Central to our commitment to developing each boy as an individual, we offer a wide range of extra curricular activities to nurture their unique talents and passions.

Lunchtime and after-school clubs, led by staff and students, provide opportunities to connect with like-minded peers across all year levels. Students are welcome to join any time and are encouraged to propose new clubs, creating a dynamic and inclusive school community. 

Options currently include:

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

Each year, students over 14 are offered the opportunity to undertake The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, an internationally recognised program building their skills to equip them for life and work. 

By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award can play a critical role in their development.

To achieve an Award, each student must learn a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment over a minimum 6-month period.

Through this challenging journey of self-discovery students:

• are equipped and empowered to achieve their personal best
• learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices
• become connected to and actively engaged within their immediate community
• make a real difference to society through their positive contributions and involvement
• learn to persevere and overcome barriers to success
• learn important life skills
• increase career opportunities

---

Public Speaking and Debating

The Public Speaking and Debating program provides students invaluable opportunities to hone their communication skills, build confidence, develop leadership qualities, and cultivate strong character. The school has a rich and proud history in public speaking and debating, marking itself as a leader among educational institutions.

In 1968, CBHS Lewisham became a founding member of the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA), an esteemed consortium of like-minded schools. This initiative was established to raise awareness about the importance of public speaking and debating while fostering a vibrant and competitive spirit among young people. The CSDA has since become a platform for students to engage in meaningful discourse and develop their rhetorical prowess in an encouraging environment.

Public Speaking  

Students actively participate in the prestigious annual CSDA Public Speaking Competition. This event, open to secondary school orators across Sydney’s Catholic educational institutions, reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing articulate and persuasive speakers. Participants work diligently on their speeches, covering topics that challenge them to think critically and express their ideas with clarity and conviction. The competition is a hallmark of the school’s dedication to fostering excellence in public speaking. Notable speakers include Oskar Stubbs, who won the Year 7 Division in 2016, and Dimitri Tsovolos, who was the runner-up in 2020.

Debating

Our Debating Coordinator puts in significant effort, collaborating closely with an enthusiastic team of dedicated former debaters and Old Boys. This group not only brings a wealth of experience from their debating journeys but also plays a vital role in mentoring current students. Their involvement has proven essential in shaping a robust debating community where students can thrive and enhance their skills.

The growing interest in debating among our students has given rise to a two-stream debating cohort for a substantial part of our recent history, allowing for greater participation and inclusion. This strategic approach ensures that students of varying skill levels can engage in the art of argumentation, thereby reinforcing the school’s status as a prominent participant in various inter-school competitions.

Over the past few years, the school’s Debating Teams have achieved considerable success, with students consistently showcasing their commitment to excellence and professionalism in this field. Notable achievements include being Grand final winners in the Senior Division in 2017 and 2018, the Year 10 Division in 2014 and 2021, and the Year 9 Division in 2023 and 2024. Our teams not only compete vigorously but also embody the values of respect, sportsmanship, and perseverance, reflecting the core principles of Christian Brothers Lewisham.

Our school continues to inspire young minds through these programs, preparing them to be confident speakers and thoughtful leaders in their communities and beyond.