Student opportunities and activities
At Glenwood High School, 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 may include:
- school sport, athletics and inter-school competitions
- creative and performing arts groups and showcases
- cultural and language activities
- excursions and incursions
- public speaking and debating
- lunchtime and interest-based clubs
- student leadership opportunities
- activities that support high potential and gifted learners.
Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.
Our extra-curricular highlights
GHS Clubs and extra-curricular activities
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.
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.
University Scholarships
We understand the importance of accessing quality education at a reasonable cost, especially for students like you who are transitioning from school to higher learning. To support your academic journey, universities, TAFE and Colleges provide over $10 million in scholarships and grants. These financial aids are designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with studying by covering tuition fees, mitigating accommodation expenses, or facilitating the purchase of essential resources such as laptops and textbooks. With these resources at your disposal, you can pursue your studies with greater peace of mind. Additionally, scholarships are not solely contingent on academic performance; they consider various factors beyond grades to ensure equitable opportunities for all deserving students.
To explore the offerings provided by the institution, below, please click on the institution.
Australian Catholic University Scholarships
Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)
Australian National University
This site provides opportunities at a variety of Universities, higher education and vocational sectors across Australia
There are currently more than 3000 scholarships available to Australian students, across both the higher education and vocational sectors. Scholarships can cover an array of costs from tuition fees to living and accommodation costs, Good University Guide advice is to investigate your options early on as the amount of information to get through and applications to fill can be overwhelming.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their talents and to fulfil their potential. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve the chance to create a better future through education and training. Every year we award hundreds of scholarships to our students, so make this year your year to be rewarded.
Australian Government Study Assist Scholarship
You could apply for a scholarship as a domestic or international student for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Universities and higher education providers have their own scholarships. Check your provider's website or ask their scholarship office what you could apply for.
Domestic students may apply for:
International students may check for available scholarships in Australia on the Study in Australia website.
Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
NSW Health offer postgraduate and career development scholarships. Financial support for registered nurses and midwives to drive innovation and excellence in care through .
The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships help NSW apprentices facing hardship to excel and complete their apprenticeships, helping them to develop a fulfilling career and strengthening the growth of their industry.
Blacktown City Council Tertiary Scholarship Program
Blacktown City Council will award 15 Tertiary Scholarships. Each valued at $1500, successful applicants will need to have completed at least one year at a recognised tertiary institution (university, Tafe, college etc) in previous year, and be continuing their studies in the following year.
Youth Development Scholarships
NSW Community and Justice will be offering up to 1,400 scholarships to students enrolled in education or training. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 to help with school expenses and secondary support services.
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships deliver on Action 2 under the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan to help attract high quality candidates into the teaching profession and to help address teacher workforce shortages.
Medical and health careers scholarships
The NSW Rural Doctors Network offers scholarships for students interested in having rural experience as part of their studies.
Youth Development Scholarships
NSW Community and Justice will be offering up to 1,400 scholarships to students enrolled in education or training. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 to help with school expenses and secondary support services.
Four scholarships are awarded each year to descendants of WWI and WWII veterans to help finance the first year of a degree course in a NSW or ACT University.
Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship
Are you a problem solver with a genuine passion to make a difference? Are you considering postgraduate study next year?
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, valued up to $120,000, helps you access the support and networks you need to back your ideas, and create a positive impact in your community and beyond, through your research and studies.
With a focus on developing leadership potential, the scholarship includes a transformative Leadership Development Program to shape your unique skills. There is also an opportunity to add a global context to your education with tailored international experiences (provided no travel restrictions), and all Westpac Scholars get lifelong membership to the W100 – a diverse and growing network of inspiring young Aussies.
17 scholarships are awarded every year to individuals from all backgrounds who are starting postgraduate studies at one of our nine partner universities
Teaching Scholarships
Consider embarking on a career in teaching as a school leaver. Teaching offers a rewarding path where you can make a profound impact on the lives of others while continually evolving your own skills. It provides opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and lifelong learning. As an educator, you'll have the chance to inspire, motivate, and shape the future generation, fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing the potential within each student. Moreover, teaching offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, where no two days are alike, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching career journey.
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships deliver on Action 2 under the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan to help attract high quality candidates into the teaching profession and to help address teacher workforce shortages.
HSC Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students
Scholarships are awarded to students to study to be primary and high school teachers.
University Early Entry
Early Entry Opportunities
While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most unis, there are other ways for you to show that you’re ready to succeed at tertiary study.
Many institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your ATAR. Always check the institution websites to make sure the courses you are applying for are covered by the schemes.
To explore the offerings provided by the institution, below, please click on the institution
Australian Catholic University
University Admissions Centre (UAC)
Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)
Australian National University
Educational Access Scheme (EAS): Institutions use this to take into account the educational disadvantages many applicants experience (eg financial hardship, illness, severe family disruption). If you think this might apply to you, make sure you complete an EAS application and claim all the disadvantages that have affected your studies. How to apply for EAS.
Pathway courses: If you successfully complete a non-degree course, such as foundation studies, a preparatory course, or a certificate or diploma, a university may guarantee you entry into a degree. Otherwise, you can use your non-degree studies to apply and compete for admission to other degree courses. You may also be awarded credit for studies undertaken in your non-degree course. Some unis offer an even larger range of prep courses to help you move into your degree. Contact the individual institutions to get the most up-to-date information. Other pathways to uni.
First Nations Opportunities
NSW School Nanga Mai Awards
The Nanga Mai Awards are an annual event organised by Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate. The awards recognise and celebrate innovation, excellence and educational achievement in Aboriginal education in NSW public schools, school communities and department directorates.
Blacktown City Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NAIDOC Awards
Each year Blacktown City Council we celebrate the contributions of members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our City.
This year we will be awarding the following categories:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young Achiever of the Year (12-25)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Person of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person Living with Disability Award.
University, Colleges, and TAFE
The Gadigal Program is our Indigenous student pathway that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study at the University of Sydney.
The Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS) is an alternative entry pathway providing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to gain entry into a UNSW undergraduate degree of your dream.
Entry through IAS is based on consideration on your relevant life, work, educational, volunteer and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications. Assessment for entry is administrated by Nura Gili in conjunction with UNSW Admission Office, Faculties and Schools across the university.
IAS is only open for degree programs that are outside our Indigenous Pre-Programs. If you are interested in Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work or Science & Engineering apply via our UNSW Indigenous Pre-Program.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program is an alternative University Entry Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Applicants can gain entry to any undergraduate degree* at Western Sydney University by completing our entry assessment and be supported throughout your education journey.
*With the exception of the Doctor of Medicine degree which has it's own Indigenous pathway process.
Charles Sturt University offers several scholarships for Indigenous students.
Australian Catholic University
Each ACU campus has its own hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The Indigenous Higher Education Units (IHEU) are welcoming, culturally safe and supportive places.
The University of Canberra aims to improve higher education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We are committed to providing opportunities and ongoing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to succeed as students at the University of Canberra. We provide a range of academic programs and pastoral support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
The University of Notre Dame is committed to providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with the highest quality educational experience. Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have graduated from Notre Dame and gone on to work in medicine, nursing, education, law and many other professional areas. Notre Dame offers a range of services and support to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their transition to university and success once they’ve settled in. This includes dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officers, an Indigenous mentoring program, scholarships, admissions pathways, private and small-group tutoring, and placement opportunities, among other support.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway (ATSIEP) provides advice and opportunities for Indigenous students who want to study undergraduate level courses at Macquarie.
Australian Government Study Assist Scholarship
You could apply for a scholarship as a domestic or international student for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Universities and higher education providers have their own scholarships. Check your provider's website or ask their scholarship office what you could apply for.
Domestic students may apply for:
BCG First Nations Scholarship & Internship
At BCG, we have a proud history of offering annual scholarships since 2004 to university students in Australia and New Zealand to support outstanding future leaders with their studies and beyond. Since 2021 we have offered a dedicated First Nations scholarship, designed to empower First Nation’s students and help them reach their goals.
We are looking for driven, curious students from all backgrounds who are excited by a challenge and want to have a positive impact on their communities, whether local, national or global.
As a BCG First Nations Internship and Scholarship recipient, you will:
• receive $20,000 in scholarship funding
• join one of our offices as an intern for 8 weeks
• learn about the work we do and explore how you can make a difference with our clients, colleagues, and communities
• be assigned a mentor through the remainder of your studies, as well as a buddy who will support you during your internship
• gain real-world experience before you graduate
Google Future Leaders in Tech Scholarships
The Google Future Leaders in Tech Scholarship was established to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate or Masters students with tech-focus. Google Scholarships provide the opportunity for Indigenous students to access funds to support their studies at universities Australia-wide.
Two scholarships valued at $10,000 will be available.
Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
NSW Health offer postgraduate and career development scholarships. Financial support for registered nurses and midwives to drive innovation and excellence in care through .
Annual Competitions
The Premier’s Spelling Bee is an annual competition that encourages primary school students in Years 3 to 6 to develop their spelling skills in a fun and educational way. Students are selected at school level to take part in regional finals. Regional winners then compete in the state final.
This Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages students from Kindergarten to Year 9 to develop a love of reading and plays an important role in developing literacy.
The Premier’s Debating Challenge is open to students from Year 5 to 12. Teams compete in a round robin series of debates against other schools. The winners go on to compete at regional and state level to determine the eventual state champion.
The Arts Unit offers public speaking competitions for NSW school students. Each competition is a great opportunity for students to develop their speech-writing and presentation skills while representing their schools in a state-wide competition.
United World College scholarships
These are available to students in Years 11 and 12 to enable young people to spend two years in one of the United World College's 12 overseas campuses.
Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarships
The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarships are an opportunity to visit significant overseas sites associated with Australia’s participation in war for Years 10 and 11 students in selected schools.
Blacktown City Council Youth Ambassador Program
Blacktown City Council are looking for young people aged between 15 and 18 to represent the City. If successful, you will serve as Ambassadors for a period of 12 months representing the city at Citizenship Ceremonies and Civic Receptions, as well as representing the Youth as part of the Sister Cities and Youth Advisory Committees.
So, if you are a young person who enjoys public speaking, meeting new people, helping your community and would like to represent the youth of Blacktown City then this is the program for you!
The program is a fun way to learn new skills and gain invaluable experience outside the schooling environment.
Youth Development Scholarships
NSW Community and Justice will be offering up to 1,400 scholarships to students enrolled in education or training. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 to help with school expenses and secondary support services.
Blacktown City Council Mayoral History
The Blacktown City Mayoral History Prize was first awarded in 2008. The aim of the Mayoral History Prize is to encourage an interest in the rich and diverse history of Blacktown City. We welcome entries with an indigenous focus or theme.
The winner(s) will receive a cash prize and all entrants will receive a certificate of achievement.
Entries will be included in the Local History collection at Blacktown City Libraries. The winning entry in each section may also be published to the Blacktown Memories platform
Blacktown City Mayoral Creative Writing
The Mayoral Creative Writing Prize is a chance to showcase and foster the talents of Blacktown City’s aspiring writers. It is open to adults and children (aged 8 to 17 years), who live in Blacktown city.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia provides an internationally recognised, self-development program for people aged 14 to 25. The program equips young people with the opportunity to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities.
Blacktown City Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NAIDOC Awards
Each year Blacktown City Council we celebrate the contributions of members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to our City.
This year we will be awarding the following categories:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young Achiever of the Year (12-25)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Person of the Year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person Living with Disability Award.
Blacktown City Council Australia Day Awards
Every year Blacktown City Council look to the community for nominations for Council’s Australia Day Awards. These awards are recognised as our most prestigious and pay tribute to the incredible individuals who are making a significant difference to their community.
Contribution includes areas such as; education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of the Blacktown community.
We are encouraging you to nominate a family member, friend, community leader or colleague who went above and beyond to serve the Blacktown community. Self-nominations are also welcome.
Encouraging competition at the Hawkesbury Show: The Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association, a non-profit entity with a rich agricultural legacy, is dedicated to enhancing the region's farming standards and honouring excellence in agriculture. Through various competitions and events, we strive to foster a culture of achievement and celebrate our agricultural heritage.
The Mission of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), as it has been now for over 200 years, is to shape the future of Australian agriculture and to continuously improve Australian produce to award-quality levels.
The RAS competitions serve to protect and ensure Australia’s bright, viable and ethically sustainable future.
Student short film competition
As part of the ongoing focus and priority launch around school attendance, the NSW Department of Education is holding a state-wide film competition for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration
To mark the 70th Anniversary of this service in 2023, RSL NSW, the Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW and the Association of Independent Schools NSW launched an art competition for NSW school students. Following its success, the art competition and exhibition will return in 2025. Two artworks will be selected for the cover of that years service program.
Art Gallery - NSW - These are annual, open competitions, offering various levels of prize money.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is proud to host the Anzac Day Schools' Awards each year. This national competition recognises the work of students, teachers and schools who engage with veterans and honour Australia's wartime history.
Nestled at the heart of Australia’s literary community, the Dymocks Beyond Words Competition stands as a beacon of creativity, imagination, and youthful expression. Spearheaded by Dymocks Tutoring, Dymocks Books & Gifts and Milligram, a stalwart in the Australian book industry for over 140 years, this competition is more than an event; it’s a movement towards nurturing the voices of tomorrow.
Sustainable School - Some annual competitions are listed below:-
NSW Environmental Education Awards: Celebrating the achievements of educations and environmental education programs in NSW. An annual awards supported by the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize: Video competition for primary and secondary students with a passion for science and communicating ideas..
Wild at Art:Threatened Species Children’s Art Competition encourages children unleash their artistic creativity while learning about the extinction crisis facing our native plants and animals.
A national annual writing program in honour of the founder of the Sutherland Shire Environment Centre, Bob Walshe
Open Days
Most institutions hold open days for prospective students in the second half of the year. Dates and locations will be published once they are confirmed on individual educational institutes sites.
Details are also listed under 'Events' in the UAC key dates.
Confirm open day details with the institutions before attending on-campus events.
Academy of Interactive Technology
Australian Catholic University
Australian College of Applied Professions
Australian National University
International College of Management Sydney
Melbourne Institute of Technology
Register for University of Canberra
Expos
A career expo is a valuable event tailored to assist soon-to-be school leavers in navigating their transition from high school to academia and into the professional world. It offers an expansive platform for exploration, presenting a diverse array of career paths and opportunities. Through engaging with industry professionals, attendees gain firsthand insights into various sectors, fostering informed decision-making about their future endeavours.
While many career expos are complimentary, it is important to note that some may require a nominal fee for entry or participation in specialised sessions.
Additionally, for students in Years 10 and 8, a career expo serves as an invaluable tool for subject selection. By immersing themselves in the wealth of professions showcased, students can identify their interests, strengths, and aspirations.
This exposure facilitates more informed decisions regarding academic pathways and subject preferences, empowering students to align their educational journey with their career aspirations effectively.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Committee needs volunteers to assist in the staging of the annual Hawkesbury Show, and without these volunteers the world-class programs and activities would not be possible. Some of their volunteers come every day; some for a few hours once during the Show. We greatly appreciate any time that people are able to commit to this community event.
Extra-Curricular School Sport Opportunity
NSW All Schools (click on this link to be redirected)
NSW All Schools provides opportunities for secondary students from the Catholic, Government and Independent sectors to participate in representative sport at the national level.
Participating Sports
Athletics
Australian Football 15 Years & Under
Baseball
Basketball 16 Years & Under and Opens
Bowls
Canoeing
Cricket – Girls 19 Years & Under Boys
Cross Country
Diving
Football (Soccer) - Boys 19 Years & Under
Football (Soccer) Boys 16 Years & Under
Football (Soccer) Girls 18 Years & Under
Hockey - Opens
Netball Selection 15 Years & Under
Netball Tri-Series
Sailing
Secondary Golf
Softball – Girls 18 Years & Under
Softball 18 Years & Under
Swimming
Tennis - 18 Years & Under
Touch Football - 15 & Under
Triathlon and Para-triathlon
Volleyball
Volleyball - 15 Years and Under
Facilities and resources
Learn how our spaces and tools support every subject and learning style.
Events
Find out about school events, celebrations and what’s coming up.