Technology Lab (Forder Centre – Level 2) every Tuesday afternoon, 3:45-5:15pm, and the Technology Lab will also be open for these students on Thursdays at lunchtime 12:45-1:30pm. Students use software such as Sibelius and Abeltone as well as other software programs. Many students compose original works that are collated and added to the production of an album through various platforms such as sound cloud.

There are opportunities for students to provide music recordings throughout the year including before/after school assemblies, events and performances. Each year we aim to produce an album of music to be shared on various streaming platforms.

Guitar Ensemble, Rock Bands, Jazz Ensemble & Percussion Ensemble

It is desirable that students in these ensembles are involved in other groups, but not essential. Membership of these ensembles is usually at the discretion of their Directors. Groups may be formed annually depending on numbers and demand.

Royal Show Team

Lead by Andrew Malcolm, Head of Agriculture

The Royal Show Team provides students with direct exposure to the world of Showing. This hands-on, and often unforgettable experience allows students to form tight bonds with their animals, witness some of the most superior animals in the industry, and the opportunity to hone and parade their skillset to a vast audience of hundreds of passionate onlookers. 

However, showing livestock as a skill only makes up a very small proportion of Agriculture. The Royal Show provides a platform for connection and collaboration between industry stakeholders to improve our production goals both individually, state, and nation-wide, and enhance the genetics and performance of livestock. 

An immersive experience, students who partake in the Royal Show Team benefit greatly from engaging with industry professionals, partaking in real-world discussions, and further developing their awareness and understanding of the future opportunities and challenges that exist within the Agriculture sector.