Sport

The Ponds High School (TPHS) ensures Sport and physical activity are a valued and engrained part of the school’s culture and curriculum. TPHS offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop personal skills in sports leadership, resilience and teamwork. We provide an avenue for physical, social and moral development and support a positive learning environment through sport and physical activity.

TPHS has become a leading high school in Macquarie Zone by regularly contesting the major sport carnivals - Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics - and honourably winning the treble two years in a row.  Our sporting teams compete against local high schools at gala days and in the annual Sydney West knockout sports competition in a variety of sports.  The dedication from coaches and students is highly commendable and well supported by our whole school community.

There are a multitude of opportunities on offer for students at TPHS to experience sport and physical activity in a host of competitive and non-competitive environments. During the Wednesday Sport Program, Years 8-10 have the opportunity to compete against other schools from the Macquarie Zone in Grade Sport competitions, whereas other students may take up the less intensive options available in Recreational Sport. The Grade Sports on offer vary throughout the three seasons of the school calendar year and are in accordance with the Macquarie Zone By-laws.

High potential and gifted education (HPGE) opportunities are also available for all students to represent their school, zone, region and state, through the NSW Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) sporting pathways. The trial, age and gender criteria, and competition guidelines are all governed by the Department’s School Sport Unit and will distinctively vary between sporting pathways. Some sports may trial students through gala days whilst others may hold individual trials outside of school hours. As these opportunities arise throughout the year, students will be notified accordingly through the Daily Notices in roll call and online CANVAS Announcements, giving them the chance to represent themselves and TPHS at a higher level.​

Carnivals

The TPHS Swimming Carnival is held annually and takes place early in Term 1. Students travel by bus for a day of competition, novelty events and house war cries. Students are encouraged to dress in their house colours or wear their sport uniform. Successful swimmers will be invited to the Macquarie Zone Carnival in March.

The TPHS Cross Country Carnival is a whole school event which takes place towards the end of Term 1. Students walk up to Peel Reserve and rotate through a variety of events. This includes their cross country run, novelty activities such as skipping, relay races and tug-of-war, high jump and long jump. Successful runners will be invited to the Macquarie Zone Carnival in May.

The TPHS Athletics Carnival takes place early in Term 2 and takes place at Peel Reserve. A variety of track and field events are spread out across the day. Successful athletes will be invited to attend the Macquarie Zone Athletics Carnival in June. In addition to this, there are some specialty events, such as hurdles, pentathlon and walking, that students can nominate to compete in at the Sydney West and NSWCHS Carnivals.

Curriculum-Based Sports

As part of the Stage 5 Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS), HPGE students have the opportunity for selection into High Performance electives in Football (Soccer) and Cricket.  While meeting course outcomes, students have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and continue to develop their skills at the individual and team levels.  These courses focus on aspects of the sport from core skills execution to technological advancements and officiating.  As a result of these courses, students have gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of the sport and the availability of various career pathways.

Extra-Curricular Recreational Activities

For students who always want more, our dedicated PDHPE staff hold recreational sporting opportunities onsite, after school hours. Current activities include Run Club, Futsal Club, Basketball Club and Volleyball Club. These sessions give students an opportunity to learn, develop and collaborate with students and staff.  Whether a beginner or elite athlete, students benefit from the sharing of knowledge, skill development and the supportive and positive social environment.  TPHS also works positively with the NRL Penrith Branch to provide aspiring student referees the opportunity to officiate local primary school sport matches every Friday throughout the year. Students can find more information about recreational activities by reading the Daily Notices or visiting the Sport Window (above the canteen) and talking to a Sport Organiser.

Wednesday Sport Program: Grade Sport/Recreational Sport

This takes place every Wednesday (Year 8 periods 3 & 4, and Years 9-10 periods 5 & 6). Throughout the year, there are three seasons/rotations of sport where students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive sport and physical activity.

Students can trial for a variety of Grade Sports that change between each season. These include Oztag, Soccer, Touch Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Netball, Volleyball and Basketball. Students who are successful in making these teams play other schools within Macquarie Zone. If students prefer a less competitive environment, they can participate in a Recreational Sport. These often change and could include Rec Soccer, Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal, Frisbee, Vortex/Endzone, Multi-sports, Dance, Walking, Tennis, Fitness Gym, FlipOut, Tenpin Bowling, and Yoga.