Beyond the Classroom: Discover the Westminster Co-Curricular Difference
From discovering a new passion to pursuing sporting excellence, Westminster’s Preparatory School co-curricular program gives every child the opportunity to explore their strengths, build confidence and find where they thrive.
At Westminster, some of the most important learning happens beyond the classroom.
During the Preparatory years, children are discovering what excites them, what challenges them and where their strengths might lie. Across Westminster’s expansive campus, a diverse co-curricular program gives students the freedom to explore those possibilities.
Head of Preparatory School Simon McKenzie said co-curricular experiences are an important part of Westminster’s approach to developing the whole child.
“Co-curricular experiences play a vital role in helping children discover who they are and where their interests lie,” Mr McKenzie said.
“It is through these opportunities that students build confidence, develop friendships and begin to understand their own strengths.”
For some, that discovery might happen through Art Masters, where creativity and imagination are encouraged. For others, it could be Chess or Debating, developing strategic thinking and communication skills, or Science Club and Robotics Club, where curiosity turns into problem-solving and innovation.
Environmental Club connects students with the natural world while Tournament of Minds challenges them to collaborate, think differently and persevere when the answer is not immediately obvious.
Westminster’s Performing Arts program is another avenue for discovery. Through dance, drama, music ensembles and performances, students are encouraged to express themselves and build confidence in a supportive environment, with access to facilities including the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts.
Sport is equally central to the Westminster Preparatory experience.
Westminster’s Preparatory School Sports Development Program provides a purposeful pathway for students in Years 2–6 who are ready to take the next step in their chosen sport.
Across Soccer, Football, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket, Athletics and Speed and Running Technique, students undertake structured development designed to build technical skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of performance.
Athletic Profile Assessment provides further insight into individual strengths and areas for development, helping students understand their athletic capabilities as they progress.
Specialist coaches bring significant experience to the program, with a coaching team including Neil Young, Heath Lawry, Jarryd Hoppo and Fleur Kennedy. Their focus is not simply on immediate performance but on developing strong foundations that can support students as their sporting journey continues.
“Through the Preparatory School Sports Development Program, students are given the opportunity to build strong foundations, develop their skills with purpose and grow in confidence, setting them up for future success in sport,” Mr McKenzie said.
Importantly, co-curricular opportunities are included within the Preparatory School fee, apart from private music and swimming lessons, helping every child access the breadth of experiences available.
Because at Westminster, the goal is not for every child to excel at the same thing. It is to give every child the opportunity to discover the things at which they can excel.