Why choose us?
What makes Bourke Street so great? We offer a comprehensive reange of opportunities for our students. This page will explain the benefits our public education as well as the Bourke Street difference.
Why choose public education?
Public schools are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment where students are valued and supported to thrive. We know education is about more than just academics.; it’s about preparing students for the real world. Public education is about empowering them with practical skills, creativity, and confidence to navigate their future successfully.
Our public education system offers strong pathways from preschool through to university, ensuring continuity and support at every stage of your child’s learning journey. Whether your child excels in academics, the arts, sports, or leadership, public schools provide diverse opportunities tailored to individual strengths and interests.
For families seeking greater academic challenges, selective and opportunity class pathways are available to help students reach their full potential. At public schools, your child will benefit from passionate, experienced teachers dedicated to personalised learning and a rich curriculum designed to build critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Choosing public education means joining a community that celebrates diversity. Our schools equip students with the skills and values to succeed in tomorrow’s world, today. With strong local connections and a commitment to student wellbeing, public schools offer a safe, supportive, and inspiring place for your child to grow.
A strong academic foundation
Literacy and numeracy are the foundations for all future learning. Our highly trained teachers use evidence based learning programs and teaching strategies to ensure children hves a year worth of growth for a year worth of learning.
Support for every family
Our teachers and learning and wellbeing support teams work with our families. We co-design plans that help students learn in the way that works best for them.
High quality education
We inspire our learners to be the best they can be. See how we challenge and extend students throughout the year.
Easy to access
Located in Surry Hills, our school is easy to access by public transport, walking or driving. This makes every day at school more convenient for our families.
The Bourke Street difference
A Smooth Start to Kindergarten
We ensure a seamless transition by maintaining strong links with local preschools. Our youngest learners are welcomed and supported from the beginning of our early transition program, to their very first day and beyond.
Highly Trained Teachers & Consistent Practice
Our teachers are highly trained professionals, committed to excellence. Across the school, we use clear procedures for teaching, learning, assessment, and behaviour management to provide consistency and confidence for our students.
High Expectations
At Bourke Street, we hold high expectations for both academic achievement and behaviour. Our approach is built on explicit teaching, inclusive practice, and neuro-affirming strategies. Our students are encouraged to reach their full potential in a positive and supportive environment.
Strong Partnerships with Families
We work actively with parents and carers as partners in their child’s learning. Through regular consultation and open communication, our community is engaged and informed about our programs, expectations, and procedures. Our school is committed to holding parent/teacher interviews early each year to build this relationship. We report formally twice per year on student progress. At Bourke Street, we are committed to inviting parents into classrooms at least once per term.
Tailored Support & Opportunities
We offer a wide range of opportunities for all students, including targeted support for those with additional needs and programs to inspire high achievers. Our evidence-based practices and frameworks—such as Positive Behaviour for Learning and the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework—help every child thrive
Kitchen Garden Program
Our Kitchen Garden program is a beloved part of our school community, inspiring students to connect with nature, learn valuable life skills, and discover the joy of growing their own food. It’s a hands-on, enriching experience that sparks curiosity and nurtures a lifelong appreciation for healthy living.
Watch the video to see firsthand why families and students alike are excited about this wonderful program and how it brings our community closer together.
Watch our Kitchen Garden video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/HsZThiXG6T8?si=8WE9NZY82kGL68pT
Performing arts
Our showcase performance at the Enmore Theatre offers every student the incredible opportunity to experience the thrill of performing on a professional stage. It’s a moment where creativity shines and confidence soars!
For those seeking to take their passion further, our Senior Dance Ensemble regularly dazzles audiences at interschool events. We’re also proud to offer two vibrant choirs and a talented recorder ensemble, all of which have the extraordinary experience of performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House each year.
Additionally, our junior and senior bands bring music to life, performing at a variety of events throughout the year, inspiring both participants and audiences alike.
Sporting events
At Bourke Street, we believe that participation in sport and physical activity is essential for every child’s growth and wellbeing. Each year, our students enjoy a variety of exciting events including the K-2 Fun Run, Athletics and Swimming Carnivals for Years 3 to 6, Cross Country for Years 3 to 6, and Stage 3 sport competitions. Many of our talented students also proudly represent our school at interschool and external events across zone, regional, state, and even national levels.
Our specialist Physical Education program is delivered weekly by expert educators from Got Game, focusing on developing fundamental movement skills and teaching fun games that students can enjoy during playground time.
To ensure fairness and inclusivity, our playground is managed with a roster system that guarantees students of all ages and genders have equal access to sporting facilities during breaks.
Public speaking & debating
At our school, we proudly host an annual public speaking competition that encourages students to develop confidence and communication skills. Winners have the exciting opportunity to represent Bourke Street at interschool events across Sydney. Families consistently praise the value of explicitly teaching students how to deliver both prepared and impromptu speeches with poise and clarity.
In addition, we hold annual interschool debating rounds, where teams from Bourke Street and neighbouring schools engage in structured debates, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and persuasive speaking skills.
Hands on learning
At Bourke Street, our teachers regularly provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that ignite curiosity and creativity in our students.
From science projects and art creations to dynamic dance routines, drama activities, and innovative technology, we celebrate the diverse talents of our students and offer meaningful ways for them to express themselves and explore the world around them.
We also value the strong partnership with our families and, whenever possible, invite parents to join in the fun. At Bourke Street, we are proud to host at least one event each term that brings our community together to celebrate learning and creativity.
Excursion & Incursions
At Bourke Street, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom walls. Each year, students enjoy both excursions and incursions that enrich their educational experience and spark a sense of adventure and discovery.
Our annual excursions take students to a variety of exciting destinations; from museums and galleries to parks and local landmarks. We enjoy providing hands-on experiences that bring learning to life and deepen students' understanding of the world.
We also host incursions, inviting guest presenters and specialists into our school to share knowledge, run workshops, and engage students in interactive exploration right here on campus.
For our Stage 3 students, a highlight of the year is our annual camp. This much-anticipated event offers opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and outdoor adventure, creating lasting memories and friendships.
Community & cultural days
Our school takes pride in our vibrant community and the many events that bring us together throughout the year. Our calendar is filled with celebrations that create connection, build respect, and inspire joy across our school.
Each year, we celebrate Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week, honouring diversity and culture through meaningful activities and shared experiences. Our much-loved Stage 3 Bazaar (a mini school fair) gives students the chance to show leadership and creativity while raising funds and having fun.
Other highlights include the lively Book Week parade, where students and teachers dress up as their favourite literary characters; Education Week open classrooms, inviting families to see learning in action; and many more special events that create memories and strengthen our sense of belonging.
At Bourke Street, community is at the heart of everything we do, and every event is another opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow together.
Student voice & leadership
At Bourke Street, our Student Representative Council (SRC) plays a vital role in leading student voice initiatives and organising fundraisers that benefit both our school and the wider community. Through these activities, students develop strong leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility.
Our Green Team is dedicated to promoting sustainability within the school, implementing environmentally friendly practices, and raising awareness among students. This group also fosters leadership and social development while encouraging our community to care for the environment.
Together, the SRC and Green Team empower students to take an active role in shaping a positive and sustainable future at Bourke Street.
Enrol today
Ready to enrol? You can apply online or visit our school in person. Join our school community today!