Our School - Opportunities

The wide and varied range of opportunities presented by Oatley Public School allows each individual student to showcase his or her strength and ensures that every child is a success.

To achieve the best for each student the school will:

Resource and Support Programs
Our students are involved in a large number of resource and support programs including:
		Cater for diverse personal learning needs of all students
		Promote a commitment to life-long learning and knowledge
		Provide a quality education through a challenging curriculum
		Develop values, problem solving skills and a positive attitude
		Show genuine, caring concern for children and their welfare
		Develop high self esteem and self confidence
		Promote a respect for the rights of others and themselves
		Provide quality resources, programs and technology.

Following is an overview of some of the opportunities making a difference to students at Oatley Public School.

Academic Achievement and Results
		Literacy and numeracy are a high priority across all stages in the school. Learning times are protected with students encouraged to work at a pace and level matched to their ability and potential. National Assessment Program results for Year 3 and Year 5 students in Literacy and numeracy show strong growth and are well above state averages.

Technology
		Technology is integrated with all key learning areas and is strongly supported by our school community. Every classroom has computers and most have "Smart Boards" for interactive lessons. There are two computer labs, lap tops and a well equipped library. All students participate in the technology program covering all aspects of computing.

Language
		Italian is taught throughout the school to enhance our students experience with other cultures and languages. The program is subsidised by the Italian and Australian Governments making it very cost effective. Our students enjoy this opportunity very much and have been seen to excel in learning other languages during their high school education.

Gifted and Talented Program
		The Gifted and Talented (G&T) program underpins all classroom programs. G&T students are identified early in their development and have individual learning programs tailored to meet their needs. Teachers also provide differentiated learning programs for higher order thinkers and different learning styles in all class and enrichment programs.

Inter-School Sports, Athletics and Swimming
		All students at Oatley engage in various sport and fitness programs throughout the year. The school participates in Inter-school sports, athletics, cross country and swimming at school, district, regional and state levels. School sports include netball, soccer, cricket, basketball, tennis, AFL, touch footy, rugby, newcome ball, softball and baseball.

Sports Facilities and Play Areas
		Oatley Public School is well equipped and boasts numerous sporting and training facilities including basketball/tennis court, double cricket nets, netball courts, long jump pit, hand ball courts and grassed playing fields. There are also many shady tree studded areas with picnic benches used for outdoor learning classes and lunch time play areas.

Art, Music and Drama
		Oatley produces many fine young artists, musicians and actors on the back of the various school programs dedicated to the arts. Wonderful student art pieces adorn our administration building. Class performances are a regular part of assemblies, open days and community events. Major whole of school productions are also organised from time to time.

School Bands
		Oatley has three bands (Training, Intermediate and Concert) to provide musical enrichment for our talented 3-6 students. Joining the band provides opportunities to learn an instrument, an ability to develop teamwork skills, a positive social environment to develop friendships and pride in representing the school.

Dance and Choir
		Oatley provides opportunities for students to participate in various extra dance programs. Classes offered include Boy's Dance 3-6, Senior Mixed Dance 4-6 and Junior Dance 1-3. Kindy-6 programs also exist for whole of school events. The school also has both junior and senior choirs which participate in local festivals and community events.

Public Speaking and Debating
		Public speaking is taught from k-6 to improve student confidence, enhance self-esteem and develop oracy skills. The highlight of the program is the annual public speaking competition which leads to district speaking. Debating has a high profile in the school and is offered to all Stage 3 students who compete in the Syd South East schools competition.

Scripture, Religious and Cultural Studies
		Approved parents/community members conduct various scripture, religious and cultural classes on a weekly basis. Scripture classes currently offered are Catholic, Protestant & Greek Orthodox with other religions/beliefs covered in a non sectarian group. Aboriginal and cultural studies form part of the curriculum involving visiting performers & speakers.

Before and After School Care
		Oatley Out Of School Hours (OOOSH) Care Centre operates a before and after school care service during term, and a Vacation Care program each school holiday. Trained staff supervise students and organise both play and study time. The facility opens at 7:00am and closes at 6:00pm. Places are limited and booking is essential.

Student Welfare
		"Bounce Back" is a social and emotional resilience program currently being implemented at Oatley providing knowledge and understanding for students with an emphasis on communicating, decision making, interacting and problem solving in social situations. This program incorporates the anti-bullying and personal awareness programs.