Knox Grammar School
Encyclopedia
Knox Grammar School is an independent
, Uniting Church
, day
and boarding school
for boys, located in Wahroonga
, an upper North Shore suburb of Sydney, New South Wales
, Australia
.
Founded in 1924 by the Presbyterian Church of Australia
as an all boys school
, and named after John Knox
. The school has since grown, branching out into a large Senior School
of approximately 1450 students and a Preparatory School
of 550. The school also caters for approximately 200 boarding students from Years 7 to 12.
Knox is affiliated with the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), the Junior School Heads Association of Australia
(JSHAA), the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA), and is a founding member of the Combined Associated Schools
(CAS).
. The school was named after John Knox
, the 16th century Scottish
reformer, who planned a network of schools in every church parish.
Knox opened as a Presbyterian Boys' School after founding members John Gilmore, William McIlrath, Robert Gillespie and Andrew Reid purchased the original property, 'Earlston', as the first school building. Now the Gillespie Boarding House, 'Earlston' was previously owned by Sir Charles Mackellar
, was designed by architect
s Spain & Cosh, and built in 1908 for W. Moses Esq., Warrawee
.
The school was officially opened by the Hon. Sir George Fuller
KCMG, Premier of New South Wales, on 5 February 1924. Under the founding Headmaster Neil MacNeil, a Rhodes Scholar, Knox grew rapidly both in academic achievement and by providing students with skills in areas like woodwork and metalwork. Under MacNeil, Knox was able to survive the Great Depression
, and saw expanded facilities. Student numbers rose from 28 in 1924 to over 300 in 1939.
In 1939, Dr William Bryden took over the role of Headmaster. As World War II
broke out, around 370 Old Knox Grammarians served in the armed forces. 53 of them lost their lives and are now commemorated in the John Williams Memorial Hall, the School Chapel
, the Old Students' War Memorial
, and the original Science Building. Despite this hardship of war, Bryden oversaw growth in the School's academic standing and a further expansion of facilities in the 1940s and early 1950s. It was also during this time the Pipe Band
was established.
Dr John Mill Couper, a Scot, became Headmaster in 1953. Couper focused on broadening the School's education, with attention to music
and art
, however, problems culminated in Couper's departure from a divided Knox in 1955.
These problems were short-lived and the next Headmaster, Dr T Ross McKenzie, provided a management style that saw Knox become one of the top independent schools in New South Wales. The school's fifth Headmaster, Dr Ian Paterson, initiated further developments including a substantial building program, the strengthening of music and improved academic results.
In 1999, Peter Crawley, former Head of Trinity Grammar School in Melbourne
, became Knox's sixth Headmaster. Crawley's term saw the School move into the 21st century with an innovative program of technology and computer-based learning. He retired from the School in 2003.
is a Latin
phrase, Virile Agitur, which has been translated by the Headmasters from the school as being "Act like a man" (Preparatory School), "The manly thing is being done" (Dr Paterson).
The school's unofficial 'Have a go' was coined by Bob Thomas, former Headmaster of the Preparatory School and has been accepted throughout the Knox community.
Knox's senior campus includes the Great Hall and Aquatic Centre (opened August 2011), sports facility, gymnasium, squash and weights rooms, music and drama centres, two boarding houses (one opened November 2010). Knox owns several major sporting fields including one on campus at the Senior School, two on campus at the Prep School, and two off campus in Warrawee
and neighbouring North Turramurra
.
Each classroom is equipped with a digital projector and each student has a laptop with wireless internet access. In addition to its extensive academic and sporting programs, the school offers many extra curricular activities including music with several large ensembles and orchestras, drama, debating, public speaking, chess, a science club, and Duke of Edinburgh's Award
scheme, as well as maintaining the largest secondary school cadet unit in Australia. Since 2006 the school has been actively involved in the Future Problem Solving Program.
Capital Campaign
Over the past several years, Knox Grammar School has upgraded its facilities in significant ways. Major improvements have included the K-2 Centre on the Preparatory School campus, the KG1 Building and Knox 1 Oval redevelopment on the Senior School campus.
The new Boarding Centre was finished in November 2010. The Great Hall and Aquatic Centre project was finished August 2011. Situated alongside the Lawson Centre, and adjacent to the new Boarding Precinct, the Great Hall has transformed the Woodville Avenue entrance to the school, effectively creating a "grand boulevard" into the Senior School campus.
The Great Hall/Aquatic Centre building has been creatively designed. Different, multi-functional levels provide an Assembly Hall that seats up to 2200 people, three Olympic size indoor basketball courts, a performance centre for major productions, as well as an indoor 50 metre swimming pool and enhanced weights room/gymnasium.
The School’s tradition of support is ever present, in the John Williams Hall, the Chapel, the Paterson Centre, the Knox 1 project, Boarding Centre and Great Hall and Aquatic Centre.
The Cadet Unit participates in combined Bivouac/Annual Field Exercise at the end of Term 1, and the Promotions Courses during August/September each year. Additionally, the KGSACU holds parades for the Old Knox Grammarians Association (OKGA), an ANZAC parade to commemorate ANZAC Day
(though often, due to school holidays, not on the day itself), and a Passing Out Parade at the end of the cadet year to farewell the Year 12 members at the conclusion of their service to the unit.
The KGSACU is battalion strength, and is divided into several companies, platoons and sections. Each company consists of three platoons, except for Headquarters Company, which has four platoons.
Quartermaster Platoon controls the stores and supplies for the unit. Medical Platoon is charged with the medical welfare of cadets. Signals Platoon operates the UnitNet (The unit communications network) and assists in communications via radios. Administration Platoon control the documentation and registration of all members of the unit. Pioneer Platoon have previously operated the rock climbing and abseiling equipment for the unit, but in the Bivouac/AFX of 2008 this was set up and operated by members of Outdoor Adventures. Instead, Pioneers Platoon created and operated the Confidence Course, which involved an obstacle course and a wombat hole. Operations Platoon is a small highly specialised group responsible for planning AFX. Reconnaissance Platoon specialises in operating in small groups. They act as the 'opposing force' to A, B, C, and D company on exercises. The Cadet Support Platoon is a new Platoon to begin operation in the 2010 year and acts as further peer support for the cadets.
(CAS), and plays competitive sport against the five other member Schools namely, Barker College
, Cranbrook School
, St. Aloysius College, Trinity Grammar School and Waverley College
. Trial and pre-season fixtures are played against the GPS and ISA Schools. Students may represent Knox in a variety of inter-school sporting fixtures played each Saturday throughout the term.
The Intra-School sporting programs includes House carnivals, Standards and Inter-School competitions open to all boys.
Participating in sport at Knox is compulsory in both the winter and summer sporting seasons.
It has now expanded to accommodate pupils from other schools such as Pymble Ladies College, Ravenswood
School for Girls.
Knox is also heavily involved in such co-curricular activities such as the Gallery Choir which has a reputation for high standard repertoie and a high class vocal range consisting of SATB arrangements.
, the Old Knox Grammarian's Association (OKGA). For a list of notable Old Knox Grammarians, see List of Old Knox Grammarians.
Independent school
An independent school is a school that is independent in its finances and governance; it is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operations, nor reliant on taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the...
, Uniting Church
Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church in Australia was formed on 22 June 1977 when many congregations of the Methodist Church of Australasia, the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Congregational Union of Australia came together under the Basis of Union....
, day
Day school
A day school—as opposed to a boarding school—is an institution where children are given educational instruction during the day and after which children/teens return to their homes...
and boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
for boys, located in Wahroonga
Wahroonga, New South Wales
Wahroonga is a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Wahroonga is located 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Ku-ring-gai Council and Hornsby Shire....
, an upper North Shore suburb of Sydney, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Founded in 1924 by the Presbyterian Church of Australia
Presbyterian Church of Australia
The Presbyterian Church of Australia is the largest Presbyterian denomination in Australia. .-Beginnings:...
as an all boys school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
, and named after John Knox
John Knox
John Knox was a Scottish clergyman and a leader of the Protestant Reformation who brought reformation to the church in Scotland. He was educated at the University of St Andrews or possibly the University of Glasgow and was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in 1536...
. The school has since grown, branching out into a large Senior School
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
of approximately 1450 students and a Preparatory School
University-preparatory school
A university-preparatory school or college-preparatory school is a secondary school, usually private, designed to prepare students for a college or university education...
of 550. The school also caters for approximately 200 boarding students from Years 7 to 12.
Knox is affiliated with the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference is an association of the headmasters or headmistressess of 243 leading day and boarding independent schools in the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and the Republic of Ireland...
, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), the Junior School Heads Association of Australia
Junior School Heads Association of Australia
The Independent Primary School Heads of Australia formerly Junior School Heads Association of Australia , is an incorporated body representing the heads of independent primary schools in Australia....
(JSHAA), the Australian Boarding Schools' Association (ABSA), and is a founding member of the Combined Associated Schools
Combined Associated Schools
The Associated Schools of NSW Inc, most commonly referred to as the Combined Associated Schools , is a group of six independent schools located in Sydney, Australia which share common interests, ethics, educational philosophy and contest sporting events between themselves...
(CAS).
History
Knox Grammar School was established on Sydney's North Shore in 1924, by the Presbyterian ChurchPresbyterian Church of Australia
The Presbyterian Church of Australia is the largest Presbyterian denomination in Australia. .-Beginnings:...
. The school was named after John Knox
John Knox
John Knox was a Scottish clergyman and a leader of the Protestant Reformation who brought reformation to the church in Scotland. He was educated at the University of St Andrews or possibly the University of Glasgow and was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in 1536...
, the 16th century Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
reformer, who planned a network of schools in every church parish.
Charles Mackellar
Sir Charles Kinnaird Mackellar KCMG, was an Australian politician and surgeon.-Early life:Mackellar was born in Sydney, the only son of Dr Frank Mackellar , and his wife Isabella, née Robertson . Charles was educated at Sydney Grammar School and then moved to Port Macquarie district...
, was designed by architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
s Spain & Cosh, and built in 1908 for W. Moses Esq., Warrawee
Warrawee, New South Wales
Warrawee is a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Warrawee is located 21 kilometres north-west of the Sydney Central Business District in the local government area of Ku-ring-gai Council...
.
The school was officially opened by the Hon. Sir George Fuller
George Fuller (Australian politician)
Sir George Warburton Fuller KCMG was Premier of New South Wales, Australia on two occasions during the 1920s. His first term of office lasted less than one day ; his second lasted from 13 April 1922 to 17 June 1925.-Early life:Fuller was born in Kiama, New South Wales and was educated at Kiama...
KCMG, Premier of New South Wales, on 5 February 1924. Under the founding Headmaster Neil MacNeil, a Rhodes Scholar, Knox grew rapidly both in academic achievement and by providing students with skills in areas like woodwork and metalwork. Under MacNeil, Knox was able to survive the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, and saw expanded facilities. Student numbers rose from 28 in 1924 to over 300 in 1939.
In 1939, Dr William Bryden took over the role of Headmaster. As World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
broke out, around 370 Old Knox Grammarians served in the armed forces. 53 of them lost their lives and are now commemorated in the John Williams Memorial Hall, the School Chapel
Chapel
A chapel is a building used by Christians as a place of fellowship and worship. It may be part of a larger structure or complex, such as a church, college, hospital, palace, prison or funeral home, located on board a military or commercial ship, or it may be an entirely free-standing building,...
, the Old Students' War Memorial
War memorial
A war memorial is a building, monument, statue or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or to commemorate those who died or were injured in war.-Historic usage:...
, and the original Science Building. Despite this hardship of war, Bryden oversaw growth in the School's academic standing and a further expansion of facilities in the 1940s and early 1950s. It was also during this time the Pipe Band
Pipe band
A pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers. The term used by military pipe bands, pipes and drums, is also common....
was established.
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
and art
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, however, problems culminated in Couper's departure from a divided Knox in 1955.
These problems were short-lived and the next Headmaster, Dr T Ross McKenzie, provided a management style that saw Knox become one of the top independent schools in New South Wales. The school's fifth Headmaster, Dr Ian Paterson, initiated further developments including a substantial building program, the strengthening of music and improved academic results.
In 1999, Peter Crawley, former Head of Trinity Grammar School in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, became Knox's sixth Headmaster. Crawley's term saw the School move into the 21st century with an innovative program of technology and computer-based learning. He retired from the School in 2003.
Headmasters
| Period | Details |
|---|---|
| 1924 – 1938 | Mr. Neil MacNeil |
| 1939 – 1952 | Dr. William Bryden CBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... |
| 1953 – 1955 | Dr. John Mill Couper |
| 1956 – 1968 | Dr. T Ross McKenzie OBE Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions... |
| 1969 – 1998 | Dr. Ian Paterson AM Order of Australia The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"... |
| 1999 – 2003 | Mr. Peter Crawley |
| 2004 – | Mr. John Weeks |
Motto
Knox's school mottoMotto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
is a Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
phrase, Virile Agitur, which has been translated by the Headmasters from the school as being "Act like a man" (Preparatory School), "The manly thing is being done" (Dr Paterson).
The school's unofficial 'Have a go' was coined by Bob Thomas, former Headmaster of the Preparatory School and has been accepted throughout the Knox community.
Facilities
Warrawee, New South Wales
Warrawee is a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Warrawee is located 21 kilometres north-west of the Sydney Central Business District in the local government area of Ku-ring-gai Council...
and neighbouring North Turramurra
North Turramurra, New South Wales
-Transport:The nearest train station is Turramurra railway station. Buses to North Turramurra are serviced by Shorelink at Turramurra train station. Shorelink bus route 577 runs through North Turramurra...
.
Each classroom is equipped with a digital projector and each student has a laptop with wireless internet access. In addition to its extensive academic and sporting programs, the school offers many extra curricular activities including music with several large ensembles and orchestras, drama, debating, public speaking, chess, a science club, and Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award , is a programme of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged 14 to 24, regardless of personal ability....
scheme, as well as maintaining the largest secondary school cadet unit in Australia. Since 2006 the school has been actively involved in the Future Problem Solving Program.
Building projects
Knox has in recent years completed new buildings at both the Senior and Prep Schools. The Senior School's KG1 Building, opened in 2007, has several high-tech classrooms, access to the Lawson Centre (sport facility), locker space for approximately 230 students, and a canteen. The KG1 Project also updated the Lawson Centre with a new flooring for the basketball court, new change rooms and a foyer, where Knox's many trophies and memorabilia are displayed. The Prep School's K-2 Centre, opened in 2004, provided new classroom, library, art and music facilities for Years K-2 students.Capital Campaign
Over the past several years, Knox Grammar School has upgraded its facilities in significant ways. Major improvements have included the K-2 Centre on the Preparatory School campus, the KG1 Building and Knox 1 Oval redevelopment on the Senior School campus.
The new Boarding Centre was finished in November 2010. The Great Hall and Aquatic Centre project was finished August 2011. Situated alongside the Lawson Centre, and adjacent to the new Boarding Precinct, the Great Hall has transformed the Woodville Avenue entrance to the school, effectively creating a "grand boulevard" into the Senior School campus.
The Great Hall/Aquatic Centre building has been creatively designed. Different, multi-functional levels provide an Assembly Hall that seats up to 2200 people, three Olympic size indoor basketball courts, a performance centre for major productions, as well as an indoor 50 metre swimming pool and enhanced weights room/gymnasium.
The School’s tradition of support is ever present, in the John Williams Hall, the Chapel, the Paterson Centre, the Knox 1 project, Boarding Centre and Great Hall and Aquatic Centre.
Boarding
Knox Grammar School provides boarding facilities for approximately 200 boarders. Boarding facilities have been available since the School's opening, in 1924- Gillespie (Maroon) - the original school house and is named for Robert Gillespie, a founder and benefactor of the School, and chairman of the School Council (1923–1945). It was later converted into a Boarding House, now known as "Gillespie Heritage House".
- Boarding Centre - opened in November 2010, the Boarding Centre accommodates Boarders in 21st Century style.
Other Houses
- MacNeil (Black) - originally MacNeil House was an expansion to Gillespie House, completed to add room to the new school. It is named for Neil MacNeil, the first Headmaster of the School (1924–1938).
- Adamson (Dark green) - John Adamson - a long-serving chairman of the School Council.
- Angus (Brown) - Rev Samuel Angus - a ProfessorProfessorA professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of TheologyTheologyTheology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
at Sydney University and former member of the School Council. - Bryden (Grey) - Dr William Bryden - the second Headmaster of the School (1939–1953). Also known as the cultural house.
- McIlrath (Dark blue) - William McIlrath - a founder and benefactor of the School and a long-serving council member (1923–1955). His widow contributed 50,000 pounds for the construction of the School chapel in 1960, which contains a BaroqueBaroqueThe Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
organ by Ronald SharpRonald SharpRonald William Sharp is an organ builder based in Sydney, Australia.He specialised in mechanical, tracker action instruments, and was responsible for re-introducing mechanical action to Australia. His tracker action baroque organs are particularly famous...
. - McKenzie (Orange). Dr Ross McKenzie - fourth Headmaster of the School (1956–1969).
- Montgomery (Lime green) - Ross Montgomery - a council member (1953–1970) and benefactor of the School. His major gifts included the Montgomery Building and Gilmore House.
- Murdoch (Red) - AM Murdoch - a long-serving School Council member (from 1938) and chairman (1855–1969)
- Reid (Yellow) - Andrew Reid - a founder and benefactor of the School. A business leader, sole proprietor of James HardieJames HardieJames Hardie Industries Ltd. is an industrial building materials company headquartered in Ireland and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange which specialises in fibre cement products. James Hardie manufactures and develops technologies, materials and processes for the production of building...
in 1912, he made many financial contributions to the School; he also built the Margaret Reid Home for Crippled Children in St. Ives, in memory of his late wife. - Sinclair (Purple) - George Sinclair - a school council member (from 1944) and chairman (1952–1955).
- Turnbull (Light Blue) - Alex Turnbull - a founding member of the School Council, serving 1923-1947, and an elder at St Margaret's Church in nearby Turramurra.
Cadet unit (KGSACU)
Knox Grammar School has an Australian Army Cadet Unit, the KGSACU. It comprises 580 members, ranging from Recruit Cadets to Cadet Under Officers, arguably the largest Army Cadet Unit in the Southern Hemisphere. Cadet participation is compulsory from Term 4, Year 8, through to the end of Term 3, Year 9. From then on, boys may optionally continue cadets and promotion opportunities that become available.The Cadet Unit participates in combined Bivouac/Annual Field Exercise at the end of Term 1, and the Promotions Courses during August/September each year. Additionally, the KGSACU holds parades for the Old Knox Grammarians Association (OKGA), an ANZAC parade to commemorate ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...
(though often, due to school holidays, not on the day itself), and a Passing Out Parade at the end of the cadet year to farewell the Year 12 members at the conclusion of their service to the unit.
The KGSACU is battalion strength, and is divided into several companies, platoons and sections. Each company consists of three platoons, except for Headquarters Company, which has four platoons.
- A Company, for continuing cadets who are involved in advanced training and outdoor skills, and Reconnaissance Platoon. (As of Term 4, 2008. Formerly in Support Company, now known as 1 Platoon.)
- B, C, and D Company, for recruits and their rank.
- Headquarters Company, consisting of Operations Platoon, Administration Platoon, Quartermaster's Platoon and Cadet Support Platoon (as of Term 4 2009).
- Support Company, Signals Platoon, Medics Platoon and Pioneers Platoon.
Quartermaster Platoon controls the stores and supplies for the unit. Medical Platoon is charged with the medical welfare of cadets. Signals Platoon operates the UnitNet (The unit communications network) and assists in communications via radios. Administration Platoon control the documentation and registration of all members of the unit. Pioneer Platoon have previously operated the rock climbing and abseiling equipment for the unit, but in the Bivouac/AFX of 2008 this was set up and operated by members of Outdoor Adventures. Instead, Pioneers Platoon created and operated the Confidence Course, which involved an obstacle course and a wombat hole. Operations Platoon is a small highly specialised group responsible for planning AFX. Reconnaissance Platoon specialises in operating in small groups. They act as the 'opposing force' to A, B, C, and D company on exercises. The Cadet Support Platoon is a new Platoon to begin operation in the 2010 year and acts as further peer support for the cadets.
Sport
Knox is a member of the Combined Associated SchoolsCombined Associated Schools
The Associated Schools of NSW Inc, most commonly referred to as the Combined Associated Schools , is a group of six independent schools located in Sydney, Australia which share common interests, ethics, educational philosophy and contest sporting events between themselves...
(CAS), and plays competitive sport against the five other member Schools namely, Barker College
Barker College
Barker College is an independent Anglican, day and boarding school, located in Hornsby, a North Shore suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Founded in 1890 by the Reverend Henry Plume at Kurrajong Heights, Barker is an all-boys school from Kindergarten to Year 9, and co-educational from...
, Cranbrook School
Cranbrook School Sydney
Cranbrook School is an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school for boys, located in Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay, both eastern suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
, St. Aloysius College, Trinity Grammar School and Waverley College
Waverley College
Waverley College is a Roman Catholic, secondary, day school for boys, located at Waverley, in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
. Trial and pre-season fixtures are played against the GPS and ISA Schools. Students may represent Knox in a variety of inter-school sporting fixtures played each Saturday throughout the term.
The Intra-School sporting programs includes House carnivals, Standards and Inter-School competitions open to all boys.
Participating in sport at Knox is compulsory in both the winter and summer sporting seasons.
Music
Knox Grammar also participates in KAYO, the Knox Associated Youth Orchestra, formerly the Knox Abbotsleigh Youth Orchestra. It is conducted by Mr James Brice. The repertoire is much more advanced than that of the school orchestra. In recent years KSO, the Knox Symphony Orchestra, has been playing more KAYO repertoire and other advanced pieces, with a large portion of KSO members also KAYO members.It has now expanded to accommodate pupils from other schools such as Pymble Ladies College, Ravenswood
Ravenswood
-Film and literature:* Ravenswood , a 2006 Australian thriller, starring Stephen Moyer, Travis Fimmel and Teresa Palmer* Ravenswood, the name of a Swedish forest in Beowulf, the setting of a battle between Geats and Swedes...
School for Girls.
Knox is also heavily involved in such co-curricular activities such as the Gallery Choir which has a reputation for high standard repertoie and a high class vocal range consisting of SATB arrangements.
Notable alumni
Alumni of Knox are known as "Old Knox Grammarians", and may elect to join the schools alumni associationAlumni association
An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students. In the United Kingdom and the United States, alumni of universities, colleges, schools , fraternities, and sororities often form groups with alumni from the same organisation...
, the Old Knox Grammarian's Association (OKGA). For a list of notable Old Knox Grammarians, see List of Old Knox Grammarians.
Media coverage
The school attracted widespread media coverage in 2009, when criminal charges were laid against five former teachers for alleged sex offences between 1976 and 1990. The school wrote to Old Grammarians offering them counselling, and the headmaster Mr Weeks urged anyone with information which may help police to come forward.See also
- List of non-government schools in New South Wales
- List of boarding schools
- Lawrence Campbell Oratory CompetitionLawrence Campbell Oratory CompetitionThe Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition is an annual competition in impromptu public speaking between representatives of each of the Great Public Schools and Combined Associated Schools in New South Wales, Australia...
- Knox Old Boys RUFCKnox Old Boys RUFCThe Knox Old Boys Rugby Union Football Club is a rugby union club which plays in Division One of the New South Wales Suburban Rugby Union and is based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...