OPPORTUNITY CLASS ORIENTATION -
Attendance is by invitation only. Please bring your invitation on the day. Your letter will provide details of the event.
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Sutherland Public School has proudly operated hosted Opportunity Classes since 1963. The program at our school has been carefully developed by dedicated staff to provide a stimulating curriculum which emphasizes academic rigou, whilst nurturing the gifted child's overall social and emotional development. Our students discover the advantages of being self motivated, and develop their abilities and creativity in a wide range of areas.
At the end of their time in OC, our student have further developed their creative and critical thinking. They are able to work in a team and manage their time productively.
OC Program
Happy integration of all students is our priority.
In the early days, getting to know you activities are planned. In February a camp is held at Berry Sport and Recreations Facility, to encourage the development of friendships and to help everyone feel at home and welcome at their new school.
The OC program encourages students to develop their organisational and independent learning skills. Work-rate and task commitment are a premium also. Time management in completion of tasks and assignments is a feature as is the weekly homework contract, and/or student diary which is used as a means of communication with parents.
Students are encouraged to take a leadership role through classroom group activities, being Peer Tutors of younger pupils and by acting as Peer Support Leaders.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities for participation in activities such as drama, dance, public speaking, debating, sport, visual arts, chess, band, technology and the environut environmental club.
Classroom computers are networked and students have access to a curriculum server, the internet through secure web browsing and email; and a growing school intranet of applications on their local machines. Students also have access to two well-equipped Technology Learning Centres which feature 30 networked computers in each lab for group work. Students develop skills in word processing, spreadsheets, scanning, digital editing (including creating animations, digital collage and creating short movies), developing powerpoint presentations, web page design, data projection and intranet development.
The two year OC program incorporates a wide variety of excursions, linked to advanced units of work. Parents are always welcome to assist as volunteers for these activities.
Whilst the OC program encourages sutdents to compete mainly against themselves in the pursuit of personal goals, they are also given the opportunity to pit their skills and talents against others in a range of challenging competitions, these may include :
- Night of the Notables
- Westpac Maths Competition
- Festival of Instrumental Music
- Maths Olympiad
-
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Writing/Creative Writing Competition
- ICAS competitions
- Quizzard of Oz
- Band Camp
- Debating
- Creative and Practical Arts performances
- Tournament of the Minds
- Mind Marathon
- CREATE
- Band & Violin
- Dance
- Digital/Art/Stories/Learning Resources
- Short Film Awards
- Ultimate Story
Applying for OC
Each year during Term 2 parents are invited to apply online for Year 4 students to obtain a place in the Year 5 OC class. A test is held and the outcome advised in October each year. The test and selection process for OC placement is handled by the Slective Schools Unit.
More information can be obtained from the Selective Schools Unit website
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/k-6assessments/ocplacement.php