At St Patrick's Primary School, we believe it is important to expand the whole child’s academic, physical, social and emotional skills in all areas of the curriculum. We offer diverse and a unique Specialist programs for students in Foundation to Year 6.
The specialised subjects allow students to identify passions, build on their existing skills and enjoy the engagement of a different learning area. Each child experiences the Specialist subjects for 60 minutes per week. Our classroom teachers plan and collaborate together during this time.
Physical Education
Our programs offer students an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging, enjoyable and physically active.
Health and Physical Education at St Patrick’s focuses on students enhancing their own and others’ health, safety, wellbeing and physical activity participation in
The program at St Patrick’s offers explicit teaching of movement skills, concepts and strategies to enable students to confidently, competently and creatively participate in a range of physical activities. As a foundation for lifelong physical activity participation they develop an appreciation of the significance of physical activity, outdoor recreation and sport both in Australian society and globally.
- At St Patrick’s all students participate in Physical Education lessons sessions each week
- Students in Foundation to Year 6 attend swimming sessions at Shayne Reese Swimming annually.
- Students who are successful in school based sporting events are given the opportunity to represent school in swimming, basketball, tennis, soccer, football, netball, cross country and athletics at the District, Division, Region and State levels.
- The students at St Patrick’s are also extremely fortunate to take part in school camps every year in Grade 5 & 6.
Indonesian
At St Patrick's Primary School students from Foundation to Grade 6 learn Indonesian. Our learners participate in a rich variety of listening, speaking, reading and writing activities that offer opportunities to develop an understanding of the Indonesian language system and cultural traditions.
In the early years the learning emphasis is on developing oral language through activities such as shared reading, songs and games. As learners move to middle primary and senior years they participate orally in classroom routines and tasks and create texts and use phrases in their conversations to develop their skills and knowledge about Indonesian language and culture.
Music
At St Patrick's Primary School, we believe in the transformative power of music education. Our comprehensive music program, spanning from Foundation to Grade 6, offers students the opportunity to explore, create, and develop their musical talents in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Foundation to Grade 2: Introduction to Music
In the early years of primary school, students are introduced to the fundamental elements of music through interactive and engaging activities. Through singing, movement, and play-based learning, students develop their sense of rhythm, pitch, and melody. They also explore different musical instruments, fostering a love for music and sparking their curiosity about the world of sound.
Grade 3 to Grade 6: Musical Exploration and Skill Development
As students progress through the primary years, they delve deeper into the world of music, exploring various genres, styles, and cultural traditions. They learn to read musical notation, play instruments such as xylophones and percussion, and participate in ensemble performances. Our experienced music teacher guides students in honing their technical skills while encouraging creativity and expression.
STEAM
Foundation to Grade 2: Hands-On Exploration
In the early years of primary school, children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. Our STEAM program capitalizes on this innate curiosity by providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Through engaging activities and age-appropriate projects, students investigate scientific concepts, experiment with technology tools, design and build simple structures, explore artistic expression, and develop foundational mathematical skills. Whether they're constructing bridges with blocks, experimenting with simple machines, or creating artwork inspired by nature, students are actively involved in the learning process, fostering a love for inquiry and discovery.
Arts
Involvement in our St Patrick’s biennial School Production builds strong relationships between students, staff and our community. Also, it opens the door for students to delve into stagecraft elements such as lighting, sound, costume and set design. They collaborate to create theatrical props and audio visual backdrops. Students have input into ‘Front of House’ duties; online ticketing, marketing, ushering and programming. Throughout the year, Performing Arts Incursions heighten students’ enthusiasm and assist in consolidating new learning.
The Visual Arts is a vital part of the curriculum that provides students the opportunity to express themselves as well as demonstrate their learning in a unique and creative manner. Skills using a variety of media are taught from Prep to Grade 6 with examples of individual art being displayed throughout the school in classrooms, common areas and at assemblies. The St Partick's Art Show is held every two years (alternating with the aforementioned Production) and showcases the skill development and creativity of students from Foundation to Grade 6. Our approach to learning and teaching for the Arts includes a specialist teacher for Foundation to Grade 2 with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) approach facilitated by classroom teachers in the Grade 3-6 area.
