BRIAN and FIONA SULLIVAN have worked extensively in boarding schools in Australia, the UK and Switzerland. They currently manage boarding at Sydney’s Knox Grammar School, named Australian Boarding School of the Year in 2021. We find out more about opportunities for students through the Australian education system and why Knox is a great choice for parents looking into boarding schools in Australia for international students.
Give us an overview of Knox Grammar and your roles there.
Brian: Knox is celebrating its centenary in 2024, and it has an extensive “community” in Hong Kong. We place emphasis on character and values, as well as academic success. The school has both a Sports Academy and a Performing Arts Academy to create a challenging but balanced environment for all students.
Fiona and I oversee the academic, social and personal programmes that make up the boarding experience at the school.
Where is the school located?
Fiona: It’s in a spacious, leafy part of Sydney with two train stations providing quick and easy access to the CBD and the Airport. It’s also within 30 minutes of Sydney’s famous harbour and its beaches. We love it here, as do the boys, especially those from overseas as it’s so open.
What does boarding look like at Knox Grammar?
Brian: There are just over 200 boarders, from rural and regional Australia and the Asia Pacific region, principally Hong Kong, mainland China, Vietnam and Thailand. We’ve always enjoyed this diversity, and actively encourage it.
Boarding runs from Year 7 to 12, with accommodation, programmes and routines specific to the boys’ needs. There’s a maximum of two boys to a room, with ensuite, for Years 7 to 10; seniors have their own rooms.
The Head of House and House Managers work closely with students and parents to provide consistency and continuity, as well as completely open communication at all times.
Give us an insight into a typical day for a boarder.
Fiona: The boarders are up at around 7am, go to breakfast, and then get ready for school. Like all students, they go to sport, music, drama and so on after school, before dinner at around 6pm. After dinner, there is homework, study and academic tutoring.
Many of the facilities are open to boarders after hours, such as art rooms, the gym and sports facilities, and the industrial workshops.
What’s the food like for boarders?
Fiona: The boys eat a lot! There’s plenty of vegetables, fruit and meat. To help, we have a committee of boys from different countries, and staff who develop a monthly menu. It must be okay, because they come back for seconds.
What kind of characteristics do you aim to inspire in your students?
Brian: Fundamental to Knox is the reality of living a purposeful life. Therefore, character and values lie at the heart of everything we do. A commitment to society – local and global – are integral parts of the approach we take with all students.
What academic support, social activities and extracurricular opportunities are available?
Brian: The School offers over 30 sports, as well as cadets and dramatic and musical offerings, ensuring that everyone can find and develop their interests and abilities. Professional coaches and teachers are involved in all activities.
How do you help students develop life skills beyond what’s taught in the Australian education system?
Brian: The senior academy operates like a mix of school and university, with lessons and lectures, academic support, and an emphasis on student thinking and collaboration. Knox works closely with universities in Australia and overseas to develop pathways for the students. Close to 100 percent of Knox graduates go on to university, in Australia, the UK and the US.
Martin Gooding, Head of Engagement, visits Hong Kong twice a year and can be contacted by email at goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au. Knox Grammar School is at 2 Borambil Street, Wahroonga, Sydney, Australia.
+61 2 9487 0122 | knox.nsw.edu.au
This article featuring Knox Grammar first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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