What Makes Newington College Truly Unique?
Newington College, an independent Uniting Church school located in Sydney, Australia, boasts a rich history spanning over 160 years. While deeply rooted in tradition, it is also a forward-thinking institution renowned for its holistic approach to education and its commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals.
Newington College’s philosophy is to empower students to develop Great Hearts, Inspired Minds, and Strong Wings. This three-part vision serves as a guiding principle for the school's curriculum and culture, aiming to prepare students to be well-rounded, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
Great Hearts
This pillar is all about developing character and emotional intelligence. A "Great Heart" at Newington means fostering kindness, integrity, and courage. The school believes that these values are crucial for students to live with purpose and to build strong, ethical relationships. The focus on character goes beyond simple rules and is embedded in the school’s culture, encouraging students to be empathetic and resilient.
Inspired Minds
This is the academic core of the philosophy. "Inspired Minds" refers to cultivating curiosity, open-mindedness, and intellectual rigor. Newington offers a broad academic program that goes beyond traditional subjects, including a focus on philosophy and critical thinking from a young age. The goal is not just to produce high academic scores, but to foster students who are motivated to learn for the sake of knowledge and who can think creatively and analytically to solve complex problems.
Strong Wings
"Strong Wings" symbolizes independence, resilience, and the ability to take on the world. This is achieved through a wide range of co-curricular activities and a strong focus on well-being. The school provides students with opportunities in sports, creative arts, and outdoor education to help them discover their passions and develop life skills like teamwork, communication, and physical expression. This pillar ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also confident and adaptable, ready to fly on their own and make a difference.
At Newington College, students have two distinct academic pathways for their final two years: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Inside the Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics:
A
look at the unique programs and initiatives offered by the Newington
college's Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics, which is a key part
of its curriculum. Newington
College’s Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics (CCTE) was
established in 2022 to help students develop independent, critical, and
ethical thought.
Unique Programs and Initiatives
The CCTE offers a range of bespoke programs and initiatives that go beyond the standard curriculum.
Bespoke Critical Thinking Program: This is a progressive and spiralled program of lessons delivered by experts to students from kindergarten through year 12.
The lessons are designed to challenge accepted positions and ideas with rational and considered arguments. The curriculum is constantly reviewed to ensure students are encouraged to think with open minds and clear eyes. Professional Learning for Teachers: The CCTE partners with organizations like the Association for Philosophy in Schools NSW to offer professional learning courses for teachers across all subjects.
These workshops are open to all New South Wales teachers and are aimed at developing students' critical thinking skills across the entire curriculum. Inter-School Events: The CCTE serves as a hub for critical inquiry by organizing inter-school events that bring students from across New South Wales together for collaborative discussion.
Notable events include the annual Meeting of Minds and the Sydney Philosothon. Public Program: The centre also has a public program, which includes an ethics lecture series that has been a feature of the college's outreach to the wider community for over a decade.
These free and open events engage the public in discussions about contemporary issues, beliefs, and values.
Student Life and Co-Curriculars
Newington
College places significant emphasis on its extensive co-curricular
program, which it sees as vital to student development.
Sports
Sport is a mandatory activity for all students from Year 7 to Year 12.
Summer Sports: Basketball, cricket, golf, swimming, tennis, and water polo.
Winter Sports: AFL, athletics, cross country, fencing, football, and rugby.
Participation
in these sports is intended to foster character development, promote
teamwork, and encourage a lifelong passion for physical well-being.
Creative and Performing Arts
Newington offers a wide-ranging creative and performing arts education with extensive co-curricular opportunities.
Drama: The drama program provides a creative outlet for students of all experience levels.
It includes a biennial College musical and participation in events like Theatresports, which teaches improvisational skills. Music: Students can join various ensembles, from string and vocal groups to jazz bands, and are given numerous performance opportunities throughout the year.
These programs are designed to build confidence, creativity, and collaborative skills.
Robotics and STEM
In
an increasingly technological world, Newington has a strong focus on
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The college's
Robotics club is a key part of this, teaching students about coding, building, and teamwork in a hands-on environment. The program aims to empower students to be independent and creative problem-solvers.
Public Speaking and Debating
Newington provides ample opportunities for students to develop their communication skills.
Boarding experience
At Newington College, the boarding experience is designed to be a "home away from home" for its students. Located just a short walk from the Senior Campus, the Edmund Webb Boarding House accommodates about 50 boys in Years 9 to 12. This small, close-knit community is at the heart of boarding life.
A Typical Day
A day in the life of a Newington boarder is a structured yet flexible blend of academics, sports, and social activities.
Mornings: Days begin with a community breakfast. Students then head to classes, joining their day-student peers for a full academic schedule.
Afternoons & Evenings: The afternoons are dedicated to co-curricular activities, which can range from sports to music and other clubs. After a community dinner, boarders sit for a compulsory two-hour academic preparation session in the school library. During this time, they have access to English, Mathematics, and Science teaching staff for one-on-one help.
Lights Out: Evenings are for unwinding and socializing with friends in the common areas before a set lights-out time.
Community and Recreation
The boarding house is more than just a place to sleep; it's a family. Staff members and their families live on-site, providing a high level of care and supervision.
Social Scene: The small size of the boarding house fosters strong bonds and a deep sense of camaraderie. The community is diverse, with students from both rural and metropolitan areas of Australia, as well as from overseas.
Weekend Activities: Weekends are a highlight of boarding life. While two-thirds of the boarders typically stay in, a variety of outings are organized, including beach visits, movie nights, barbecues with students from other schools, and sports afternoons where boarders have access to the college's entire sports facilities.
Boarding at Newington helps students develop independence, resilience, and maturity. The mix of a structured routine and a strong, supportive community helps them prepare for the challenges of university life and beyond.
Responsibility and empathy in students
Service learning and community service programs are a powerful way for schools to instill a sense of responsibility and empathy in students. By moving beyond the classroom and into the community, students gain a deeper, more practical understanding of social issues and their role in addressing them.
Key Programs and Initiatives
Schools often offer a range of service learning initiatives that are integrated into the curriculum or as extracurricular activities. Some of these can include:
Fundraising and Awareness Campaigns: While this might seem like a simple effort, campaigns like the Red Shield Appeal or Relay for Life teach students about the challenges faced by others and the importance of collective action. They learn about the real-world impact of organizations like the Salvation Army and the Cancer Council.
Direct Service: This is often the most impactful form of service. Students might work directly with community organizations, such as volunteering at food banks, tutoring younger students, or assisting at nursing homes. This direct interaction helps break down stereotypes and builds personal connections.
Skill-Based Service: Students can use their academic knowledge to provide a service. For example, a student from a computer science class might help a local non-profit set up their website, or an engineering student might help design a community garden. This demonstrates the practical application of their education.
The Power of Service Learning
These programs are not just about helping others; they are about transforming the students themselves. The benefits are numerous:
Instilling Responsibility: When students see a problem firsthand, they feel a sense of responsibility to act. Service learning moves them from being passive observers to active participants in their community. They learn that every person has a role to play in building a better society.
Building Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Service learning activities, especially direct service, expose students to different perspectives and life experiences. By listening to the stories of those they are helping, they gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of others. This is a crucial step in developing a compassionate heart.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Students in service learning programs are often tasked with finding solutions to real, complex problems. This requires critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. They learn to work in teams, communicate effectively, and adapt to unexpected challenges.
Connecting to Academics: Service learning effectively links classroom knowledge to real-world issues. Students see how the history they learn, the math they calculate, or the science they study can be applied to create a positive impact on a community. This connection makes learning more meaningful and engaging.
Old Newingtonians Making a Mark:
Newington College has a long and impressive history of producing notable alumni who have excelled in diverse fields. From politics and sports to the arts and business, these "Old Newingtonians" have made a significant mark, reflecting the school's commitment to producing well-rounded leaders.
Politics and Public Service
Newington College has a strong tradition of its alumni entering public life and leadership roles. A key figure is Sir Thomas Bavin, a former Premier of New South Wales, who served in the late 1920s. Another notable name is General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who served as the 26th Governor-General of Australia. His distinguished military and public service career showcases a commitment to the nation that is a testament to his education.
Sports
Newington has an exceptional record of producing elite athletes who have gone on to represent Australia on the world stage.
Cameron Murray is a prominent example, serving as captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and representing both the New South Wales Blues and the Australian Kangaroos in rugby league.
In rugby union, brothers Allan and Michael Alaalatoa have both played for the Wallabies, Australia's national team, with Allan also captaining the ACT Brumbies.
The college has a strong tradition in rowing, with alumni like James Chapman who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
Business and the Arts
Beyond traditional fields, Old Newingtonians have also made significant contributions to business and the arts.
Ian Thomas is a respected figure in the retail and shopping center industry, who has held leadership positions at an international level.
In the arts, Grahame Bond, best known for his comedic character "Aunty Jack," is a celebrated Australian entertainer, actor, and musician.
Michael Idato is a well-known journalist and critic for The Sydney Morning Herald, showcasing the college's influence in media and journalism.
Craig Foster is a former Socceroo and is now a well-known social activist and human rights advocate, demonstrating that the pursuit of excellence extends beyond one's initial field.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is Newington College only for boys?A1: Historically, Newington College has been a boys' school. However, it is transitioning to co-education, with girls entering the Early Learning Centre (already co-ed), Kindergarten and Year 5 from 2026, and Year 7 and Year 11 from 2028. It aims to be fully co-educational by 2033.
Q2: What are the main entry points for students? A2: Formal entry points are typically Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 (for boarding). Entry into the ELC is for 3 and 4-year-olds. Applications are accepted from birth due to demand.
Q3: Does Newington College offer scholarships? A3: Yes, Newington College offers a broad range of academic, music, and sporting scholarships, including some specifically for rural, regional, international boarding students, and Indigenous students. Scholarship applicants must generally be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Q4: What is the significance of the Eungai Creek campus? A4: The Eungai Creek campus is a unique, sustainably designed facility for Year 9 students to participate in 8-10 week social service immersion and outdoor education programs. It focuses on sustainable living, traditional land management practices with First Nations knowledge holders, and ecological stewardship.
Q5: What curriculum frameworks does Newington College follow?
A5: Newington College offers the
NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), the International Baccalaureate
(IB) Diploma Programme, and Vocational Education and Training
Q6: Is boarding available at Newington College? A6: Yes, Newington College offers boarding facilities for students in Years 9-12 at the Edmund Boarding House on the Stanmore campus.
Q7: What is the school's religious affiliation? A7: Newington College is an independent school affiliated with the Uniting Church. It welcomes students and families of all religious denominations and cultural backgrounds.
Q8: What are the fees for Newington College? A8: Tuition fees vary by year level and are subject to change annually. As of a recent report, annual fees can range from approximately AU$24,000 for Kindergarten to over AU$42,000 for Years 11-12. Boarding fees are additional. Detailed fee schedules are available on the Admissions section of their official website.