Student opportunities and activities
At Mortlake Public School, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.
Our programs include:
- school sport, athletics and inter-school competitions
- creative and performing arts groups and showcases
- cultural and language activities
- excursions and incursions
- public speaking and debating
- interest-based clubs
- student leadership opportunities
- activities that support high potential and gifted learners.
Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.
Co-curricular
At Mortlake Public School, we’re proud to offer dynamic, engaging programs that help every student grow. Our vibrant Music Program brings learning to life through specialist tuition and performance opportunities, while our Sports Program builds confidence and teamwork through PSSA competitions, the Premier’s Sporting Challenge and a variety of gala days.
Every child has unique strengths. Our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Program is designed to identify talents and help students reach new heights through enrichment, extension and accelerated learning. With tailored support, a broad curriculum and opportunities in classroom learning, arts, STEM, leadership, sport and statewide events, we give each child the chance to explore their passions, grow with confidence and reach their full potential.
Extracurricular highlights
Mortlake Public School is proud to offer students in Years 3–6 the opportunity to participate in external High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs supported by the NSW Department of Education.
Battle of the Minds
An exciting celebration of curiosity, collaboration and critical thinking, Battle of the Minds is a full-day academic challenge for high-achieving Year 5 and 6 students. Hosted by Homebush Boys High School, this annual event brings together students from local primary schools to compete in teams across a series of intellectually demanding challenges.
Covering Mathematics, Science, HSIE and General Trivia, the competition features hands-on, fast-paced activities designed to stretch students' minds while building essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving. With a strong focus on STEM and inquiry-based learning, students work collaboratively to tackle real-world problems, think creatively under pressure, and test their knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.
Whether solving logic puzzles, designing experiments or racing against the clock in trivia rounds, Battle of the Minds offers a memorable enrichment experience for our most engaged learners.
Maths Olympiad
These programs support the development of skills aligned to the NSW High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, focusing on providing enriched and extended learning experiences for students demonstrating high potential in mathematics.
Maths Explorer (Years 3–4)
A non-competitive, collaborative program that encourages all students to build confidence and develop strategies in solving mathematical problems.
Maths Games (Years 5–6)
An engaging problem-solving program aligned to the Australian Curriculum, providing opportunities for students to extend their thinking and prepare for future challenges such as the Maths Olympiad.
Participation in these programs offers an excellent pathway for students to build foundational and advanced problem-solving skills in a supportive, teacher-led environment during the school day.
The Quest
The Quest provides opportunities for creativity, problem solving and team work, offering the level of challenges that foster outstanding achievement.
A chance to demonstrate school pride in a competitive environment, The Quest ignites passions, strengthens focus and challenges boundaries of learning, giving gifted students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of their own ability.
Mortlake Public School's Year 2-4 team came second in the state in 2024.
DanceSport
The DanceSport Gala is open to all Year 5 students from public schools in the Metropolitan South Operational Directorate and surrounding areas. It's a culmination of a ballroom dance program that promotes respectful relationships.
The brainchild of Sandra Nori, former parliamentarian and Minister for Sport and Recreation, and in partnership with Dr Phil Lambert and the Department of Education, the first event in 2006 began with just six schools.
The DanceSport program was developed to engage Year 5 public school children in healthy physical activity and promote respect and cooperation between boys and girls. By 2016, the program had grown into an exciting event of over 1400 Year 5 primary-age students dancing the Jive, Salsa, Cha Cha and Tango. Under dazzling lights and the tough scrutiny of judges, the school representatives go head-to-head in an incredible display of colour, movement, and energy, and sheer joy!
The DanceSport Gala logo is a mandala, a symbol of unity and transformation. This mandala is reflected in the NSW Public Schools waratah, which embodies our school's spirit regarding the DanceSport program.
Before and after school activities
The activities listed below take place on the school campus before and after hours.
- Contact the service provider directly to make arrangements for your child to participate.
- Payments should be made directly to the provider.
Drama classes
Wednesday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Singing, Dancing, Acting or TRIPLE THREAT
Tailored creative arts programs designed to blossom your child's confidence, performance skills and imagination.
Delivered as part of the school curriculum or as an elective outside of class times.
Each class includes a warm up, engaging and fun confidence games, learning a routine/song/script & ending with a show and tell allowing students to perform to each other what they learnt.
Each class will work towards a performance to the school each semester.
Contact Amarah to register your interest.
0434 108 423
amarah@geminiproductions.com.au
Tennis Club
Monday 7:45 am – 8:45 am
Kick-start your child's day with fun, fitness, and skill-building at our Before-School Tennis Program – open to all students, regardless of experience.
- Led by qualified coaches from J. Murphy’s Sports, accredited by Tennis Australia or ATPCA
- All equipment provided – no need to bring a thing!
- Held on the K–2 grass area, or under the COLA in wet weather
- Open to children of all skill levels – beginners welcome!
Spots are limited, so sign up today.
Chess Club
Tuesday 10:55 am – 11:45 am
Students at Mortlake Public School have the exciting opportunity to sharpen their minds and build strategic thinking through our Tuesday lunchtime Chess Program, run by the expert coaches at the Sydney Academy of Chess.
- Build concentration, confidence, and critical thinking
- Open to students of all skill levels – from beginners to budding masters
- A fun, challenging start to the day in a supportive environment
To enrol, simply collect a permission note and arrange payment at the front office, or contact the Sydney Academy of Chess directly:
(02) 9745 1170
Spaces are limited – secure your child’s place on the board today!
Benefits of learning and playing chess at a young age
Learning and playing chess helps primary school children develop critical problem-solving and strategic thinking skills while improving focus, memory, and patience.
It can also foster emotional resilience by teaching young children to handle wins and losses gracefully and encourages planning and logical reasoning, making it a valuable activity for cognitive and personal growth.
Art Club
Tuesdays after school – all materials provided
Let your child unwind, explore, and express themselves through creativity in our hands-on art program, run by Art on Canvas and held every Tuesday afternoon during term.
Kids will paint, draw, and create their very own take-home masterpieces – all with guidance and encouragement from experienced instructor.
Whether your child is a budding artist or just loves getting creative, this is the perfect space to explore their imagination.
Art programs can help nurture:
- Creativity & self-expression
- Concentration & focus
- Emotional wellbeing & resilience
- Relaxation after a busy school day
- New friendships through shared fun
For more information, contact Art on Canvas.
Soccer Academy
Wednesday 7:45 am – 8:45 am
On Target Soccer Academy is now running morning soccer sessions at Mortlake – the perfect way for kids to start their day with energy, fun, and skill-building.
- Wednesdays before school – throughout term
- Packed with skills, drills, and exciting games
- A fun and active start to the day for kids of all abilities
Led by passionate coaches, these sessions boost confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game.
Get your child moving, smiling, and scoring goals before class even begins.
K-2
Wednesday: 8:15 am – 8:45 am
3-6
Wednesday: 7:45 am – 8:15 am
Contact James
Code Camp
Wednesday 3:10 pm – 4:25 pm
Year 2 - Year 6
After-School Code Camp allows kids to hone their coding skills and keep practising through weekly sessions over the term!
Students will produce multiple games and apps using Code Camp‘s exciting online platform Code Camp World!
Code Camp have made Code Camp World as accessible as possible so students can truly focus on the fun aspects of coding and carry on their journey at home.
Each week students will choose the features they want to build, and advance their problem-solving skills to build these features using code. They will take ownership over their projects and collaborate with their peers to make awesome apps!
Chinese school
Thursday 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Bright Star Chinese School offers fun, interactive Chinese lessons every Thursday after school, focusing on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through engaging activities and cultural learning, students build strong language skills and confidence in their bilingual abilities.
Contact Joyce at Bright Star for all enquiries.
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