BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Belconnen High School provides students with numerous opportunities beyond the classroom, and many of these are offered outside normal school hours.  They greatly enrich the learning experience and are available to students who meet reasonable expectations of behaviour, cooperation and dress. 
 Parents who can help with any of these projects are invited to contact the school at any time to offer their services.
 
• BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE and CONCERT BANDS perform at various community functions and competitions as well as at School Assemblies, Awards Assemblies, Presentation and Graduation Night.
• COMPETITIONS - Australia-wide and territory-wide (eg. English, Mathematics, Geography, LOTE and Science).
• DEBATING and PUBLIC SPEAKING – Junior and senior students compete in ACT inter-school competitions.
• DRAMA, DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS – Students participate in regular performances and festivals such as the annual Canberra Dance Festival.
• EXCURSIONS – Local, interstate and international excursions provide opportunities for learning in 'the real world'  by direct observation, interview and field work.
• INTER-SCHOOL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
• SCHOOL SOCIALS are normally held once a term and provide enjoyable, relaxing events for students to meet and make friends. Attendance is conditional on meeting acceptable standards of behaviour and adherence to the dress code policy.
• SCHOOL YEAR BOOK – Students are provided with an opportunity to develop journalism and photography skills, while producing a permanent record of the school's activities.
• SPORT – Students have the chance to join in many interschool sports (at Belconnen Zone as well as ACT level) either in a team or as an individual.  Year 10 students also run sports coaching programs for local primary schools.  A highlight of the school year is our annual interschool exchange with Parkes High School (NSW).
• STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) – Students develop leadership skills and are involved in decision-making and problem solving as they represent the views of the student population.
• WORK EXPERIENCE is offered to each Year 10 student.
• YEAR 10 PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM – Students complete a two-day training seminar in Year 9.  Those selected continue their training during a Peer Support Unit in Year 10.  They lead small groups of Year 7 students on their orientation day and in group sessions through CARE classes during Term 1.  They meet with their groups during roll call each day to help the Year 7 students adjust to high school.  Some Peer Support Leaders also attend the Year 7 Camp that is aimed at teaching group skills and building relationships.
 
Participation in extra-curricular activities described above is recognised through Leadership and Service Awards, given at the annual Presentation Night in December.