CCGS Prospectus

When your son or daughter starts school

at CCGS, they are joining a leading

independent school with a reputation

for more than just academic excellence.

Your family also becomes an integral part

of a united, supportive and welcoming

community – one that embraces diversity,

fosters individuality and cultivates the

talents unique to every child.

Our inclusive, co-educational learning

environment allows siblings to reap

the rewards of sharing the same school

from Kindergarten to Year 12. A living

testament to our strong family spirit are

confi dent students who truly stand out as

responsible and caring young individuals.

Home to our school is 17 undulating,

tree-studded hectares on the NSW

Central Coast. A spacious, peaceful

learning environment, our campus

inspires creative thinking, emotional

wellbeing and an active, healthy lifestyle.

The CCGS school motto is Vita et

Scientia – Life & Knowledge. It embodies

a belief that education begins with the

seeds sown in the formative years

and encompasses an entwining of life

skills with academic knowledge.

Exceptional teachers encourage all

students to develop an intrinsic desire

for a lifetime of learning and an ability

to adapt to change with energy and

enthusiasm. The result is graduates

branching out into the world as forward

thinking, mature and articulate young

adults who celebrate their niche in life

and are motivated to contribute to society

and the community in which they live.

W E L C O M I N G

Y O U R F A M I L Y

I N T O O U R S

C E N T R A L C O A S T G R A M M A R S C H O O L

“CCGS offers my family such a

strong sense of community. As a

mother I am very thankful that my

children have such a wonderful

place to grow and learn.”

Jennifer (Parent)

W H A T W E VA L U E ,

P R O M O T E A N D C H E R I S H

Central Coast Grammar School’s founding

Charter, when the doors fi rst opened in

1985, was ‘to be a school of honest

endeavour striving to meet the individual

needs of its pupils and drawing out from

them their best efforts in the varied fi elds

in which their talents lie.’

Today we offer a broad education that

promotes the intellectual, physical,

emotional and spiritual development

of each child. A nondenominational

school with a Christian ethos, CCGS

encourages students to refl ect on spiritual

matters, ethical issues and human values.

In this way we see our role as helping

your child gradually discover his or her

own pathway in life.

True to our founding Charter, our

Aspiration, Mission and Value statements

refl ect the attitudes we continue to

celebrate, encourage and cherish.

O U RA S P I R A T I O N

Our graduates will be mature and

articulate global citizens. They will

have been encouraged to maximise their

academic potential and have been

exposed to a wide variety of cocurricular

activities. They will have developed into

confi dent, caring and well balanced young

adults. Our graduates will be able to

thrive in a rapidly changing world through

their collaborative skills, technological

competence, enterprising spirit and

capacity for innovation.

O U RM I S S I O N

Striving for excellence in all endeavours in a

happy, caring and supportive environment.

O U RVA L U E S

Our values refl ect the school’s culture

and the personal attributes we teach, and

expect all students to aspire to:

• The care of others

• Generosity and selfl essness

• Personal integrity

• Love and loyalty

• Respect and forgiveness

• Responsibility and self-discipline

• Compassion and friendship

• Courage and perseverance

• Truthfulness and honesty

At Central Coast Grammar School

learning and relationships are at the heart

of everything we do.

Nurturing a child’s potential is a serious

business. Our commitment to teaching

excellence and maximised academic

achievement aims for every student to

achieve their personal best within a culture

where effort and excellence are rewarded

and success is viewed as normal.

Learning has many dimensions. Effective

academic programs, stimulating

cocurricular activities and nurtured

student wellbeing provide an all round

education that extends the diverse

gifts and abilities of each child. CCGS

is organised into 3 dynamic schools

dedicated to each stage of your child’s

emotional, physical and intellectual

development. Our single campus ensures

a consistent and secure transition from

one stage of learning to the next.

We are a friendly school that values

and includes parents. Open and honest

communication between students,

teachers and parents ensures we provide

the best possible education to meet your

child’s needs.

We can open the door to a larger world

and make a difference in a child’s life.

We can offer dedicated teachers,

inspirational learning spaces and a host of

opportunities. Ultimately though, it is the

student who defi nes how they engage in

the life of the school and who they will

become. In partnership with parents, we

aim to be a memorable and guiding force

as they grow and build their lives.

If you believe that CCGS may be the

right school for your son or daughter,

come and meet the students and staff in

person and experience for yourselves the

thriving, purposeful atmosphere pervading

the everyday life of our school. You will

receive a very warm welcome.

F R O M T H E

H E A D M A S T E R


William Low

At CCGS the focus is on your child – how

they learn, how they think and how we

can support them each and every day to

help them reach their full potential.

Every child is unique. Each has strengths

and weaknesses that need to be identifi ed

and nurtured. Some respond better to

certain learning styles than others. One

child may need more encouragement

than another in order to achieve their best.

Meeting every child’s individual needs is

central to our school’s mission.

Our teachers get to know your child

personally. Talents, abilities and challenges

are recognised and teachers accommodate

different rates and styles of learning.

Students are placed in classes to suit

both their ability and social needs.

From Kindergarten to Year 12, learning

support specialists work closely with

classroom teachers on a daily basis to

monitor students’ core learning. They

have the skills and knowledge to

extend gifted and talented children and

assist those needing extra help. Inclusive

support and extension is offered within

the classroom setting so that your child’s

educational experience is both stimulating

and comprehensive.

As children make the transition from one

developmental stage to the next, their

needs may also change. A child may be

a confident learner in the Junior School,

but may struggle during early adolescence.

Another may fi nd it diffi cult to establish a

consistent study routine in Senior College.

As educational landscapes broaden and

greater independence and maturity are

expected, students at CCGS can feel

secure in the knowledge that help is

always readily available.

Throughout their educational journey

your child will be encouraged to fi nd

their niche and be proud of their own

individual achievements.

I N D I V I D U A L F O C U S

The adventure begins in the Junior School.

Open, light filled spaces and warm,

nurturing teachers welcome our youngest

members to school and provide wonderful

foundations for the vital early learning and

developmental years.

Curiosity, clear thinking and academic

accomplishment are fostered from day one,

encouraging your child to develop a hunger

for knowledge. At the same time our skilled

and experienced teachers carefully monitor

the individual learning and wellbeing needs

of each child within their care.

Our stimulating Junior School curriculum

is anchored by systematic literacy and

numeracy programs and enhanced by

specialist teachers in Art, Languages,

Music and Sport who are passionate

about their individual areas of expertise.

Kindergarten children discover the joy

of learning a foreign language, Year 3

children learn to play an instrument and

Year 5 children commence our integrated

Notebook program.

Your child is encouraged to respect

others and their environment, assume

responsibility and develop positive

relationships with their classmates

and teachers. Gradually as these values

are understood and become second

nature, your child develops the solid

foundations that will see them enter

the Middle School with confi dence,

resilience and determination.

T H E J O U R N E Y

B E G I N SJ U N I O R S C H O O L ( K - 6 )


At the very core of Middle School

philosophy is an understanding of just

how crucial it is for your child to establish

and foster productive relationships while

maintaining and building confi dence

and self-esteem.

Adolescence is a time of significant

change – a time when young people are

discovering who they are and developing

new relationships. Recognising this critical

stage in your child’s development, our

focus in the Middle School is geared

towards engaging, energising and

challenging them while supporting their

emotional wellbeing.

Extensive opportunities, rich academic

programs and a wide range of electives

allow students to explore their

talents and interests. At the same time

critical thinking and academic rigour

establish solid foundations for success

in Senior College.

E X P L O R A T I O N

A N D D I S C O V E R YM I D D L E S C H O O L ( 7 - 9 )

An emerging adult, your son or daughter

is beginning to clarify goals for final

accreditation and life beyond school.

Senior College offers a vast range of

subject choices, extensive careers

guidance and new possibilities for

personal growth, leadership and service.

It is a time when engagement in life

and learning is lifted to higher levels.

Senior College students are challenged

to take intellectual risks, think beyond

traditional constraints and become more

autonomous in preparation for tertiary

study. Encouraged to be the very best

they can be, your son or daughter will

have every opportunity to develop the

skills, knowledge and motivation for

their chosen career.

From start to finish CCGS offers the

highest standard in education. We identify

talent and support students without

question in order to build confident

achievers. Our goal is to capture the heart

and mind of your son or daughter while

guiding them at every stage of their

learning journey.

B R A N C H I N G O U TS E N I O R C O L L E G E ( 1 0 - 1 2 )


“There are a lot of reasons

why CCGS is a brilliant school,

but the quality of the staff

would have to top the list.”

Lauren (Dux 2009)

Central Coast Grammar School is

wholeheartedly committed to the pursuit

of academic excellence. Students are

challenged to strive for their personal best

and value high achievement in themselves

and others. It is a culture that gives each child

permission to shine. Our aim is to stimulate

curiosity and develop fl exible, innovative

thinkers and lifelong learners.

Consistently strong results are testament

to the quality of our learning and teaching

practices. The majority of our students

choose to further their education at a

tertiary level, with most gaining entry

to their fi rst choice university courses.

An independent school, CCGS is at

the forefront of educational thinking

and practice. We offer a broad range

of programs that prepare students

exceptionally well for the demands of

adulthood. Our curriculum is consistently

under review to enrich the options

available for students and open as

many doors as possible for them. Our

unifying ‘one school’ learning philosophy

ensures your child’s education is both

connected and cohesive at every stage

of the journey.

High quality teaching is the focus

of continuous improvement. Dedicated

to the wellbeing of every child within

their care, our highly qualifi ed teachers

have practical experience of contemporary

teaching methods and the essential

personal qualities of warmth, dedication

and integrity.

Skilled at creating a sense of wonder and

an increasing hunger for knowledge, our

teachers inspire students to discover the

joy of learning. Your child is encouraged

to explore possibilities and ask searching

questions. They are challenged to

think critically and articulate ideas with

increasing clarity.

A C U L T U R E O F

E X C E L L E N C E


We believe the link between home and

school is the key to unlocking your child’s

true potential. Our Wellbeing programs

and cohesive school community create an

environment in which children can excel.

Guiding each child’s emotional, social and

academic wellbeing, our House System

provides a close-knit network of support

throughout their growing years. Aimed

at providing each child with a strong sense

of connection to the school community,

House activities are woven into many

aspects of school life.

Recognising the vital role a family plays in

the life of a child, our founders established

House Families which continue to this

day. The House Family group consists of

20 or so students from Kindergarten to

Year 12. On starting at our school, your

child will become part of a ‘House Family’

to which they will belong until they leave

school. Much like a group of brothers and

sisters, older students act as mentors, while

younger students have the opportunity to

interact with positive role models.

Wellbeing and House Coordinators

work alongside our House Family

groups to monitor every child’s personal

development. They get to know their

students very well and encourage them

to talk about any concerns they may have.

These key staff also provide an important

link between home and school by working

closely with teachers, professional school-

based counsellors and your family to

address any matters that may arise.

From time to time, students of all

ages experience challenges of varying

complexity. Our House System ensures

that most obstacles can be turned into

positive learning experiences, developing

the resilience needed to cope with the

ups and downs of life.

A F A M I L Y O F S U P P O R T


Being a student at CCGS means exploring

new interests, challenging inhibitions and

embracing unique experiences. A balanced

education involves so much more than

the pursuit of academic success and

we have created an exciting choice of

cocurricular opportunities to meet a wide

range of interests.

Your child can test their spirit in the

great outdoors, try their hand at public

speaking or join the debating team.

They can learn to play an instrument,

take to the stage or participate in a

variety of sporting codes.

Our Community Service program

teaches students to connect with the

community at a local, national and

international level and identify team

projects through which they can help

make the world a better place.

Our Student Exchange program gives

students valuable cultural experience

and an understanding of their role as

global citizens. They also have access

to overseas sport, performing arts,

cultural, humanitarian and outdoor

adventure tours.

The leadership roles that result from

these opportunities build optimism

and courage in our students while instilling

in them a greater sense of responsibility

and empathy towards others. Diversity

inspires adaptability and the acquisition

of new skills creates greater potential for

the future.

The self-esteem that results from

involvement in our cocurricular activities

could signifi cantly infl uence your child’s

ability to achieve in all aspects of life.

B E Y O N D T H E

C L A S S R O O M

T E A M W O R K

A N D C H A L L E N G E

Our Sport and Outdoor Education programs

promote resilience, determination and

respect, so important for overall wellbeing.

Whether for fun, fi tness, the thrill of

competition or a combination of all these

factors, sport can be a key dimension

of your child’s experience at CCGS.

In addition to promoting a healthy

lifestyle, our sporting programs will see

your child learn new skills and increase

their circle of friends.

Many sports learned at school can become

an interest for life. Students have the

opportunity to represent our school in

a wide variety of sports and CCGS

athletes have competed at both state

and national level, many performing

exceptionally well.

Adventure, challenge, friendship and life

skills capture the essence of our dynamic

Outdoor Education program. Activities like

abseiling, caving, orienteering, cooking,

pitching tents, bushwalking, kayaking,

and horse riding allow your child to step

outside their comfort zone and test their

fortitude. Students can also explore

their potential through participation in

the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Active participation and the exhilaration

of physical and mental challenge build

teamwork and could stimulate your child’s

learning on many levels.


“Could music just be a

rhythm, the beat of someone’s

footsteps, a clock ticking or

the rhythm of a train passing?

The rhythm and the music

of life is everywhere.”

Andrew (Music Captain 2010)

Your child will have many opportunities

to explore his or her creative self through

our vibrant cocurricular Music and

Performing Arts programs.

Music is an integral part of life at the

school and from an early age every

child has the chance to connect with

music or extend their existing talents

by learning an instrument, singing,

composing or joining one of many choirs,

bands or ensembles.

An outstanding team of accomplished

private music tutors inspire enthusiastic

beginners and highly accomplished

musicians alike. While developing their

musical talents, your child can also

experience the joy of performing for

family and the community.

Performing Arts offer a dynamic platform

for further creativity and self-expression.

Talent and confi dence are extended as

junior and senior students discover the

exhilaration live performance can bring

through involving themselves in school

musical and dramatic productions.

Having the ability to speak persuasively

and think critically to craft an argument

builds personal capacity and our

strong Debating and Public Speaking

programs develop articulate and

engaging speakers.

Creative learners are confi dent learners

and creativity beyond the classroom

brings pleasure and inspiration to children

of all ages.

C R E A T I V E

E X P R E S S I O N


Nestled on a hillside overlooking the

picturesque Matcham Valley at Erina

Heights on the NSW Central Coast, our

17-hectare tree-studded campus offers

your child a peaceful learning environment

in which to explore, study and refl ect.

Far away from the hustle and bustle yet

close enough to transport, shopping

precincts and beaches, CCGS is readily

accessible by car and public transport.

Our youngest students are situated in

a cosy corner of the campus. Designed

with a young child’s view of the world

in mind, our Infants area offers active,

growing children a bright, expansive

and nurturing environment in which to

learn and play.

At the opposite end of the school, our Year

12 students enjoy a quiet space to study

and get together with their peers. Taking

pride of place at the heart of the campus,

our magnifi cent Library and Lecture

Theatre is a sophisticated and vibrant

learning hub for students of all ages.

Staircases, covered walkways, winding

pathways and art-covered walls link

classroom blocks and outdoor learning

areas. Trees and native gardens fl ourish

throughout the campus and absorb the

excited chatter of students as they journey

through their day.

A multipurpose gymnasium and sports

hall, extensive ovals and a floodlit

synthetic sports fi eld motivate physical

challenge while the Performing Arts

Centre pulses with creative energy.

Specialist art, technology and science

facilities offer a host of hands on learning

experiences. Extensive software, hardware

and ICT services are fully integrated

throughout our wireless digital learning

environment, connecting our people and

learning spaces.

Since our doors opened in 1985 we have

strived for the constant advancement of

our facilities. Our goal continues to be

the development of inspirational spaces

that motivate students, staff and the

entire CCGS community.

I N S P I R A T I O N A L S P A C E S

When your child joins CCGS your entire

family becomes part of a caring and diverse

school community – one in which you will

always fi nd a warm welcome. Active parent

groups nourish our school, reinforcing

the fact that CCGS is a network of friends

that care for one another throughout the

schooling years and beyond.

Just as we happily accept your help and

involvement in our school, we support

you in your parenting role through

information events on a host of educational

and social issues facing families in a world

of constant change. We will also welcome

you and your family into the school to enjoy

your child’s development through a variety

of showcase performances and events.

Even as your child’s career extends beyond

school, they will remain connected to

our Alumni network offering a range of

opportunities including friendship for life.

As a parent, you can make many life-long

friends and develop new social and

professional networks within a community

of families that share values and

aspirations similar to your own.

Throughout the journey we will work

with your family in a spirit of open

communication and mutual understanding.

Call our Registrar on (02) 4367 6766 or email [email protected] to

arrange a visit, so that you and your child

can experience our wonderful learning

environment for yourselves.

J O I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Arundel Road, Erina Heights NSW 2260, Australia

T: +61 2 4367 6766 F: +61 2 4365 1860

W: www.ccgs.nsw.edu.au E: [email protected] Code: 02261G

CCGS Prospectus

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