Student opportunities and activities

At Ashfield Boys HS we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities beyond timetabled classes.  We believe that the boys have a more rounded and successful education if they become involved with learning beyond the classroom.  These activities provide students with a rich extended curriculum, multiple opportunities for learning and enhanced social development.

Students are actively encouraged to take part in at least some of the following opportunities.  Unless indicated otherwise these activities operate weekly.

Our programs may include:

• Volunteering Program
  We actively encourage students to develop their leadership and social skills through volunteering.  Beyond personal benefits this promotes the value of service to others.  Students currently volunteer in a wide variety of charity events, assist the elderly with shopping through the Inner West Neighbourhood Aid scheme and work with Ashfield Council in bush regeneration and in providing tutoring to seniors in using their technology.  Community Engagement Projects for 2025 included:

  • Inner West Neighbourhood Aid 'Shopping with Seniors' - Year 9 Fortnightly
  • Bush Care Regeneration Program with Inner West Council - Years 8 & 9 Monthly
  • Cyber Seniors one to one Tutoring with Inner West Council - Years 9 & 10 Term 2

• SRC and Student Leadership
  The SRC consists of student representatives from Years 7-12. The SRC is led by the elected Senior Prefects.  The main aim is to give students at Ashfield Boys High a voice in the decision-making process of the school.
  
  The SRC runs various activities, competitions, information sessions, volunteering and fundraising initiatives throughout the year.  These are run by the boys for the boys and help to build our community both within the school and the wide community.  The 2026 schedule is being developed and new opportunities will arise.  Students involved in the leadership opportunities develop skills such as teamwork, public speaking, collaboration and cooperation.

• Board Games Club
  Board Games Club is held after school to help develop social cognitive and puzzle solving skills in a fun and inviting environment.

• Chess
  Chess is available every lunchtime in the library.  A free chess club also runs every Thursday afternoon straight after school from 2:30 to 3:30pm and is coached by a parent volunteer and chess champion, Thorin Munro and 2023 school Dux, Louie Comitogianni.  The school also offers the opportunity for students to participate in internal and external chess tournaments throughout the year.

• Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
  Ashfield Boys High School is an Award Centre for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.  Once our students are in Year 9, they are invited to start their journey on this internationally recognised award.  Students learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices, they build resilience, become more connected to their community and learn important life skills through taking on this Award.  The Award comprises components for volunteering, physical activity and learning a new skill and includes a Practice and a Qualifying Adventurous Journey Camp.  Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Information

• Elite Sporting Program
  Students who have a desire to pursue sporting goals and improvement have the option to apply for the Elite Sporting Program.  This program is designed to target skill development and conditioning.  The Elite Sporting Program operates twice a week, one morning and one afternoon session, these sessions are conducted by members of the PDHPE faculty.

• Film Makers Cub
  After school club that is run with professional filmmakers to assist in learning the art of film making.  We work towards creating a short film for competitions.

• Marine Club
  The club studies the health, characteristics and habits of marine animals.  The marine club is run by the Science faculty.

• Photography Club
  Students who wish to expand their ability to create wonderful digital photographs have the opportunity to join the Photography Club.  This club meets weekly after school and is run by Ms Jovicic.

• Science Club
  The Science Club meets regularly at lunchtime to conduct exciting and engaging experiments.  Students explore the world around them in a practical way, from discovering the microscopic world of bacteria to controlled explosions and physics experiments that are sure to fascinate.

• Shakespeare Club
  The Shakespeare group meets weekly to experience Shakespeare in performance. The group develops their understanding of Elizabethan language, drama and performance.  Participants have the opportunity to compete in the Shakespeare Carnival or simply enjoy the Bard for the sheer joy of performance. The year culminates in a family and friend performance of a Shakespearean play.

• Stage 4 and 5 Writing Program
  The creative writing program runs after school for boys in Years 7-10 who want to explore their creativity and improve their creative writing.  Boys choose their own form and ideas - whether this be poetry, short story, drama or event if they are writing their own novel.  The program provides a relaxed and supportive space to gain feedback, workshop ideas and get the advice of an English teacher.

• The Business Lounge
  This operates before school and provides a relaxed forum for students of Business Studies, Economics and Legal Studies to meet, exchange information and improve the breadth of their understanding about contemporary issues.

• Theatre Appreciation Club
  Students are invited to see four stage productions every year.  Students from Years 7-12 can be involved in this club.

• TheatreSports
  There is dedicated TheatreSports training after school leading up to the Impro Australia Sports TheatreSports Competitions.  The school fields multiple teams in this competition and has hosted the event every year from 2015.  Ms Morris and Ms Whitting coordinate TheatreSports.

• Writing Spaces
  The Writing Space is operated by the English faculty.  It runs before school and offers HSC students the opportunity to have a supportive weekly writing group to improve their writing across all subjects.  The space provides boys with mutual support and feedback as well as extra tuition by teachers.

Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.

Our extra-curricular highlights

ABHS Connecting with the Community
Volunteering Program

They may be generations apart, but a program in Sydney's Inner West is helping to connect people from the community.

It brings together people who need assistance with their grocery shopping and high school students who volunteer their time to help - and the students benefit just as much as the clients do.

Listen here to Community support program connecting generations by Sarah Sedghi on AM.

Band Program

Students can join either one or multiple bands.  The school has a variety of different bands to accommodate the widest range of interests and abilities.  Boys with no prior musical tuition or who wish to learn an additional instrument can join the Junior Band.

The school offers a Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Percussion Ensemble and Student Rock Bands are encouraged.  The Vocal group performs on the main stage at Schools Spectacular every year.

Additional information on the Band Program

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.

If travelling is part of an excursion/sport, students will need a Child/Youth Opal card.

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