Special interest activities
Public Speaking
Debating
Debating has a long tradition at Ravenswood. It is important in developing the skills of logical thinking and reasoned argument. Girls have an opportunity to participate at either competitive or social levels and develop life-long skills. Ravenswood competes in two prestigious, inter-school debating competitions: the Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) and the Schools Debating Network (SDN). Coaching of teams is provided by Old Girls experienced in debating competitions and coaches from various University debating societies. Inter-house Debating is an additional opportunity for enjoyable debating challenges and involves a strong sense of House spirit.
Ravenswood provides coaches to assist girls in developing and enhancing their debating skills. Girls from Years 4 to 12 are eligible to represent Ravenswood in the Independent School Debating Association and Schools Debating Network Competitions.
Speech
Ravenswood provides the opportunity for students to study effective communication skills in the co-curricula subject of Speech and Drama.
Students study voice, diction, drama, presentation skills in public speaking and debating, storytelling, mime and improvisation. The study and memorization of prose, poetry and drama enhances the student’s interpretation of the written word and provides an avenue for the appreciation of literature across the ages.
Students are prepared for eisteddfodau, public speaking competitions within the school and in the community and for examinations conducted by The Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA affiliated with The English Speaking Board), The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) and Trinity Guildhall London. In year 11 or 12 students may present for the Certificate of Communication (Cert.Comm.ASCA) or a Performance Certificate with Trinity Guildhall and the Australian Music Examinations Board. Lessons are enjoyed individually, in pairs or in small groups.”
For the past six years a Ravenswood student has been awarded The Australian speech Communication Association’s Scholarship.
Clubs and Activities
Bond Moot
Mooting is an example of the adversary system where opposing teams in turn argue the merits of an appeal. A team is selected and trained to present an argument for an appeal. This argument is presided over by three judges, in our case, representatives of the Faculty of Law at Bond University.
Chess Club
Chess Club is open to all girls in the school. The emphasis is on friendly competition and improving play.
Community Involvement
The Year 11 Community Involvement group is committed to giving service. Activities include assisting those in need in a practical way, raising awareness of issues within the community and raising funds where appropriate. Some of the charities supported are Red Shield Appeal, Red Cross Calling, Legacy, Daffodil Day or the Cancer Council, Wesley Mission Food Drive, World Vision, Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and a group of girls form close bonds with the children at Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School by visiting regularly. Community Involvement is voluntary and yet it is embraced by the whole group. In every activity the students are showing initiative, helping others and developing their leadership skills. In 2008 Year 11 received an Australia Day Group Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.
Crusaders
Crusaders is the Christian group who meet for bible study, discussion, reflection, prayer, music, food, art, craft and games. Two groups meet within the School – one in K-6, which is teacher led, and another in 7-12, which is led by Senior students with guidance and support from committed teachers.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme inspires many students from the age of 14 to step out of their comfort zone and discover their potential. Students are introduced to the rigours and expectations of planning and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition at the Year 9 Camp. As well as the expeditions, students can choose from a huge variety of skills, physical activities and community service to fulfil all four sections of the award.
Mock Trial
This activity is offered by the Law Society for girls in Year 11 to gain an invaluable, practical experience to learn the intricacies of the Law, through arguing cases against other schools before a Judge.
Visual Arts
Private tuition is offered in the following curriculum related subjects:
Photography, Computer Imaging and Ceramics: These courses for Years 7-12 are popular and rewarding. The focus of each class is to establish skills in these specialized media areas whilst enabling students to learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Over the past four years, specialist advanced skills classes have been established in both photography and computer imaging. In this way, classes are able to cater for the more specific needs of students who have undertaken the courses over a period of years.