Specialist Subjects

Welcome to Art for Term 3

Students across Prep-6 have been working hard to develop a wide variety of drawing skills, including line, shape, proportion, shading, perspective, texture and observational drawing. Each year level has been building confidence by experimenting with different techniques and learning how artists use drawing skills to communicate ideas. It has been fantastic to see students taking creative risks and developing their own drawing styles.

Our Grade 5/6 students have been exploring the work of Australian artist Mulga, creating their own imaginative characters and artworks inspired by his bold and colourful style using paint markers. Students have been exploring Mulga's use of vibrant colours, unusual characters, patterns and creative ideas to develop their own unique artworks. They have particularly enjoyed seeing how simple drawings can be transformed into exciting and imaginative works of art.

Our Grade 3/4 students have been learning about the history of origami, exploring how this traditional paper art form has been used across different cultures. Students have been developing their folding, accuracy and ability to follow instructions while creating a range of wonderful origami creations. It has been fantastic to see their patience and persistence as they work through the different folds and steps. We also had fun making paper squishies.

Our Grade 1/2 students have been developing their drawing accuracy through grid drawing activities, learning how to break an image into smaller sections and carefully observe shapes, lines and proportions. Meanwhile, our Prep students have been having lots of fun with guided drawing activities, following simple steps to create colourful and imaginative artworks. It has been wonderful to see students from all year levels building their skills while enjoying the creative process in the art room!

CHECK OUT OUR WORK IN PROGRESS...

Welcome to Music for Term 3

Compositional Challenges.

Choir rolls on.

Our wonderful Choir, lead by the magnificent Louise MacGregor, continue to learn new songs, warm-up routines and singing techniques. They performed a fantastic rendition of Diamonds (Rhianna) and are gearing up for their next song when Lou returns from an overseas adventure. 

Weeroona Band Visit #2

This time, the Grade 5/6 cohort were lucky enough to have a visit from the Weeroona rock bands, who played two songs each before our very own Senior Band finished with three songs of their own. They more than held their own alongside the older students and it was great to see them mix with each other. 

Grade 3-6

Grade 3-6's are learning about music creation (composition) and are making their own original pieces of music. Students worked in pairs to combine chords and melody, select appropriate sounds (timbre), and adjust automated drums if they felt it complimented the music. Grade 5/6's also designed more complex structures (form) to their piece, to make it more interesting for listeners. 

With these skills under their belt, students were provided a weekly challenge to compose a piece of music for a particular purpose. This included selecting from a piece of visual art and making a musical composition that represented their chosen artwork. The rest of the class then listened carefully and tried to guess which of the artwork below had inspired their music.

Students also created compositions for a video game promotional trailer and a short movie scene, focusing on improvisation to create music that suited the footage they were shown.

Grade 1-2 

We kicked off our annual Genre Wars, where students listen to two different sub-genres of music each week before voting for their favourite. The winning genre progresses to the next round until only one remains. Sub-genres such as Death Metal, Reggae Fusion, Cool Jazz and Cowpunk (yep, Cowpunk!) are all vying to be crowned the most popular genre among our students.

Students have learned about several elements of Music, with a focus on harmony. They have composed several pieces of music, both on keyboards and boomwhackers, that shows their understanding of harmony. Working in groups, they have made some initial note selections to make a simple song, before choosing a note that complimented their original note to enhance their sound.

Grade Prep 

Preps have added to their knowledge of basic music skills, learning about dynamics (loud and quiet) and using their voices and instruments to show this. We've played loud games outside, and quiet games inside, with a focus on knowing when we can be loud and when we need to be quiet. Students learned about how our hearing works, how and when we should wear protective gear, and ranked everyday noise sources from quietest to loudest.

We have and will continue to play drama games to establish a sense of community and develop resilience, teamwork and understanding how to work with others. Students have played games that are designed to show them that losing is okay, and that the fun is in playing the game, not winning the game. 

"Hello, Your Majesty" was a new game, plus "Heads Down, Thumbs Up" to show the difference of how we can use our voices, and loud and quiet sounds to best play the game. 

Students have also been learning how the numbers 4 and 8 play an important role in music structure. They have been playing a range of songs on the boomwhackers, listening carefully and noticing when patterns of 4 and 8 appear in the music.

Physical Education

Physical Education has been another busy and enjoyable term, with students across the school developing their skills, learning new sports, and participating in a range of competitions and programs.

Throughout Term 3, students have focused on developing and applying a variety of skills across different sports and activities. Students have had opportunities to practise skills such as passing, catching, kicking, striking, movement, balance, coordination and teamwork, while learning how these skills can be used effectively within different games and sports.

An important focus this term has also been developing students' understanding of rules and instructions. Students have explored why rules are important, how they help games run fairly and safely, and why listening to and following instructions is an important part of participating successfully in Physical Education. It has been fantastic to see students becoming more confident in applying these ideas during games and activities.

Swimming – Prep to Grade 2

Our Prep to Grade 2 students participated in swimming lessons at Swimz Bendigo. Students worked on developing their swimming technique, water safety knowledge and confidence in the water. It was fantastic to see students challenging themselves and making progress throughout the program.

Gymnastics – Grades 3 to 6

Students in Grades 3 to 6 attended gymnastics sessions at Jets Gymnastics Bendigo. Across the program, students developed their balance, coordination, strength, flexibility and body control while working with a range of equipment and activities. Students were encouraged to challenge themselves while also following instructions and working safely.

Divisional Competitions

Our students have also represented Epsom in a number of divisional sporting competitions throughout the term.

Our selected Grade 5/6 students competed in Division Netball, with students demonstrating excellent teamwork, effort and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Our basketball teams also represented the school at the Division Basketball competition. It was fantastic to see students putting the skills they have developed in PE into practice against other schools. Regardless of the results, students demonstrated determination, teamwork and a willingness to support one another.

We also have students preparing to represent Epsom at the Division Athletics competition. We wish all of our athletes the very best and look forward to seeing them give their best effort.

Junior Physical Education

Our junior students have continued to build their fundamental movement skills through a range of individual, partner and group activities. Students have been developing their ability to move safely and confidently, while also learning how to work with others and follow instructions during games.

Senior Physical Education

Our senior students have continued to develop their skills across a range of sports and minor games. Alongside improving specific sporting skills, students have been working on game awareness, teamwork, strategy and decision-making.

A particular focus has been helping students understand that successful participation is about more than just individual skill. Communicating with teammates, understanding the rules, listening to instructions and making positive decisions all contribute to becoming a better player and teammate.

It has been fantastic to see students demonstrating increasing confidence, effort and sportsmanship throughout the term. I look forward to continuing this development as we move into Term 4.

Lincoln Jacobs

RRRR and Healthy Bodies.

RRRR (Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships)

This term, students in Prep to Grade 2 have been exploring a range of important social and emotional learning topics through our RRRR program. Students have participated in engaging activities and discussions focused on Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, and Help Seeking.

Throughout these lessons, students have been learning to identify and understand their emotions, develop strategies to manage and regulate their feelings, and practice ways to calm themselves when faced with challenges. They have also explored problem-solving skills, including how to work through everyday situations, make positive choices, and be kind, inclusive friends.

As part of our learning around stress management, students have investigated what stress can look and feel like, how our bodies respond when we are stressed, and strategies we can use to support ourselves and others during these times. Students have also reflected on activities that bring them happiness and help them maintain positive wellbeing.

Our Help Seeking topic encouraged students to recognise when they may need support, identify trusted adults and friends who can help them, and practice ways to seek assistance when needed. Students also explored how they can support others who may be experiencing difficulties.

It has been wonderful to see students developing their confidence, resilience, empathy, and understanding of how to build positive relationships with others.

Healthy Bodies – Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

In Healthy Bodies, students have been participating in our Perceptual Motor Program (PMP), where they rotate through a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to develop fundamental movement skills and physical confidence.

Through these activities, students have been building their balance, coordination, agility, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills. PMP also provides opportunities for students to practice listening to instructions, taking turns, problem-solving, working cooperatively with others, and persevering when tasks become challenging.

Students have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of rotations and have shown fantastic enthusiasm, determination, and teamwork while developing important movement skills that support their learning, health, and wellbeing.

Introducing our new specialist area... Green STEM

This term, our Years 3-6 students have launched into our exciting new Green STEM Specialist Program, combining science, technology, engineering and mathematics with hands-on learning in the Green Nest and our dedicated Green STEM Classroom.