Student opportunities and activities
At JEHS, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.
Our programs include school sport and carnivals, creative and performing arts groups, cultural and language activites. Excursion and incursions, public speaking, debating, extra-curricular clubs, student leadership opportunities along with activites that support high potential and gifted learners.
Debating and public speaking
Students can develop their thinking, communication and teamwork skills through debating and public speaking. They also have the chance to compete in local and state events.
Year 8 Debating Team
Creative and performing arts
Our drama, music and art programs help students be creative and express themselves. They can join in concerts, art shows and drama activities.
MADD Performance
Trips and excursions
Our students enjoy getting out of the classroom to explore, learn and try new things. These experiences help them grow, build confidence and see how their learning connects to the world.
Careers excursion to USYD
Lunchtime Music Club
The Lunchtime Music Club provides students with the opportunity to extend their musical skills through individual and group rehearsal. Students collaborate with peers to practise, perform, and refine their technique in a supportive and creative environment. The club nurtures musical confidence, creativity, and performance skills across a range of instruments and styles. This initiative is open to students from all stages and runs weekly.
Year 9 iSTEM Mini Golf CAD Design Challenge
As part of the iSTEM program, Year 9 students engage in an authentic design challenge to create a mini golf hole using CAD software. Students apply advanced problem solving, engineering principles, and digital design skills to develop innovative solutions. The project encourages creativity, collaboration, and real-world application of STEM concepts. This term-based initiative targets Stage 5 students.
ABCN Enrichment Excursions
Selected students participate in ABCN enrichment excursions focused on design thinking, leadership, and future focused skills. These experiences allow students to engage with industry professionals and apply creative and critical thinking to authentic challenges. The initiative aims to broaden student aspirations and expose them to real-world problem solving. Participation is offered throughout the year based on availability and targets Stage 4 students.
LEGO EV3 and LEGO Spike Robotics
This hands-on robotics program allows students to design, build, and program LEGO EV3 and Spike robots to solve complex challenges. Students develop computational thinking, engineering skills, and collaborative problem solving through structured design projects. The initiative provides rich extension for students with a strong interest in robotics and technology. It runs as a term-based project for Stage 5 students.
Advanced Timber Design and Production
In Timber Technology, high potential and gifted students undertake advanced design and production projects. Students explore complex construction techniques, material selection, and creative problem solving beyond standard curriculum requirements. This initiative fosters independence, precision, and innovative thinking in practical contexts. It runs weekly and is targeted at Stage 5 students.
CSIRO Generation STEM Project
Through the CSIRO Generation STEM Project, students engage in inquiry-based learning that addresses real-world scientific and technological challenges. The initiative promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation while connecting students with contemporary STEM issues. Students develop skills in research, design, and evaluation through authentic learning experiences. This term-based project is offered to Stage 5 students.
Science and Engineering Challenge
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a national event that immerses students in hands-on STEM challenges. Working in teams, students apply scientific knowledge, engineering processes, and creative problem solving to complex tasks. The initiative promotes teamwork, resilience, and higher-order thinking. This annual event targets Stage 5 students.
Chess Club
The Chess Club provides students with the opportunity to develop strategic thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Students participate in friendly competition while learning advanced tactics and gameplay strategies. The club encourages logical reasoning and perseverance in a supportive environment. This weekly initiative is open to students from all stages.
Design Portfolios
Design Portfolios embed extension opportunities within curriculum tasks to allow students to explore ideas in greater depth. Students are encouraged to develop sophisticated design concepts, document their creative process, and reflect critically on their work. This initiative supports creativity, independence, and higher-level thinking. It runs weekly and targets Stage 4 students.
Creative and Performing Arts Enrichment Programs
The Creative and Performing Arts faculty offers a range of enrichment initiatives including Pop Idol, MADD Night, national art competitions, and creative writing programs. These opportunities allow students to extend their artistic talents through performance, exhibition, and competition. Students develop confidence, creativity, and discipline through authentic artistic experiences. These initiatives are offered annually and are open to students from all stages.
Mathematics Homework Club
The Mathematics Homework Club provides structured support and extension for students seeking to deepen their mathematical understanding. Students receive guidance on complex problems and are encouraged to explore alternative strategies and higher-level thinking. This initiative promotes confidence, persistence, and academic excellence in mathematics. It runs weekly and is open to students from all stages.
History Competitions and Research Projects
Students are supported to participate in national history competitions such as the National History Challenge and the Simpson Prize. These research-based initiatives encourage students to investigate historical issues in depth and present their findings in sophisticated ways. Students develop critical thinking, research, and written communication skills. These opportunities run annually and are open to students from all stages.
Creative Classroom Initiatives
Creative classroom initiatives provide opportunities for students to extend their thinking through imaginative and inquiry-based tasks. Students are encouraged to explore ideas beyond syllabus requirements and develop originality in their work. This approach supports intellectual curiosity and creative expression across subjects. These initiatives are implemented as syllabus opportunities allow and are open to all stages.
Creative Writing
The Creative Writing initiative offers students opportunities to develop advanced writing skills through competitions, workshops, and enrichment activities. Students explore sophisticated narrative techniques, language choices, and authorial voice. This initiative fosters creativity, confidence, and excellence in written expression. Opportunities are offered throughout the year and are open to students from all stages.
Debating
Students participate in the Premier’s Debating Challenge, developing advanced skills in argument, public speaking, and critical thinking. The program encourages students to research complex issues, construct persuasive arguments, and respond confidently under pressure. Debating promotes intellectual rigour and teamwork. This competition runs during Terms 2 and 3 and is open to students from all stages.
English Workshops and Performances
When available, the English faculty offers students access to workshops and performances that extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of texts, performance, and creative expression. Students engage with experts and practitioners to enrich their learning. Opportunities are offered periodically and are open to students from all stages.
Education Perfect Science Championship
The Education Perfect Science Championship challenges students to apply scientific knowledge in a competitive and engaging format. Students complete a range of tasks that test understanding, accuracy, and speed across scientific disciplines. This initiative promotes motivation, resilience, and academic excellence. It runs for one week and is open to students from all stages.
Science Week Poster Competition
As part of National Science Week, students are invited to design and create posters exploring scientific themes. The competition encourages creativity, research skills, and effective scientific communication. Students are challenged to present complex ideas in clear and engaging ways. This initiative runs for one week and targets Stage 4 students.