Specialist Centre
SPECIALIST FEATURE NEWS
你 好 (ni hao)
We have commenced our instrumental units for Term 3 in Performing Arts, with each level exploring a different percussion instrument to help develop their music theory knowledge, technique and performance skills. All classes have been working on their routines for 'Respectful Rhythms', ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident to step up and have a go.
We started the term with some fun with drums across all year levels to get our musical minds in motion. All age groups loved having a go at a variety of different drums, including hand drums, bass drums, djembes and bongos to kick-start our musical term. Week 2 marked the beginning of our focused instrument learning; I've been blown away by the engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by both our Junior and Senior school - what a fabulous term of learning and fun we have ahead of us!
Foundation students have started exploring the ever-popular BoomWhackers, working on their playing technique to produce quality sound. We have observed the different lengths and how this impacts the sound produced when we play. We are playing with two BoomWhackers to echo rhythmic patterns, using the terms 'ta' and 'ti-ti' to represent quarter and eighth notes. The colourful instruments and enthusiastic students have brought much joy and fun to our music circles!
Grade 1 students have enjoyed experimentation with tuned chime bars, allowing them a chance to see tuned percussion in action. This is a wonderful progression from simple untuned percussion and allows the students to work on mallet grip and playing style. We have observed how vibration and use of space within the bars allow sound to project and resonate. In the coming weeks, students will learn some simple songs and create some musical pieces of their own!
Grade 2 students are trying their hand at mastering the xylophone (wooden keys) and metalophone (metal keys). We have explored how sound is created by striking the bar with mallets made of different materials. Students have been practising their mallet-holding techniques, ensuring they are 'bouncing' off the keys rather than 'hitting' them, to achieve optimal vibration and sound resonance.
The Grade 2 students have been lucky to enjoy one xylophone/metalophone per student thanks to the Music in Schools Grant, allowing us to purchase additional instruments to create full class sets.
Grade 3 and 4 students are continuing with the 'drum fun', starting with an exploration of simple frame drums. This has allowed them to work on their timing, execution, pattern recognition and correct mallet technique. They are extending their music theory knowledge to different forms of music notation, exploring how to read, use and create recorded music to reproduce and construct their own rhythmic patterns. Next week we move on to the djembe drums, an opportunity for students to work on hand drumming techniques whilst looking at the links between music, instruments and culture from different countries around the world.
Grade 5 and 6 students are taking on the ukulele this term, familiarising themselves with the different parts of the uke and their purpose. We are making the most of our guitar players as student experts in strumming and fretting - the process of holding down a string to create a chord. Students have been experimenting with strumming styles to find their preferred technique, whether that be using their pointer finger, thumb or a pick to create fluid strumming patterns. Students have mastered the C major chord and will now work through some of the more common chords required to play both traditional Hawaiian songs and more recent hits.
Physical Education
2G: Harrison L
For consistently showing a positive attitude and concentrating on game instructions during P.E. lessons. Great job, Harrison!
2G: Yueya X
For always bringing your smile and caring attitude to P.E. lessons and for great base running in our T-Ball games. Amazing effort, Yueya!
Performing Arts
1C: Sienna B
For always demonstrating respectful listening, responsible participation and resilience to try again when needed in the Performing Arts. You are an excellent role model to others, Sienna. Well done!
2S: Tiana U
For being the quiet achiever in our Performing Arts classes. You listen well, show respect to others and always participate with enthuisasm in the learning activities. You are an excellent role model to others, TIana. Well done!
Visual Arts
FA: Talia U
For always putting in your very best work during Visual Art. You take pride in everything you produce, I love to see your creativity on show when completing tasks. Super stuff, Talia!
FE: Marlowe
For being the quiet achiever in our Visual Art classes. You listen well to instructions, show respect to everyone around you and have produced some colourful and creative artwork this term. Well done, Marlowe!
Chinese
2S: Nathalie T
You always stay focused, work quietly and independently. Your wonderful classroom behaviors, fantastic workbook manners and positive attitude to learning make you a shining star!
2G: Zoe L
Your wonderful growth this term has been amazing! You join in Chinese lesson cheerfully, try your best and complete your work with a smile. Keep up the wonderful effort - I can't wait to see you continue to grow and shine in every specialist class!
Science
1C: Ollie D
For using your mathematical skills to compare and measure the stretch of different materials. Well done, Ollie!
FA: Talia U
For your incredible work while being a scientist this week. You showed a love of learning on our senses learning walk. Keep up the great work!
Monday 10th - Friday 14th August (Week 5) - NationalScience Week
Wednesday 19th August (Week 6) - MPRPS House Athletics
Warm regards,
⚽ David - Physical Education
🎵 Kate - Performing Arts / Visual Art (Foundation)
🎨 Sam - Visual Art
🐼 Huang Laoshi - Mandarin
🔬 Steph and Suzie - Science