A Sydney primary school has banned clapping at assembly, and instead encourages students to "punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot" to celebrate achievements.

View photos Elanora Heights Public School, in Sydney's northern beaches, has banned clapping at assembly. Picture: Elanora Heights Public School More

The school, on Sydney’s northern beaches, only allows students to share a "silent cheer" in favour of applause, to show "respect" to students sensitive to noise.

The bizarre move was announced in a newsletter on Monday, which also stated refraining from clapping would "expend children's energy".

Under the heading "Did you know….. that our school has adopted silent cheers at assembly’s?" [sic] the newsletter reads:

"If you’ve been to a school assembly recently, you may have noticed our students doing silent cheers.

"Instead of clapping, the students are free to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot.

"This practice has been adopted to respect members of our school community who are sensitive to noise," it goes on to say.

View photos The school claims 'silent cheers' prevent fidgeting and conserve students' energy. Picture: Elanora Heights Public School More

"When you attend an assembly, teachers will prompt the audience to conduct a silent cheer if it is needed.

"Teachers have also found the silent cheers to be a great way to expend children’s energy and reduce fidgeting."





The news comes the same day as it was reported that teachers at prominent Sydney school Cheltenham Girls High have been told to address students using gender-neutral terms only.

The school, which retains the word "Girls" in its title, has allegedly moved to stop referring to students as “girls”, “ladies” and “women”, in a bid to create a safe environment for any LGBTI students who are apparently uncomfortable with gender labels.

It is believed the practice was introduced in connection with anti-bullying LGBTI framework Safe Schools, which was denied by new South Wales Education Minister Adrian Piccoli.

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