Our extensive co-curricular program encourages individual and collective achievement and the development of well-rounded individuals. In addition, we encourage high potential learners to apply for a bursary or scholarship – for more information, click here

Students at St Joseph’s have the opportunity to represent the College in a number of debating competitions each year. They are coached and supported by experienced staff and Old Boys who share their knowledge and passion for debating and help the boys develop as individual speakers and as teams.

Successful debating requires a detailed knowledge of current affairs, and the ability to form logical arguments on highly complex and often controversial issues facing society.

Debating encourages students to develop persistence, confidence, logic, teamwork and strong oratory skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

The capacity to think quickly, remain calm and communicate articulately are key to successful debating and these skills are nurtured at St Joseph’s.

Annual debating competitions for students in Years 7 to 12 include the Independent Schools’ Debating Association (ISDA), Great Public Schools (GPS) and Friday Evening Debating (FED Cup). In the 2023 debating season, the First debating team successfully defended its title by securing the premiership for the second year running, with two members of the team selected for the GPS Representative Team. 

Students are also given the opportunity to participate in in-school debates and the First Debating team contests the Old Boys’ Debate against a team of SJC alumni.


A central tenet of a Marist education is the development of the capacity to articulate ideas and convey them to an audience in a convincing and compelling way. It is also becoming increasingly important to find a voice to counter populist views of intolerance and prejudice contrary to the message of a Christian school like St Joseph’s.

Oratory is thus a major means of encouraging reflection, reason and compassion.

Students from Years 7 to 12 are encouraged to participate in oratory and are coached and supported by experienced staff and Old Boys of the College. Boys are given the opportunity to take part in a number of oratory competitions each year, where they perform at an extremely high level. We participate in the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association (CSDA) competition, the Marist Oratory Competition, which we last won in 2022, as well as the Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition and a number of internal challenges.

Performing Arts at Joeys is vibrant and innovative, adding great richness and energy to the College community. The College runs a number of performing arts co-curricular options including a bi-annual musical theatre performance, musical ensembles and bands.

Guided by both the College music and drama departments, the College is committed to not only engaging the boys in a range of experiences and developing their talents, but also instilling in them a lifelong appreciation for the arts and providing them with a balanced, well-rounded education. 

There are many opportunities for boys to showcase their talents throughout the school year. The College Musical is performed at the Concourse Theatre Chatswood in a 600-seat space. Previous shows include: Pippin; Shout! The Legend of the Wild One; Hairspray; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; The Wedding Singer and Strictly Ballroom.

And the Performing Arts Tour initiative enables boys to experience workshop classes hosted by drama experts in New Zealand, New York, Los Angeles, London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Paris and Fontainebleau.