Hayden Danks talks about the importance of sport at Queenwood and why it matters for a multitude of reasons, from student wellbeing to academic outcomes. Hayden came to Queenwood this year with a long list of qualifications, from a Bachelor of Human Movement Health Education at Sydney University (Hons), to a Master of Management, Sport Management from UTS.
For most of his career he has worked with boys, ay Sydney Grammar and then as Head of Sport at Cranbrook, followed by a swift promotion to Director. He is well equipped to consult on the Oxford Falls development, having led the sports component of the historic Master Plan building project at Cranbrook, including the iconic Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre and the Vicars Centenary Building. His claim to fame was bowling out Brian Lara at the SCG nets, prior to the Australia vs World XI match in 2005!
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Queenwood is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the acquisition of land at Oxford Falls, where we will build a state-of-the-art Sports Precinct. This bold move represents not only a significant investment in our facilities but also a forward-thinking commitment to preparing our students for the future. In a world that is changing rapidly, the role of sport in education has never been more critical, and the Oxford Falls development will provide a space for our entire community to come together, support one another, and grow.
Recent research highlights just how essential sport and co-curricular activities are to students’ overall success. Findings from Dr. Kat Owen, Biostatistician at the University of Sydney, reveal that students who participate in school sports not only perform better academically—scoring higher in NAPLAN numeracy and literacy—but they also show stronger attention, working memory, and are less likely to be absent from school. With sport participants averaging 3.3 higher ATAR points and being 78% more likely to enrol in tertiary studies, it is clear that participation in school sports has a lasting impact. By investing in the Oxford Falls Sports Precinct, we are creating an environment where our students can achieve these incredible outcomes while building essential life skills.
This new facility comes at a time when education is shifting its focus. As Ashley Fell from McCrindle shared in her recent presentation at the AIS Heads of Sport Conference, today’s students—Generation Z and Generation Alpha—will experience a future where adaptability and entrepreneurship are critical. With an estimated 18 jobs across six careers, and many potentially working in roles that do not even exist today, the need for schools to prepare students to be resilient, innovative, and adaptable is clear. The Sports Precinct will play a vital role in this preparation, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills—qualities that will be invaluable as they navigate their future careers.
Beyond the academic and career-focused benefits, the Oxford Falls development is about community. We know from national surveys that, despite being the most connected generation in history, 70% of Generation Z feels lonely. Co-curricular activities, especially sports, ranked highly as avenues for connection, coming third behind family and school. By creating a dedicated space for sport and co-curricular engagement, the Queenwood Sports Precinct will foster a sense of belonging, bringing our students, parents, and staff together in a vibrant, supportive environment. It will be a hub where our community can gather, cheer each other on, and form lasting connections, all while encouraging the growth and success of our young people.
As Queenwood looks to the future, we recognise that preparing students for life beyond school requires more than just academic instruction—it requires an investment in their personal development and a proactive approach to their well-being. The new Sports Precinct at Oxford Falls reflects our commitment to holistic education, ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the challenges of tomorrow but are also supported by a strong, engaged community today. We are thrilled to be entering this exciting new phase and look forward to the many ways the Oxford Falls development will benefit our students, families, and the broader Queenwood community for years to come.
Edited by: Ms Rebecca Birch, Director of Research and Practice