The School has an extensive programme of co-curricular activities, almost all of which are supervised by academic staff members. By boys' participation in a variety of these activities, their skills and interests are developed, their education is enriched, and their growth is encouraged and monitored by trained staff who are able to develop boys' self-esteem within and beyond the classroom.

Drama

Drama is offered at Scotch for Years 6-12, and Drama Studies (TEE) in Year 12. Year 8 boys sample this course for one term. Drama develops confident and effective oral communication skills as well as other creative, expressive and technical skills. These are developed and refined with the progression into each new year group. Students are given the opportunity to build self esteem by participating in small group and solo activities which are performed to peers and where possible to a wider audience. Students have the option of being involved in School productions either on stage acting or back stage participating in anything from set construction or operating lights to stage management. The Year 11/12 courses offer a more advanced course of study in Drama in preparation for further education.

Music

Music is an important part of the School's curriculum from Year 1 to 12. The Class Music programme is designed to teach and reinforce the musical concepts being introduced to boys in their instrumental music lessons. As many as 500 boys may be learning a musical instrument at Scotch College at any one time.

A broad choice of musical instrument tuition is offered through the Music Department: strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon), brass (trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium, tuba), guitar (classical and popular), percussions, voice and piano. The School has a stock of good quality musical instruments that may be loaned to boys. There is an Instrument Maintenance Levy/Hire charge for the use of such instruments. Instrumental Music tuition application forms and the Instrument Loan Agreement form can be obtained from the Music Office by phoning 9383 6841. Comprehensive information regarding instrumental tuition and fees is set out in the Music Handbook 2008. This Handbook is also available from the Music Office.

Opportunities for group music making are provided through a variety of musical ensembles in the Junior and Senior Schools. As part of their musical development boys are encouraged to perform as soloists, in chamber music groups and within larger formal ensembles. Ensemble repertoire is chosen from many different musical genres to enhance every young musician's enjoyment of music performance at Scotch College.

In 2008 and beyond the musical alliance with PLC and Scotch College will continue, enabling more advanced players the chance to rehearse and perform on a regular basis in mixed gender senior ensembles.

For boys enrolled in Music there may be additional charges from time to time for music books, practice journals, camps and music tours.

Friends of Scotch Music (FOSM)

An important part of the musical life at Scotch College is the contribution of this music-parent group whose specific aim is to support Music Department events. FOSM meets at the beginning of each term. Meeting dates and times are published in the Music Handbook 2008 and in the term calendar.

The Pipe Band

The Scotch College Pipe Band was raised in 1947, and paraded for the first time, with 8 pipers and 5 drummers, at the Perth Royal Show in 1948. The band, now numbering well over 50 players, undertakes many public performances each year and enjoys a well-earned respect within and beyond the School. It has competed with distinction in the Western Australian, and Australian Pipe Band Association competitions over the years and many of its members have had significant success in solo competitions, both piping and drumming.

Any boy in the Senior School is eligible to join the Pipe Band and is encouraged to do so early in his secondary schooling. Year 8 learners are allocated a period in each week for lessons, which are rotated through the day to offer minimum interference to classes. Boys are expected to dedicate a reasonable amount of leisure time to individual and group practice, and to Pipe Band engagements both in and out of School. The list, while not exhaustive, includes Friday morning marching, and public engagements which are quite often on weekends or during School holidays.

A highlight of the Pipe Band's history was the many public performances in Scotland during a tour of the United Kingdom in 1997, and its participation in the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax Canada 2000. The band toured the United Kingdom again in 2004, including this time an ANZAC Day performance in Villers Bretonneux, Northern France. In April 2006, the band participated in another Tattoo, this time in the USA - the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk and will perform there again in April 2008. Tours of this nature are planned every two years.

While lessons, uniforms and instruments for the pipe band are free of charge, a fee of $75 per term as a contribution towards the salary of staff for the support of the Pipe Band applies to all members.