Student opportunities and activities

School sport, athletics and inter-school competitions

• We compete strongly in athletics, cross country, and swimming carnivals.

• Talented athletes have access to a wide range of additional opportunities through representative sports run by the  NSW Primary School Sports Association (NSWPSSA).  Schools across NSW are organised into zone groups, and Berry Public School is part of the Tongarra Zone Sports Association.
• Boys PSSA - Rugby League, Touch Football and Soccer
• Girls PSSA - Rugby League, Touch Football, Soccer and Netball
• Interschools Championship Equestrian
• Dragon Tag Gala Day (3-6)
• AFL Gala Day (K-2)
• AFL Paul Kelly Cup
• Soccer Workshops
• Skipping Team
• Premier's Sporting Challenge

Interest-based clubs

• our Tech Club operates weekly during lunch times as an extra-curricular opportunity that is available to all students. Students participate in a wide range of activities including computer programming, robotics and engineering.
• our chess club meets regularly and competes in annual chess competitions.

Creative and performing arts

• The Paint Pot program provides every student at our school with weekly creative arts lessons provided by specialist art teachers. Students' art work is displayed throughout the school and community.
• Band is an extra curricular opportunity for students in Years 3 to 6. The  school band is conducted by David Rooney from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. David teaches for 2 hours per week. Students from the Beginner Band and Concert Band perform at school assemblies, presentation and special events and in outside competitions and venues.
• Our school has choir for all students in Stage 2. The choir performs at school and community events as well as at regional music festivals such as the Shoalhaven Music Festival.
• Dance Troupes / Dance Festival perform at South Coast Dance Festival in Batemans Bay

Scholarships and awards

Premier’s Spelling Bee

The  Premier’s Spelling Bee  is an annual competition that encourages primary school students in Years 3 to 6 to develop their spelling skills in a fun and educational way. Students are selected at school level to take part in regional finals. Regional winners then compete in the state final.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This  Premier’s Reading Challenge  encourages students from Kindergarten to Year 9 to develop a love of reading and plays an important role in developing literacy.

Premier’s Debating Challenge

The  Premier’s Debating Challenge  is open to students from Year 5 to 12. Teams compete in a round robin series of debates against other schools. The winners go on to compete at regional and state level to determine the eventual state champion.

Aboriginal cultural and language activities

• Gadhungal Marring (a dedicated First Nations Language and Culture program). Students and teachers learn together 'on country'. The program strengthens our community by embedding cultural knowledge, integrity, self-worth and belonging. It provides authentic experiences for teachers and students alike in a range of practical and theoretical lessons.
• Our school has an Aboriginal Education team focused on annual improvements to our school programs.

Public speaking and debating

We are multiple debating and public speaking champions! Our school offers students chances to take part in debating and public speaking activities. These opportunities help students build important skills like thinking clearly, expressing their ideas confidently, and speaking in front of others. Participating in debates and speeches also boosts their teamwork, listening skills, and ability to understand different points of view. These activities are a fun way for students to grow their confidence and communication skills, which are useful both in school and everyday life.

Student leadership opportunities

• GRIP Leadership Conference
• Student Representative Council (SRC)
• Buddies Program
• The Aboriginal leadership team works together with the (SRC) and teachers to plan and carry out activities and programs that include and respect everyone in the school. This teamwork helps make sure that Aboriginal culture is celebrated and that all students feel welcome and supported.

Excursions and incursions

We offer multiple excursions and incursions through out the year to all stages, classes and groups. Included in these excursions is a unique opportunity for authentic research in Project Platypus.

Environmental Science

Our plant propagation centre is the hub for our environmental science lessons. Plant Prop has been operating at Berry PS for over 35 years. Volunteers work side by side with classroom teachers during lessons and provide learning opportunities to the wider community as part of the program. Berry public school is credited with saving the White Beech from extinction as part of the propagation program.

Academic and creative extra-curricular opportunities

We provide a wealth of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that include:

• Tournament of Minds
• Chess Club
• Tech Club
• Public Speaking
• Band
• Choir
• Dance
• Drama
• Art exhibitions
• Debating
• PSSA Sports