Published on: 14 March 2014




A group of Preparatory School boys learnt how to create a ship out of balsa wood this term as part of a new co-curricular club. ‘Balsa Wood Boys’, for students from Years 2 to 6, is one of several after-school activities proving extremely popular with boys.

The club, taken by Year 4 teacher Meg Walsh, allows 15 boys to complete a kit project before choosing a creation of their own. Mrs Walsh said the idea came to her on a walk through Bunnings. “I asked my sons and they thought it would be popular because boys like to make things,” she said.

Mrs Walsh said the boys learn how to glue wood together and master the best positions for it to hold properly. “They need to think before they glue as sometimes it is hard to glue wood in tricky positions to achieve the look they want,” she said.

“The boys absolutely love it. They chat together across the year levels, help solve each other’s problems and make new friends at the same time. They really like the idea that they get to take their boat home and they are proud of their work,” Mrs Walsh said.

Other new activities this term include Chinese Board Games Club (Years 4 to 6), Fun with Stories (Years 1 and 2), Spectacular Science (Years 1 to 3) and Storytelling (Pre-Primary and Year 1). Continuing favourites include Master Chef, Art Club, Chess Club, Sport Club, Swimming Squad, Young Fitness, Book Club and Oracy Club.

Director of Pastoral Care, Planning and Co-Curricular (Deputy Head) Maria Hodges said the demand for clubs had been overwhelming with all activities booking out within a short period of time and many with waiting lists.

“Boys are always eager to participate in the clubs, particularly the activities where they produce an end product,” she said. “Parents love the clubs for the same reasons and they offer something different for the boys to be involved in, with the convenience of them being located right here at the School.”

Mrs Hodges said every Prep School teacher participated in a co-curricular activity and enjoyed giving the boys an opportunity to try their hand at something new.