Cognito
At Lakes Grammar, Cognito represents our commitment to intellectual curiosity and the joy of learning for its own sake. The word derives from the Latin cognitio, meaning “knowledge” or “understanding,” and evokes the rich intellectual tradition of seeking insight and engaging in the profound act of “coming to know”.
Our Cognito program is a dynamic co-curricular environment that invites students to explore a wide variety of activities that enrich and extend learning beyond the classroom. It provides space for discovery where interests can be deepened, new passions can be uncovered, and ideas can be explored in creative and collaborative ways. The program is open to all students, and we encourage every learner to find something that sparks their interest.
The program is thoughtfully tailored to each age and stage of development.
In the Junior School, Cognito offers students opportunities to explore their interests, discover emerging strengths, and develop new passions in a supportive and engaging environment. These experiences nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also fostering social and emotional growth through collaboration and communication with peers.
In the Middle and Senior Schools, Cognito expands in both scope and depth, providing a broader range of opportunities for students to connect with others, deepen existing passions, and extend their intellectual curiosity. As students mature, the program increasingly encourages independence, initiative and purposeful exploration.
Activities vary from year to year, depending on student interests, but may include:
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
- School art exhibition
- Art club
- Choir
- Contemporary ensemble
- Drama club
- Drum ensemble
- Guitar ensemble
- Rock band
- Stage band
English
- Cognito reading challenge
- Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition
- Enrichment Day and LGS Poetry Competition
- English Honours award
- Future Leaders writers competition
- HICES debating
- Kids’ Lit quiz
- Lakes illustration prize
- LGS spelling bee
- NAIDOC week activities
- Premier’s Reading Challenge
- Write a Book in a Day (WABIAD)
- Questions writing prize
- Reading challenge
- The Schools Reconciliation Challenge
History
- Australian History Competition
- The National History Challenge
HSIE
- The Australian Geography competition
- Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
- da Vinci Decathlon
Mathematics
- HICES maths tournament
- Colin Doyle Memorial Prize
- Maths Olympiad
- The Sydney Academy of Chess
Science
- Australian brain bee challenge
- Build me a future
- Crystal growing competition
- Sleek geeks science Eureka prize
- RACI Australian national chemistry quiz
- Science and engineering challenge
Technology and Applied Studies
- Aurecon bridge building competition
- NRMA future of transport challenge
- Textiles club
Student-led clubs
- Cognito book club
- Dungeons and dragons
- Mental Health Advocacy Program (MHAP) Team
- Student Representative Council (SRC)
