Students at James Ruse AHS not only excel academically, they participate in a vibrant array of co-curricular activites in sport, music and performing and creative arts as well as in a range of cultural and social activities.  These make our school a fun place to learn, to be challenged and to exceed expectations. Before school, recess, lunch and after school, James Ruse AHS  is abuzz with student clubs, workshops, performances, competitions, Olympiad preparations and various enrichment and extension activities. Students love being in Cadets, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, Waterwatch, Interact, Amnesty International. They enjoy knitting blankets and trauma teddy bears as part of the Knit-Wits group.
		Students can join our stage or concert bands, orchestra, string and jazz ensembles or our choir. The Bandalism program and the Year 7 training band caters especially for those who enter the school not yet playing a musical instrument. There are numerous concerts throughout the year as well as debating and public speaking, writing competitions, mock trials, voice classes and a range of drama activities. The Student Representative Council and the prefect body work hard to maintain a passionate, supportive school spirit. Both groups run numerous fun activities throughout the year. These include sporting events such as three-on-three basketball as well as musical events including talent quests and dance and band battles.  The student body raises thousands of dollars each year in support of charities and a student in Lebanon.
		We have a strong focus on student leadership and on promoting positive values, developing a sense of global citizenship. Year 9 and 10 students access a long term formal Student Leadership Program with a community service component. Students chair each of the  13 school governance committees as well as participating in a range of other leadership programs. There are varied mentoring and support programs to look after  the emotional needs of gifted and talented students, guided by the welfare team.

In this section of the website, you'll find more information about the major activity groups but even so, yet other extra-curricular opportunities include:

• Amnesty
• Chess
• Competitions
• Fitness
• Olympiads