Australia, Sydney
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Newington runs a Debating and Oratory Program with more than 100 students involved, teaching public speaking and persuasive speech and expanding to negotiation skills. Students participate in external forums such as The Evatt Model United Nations competition, where teams represent countries in simulated UN negotiations; some delegates have progressed to national finals. The Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics supports philosophical inquiry and hosts inter-school events like the Sydney Philosothon and Meeting of Minds. The Ethics Olympiad is also part of the program, with Newington teams competing at high levels and developing clear, respectful reasoning.
The Founders Concert showcases a broad musical base including College Choruses, String Ensembles, Rock Band, Jazz Combo, Chamber Music, Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble. The College's Music department coordinates a diverse range of performances and ensembles, illustrating a deep engagement with creative arts. Creative Arts facilities support these activities, including a dedicated music practice environment that houses instruments and specialised spaces.
Language study and cultural exchange are integral to the co-curricular program, with opportunities to practice Spanish, French and Italian and participate in Language and Cultural Exchange experiences. Tours and exchanges form part of Camps and International Tours, allowing students to travel internationally and develop intercultural understanding. Language-focused travel and hosting arrangements help broaden global awareness and foreign language study.
Lindfield Preparatory Campus offers Chess, Debating Club, Public Speaking, Languages, Lego Club, Drama and Performing Arts, swimming and athletics, STEM and robotics, among other activities. Wyvern Preparatory Campus expands after-school options to include Coding Club, Public Speaking, Lego Club, Robotics, Drama Club, Chess, Dungeons and Dragons and sports skill sessions. The Co-Curricular program across campuses covers a wide spectrum of clubs and informal groups, enabling students to explore hobbies and build peer connections.
Newington's Service Learning program engages students in volunteering and service with partners such as Exodus Loaves and Fishes, the Asylum Seeker Centre and Oasis Foundation, alongside Sleep Rough campaigns. The program includes social service immersion at Eungai Creek and year-round community fundraising activities, fostering real-world leadership and community engagement. Students also volunteer with organisations beyond the campus, including community service initiatives highlighted in student-led activities and external charity partnerships.
The House System provides an expansive network of peer mentors and leadership opportunities, with older students guiding younger cohorts and taking on House duties and leadership roles. Mentor periods and cross-year collaboration cultivate leadership, teamwork and responsibility, extending beyond the classroom. Service Learning and House charity activities further develop leadership capabilities and a servant mindset that students carry into their futures.
Outdoor Education is an established part of the program, including two mandatory week-long camps in Year 7 and Year 8 and ongoing outdoor learning experiences. The Wellbeing program, mentor system and pastoral care structure provide a robust support network for students. Coaching in swimming and tennis is available through the senior campus, and sport and fitness activities are integral to daily life at Newington.
Newington College is an independent Uniting Church school in Sydney, Australia, offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP) alongside the Australian Curriculum. The college operates across two campuses, Stanmore and Lindfield, with a rural Eungai Creek campus for outdoor education and social service immersion. The Stanmore Senior Campus spans about 10 hectares and houses specialist facilities for Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, and Science, with extensive sporting facilities to support cricket, rugby, and football throughout the year. The Early Learning Centre provides three classrooms with qualified educators, and boarding is available across the college. Lindfield hosts the K–6 program. The school traces its origins to 1863 and has a long history of welcoming students from diverse religious backgrounds. Co-curricular options include creative arts, sport, outdoor education, and international tours. An emphasis on debate, ethics, critical thinking and language study enriches life for students.