King’s Adelaide Hills is fortunate to be a small school that has the unique opportunity to engage in “big school” experiences. One of the standout opportunities offered to our Junior School students is the chance to embark on overnight camps - one night in Year 3, and two nights in Years 4 and 5.

Camps provide a valuable opportunity for students to grow in their confidence and independence while forging lasting bonds with their classmates. Through a variety of physical challenges, team-building activities and personal development experiences, students learn to navigate new environments and enhance social skills. These adventures foster camaraderie as students collaborate and support each other, creating unforgettable memories that strengthen their sense of community.

The camp experiences in the Junior School lay the groundwork for future formative opportunities in Middle and Senior Schools. They help prepare students for the Middle School Transition Camp, The Rite Journey program in Year 9, and Outdoor Education subjects in Years 10-12, ensuring a seamless transition as they continue and shape their own educational journeys. These early experiences foster resilience and confidence, empowering students with the skills they need to embrace new challenges and adventures in the years to come.

Children’s University is a dynamic, student-driven program that empowers young learners to take charge of their own educational journey. Students can nominate to participate, and the program encourages children to explore a wide variety of enriching co-curricular activities, with the support of their parents and a school coordinator. As they engage in these activities, students collect ‘hours’ in a special passport, marking their achievements and dedication to personal growth. This journey culminates in a prestigious graduation ceremony at the University of Adelaide, where their efforts are celebrated in a meaningful way.

The Children’s University program is designed to inspire curiosity, foster independence and reward students for their commitment to learning beyond the classroom. By engaging in diverse co-curricular opportunities, students broaden their horizons, enhance their educational experience and gain confidence in their abilities. The program not only promotes a love for lifelong learning, but also demonstrates that their knowledge and skills can take them wherever they aspire to go, setting a strong foundation for future success.

At King’s, our co-curricular offerings are thoughtfully shaped by the skills and interests identified within our community, allowing families to play an active role in guiding the future of our programs. We believe that collaboration between home and school enriches the educational experience, and we welcome input from our families as we continue to expand our co-curricular initiatives as the school, and your child, grows.

The co-curricular programs currently available to students at King’s are designed to enrich a love for the performing arts and sports. Offerings include instrumental lessons, SACSA carnivals and various sporting skills programs. Our passionate staff actively develop these programs in consultation with the school’s leadership and the King’s Community, ensuring that they align with the evolving needs and interests of our students.

Our aim with co-curricular programs is to provide students with opportunities to build skills, foster friendships and promote a healthy, well-balanced approach to life. Whether participating in a musical ensemble, dancing on stage, or competing in a team sport, our growing co-curricular offerings cater to the diverse interests of our Junior School students and beyond, empowering them to explore their passions and talents.

The Patch to Plate program introduces our Junior School students to the wonders of growing and preparing their own food. Children engage in hands-on activities as they plant, nurture and harvest a variety of produce in our on-site garden, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and the food they eat. Through this process, students explore the diverse tastes, textures and nutritional value of fresh ingredients, while learning the importance of sustainable practices.

The program goes beyond the garden and into the kitchen, where students integrate key concepts such as science, maths and literacy while preparing healthy meals in our very own school kitchen. Guided by a specialist educator, children follow recipes, measure ingredients and apply critical thinking as they transform school-grown produce into nutritious dishes. They develop important life skills, such as reading and comprehending - and sometimes developing - recipes while maintaining hygienic food preparation practices. The lessons culminate in a shared class meal, where students enjoy the fruits of the labour and experience the variety of flavours they helped bring to life. Recipes are sent home, encouraging students to continue their learning by recreating meals with their families and reflecting on the skills they’ve developed.

Patch to Plate nurtures curiosity, promotes healthy eating habits and instils a strong sense of environmental stewardship, offering students a holistic understanding of food.

King’s Baptist Grammar School is proud to be a member of the South Australian Christian Schools Association (SACSA) competition, joining 34 other schools across the state in fostering a spirit of healthy competition and community. The SACSA sports program gives students opportunities to participate in individual and team sports, cultivating the vital character qualities and attitudes of good sportspersonship: persistence, courage, commitment and a joy of competing.

Junior School students from King’s Adelaide Hills have the opportunity to nominate for selection in a range of SACSA carnivals throughout the year, including Athletics, Basketball, Cross Country, Football (AFL), Netball and Soccer. These events offer students a chance to represent the King’s Community with pride, competing alongside peers from both the Adelaide Hills and Wynn Vale campuses, against other Christian schools in South Australia.

The SACSA sports program complements our specialist PE lessons, providing students with the opportunity to engage in elite-level competition while deepening their athletic abilities. The program offers a unique platform for students to develop their skills, represent their school and community, and grow both personally and as part of a team.

King’s Baptist Grammar School is proud to partner with Dogs Connect, an accredited program that supports student wellbeing through the presence of a trained wellbeing dog. Our wellbeing dog, Miles, visits the school approximately three times a week, bringing comfort and support to classrooms and common spaces. This unique initiative enhances the school’s commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students, at every stage of their learning journey.

Research shows that interactions with dogs can significantly improve mental health and wellbeing, especially among children. Miles plays a key role in reducing stress and anxiety, helping students with emotional regulation and fostering social connections. Whether it’s through a gentle pat or simply being a calm presence, Miles is specially trained to support students in building communication skills and enhancing their emotional awareness.

Miles is available to offer care and support to students who may be facing new challenges, transitioning through difficult times, or simply having a tough day. His calm demeanour and training equip him to be a source of comfort, helping children navigate the ups and downs of school life with greater ease and confidence. Through the Wellbeing Dog program, King’s strives to provide students with the emotional tools they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.