Specialists Programs

Visual Arts Term 3 Overview

Prep

During Term 3, The Prep students will continue to observe, think and talk about the vibrant art and stories of Australia. Building upon prior experiences, they will grow more confident in noticing different artistic styles. These observations will inspire them to be brave, take creative risks and make independent choices in their own artwork. 

This term, Year Prep artistic exploration focuses on hands-on skills and creations, that celebrate iconic Australian landmarks and native animals. They will learn foundational fine-motor techniques in media control, discovering how to use their fingers to gently smudge and blend soft chalk pastels. Students will also develop coordination and spatial awareness by layering cut-out shapes for collages and using simple construction techniques to join everyday materials into three-dimensional forms.

Year 1/2 

During Term 3, Year 1/2 students will continue to extend themselves as artists by observing, discussing, and responding to iconic Australian historical and contemporary art. They will explore Sidney Nolan’s famous Ned Kelly series to create their own modern-day interpretations. In drawing, they will learn specialized techniques to design detailed sea creatures, experimenting with the vibrant properties of fluorescent and UV paints to bring their marine animals to life. They will also explore the elements of construction as they build imaginative 3D sculptures using foam, cardboard, plastic bottles and recycled materials. Finally, students will be invited to share opinions about diverse artistic styles and select specific visual elements to recreate in their own pieces.

Year 3/4

During Term 3, Year 3/4 students will dive into an immersive underwater world of colour, texture, and structural form. Building upon their confidence in abstract expression, they will explore the vibrant ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef through both 2D and 3D artworks. Students will study different types of seaweeds and coral to design and construct 3D projects, giving careful thought to the mediums and joining techniques used. Working with a range of construction materials—including cardboard, foam, pool noodles, tubes and wire—they will learn structural techniques like tabs and slots to ensure their artwork is stable and secure.

Year 5/6

During Term 3, Year 5/6 students will extend their artistic capabilities and structural understanding by manipulating diverse media including clay, paint, chalk pastels and textiles. They will refine these skills and techniques to create major artworks for presentation at the Term 4 Art Show. Students will investigate the unique, whimsical styles of contemporary Australian artists Pete Cromer and Wendy Binks, drawing inspiration for their own work. While working with air-dry clay, they will explore sculpting, joining, and mark-making to plan and execute a 3D form. Additionally, students will learn foundational sewing techniques to introduce textile elements and structural connections into their pieces.

Beth Neason - bneason@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Chinese - Term 3 Overview

Prep 

In Term 3, students will learn the Chinese words for colours and clothing items through songs, games, stories and hands-on activities. They will practise identifying and naming different colours and items of clothing in Chinese and enjoy using these words in simple speaking activities.

Students will apply their learning in design activities, where they colour, decorate and share their creations with the class using simple Chinese vocabulary. Through these activities, students build confidence in speaking Chinese and develop an understanding of how language can be used creatively.

Year 1/2

In Term 3, students will focus on developing their speaking and writing skills through learning about colours and clothing in Chinese. They will learn vocabulary for a range of clothing items and colours and will be introduced to measurement words used when describing clothing.

Students practise creating simple sentences using the target vocabulary and sentence patterns. They will apply their learning in a fashion design project, where they describe and present their clothing designs in Chinese. Through these activities, students strengthen their communication skills and gain confidence in using Chinese in meaningful and creative ways.

Year 3/4

In Term 3, students will explore a range of Chinese idioms (成语) and discover the fascinating stories behind these traditional expressions. Through class discussions, storytelling, games and interactive activities, students learn the meanings of selected idioms and how they can be used in everyday communication.

Students will develop an appreciation of how idioms reflect Chinese culture, values and ways of thinking. They practise using familiar idioms in speaking and writing activities, helping them build confidence in expressing ideas in Chinese. This learning strengthens both their language skills and their understanding of Chinese cultural traditions.

Year 5/6

In Term 3, students will extend their understanding of Chinese language and culture through the study of Chinese idioms (成语). They will investigate the historical stories and moral lessons behind a variety of idioms and examined how these expressions continue to be used in modern Chinese communication.

Students analyse the meanings of idioms in different contexts and practise incorporating them into oral and written language tasks. Through this learning, they gain deeper insights into Chinese cultural values, traditions, and ways of thinking. The study of idioms will enrich students’ vocabulary, strengthen their communication skills and enhance their intercultural understanding.

Mandy Jin - mjin@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au - Chinese Teacher

Performing Arts Term 3 Overview

Prep

This term in Performing Arts, Prep students will be exploring the exciting world of dance through play, imagination and movement, focusing particularly on the elements of time (how fast/slow they move), space (where they move) and energy (how softly, strongly or smoothly they move). Using stories, music, games and creative activities, students will discover different ways their bodies can move. They will explore moving like animals, expressing emotions through dance, responding to different styles of music and working with partners and groups to create simple movement sequences. Students will develop confidence in performing in front of others, while also learning how to watch and appreciate performances as a respectful audience member.

Year 1/2

This term, Year 1/2 students will explore dance from a variety of cultures and communities, discovering how movement can tell stories, express ideas and bring people together. They will use music, stories, images and their own imaginations as inspiration while developing teamwork, creativity and safe dance practices. Students will explore the elements of dance - including body, space, time and dynamics - through a range of practical activities, movement games and video examples. They will experiment with creating their own movement sequences, work collaboratively with classmates and respond to a variety of dance styles. 

Year 3/4

This term, Year 3/4 students will explore how dance is used to communicate ideas, emotions and stories across different cultures, times and places, including the rich dance traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They will investigate how movement can express meaning by experimenting with the elements of dance, including time, space and energy, while creating and performing their own dance sequences. Throughout the term, students will develop safe dance practices, build confidence as performers and choreographers, and reflect on how dance can communicate different perspectives and connect with audiences.

Year 5/6

This term, Year 5/6 students will further develop their skills as dancers, choreographers and audience members as they explore how dance can communicate ideas, perspectives and stories. They will investigate dances from a variety of cultures, including the important role of dance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and consider how movement reflects different times, places and communities. Using the elements of dance—such as time, space and energy—along with choreographic techniques (the ways dances are planned and structured), students will create, refine and perform original dance works. They will also build confidence through rehearsing, collaborating with others and reflecting on their own performances and those of their peers.

Amanda Hill ahill@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Physical Education Term 3 Overview

Prep 

This term, the Prep students will build their fundamental movement skills through fun and engaging animal walks, basketball activities and modified Oztag games. Students will develop balance, coordination and agility while exploring a variety of movement patterns before applying these skills in simple games. They will learn basic basketball skills, including dribbling, passing and shooting, and participate in Oztag games that encourage movement and teamwork. 

Throughout the term, there will be a strong focus on playing games safely, following rules and instructions, working cooperatively with others and showing respect and good sportsmanship. These experiences will help students build confidence and enjoy being physically active. 

Year 1/2

This term, our Year 1/2 students will strengthen their fundamental movement skills through animal walks, basketball activities and modified OzTag games. Students will build coordination, agility and body control before applying these skills in game-based activities. Basketball lessons will focus on developing passing, dribbling and shooting skills, while OzTag games will encourage movement, teamwork and decision-making. 

Throughout the term, students will explore how applying rules helps make games fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone. They will also develop their ability to work as a team by communicating, cooperating, encouraging others and demonstrating good sportsmanship during a variety of physical activities.

Year 3/4

This term, grade 3/4 students will develop their skills and understanding through basketball and American football. Basketball lessons will focus on improving passing, dribbling, shooting and game strategies as students prepare to participate in the HoopTime competition. 

Students will also be introduced to the fundamental skills and rules of American football through modified games that promote teamwork, decision-making and fair play. Later in the term, students will have the opportunity to trial for the District Athletics Carnival, where they can represent the school in a range of track and field events. 

Year 5/6

This term, Grade 5/6 students will have the opportunity to participate in the Basketball HoopTime competition, applying their basketball skills in a competitive and supportive team environment. Throughout the term, students will further develop their teamwork, communication and game awareness through hockey and American football, learning the fundamental skills, rules and strategies of each sport through modified games. Later in the term, students will also have the opportunity to trial for the District Athletics Carnival, where they will represent the school in a variety of track and field events. 

Michael van Rooy - PE Teacher - mvanrooy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au