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’ll be 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 2009
Many children participated 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. In 2009 some also experienced the joy of participation in a musical – Alice in Wonderland, K-2, and Cinderella Rockerfella, 3-6. We happily celebrate the achievements of children both as individuals and in groups.
CHESS
We usually have 3 teams competing in the Junior Chess league – an inter- school competition. Teams competed at Rookie, Intermediate and Championship level. Back at school there was a Chess lunch club for everyone else and chess peer tutoring for K-2 students. All chess activities occur with the expertise of Miss Scott.
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
The Gosford Public School debating team took part in the 2009 Premier’s Debating Challenge. The team experienced success against other primary schools, winning the Central Coast Zone and placing fourth out of 90 teams in the Hunter Region Zone. Teams were 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 two students prepare speeches on a topic set for their stage. 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. Last year the school champion at this level came from year 3.
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 were lucky to be 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 participated in band workshops, competitions and camps throughout the year, such as Big Day Out, with the most recent being 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 who do not own their own. The conductor, David Dallinger, and the band of loyal parents who regularly attend rehearsal, assist where necessary and continue to inspire the children of the band to practice and perform.
DANCE
During first semester each year 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. A small group of senior students and a larger number of stage 2 students joined together with Mrs Moore and Mrs See to enjoy the beat. During semester two several parents and teachers also participated in drumming workshops under the tuition of expert drummer Sean Cadigan-Steele…..although sometimes the drumming was drowned out by the peels of laughter that could be heard almost to the waterfront.
KIDS PLAYING KEYBOARDS
Children also have had access to a qualified keyboard teacher from J & E Piano, who held lessons during recess and after school in the Chapman room.
OPERATION ART
Judging our GPS Operation Art competition in proves to be as hard as ever with many imaginative and unique entries. We sent two artworks off to the Sydney competition. These were created by Knox Hayter and Lilia Jackson. Both works were exhibited in the Penrith Art Gallery, then Lilia’s art work went on to be hung in Bear Cottage. Lilia’s work has also been chosen as the cover for the program and the new t-shirt image for the Sydney Choral Festival Choir.
DRAMA CLUB
A senior drama group has been established. Students studied and performed all elements of performing. Students gained self-confidence and the club enabled them the opportunity to express themselves creatively. 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 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 but that also makes 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. Maybe they read a piece of written work or perhaps 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 were offered. With professional instructors the children were able to learn and improve on existing skills and improve their physical fitness.
ENVIRONMENT CLUB
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.
