Penshurst Girls’ places a high priority on meeting the intellectual and social needs of developing adolescents and strongly encourages parental participation. There is a diverse curriculum with a strong emphasis on technology with ample time allowed in subjects within all Key Learning Areas. The school has established a special programs for talented students. Students have preferential enrolment into the Oatley Senior High Campus of Georges River College for Years 11 and 12.
Facilities: Large modern library with CD-ROM network, assembly hall, tennis, netball and handball courts, table tennis facilities, computer rooms, technological and applied studies workshops, fitness laboratory, performing arts centre.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Art, Computer Studies, Commerce, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, Food Technology, Music, Sports Science, Textiles, Multi Media Studies, Italian, Japanese, Digital Photography.
Sport: The school competes in weekly grade sport in its local zone. Students play softball, netball, cricket, soccer, touch football, basketball and table tennis. It consistently wins state titles in women’s table tennis. It also offers recreational sports, fitness activities and surfing. The school provides opportunities for gifted sportswomen.
Extracurricular activities: School band, Eisteddfods, music and dance festivals, drama, debating, public speaking, musical, year camps, poetry writing club, social justice group and garden design projects.
Welfare and personal development: Two ESL teachers assist girls from non-English-speaking backgrounds and a learning support teacher assists those needing additional help. The school adolescent welfare programs are based on resilience and responsibility. Peer support operates for Year 7 and there is a collaboratively developed discipline policy and behaviour code. The school has an active P&C and school council whose aim is to inform all parents of issues affecting the school. The Parents’ & Citizens’ Association supports the school uniform code.
Special features: The school has received a Director General’s Award for exceptional quality and outstanding levels of achievement in public education, the Director General’s Award for Technology (2007) and is a school of excellence in the comprehensive education for girls. The school has extended hours of operation in the library and a homework centre.