At NEGS, we strive to deliver an educational experience that guides students toward progress, offers diverse pathways for personal growth, and values the importance of community.
At NEGS, we have a clear vision: to cultivate a culture of high expectations and individual support, fostering a community where all learners can thrive. Our vision is encapsulated in notions of progress, pathways, and people.
Progress is at the heart of our educational approach. We are dedicated to ensuring continuous improvement for every student, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. While we value setting ambitious academic goals and pursuing them heartily, our focus is not solely on grades or rankings. We celebrate each student’s unique journey in striving towards rigorous goals, developing real-world competencies, and cultivating a strong work-ethic.
Pathways are diverse at NEGS, as we embrace a holistic approach to education as an Anglican school. We nurture the development of each individual across academic disciplines, sports, co-curricular activities, well-being, and spirituality. Our aim is to understand our students deeply, ignite their passions, and guide them towards a pathway that aligns with their aspirations for a fulfilling life. Whether this is studying Medicine at a city-based university, Veterinary Science at a regional institution, or perhaps a more vocational pathway, NEGS caters for the needs of all learners.
People are at the core of our approach to learning. At NEGS, every student is known. Our community fosters constant dialogue and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. We create a collegial space where each student is supported to progress their learning pathway. Through our privileged size, we can provide the necessary support and tailored measures to help every student discover their unique vision and progress along their chosen pathway. Of course, our people are not just our students; as a community, we invest in the professional learning of our staff and foster connections with our parents and alumni. NEGS is more than a school, it’s a community of learners.
At NEGS, we strive to deliver an educational experience where all students make meaningful progress in their learning, where each individual’s talents and possibilities are nurtured, and where students are supported to pursue pathways towards a bold vision for a bright future.
Wellbeing is at the heart of our philosophy at NEGS Armidale. With small class sizes, every child is seen and valued, allowing us to focus on building meaningful, respectful relationships.
Our comprehensive wellbeing program is designed to support our students in all aspects of their lives. We prioritise the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our students to ensure they thrive in a complex and changing world.
Students have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with their teachers and peers, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that creates a sense of belonging and community.
Our robust pastoral care team, including the Wellbeing Coordinator, Year Advisors, Tutors, Health Centre staff, and Boarding staff, work together to deliver a comprehensive program. Through health and fitness programs, we promote physical wellbeing and encourage an active lifestyle.
We work with a dedicated team of health professionals who provide individual support and guidance as required. Through health and fitness programs, we promote physical wellbeing and encourage an active lifestyle. We also collaborate with external resources such as Reachout, Headspace, Blackdog Institute, and the Office of eSafety Commissioner to provide additional support.
Cyber safety is a priority within our wellbeing program. We provide ongoing support and resources on online safety, inviting expert speakers to address students on relevant topics. This ensures they are well-informed and empowered to navigate the digital world safely.
At NEGS Armidale, we are committed to promoting the wellbeing of our students and providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed and thrive
At NEGS, our environment is carefully designed to provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources for our year 7-12 girls to reach their academic, social, and personal success. We have continued to do this for 128 years with our safe and supportive learning environment. Our students can freely explore their interests and passions.
Our commitment to small class sizes, with optimal student-to-teacher ratios, focuses on the individual, and sees each student deliver exceptional academic results, but also grow into the best they can be.
A wide range of extracurricular activities helps our students cultivate leadership skills, teamwork, and self-assurance. Importantly we believe in creating an environment where each student feels a sense of belonging and fosters positive relationships with their peers and teachers.
An all-girls senior school also provides our students with access to a range of programs and initiatives that are tailored to their unique needs and interests. This includes our well-being program, which focuses on promoting resilience, emotional intelligence, and respectful relationships, our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a complex and changing world.
‘Girls’ schools are ideally positioned to educate, inspire and nurture the wellbeing of girls today to become the leaders of tomorrow.’
NEGS is proud to be a girls’ senior school that caters for individual differences in a rural setting. The climate and culture of NEGS are a reflection of its location and surroundings where we engage with rural-specific issues for adolescent girls allowing them to be active, focused, and engaged in a wide range of activities. As such, NEGS is able to provide a more open and transparent view of the students, their families and the School given that rural communities are more connected and visibility is high for girls in their communities.
At NEGS, we firmly believe that our senior school is a girl-friendly environment best suited to the needs of girls. There is a growing body of national and international research that supports our belief in single-sex education for girls.
Girls’ schools are ideally positioned to educate, inspire and nurture the wellbeing of girls today to become the leaders of tomorrow. In co-educational schools, girls may be distracted from the issues that are important to them; in single-sex schools, every girl has a voice. Curriculum and pastoral care are tailored for girls, who are given opportunities to develop, excel and flourish. Girls in a single-sex school such as NEGS can be involved in debating, choose to study physics, ride their horses at the Equestrian Centre, or be part of the only girls’ school shooting team in Australia.
Girls’ schools specialise in girls’ education. Here are some of the many benefits of choosing a single-sex school for your daughter in her senior years:
Girls in single-sex girls’ schools achieve significantly strong academic results. Without the competition from boys, girls are free to pursue academic excellence and each achievement is celebrated.
Role Models and Leadership
All leadership roles in girls’ schools are filled by girls: from the captain of the hockey team to the SRC leaders to the Head Prefect; from singing at Assembly to the main part in the school play or musical; and from student leadership groups to the leaders of every school club. Younger students see these female leaders as role models and learn that girls can lead in any field.
A Tailored Curriculum
Girls’ education is a specialised field. Teachers tailor their pedagogy for the girls. This means that students are more likely to be engaged with the content and the methods used in each subject. Girls are free to participate in class without the teacher’s attention being dominated by boys.
Countless Opportunities
Girls at girls’ schools enjoy a vast range of opportunities where they can decide to be involved with some activities or all activities. All activities are open to girls: they participate, influence and lead. There is no gender stereotyping with subject selection. Girls are able and encouraged to explore a career or future in any area.
Counteracting Negative Influences
Girls can work through the challenges of adolescence without fear of embarrassment or harassment. Many single-sex girls’ schools run specific programs that focus on the wellbeing of girls particularly in relation to the issues in society that constantly confront them. Educators in girls’ schools believe strongly in helping girls to accept and be comfortable with ‘who they are.’
Global Citizens
Girls’ schools prepare students to be citizens of the world, using rapidly developing technology and forming connections with girls in other countries. There is an emphasis on social justice and community as girls are encouraged to make connections with others outside the classroom walls. NEGS has a strong commitment to the Round Square organisation.
NEGS offers a personalised academic program that encourages students to identify and develop their talents, both in and outside of the classroom.
In Stage 4 students will study:
All students will also be involved in a Choir and Band program.
In Stage 5 all students will study:
In addition Stage 5 students will have the opportunity to select subjects on their personal interests and abilities from:
We are able to provide desirable student to teacher ratios across our classes, which are taught by well-qualified teachers who have a genuine passion for learning. NEGS’ flexible approach to learning and a varied curriculum mean girls can choose up to three Additional Studies Units in Year 9 and there is flexibility for students to change these electives in Year 10, if they choose.
For students requiring some extra support one of their electives may be chosen as Learning Support where the students work with a specialised teacher. The Talented Athlete Program course allows those eligible students to develop skills in their selected sport and have specialised Strength and Conditioning training delivered within the curriculum. We are also able to offer time within the curriculum for students with particular skills and interests (by application) to pursue these as an extra-curricular subject.
Our Stage 6 offerings
In Stage 6 students will select all subjects for their study towards their HSC. NEGS offers a comprehensive range of subjects and also partners with other institutions for students interested in pursuing vocational education or requiring a subject to be completed via distance education.
The NEGS Senior School offers girls a comprehensive careers program, enhanced leadership opportunities, full membership to IGSA for competitive sport, enrichment education events, opportunities to be part of the wider cultural life of Armidale and to utilise the University of New England’s extensive resources. We offer co-curricular activities in Livestock Management, Equestrian, Chaplaincy, Music, Drama, Sport, Rifle Shooting, Duke of Edinburgh program and Coding.
NEGS girls receive academic results that reflect a culture of pursuing personal excellence, they have outstanding achievements on the sports field and flourish in the arts, however, it is in the development of personal qualities where NEGS really stands out. NEGS girls are accomplished, assertive, kind, happy, vibrant young women ready to embrace the wider world and all it offers. NEGS girls are equipped for success beyond the school gates.
Most of all, NEGS girls are a part of a close-knit community where all the girls know one another and forge friendships that last a lifetime.
The NEGS Armidale Junior School offers co-education from Pre K through to Year 6. We believe in the power of play, curiosity, and a hands-on approach to ignite a lifelong love of learning.
From Pre-K onwards, we embrace innovative teaching methods that engage young minds and encourage their natural interest. Our dedicated teachers foster a happy and supportive atmosphere where students feel understood, valued, and encouraged to explore their full potential. We understand that when students feel safe, respected, and appreciated, they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At NEGS, we prioritise the holistic development of every individual, celebrating their uniqueness.
Small, bespoke classes and a rich family focus promote a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where boys and girls are engaged, motivated, and empowered in their learning. They are encouraged to embrace different perspectives and to learn from one another, creating a vibrant and inclusive school culture.
Central to our philosophy is our comprehensive well-being program, which draws on the principles of positive psychology, where we develop each student’s sense of self-efficacy. With an emphasis on the foundational character traits that cultivate leaders of the future; hard work, self-discipline, aptitude and plenty of joy.
We are dedicated to nurturing the hearts and minds of our students. Through our well-rounded approach to education, inclusive and supportive environment, and emphasis on academic excellence, holistic development, and a strong sense of community, we prepare our students for a successful transition to high school and a bright future ahead.
Our campus in NEGS Armidale is thoughtfully designed to provide students with diverse learning environments. In addition to formal classrooms, we have unique outdoor learning spaces that prioritise the development of fundamental skills. These rich and engaging spaces allow students’ hearts and minds to thrive, fostering creativity, imagination, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. We also offer vast outdoor areas where children can immerse themselves in nature, cultivating a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them.
Our Junior School provides our students with a well-rounded education. That’s why we have specialist teaching staff in Music, Library, Languages, Agriculture, and Sport, who enrich our students’ educational journey. Through these specialist programs, our students have the opportunity to explore their interests and talents, fostering a holistic and balanced approach to their development.
In line with our commitment to preparing students for the future, we embrace the ever-evolving world of technology. From the early years, we seamlessly integrate Information Technology into our classroom teaching, exposing students to the ways technology can enhance their learning. Our teachers work closely with parents to ensure a smooth and supportive transition into formalised learning, creating a collaborative environment for both students and parents.
Physical fitness is also a priority in NEGS Junior School. We provide daily fitness sessions and access to the Senior School’s Sporting Complex, giving students ample opportunities for outdoor play and utilisation of top-quality facilities. We believe that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, and our focus on physical fitness supports the overall well-being of our students.
Academic skills are refined in preparation for high school.
For our Year 3-6 students, we provide innovative and creative learning experiences that foster intellectual rigour, creative thinking, and appreciation for diversity. The integration of technology into the classroom prepares our students for the challenges of the Senior School and enables them to develop a global perspective in an increasingly online world.
At NEGS Junior School, we are committed to equipping our students with the academic skills and personal qualities needed for a successful transition to high school. Join us on this exciting educational journey where we prioritise holistic development, academic excellence, and a supportive community.
Our Year 3-6 students participate in innovative, creative learning experiences that value intellectual rigour, creative thinking and diversity.
The integration of technology into the classroom experience ensures that our students are equipped with the skills to develop a global perspective in an online world.
Nine-year-old Imogen Cadzow starts her day like any other NEGS Junior School student. She puts on her school uniform, grabs her books and her violin for her music lesson and gets ready for a full day of learning. The only difference? Imogen lives on her family’s remote cattle station some 200 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Imogen is the school’s first-ever distance education student, taking part in the innovative program first trialled in 2018 and formally rolled out in 2019. Unlike traditional Distance Education models which typically only have a maximum of 1.5 hours per day of direct contact with peers and teachers, Imogen takes part in a full day of education and activities via video conferencing and Google meetings, even attending assembly and the library through her laptop. She makes friends, learns Mandarin and has to put her hand up to ask a question, just like her primary school peers.
For Imogen’s mum, Bec Cadzow, the program has made an enormous impact. Not only does Imogen get to meet and interact with the cohort of girls she will one day board with at NEGS in senior years, but her daughter can learn independently without the need for full-time parent supervision or a hard-to-find expensive governess. “Imogen has been learning to play the violin via Google meetings with her teacher once a week,” Mrs. Cadzow said. “She has had lessons for only a few months, and already she is doing brilliantly.”
NEGS Online allows students from any location in Australia to participate and interact with teachers and fellow peers, with worksheets and information uploaded through specialised software. Imogen visits NEGS for at least one week a term for NAPLAN and end-of-year activities, as well as participating in camps, swimming, cross country, and athletics carnivals. With 11 places available for Years 3-6, it’s a chance for remote students to learn school etiquette and practice in social situations before they head off to boarding school.
As the first Independent School to offer Distance Education via this model, the program ensures distance is no longer a barrier to quality education. As a rural boarding school, we have wonderful connections with remote families and this program allows us to offer these children the opportunity to experience the quality learning programs that are available at NEGS. As technology opportunities grow for accessible remote communications, we hope to expand this program to more students, right across the country.
NEGS Junior School’s generous student to teacher ratio ensures that our students receive a differentiated program that highlights the learning needs of every child.
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we understand you will have questions. Our team is here to help you navigate the enrolment process and answer any questions you may have. We invite you to visit our campus, meet our students and staff, and experience the NEGS community firsthand. Discover why NEGS is more than a school.
