BGS provides a broad range of additional activities for the boys to pursue.
Sport
The Sport program is focused on assisting boys to develop skills, attitudes and competence in making decisions in the pursuit of an active, healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is given to sportsmanship, teamwork and participation. Facets of the program include:
House Sport
Boys compete in various House sports – Athletics, Cross-Country running, Swimming and Tabloid Sports.
Year 3 and Year 4 Sport
The Year 3 and Year 4 internal sport program takes place on Friday afternoons. As part of this program, the boys also take part in an exchange competition with other APS schools.
Year 5 and 6 APS Sport
All boys in Year 5 and 6 participate in the APS Primary Sports Competition on Wednesdays. Matches are played from 1.15pm to 3.00pm (plus travel time when required).
Boys are required to select one sport for each term from the options below. Selections are made one term in advance.
Term 1 – Cricket, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis
Term 2 – Australian Rules Football, Cross Country, Netball, Volleyball
Term 3 – Basketball, European Handball, Hockey, Soccer
Term 4 – Athletics, Badminton, Touch Football, Water Polo
Year 5/6 APS Sport Training will be conducted on Monday afternoons. Year 5 training runs from 3.30–4.30pm and Year 6 training from 3.30–4.45pm.
Music
All Brighton Grammar boys SING!
Music is a vital element in boys’ development and involves teaching and nurturing skills that are unique to this Key Learning Area. The innovative Classroom Music Program is based on the Kodaly philosophy of developing aural perception while always ‘learning through doing’. The Music Program offers a variety of opportunities for boys, with all boys being encouraged to participate in choirs and instrumental groups in addition to the general class music lessons, and some year levels having compulsory instrumental studies (see below). Music is taught in our purpose built music building.
All students are able to undertake individual instrumental lessons whilst at school.
Specific aims of the Music program include:
Singing: building fine musicianship through a sequential singing-based curriculum. Boys develop a love of singing and the ability to sing in tune and in parts.
Music Notation: notating what they hear, read and write through music notation, as well as signs, names and symbols
Creating: creating melodies and rhythmic patterns and using the correct notation.
Listening: exposing boys to many different musical styles, including visiting performers
Playing: using correct techniques and exposure to a variety of instruments, including tuned and untuned percussion instruments, and a choice of all orchestral instruments appropriate to the age of the boys.
Moving: physical movement, including choreography and folk dance
Performance: developing confident performance and ensemble skills.
Classroom Instrumental Program
All boys in Years 3 and 4 learn a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello or double bass), in groups of four to six. This two-year program provides a strong basis for our String Ensembles and Orchestra. In Year 5, boys are encouraged to continue with strings or commence the study of a wind or brass instrument. All boys then participate in our Junior Concert Bands. Throughout the program students gain valuable skills on a particular instrument and learn how to participate in a music ensemble. Boys progress through different ensembles, based on their ability. There are also smaller chamber ensembles in guitar, strings and percussion that boys can participate.
Individual Music Lessons
Boys in all year levels from Prep to Year 6 can enrol in individual music lessons on a variety of instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, piano, guitar, percussion, voice, violin, viola, cello and double bass.
Lessons are given by specialist instrumental tutors who design individual programs to suit the boy’s own rate of progress.
All boys progress from group lessons to individual instrumental lessons whilst at school.
Choirs
All boys receive appropriate choral training in Choral classes in addition to Classroom Music. Borwick House Choir is an auditioned choir from boys in Year 5 and 6, and Junior Voices is an auditioned choir for boys in Year 3 and 4. The criteria to join these choirs is a good sense of pitch and tone, as well as a committed and great attitude.
Performance
During the year there are numerous opportunities for boys to perform, which contribute to the boys’ development of a sense of personal achievement, thereby reinforcing a positive self-image. In the Junior School, all boys are actively and regularly involved in performance opportunities throughout the year. All boys are encouraged to sing in assemblies and chapel services, as well as regular performance opportunities:
- School Concerts
- Chapel Services
- Music Festivals
- Solo Performance opportunities
- Presentation Night
- Carol Services
- End-of-term assemblies
- Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
- Special assemblies
- Lower Primary Christmas Pageant
- Year 6 Musical
Read about our Music Program or contact via email
Outdoor Education Program
At BGS, Outdoor Education begins in Prep and Year 1 with exciting local field trips. In Year 2, boys enjoy their first off-site overnight stay on the Mornington Peninsula. Year 3 (Healesville) and Year 4 (Anglesea) students embark on a three-day adventure, while Year 5 boys spend four days exploring The Briars at Mt Martha. In Year 6, the program culminates with a five-day experience at Camp Coolamatong, featuring an expedition to the Gippsland Lakes.
Each journey is designed to build an appreciation for local flora and fauna, alongside practical campcraft skills. Boys develop independence through sleeping in tents beneath the stars, taking part in nature walks, bush studies, camp chores, and learning to care for themselves and their peers.
Combined Activities with Firbank Grammar
At BGS we know boys have unique learning needs and recognise part of a rounded education is the ability to work collaboratively and build social connections with girls.
One of the special components of BGS is the experience of combined activities with students from Firbank Grammar. The program includes academic experiences planned and supervised by staff from both schools.
Activities & Clubs
We offer a number of activities and clubs for the boys throughout the week. This provides opportunities to socialise with others, share their talents or find a quiet space to read and play. Activities available include Gardening, Board Games, Science Club, Library Club, Chess, Art Club, Music, Mindfulness, Sport and Design & Technology.
BGS Plus offers a range of innovative extra-curricular programs run after school and at lunchtimes for boys to develop their skills and interests, take on new challenges and follow their passions whatever they may be.
BGS+ Community brings the community together after school and during the holidays, sharing Brighton Grammar School facilities for the benefit of all. Whether your child is into performing arts, sports or coding, or if you are looking for high-quality programs to keep your little ones entertained and learning while you are working, BGS+ Community is here for you. Please see the link below to see what is on offer.