Sandgate provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities some of which are listed below.;
Performing arts
Sandgate has a long tradition of excellence in our instrumental music program. The program caters for string, woodwind, brass and percussion playing students. Students are able to perform in a variety of ensembles including the Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Percussion and String Ensembles, Stage Band and choir. Ensembles perform at school and community events, competitions and on a music tour. An annual school music camp creates a sense of family among music students, enables intensive technical tutoring and enhances the cohesive performance of players. Instrumental students also mentor and perform with primary school students on a “Big Day Out”.
A school musical and talent showcase night are held on alternate years. Drama and Dance nights during the year enable students to display their performance skills.
Visual arts
Each year the school’s Visual Arts students put on an outstanding art exhibition. Students design and paint high quality murals for installation on the school site. The Brisbane City Council has also accepted our student’s designs and painting of traffic signal boxes in the community. Arts students design the school magazine cover and complete all the art work for the Senior and Junior School student organiser. Students are encouraged to enter competitions run by the Queensland Arts gallery e.g. Nasubi Boxes and ICT.
Sport
Sandgate is well known in the community for our outstanding sport program. All students participate in inter-school, inter-house and/or recreational sport. In addition, the school participates in the Lions Cup AFL, Aspley Broncos Rugby League Challenge and the Vicky Wilson Netball competition. Each year large numbers of students represent the school at district, state and national level in a variety of sports. A number of former students have been drafted and have played in both the NRL and AFL national competitions.
Public speaking
Debating: Teams of 4-5 students in a Year level participate in the Queensland Debating Union competition. These teams attend four debates in Semester 1. Each of the teams is coached by an enthusiastic mentor teacher. Teams may go on to finals if they win 3 or more debates.
Lions Youth of the Year
Sandgate is the only local school which has participated in this competition every year since its inception and has produced a number of students who have reached the finals. The quest provides students with the opportunity to develop self-confidence, experience public speaking, participate in an interview and interact with other highly achieving students.
Rostrum
This competition is available to students of all ages. It develops a student’s self-confidence and ability to public speak.
Other public speaking competitions
The Plain English Speaking competition for 15 to 18 year olds and the Junior Legacy competition for 12 to 14 year olds are also available for students to enter each year.
Camps and school trips
Students in Years 7 and 11, attend camps. The camps aim to develop a sense of community among students, physically challenge students, encourage students to learn more about themselves, enable students to develop positive relationships, their ability to work in teams and with teachers and to develop their leadership skills. Science hosts a biannual trip for Year 9 and 10 students to Canberra in Science week. Students participate in awesome Science experiences and learn to live independently in self contained apartments. Senior Biology students camp at Stradbroke Island and practise their research skills in the field. An annual music camp stimulates students to be the best musician they can be. Senior students have the opportunity to go on a snow trip every second year, while Japanese students also have the chance to go on a trip to Japan every second year.