Latest News

Engaging students in historical inquiry

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We’re thrilled to feature in the October 2018 edition of SCAN magazine! The article, Engaging students in historical inquiry: Utilising objects and living history experiences, explores the role of objects and living history experiences in historical inquiry in the K-6 setting through a case study of the NSW Schoolhouse Museum of Public Education.

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Stepping back in time

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Our visiting school groups have been enjoying drill, maypole dancing and games in the autumn sunshine. Here is our Wednesday team in their 1880s costumes outside our lovely 1877 sandstock brick schoolroom.

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North Ryde PS 140 years of operation

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Our 1877 schoolroom commenced operation with 40 pupils in January 1878. At the official opening in early March enrolments had increased to 53 pupils. The first teacher, Mr Charles Crew, with his wife Elizabeth, were appointed to the school from Goulburn where they were held in high regard. They lived in the four-room headmaster’s cottage that was […]

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Students in Empire day clothing gather in large group photo.

Empire Day

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Empire Day, 24th May, was once an annual celebration in schools and marked with events such as a sports day, community picnic and school tableau or play that celebrated the British Empire.

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Students practicing first aide by rolling bandages.

Step back in time to the first Anzac Day

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Recreating school days during the First World War, At School At War immerses students in school days around Australia’s first Anzac Day. Students learn about the war and our men who served, contribute to home front activities of spinning, knitting, tucking in messages of support, and learn cadet drill as 1900s students did at the […]

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Detail of North Ryde PS WW1 honour board

Our boys. Our Anzacs.

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North Ryde was a small rural community when war broke out in August 1914. Just as it is now, it had a strong community spirit built through the Progress Association, churches, North Ryde PS and the School of Arts. Families grew up together and knew each other well. Within the first few months of war […]

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Detail of a physical training exercise 1916

Compulsory military training

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Boys and men aged 12 to 26 years had to undertake compulsory military training from 1911. Twelve and thirteen year old boys were trained by their teachers at school. Training included 15 minutes of physical exercises per day, marching drill and at least one of miniature rifle shooting, first aid, swimming or mariner’s compass and elementary […]

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School children harvesting and weighing potatoes 1917

AT SCHOOL AT WAR – New!

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Bookings are coming in fast for our new AT SCHOOL AT WAR program. Designed for Stage 2, it is also available for Stage 3.  Dates have been extended. Now being offered from Term 1 Week 7. Check Calendar for available dates. Download At School At War flier for more details. 

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Red Cross workers of Coonamble Superior School with spinning wheel and knitted socks for the war effort. From Education Gazette January 1918

At School At War – NEW for Stage 2

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New for 2015 is our unique  At School At War program suitable for Stages 2 and 3 Step back to school in 1915 when NSW school pupils took an active role in the WW1 war effort: sending comfort packages and messages, fundraising for French and Belgian orphans, knitting, stitching, rolling and folding comfort and essential items. Based […]

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Presentation case of the Dorothy Kenning Dux medal she won in 1936

Ex-student Dorothy turns ninety

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Dorothy Kenning attended NRPS in the 1930s and was awarded Dux of the school in 1936. That year her teacher, the headmaster Mr Hamilton, taught her in one of the 1910 rooms. Dorothy walked to school through fields and orchards, her hair in plaits and carrying a leather satchel. A long-term resident of North Ryde, […]

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