GAT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Extra curricular programs provide opportunities for students to take part in activities to develop a talent or just to have fun. There is something for everyone. The type and format of these programs vary from year to year and may include some or all of the following:

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

Many children participate in activities including public speaking, debating, drumming, chess, science days, robotics, video workshops, movie making, drama, GAT (gifted and talented) camp, singing, dance, bands, sport, interest groups, Premier’s Spelling Bee and Premier’s Reading Challenge. There is an annual performance where we celebrate the achievements of children both as individuals and in groups.

CHESS

Three teams compete at Rookie, Intermediate and Championship level in the Junior Chess league – an inter-school competition. In addition, a Chess lunch club operates along with chess peer tutoring for K-2 students.

PREMIER’S SPELLING BEE

The Premier’s Spelling Bee is an annual event held in Term 3. A school spelling bee is held to find our 2 best spellers in Stage 2 and 3. These 4 children then compete in the regional finals. From the regional finals winners go to compete in the state finals in Sydney.

In 2008 we had two Stage 3 children compete in the state finals in Sydney.

DEBATING

Each year, the Gosford Public School debating team takes part in the Premier’s Debating Challenge. Past teams have experienced success at a high level going on to compete in Zone quarter finals.  All teams are coached in all facets of debating by Mrs Ellis.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

The GPS Public Speaking Competition is a recent addition to our GAT calendar. In semester one students prepare speeches for a K-6 competition. All students compete at class level. Class champions compete at stage assemblies and the best speakers from each stage present their speeches at a whole school assembly. Winners from each stage compete in a regional Public Speaking competition.

The Multicultural Public Speaking Competition is a state-wide competition. Stage 2 and 3 students compete in this competition.

Green Point Christian School Competition is a local competition held in term four. Students from Gosford Public School usually achieve well in this competition.

CHOIR

We are fortunate to have Mrs Kate Booth to assist Miss Shelton with our K-2 choir, and Mr Phil Reece to tutor our 3-6 choir. Mrs Moore organises the singers and assists Mr Rees. The senior choir performs in the Central Coast Choral festival. At our annual presentation ceremonies, we are entertained by both school choirs.

BAND

Our school band performs at a number of school functions, such as the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day breakfasts, culminating in a performance on presentation night. Some members participate in band workshops, competitions and camps throughout the year, such as Big Day Out, and Battle of the Bands at Gosford High School. As the band continues to grow we have been able to purchase some instruments to hire out to children. The conductor, David Dallinger, and the band of loyal parents, continue to inspire the children to practice and perform.

DANCE

During first semester dance groups are formed, usually from stage 2 and 3. These groups perform regularly at school functions as well as the Central Coast Dance Festival. Later in the year dance forms the main part of an Environmental performance as part of the Tidy Schools program.

DRUMMING

The ever increasing rhythm of Darabuka drums echoed down the halls, over the playground and across the night skies of Gosford. Throughout the year,  parents and teachers can participate in drumming workshops under the tuition of expert drummer Sean Cadigan-Steele…..although sometimes the drumming is drowned out by the peels of laughter that can be heard almost to the waterfront.

KIDS PLAYING KEYBOARDS

Children have access to a qualified keyboard teacher from J & E Piano, with lessons held during recess and after school in the Chapman room.

OPERATION ART

Judging our GPS Operation Art competition proves to be a difficult task with many imaginative and unique entries. Winning artworks are sent off to the Sydney competition where the works are exhibited in an Art Gallery, such as Penrith Regional Gallery.

DRAMA CLUB

A senior drama group exists, where students study and perform all elements of drama, enabling them to gain self-confidence and the opportunity to express themselves creatively.  In previous years,, the Drama Club wrote, designed sets, and performed an end-of-year concert for K-2.

PUZZLEMASTER

Puzzlemaster is a problem solving program for stage 2 and 3 organised by Mrs Hodgson. Each week students are given a challenging puzzle to solve to help develop their problem solving strategies, stretching their mental powers and giving their brain a workout. Solving problems can be fun and a rewarding experience.

MENTORING

During the year there are many opportunities for students to mentor other students in a variety of areas. Each year as part of a specific Mentor GAT Program, selected year 5 and 6 students or invited adults mentor younger children in an area of mutual talent.

GOSFORD IDOL

It has almost become a tradition to have a Gosford Idol Competition to celebrate the talent of our students during the last week of school. Indeed, there is always a wide variety of performances for the enjoyment of the whole school making the judges’ task a difficult one. Prizes are awarded for the winners of every stage 

RADIO

Every other Wednesday morning we have a regular spot on Central Coast Radio 96.3. The sessions are hosted by our school captains in conjunction with the station’s announcer. Many students have the opportunity to showcase their talents on air. At times they read a piece of written work or play a musical instrument.  We have even held an on-air debate.

ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL

This program has continued to encourage children to participate in a healthy lifestyle of exercise. Activities such as dancing, football, yoga, circus skills and skill based sports are offered. With professional instructors the children learn and improve on existing skills and improve their physical fitness.

ENVIRONMENT CLUB

This is a club led by students under the guidance of Mr Lockyer. Students are responsible for overseeing the school’s use of resources; maintaining the worm farms, as well as composting scraps collected from special bins located in both playgrounds.

PERFORMANCE NIGHTS

As the name suggests a performance night is an evening of performance. Students can nominate or be invited to showcase their talents. Community members, parents, friends and relatives are invited as well to enjoy the show. Mrs Moore coordinates the performers each year and ensures the evening is entertaining both for the performers and audience.