Student opportunities and activities

At Putney Public School, we are committed to helping every student thrive by providing access to a broad, creative and engaging curriculum. We offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.

Our programs may include:

• Carnivals in athletics, swimming and cross country
• Inter-school competitions through Ryde Zone Primary Schools Sports Association
• Representative pathway opportunities in sport through NSW Primary Schools Sports Association
• School sport programs including tennis and swimming at local venues and specialist sports teachers funded through Sporting Schools grant
• School Bands Australia coordinating our Training and Concert Band which includes rehearsal and tutorials and performance opportunities at school and Band Festivals
• Recorder Ensemble who perform as part of the Festival of Instrumental Music annual concert at the Sydney Opera House and local events.
• Drama Ensemble who have opportunities to audition and perform at various drama festivals throughout the year
• Dance Groups who have opportunities to audition and perform at various dance festivals including Sydney North Public Schools dance festival, Ryde Schools performing Arts Festival and local events throughout the year
• First Nations students are provided with an opportunity to dance as part of the First Nations Dance Ensemble who perform at the Pulse Alive Performance and attend the Ryde/Cammeray Culture and Connection Day.
• Public speaking opportunities such as the Rotary Public Speaking Competition, the Multicultural public speaking competition and auditioning for compere roles at various festivals
• Debating can develop student thinking, communication and teamwork skills. Our Stage 3 Debating team are provided with opportunities to compete in local and national competitions
• Putney Press Gang where students are reporters and collaborate to create our school newspaper Pandemonium
• Student leadership opportunities including Peer Mediation, Library Monitors and Student Representative Counsellors
• Activities that support high potential and gifted learners including Maths Olympiad, ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools)in English, Mathematics, Spelling and Writing, Premier’s Spelling Bee, Premier’s Reading Challenge and Premier’s Sporting Challenge
• Excursions, incursions and overnight camps provide opportunities to complement classroom learning and provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.

Co-curricular opportunities

Throughout the school year, all students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of co-curricular activities aimed at enhancing their skills, highlighting their talents, and promoting school spirit. These include participation in both school-based and inter-school events such as

• Multicultural and Rotary Public speaking competitions
• Premier’s Reading Challenge
• Premier’s Spelling Bee
• School sport carnivals - swimming, cross country, and athletics
• K-2 Easter Hat Parade
• Book Week Parade and activities
• Hosting a class assembly
• Art competitions

High potential and gift opportunities

High potential students are those whose abilities surpass those of their peers in one or more areas, including intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical domains. This potential can evolve into talent when identified and supported through evidence-based talent development opportunities that maximise their growth and success. Students with exceptional talents are encouraged to demonstrate their skills through various school activities and community events:

• Intellectual domain-participation in ICAS competitions in reading, mathematics, spelling and writing, Maths Olympiad team, Tournament of the Minds team, Premier’s Spelling Bee representative at regional finals, Write On competition
• Creative domain- drama ensemble performing at various drama festivals, choir, recorder ensemble, school concert band performing at school community events, Ryde Council SWAP art competition, Nagoya Sister City Art exchange, Operation Art
• Social-emotional domain-debating inter-school competitions, public speaking competitions, Peer Mediation program where senior students are trained in conflict resolution to support younger students on the playground, student counsellors representing their class at SRC
• Physical domain-representing Putney in Zone, State and National levels in swimming, cross country and athletics, PSSA representation in football, netball, softball, volleyball, cricket, Tiger-tag and representative pathways in various sports, junior and senior dance groups

Our extra-curricular highlights

Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and talents through a variety of extra-curricular activities. These activities are held either before or after school and encompass sports, chess, drama, dance, Spanish language classes, keyboard lessons, and the school band rehearsal. Each program provides valuable chances for students to learn new skills and build connections with their peers.

Dance

Years 2- 6 students are eligible to audition for our dance groups. A specialist teacher conducts weekly classes where dancers learn and rehearse routines to be submitted for auditions in various competitions. Our Dance troupes consistently achieve success in competitions and eisteddfods, including the Sydney North Public Schools Dance Festival.

Representative Sport

Our school is part of Ryde Zone PSSA, offering summer and winter sport competition for Years 3-6. Students participate in trials for team selection prior to the commencement of each season. Putney teams are competitive and often very successful, with the Junior Girls Football team winning the 2025 Winter Competition.

Music

Our 3-6 students can learn to play an instrument as part of the School Bands Australia program. We have a training and concert band. Students wishing to learn the recorder can join lunchtime sessions where our teachers train them to be performance ready for the Festival of Instrumental Music.

Putney Press Gang

Putney Press Gang is an immersive learning program where students become reporters and collaborate to create our school newspaper Pandemonium. Students develop writing and interviewing skills. Reporters conduct interviews with authors, sports people and experts. Press Gang is facilitated by Cat Rodie, the founder of The School News Project. Check out the latest Pandemonium!

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