Student opportunities and activities

Small Schools' Connection

Bogan Gate Public School has had close connections with Bedgerabong PS, Caragabal PS, Eugowra PS and Quandialla PS for many years.

These schools combine to hold the Small Schools' athletics and swimming carnivals during which students compete against each other to be chosen to represent their school in the next level of athletics or swimming competition.

Schools have also joined together to host extra curricula events, for example, visiting performers.

NSW Schools' Spectacular

Since 2017, Bogan Gate PS has been sending students from Years 4 to 6 to participate in the primary choir at the NSW Schools' Spectacular in Sydney, with a brief pause during the COVID lockdown.

It’s a busy week with a lot of rehearsals and performances, mixed with the opportunity to explore Sydney with Mrs Howarth and Miss Brown.

'In 2025, the NSW Schools Spectacular 2025, which has the theme "REMARKABLE!" will feature over 5,500 NSW public school students at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on November 28-29, 2025. The event includes a large-scale arena show and a pre-show festival called SpecFest, showcasing youth, culture, and talent.' Arts Unit Website

Our P&C members raise funds and pursue grants from local businesses to reduce the financial burden on parents, ensuring their children can access this exceptional opportunity.

Robotics

Using a variety of age appropriate robotic systems, students eagerly look forward to robotics with either Macdonald or the other Mr Mac.

Robotics teach students critical and logical thinking, as well as patience, alongside skills that will help our students thrive in an increasingly technological world.

Library Ambassador Program

Students in year 5, attending school in the Parkes Shire, are invited, each year, to apply to be chosen as a Parkes Library Ambassador.

Library Ambassadors present information, such as upcoming Library events, programs and displays at school assemblies. Ambassadors are also invited to attend events, exhibitions and displays, and review them to promote in their school community.

The purpose of the program is to strengthen communication between the Parkes Library and schools. Ambassadors will represent both Parkes Shire Libraries and their school.

This provides an opportunity for student growth in confidence, responsibility, teamwork, public speaking and an awareness of service to the school and the community.

Gardening

Our gardening program is a great hit with all students, especially those who would rather be inside than outside.

We have ten wicking beds (they have a reservoir of water underneath to provide consistent watering), a new citrus orchard and our original orchard with a guava, peach, apple, olive and an orange tree. There are also blueberry and strawberry plants in smaller wicking pots. Four rainwater tanks are used for sustainable watering of the garden area and the grass area between the buildings.

Staff and students cook with the produce and our pickles and chutneys are a great hit at Bogan Gate's market days and with the judges at the Parkes Show.

In the photo students are picking granny smith apples that were used to cook apple pies. Red apples grow on the same tree and are eaten for fruit/veggie break along with other seasonal fruit and vegetables that are grown.

ArtLantis

Five of our students recently attended three jam-packed days at the inaugural Transitions Small Schools Creative Arts Camp at Lake Burrendong. They took the plunge into creativity along with 45 other amazing young adventurers from 18 small schools. Together, they swam through a sea of activities - drumming deep dives, dazzling dance, crafty coral creations, and really impressive performances that would make any mermaid proud. 🧜‍♀️

The reef was alive with laughter, friendship, and courage as campers braved new waters, tried new things, and discovered hidden treasures of talent. And like any great ocean adventure, there was a fair share of splashy fun, wobbly sea legs, and late-night giggles in our coral caverns! Organiser

Our students enjoy getting out of the classroom to explore, learn and try new things. These experiences help them grow, build confidence and see how their school based learning connects to the world.