Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be activities for my child after school hours and on weekends?
Will the school give my child the skills for a computer-based future?
Does ASSG offer the subjects that my child needs?
Will my child receive extra help, if needed, with their studies?
What pastoral support is there for my child?
Does ASSG provide large, nutritious meals to cater for growing students?
Is the School Nurse available at all times?
Will my child have access to sporting teams and competent coaching?
Are there opportunities for my child to be extended academically?
What extra curricular activities does the School offer?
Q1. Will there be activities for my child after school hours and on weekends?
Recreation Officer and staff run activities in the afternoon and the weekends for boarders of all ages, including recreational activities, club sport, games, dances, camps and inter-house plays. This is in addition to the Inter-School and club sporting programme and the schools Music programme.
Q2. Will the school give my child the skills for a computer-based future?
There are two new modern airconditioned computer laboratories with 54 computers. One lab is used to teach IT subjects and the second is available to teachers who wish to use technology as part of their programme with students. The library also contains a small computer room.
Q3. Does ASSG offer the subjects that my child needs?
ASSG offers a solid core of academic and vocational subjects from Physics and History to TAFE certificates in engineering and agriculture, allowing students sufficient choice to follow their interests, whilst still keeping their options open. The school believes in providing a comprehensive, broad-based education. In 2007 we offer 21 senior subjects to our 90 strong year 11 + 12 students.
Q4. Will my child receive extra help, if needed, with their studies?
The very nature of the size of the School means that problems are identified early and teachers have more time to spend with an individual. Teaching staff are on duty during prep time in the evenings to help students. Outside specialist assistance is also available if required
Q5. What pastoral support is there for my child?
Students are encouraged to seek assistance from whomever they feel most comfortable. We believe a caring school environment is founded upon the mutual interaction of groups and individuals with the onus of responsibility upon each for the well-being of the others.
Q6. Does ASSG provide large, nutritious meals to cater for growing students?
Our experienced chef lives on site and provides three cooked meals each day. The menu is varied, catering for all tastes and speciality diets. A copy of the menu is available on request.
Q7. How secure are the Houses?
Our location on the edge of a country town means that intruders are few and far between. The Houses are alarmed at night and locked during school hours. More than 20 staff and their families live in and around the Houses. Boys' and Girls' Houses are at opposite ends of the campus.
Q8. Is the School Nurse available at all times?
The School runs the clinic and sick bay with 12 beds. Our clinic sister is also involved with our health programme.
Q9. Will my child have access to sporting teams and competent coaching?
The School is a member of the Charters Towers Secondary Sports Association and participates in fixtures each week. The School fields teams in all sports including Rugby League, Swimming, Softball, Cricket, Netball, Cross Country, Tennis and Athletics.
Teams are also organised to participate in town sports such as Soccer, Touch Football, Rugby Union and Basketball.
Fully qualified PE staff serve as coaches and are supported by numerous teachers and community members who have qualifications and an interest in their chosen sport.
Q10. Are there opportunities for my child to be extended academically?
The school participates in a wide variety of nationwide and local subject competitions, quizzes, tests and debates. Staff provide extra guidance and tutoring for enthusiastic students. This is easy when class sizes are so small.
Q11. What extra curricular activities does the School offer?
To make good use of the cooler part of the day, the secondary school day starts early with all academic lessons finished by lunchtime (1.25 pm).
The afternoon session is given over to the extra curricular activities, assemblies and chapel. Extra curricular activities include Band, Choir, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Cattle Club, Grounds Beautification.
All these activities encourage students to make a contribution to the community.
Q12. May I bring my horse to ASSG?
Yes, providing he/she can behave!