Specialist Reports

Visual Art

Prep:

Students have immersed themselves in modelling this term in Prep- creating three-dimensional forms with soft, shapeable materials. We've used our senses to explore materials such as sand, clay, playdough and air dry clay. We have taken inspiration from Australian ceramicist Nicolette Johnson, and popular television claymations such as Pengu, Shaun the Sheep and Gumby!

In exploring the art of modelling, students have strengthened their fine motor skills, creating both expressive and functional pieces using shapes, lines and coils, joins, squeezing and sculpting with clay.

Junior School: 

In the Junior School, a fresh artistic adventure has begun this term with clay as the chosen medium. Students have explored the world of sculpture, experimenting with sand, natural clay, and air-dry clay. They've been focusing on shaping clay into various forms, be it tall, flat, long, or swirly. Students have been practising crafting shapes and animals from clay with their hands and clay tools. Inspired by the renowned sculptor Marc Quinn, they've discovered that sculptures can be crafted from a wide array of materials, even including something as unexpected as bread. To put their newfound inspiration to the test, they've even attempted to create life-sized sculptures of their own hands, drawing inspiration from Marc Quinn's captivating artworks.

Middle School: 

The Middle School students engaged in a creative endeavour to wrap up our threads and textiles unit. They individually designed the print for their canvas pencil cases using various artistic tools, including fabric paint, various stamps, and vibrant markers. Currently, the Middle School students are embarking on their clay modelling journey. They've learned that clay art boasts a rich history, dating back thousands of years, and have delved into the world of ancient Greek pottery, such as amphorae. The students have learned techniques like the score and slip method for joining clay, crafting pinch pots, and experimenting with various clay tools for smoothing, cutting, and decorating their clay creations.

Senior School: 

In wrapping up our unit focused on threads and textiles, our Senior students undertook an engaging, collaborative project involving the aprons used in our Dig2Dine class. As a team, they collectively brainstormed and designed an artwork tailored to the unique atmosphere of a Dig2Dine session and the diverse interests of our students here at Wollert Primary. Currently, the Senior School focuses on the fascinating world of 3D modelling using clay. Students have delved into the history of the Terracotta Army, created by Emperor Qin Shi Huang around 259-210 BC, which consisted of 8000 life-sized sculptures serving as protection against his adversaries. In their studies, students have learned the art of manipulating clay with their hands and clay tools. They've mastered the creation of pinch pots, the score and slip method for joining clay, and techniques for adding texture to the clay's surface through various methods. 

Prep STEM

This term, we’ve been looking at living things and what they need to survive, grow and thrive. We approached this from two different angles - animals and plants!

When exploring animals, we explored the needs of our new class pets, our Guinea Pigs. We talked about food, water, shelter … and of course, love! We all agreed that we wanted them to stay healthy and feel happiness living at our school. The students collaborated with each other and designed enclosures for the Guinea pigs - including food, water, and shelter as well as slides, tunnels and other things to bring joy. One design even had a pool! The students created annotated diagrams and shared them with others in their class. Students celebrated each other’s designs and suggested further ideas to improve enclosures.

As part of exploring living things this term - we also learnt about the needs of a plant. We learnt a dance to help us remember the five things that plants need, then put this learning into action and grew our own plant. We developed a scientific journal to track its changes and see what happens over time.

A very exciting time in STEM so far!

Digital Technologies

Junior Community

Our young digital enthusiasts in the Junior Community have embarked on an exciting adventure into the world of fairytales! As part of their curriculum, they have been engrossed in the process of researching and delving deep into the enchanting narratives of classic fairytales. The primary objective is to immerse themselves in the magic of these stories and master the art of retelling them using the power of digital technologies. Check out some of their planning below; it has been great to see some students putting their ideas into a thinking tool like a Fishbone diagram:

Junior students have also been actively collecting, exploring, and sorting data. They are learning to use various digital systems to present their newfound knowledge creatively. Through this innovative approach, our students are understanding the tales and developing essential digital skills that are integral in today's tech-driven world.

Stay tuned for the enchanting presentations our young talents will be creating!

Middle Community

Our dynamic Middle Community students have delved into the captivating world of podcasting, blending their creativity with the digital landscape. Their focus has been on meticulous planning and creating thought-provoking class podcasts. They are applying agreed ethical and social protocols while communicating their ideas and ensuring the safe dissemination of information within their digital productions.

Moreover, the students are responsible for assessing how student-developed solutions and existing information systems cater to common personal, school, or community needs. Through this process, they gain a deeper understanding of the practical applications of technology and its role in addressing real-life challenges, fostering a well-rounded perspective that extends beyond the confines of the classroom.

Look forward to the insightful and ethical podcast projects that our Middle Community will share soon!

Senior Community

Our visionary Senior Community students have embraced the exciting task of planning and collaborating on virtual school tours using cutting-edge digital technologies and online forums. They have meticulously planned, created, and communicated their ideas through online collaborative projects while upholding ethical, social, and technical protocols.

As part of their comprehensive exploration, the students are designing user interfaces for digital systems and generating and considering alternative design ideas. This approach aids them in developing a profound understanding of user experience and the importance of intuitive design in enhancing digital interactions.

Furthermore, the students are also comprehending how their student-developed solutions, alongside existing information systems, can effectively meet the pressing demands of the current and future community, including sustainability needs.

Stay tuned for the innovative and immersive virtual school tours that our Senior Community will soon unveil!

Physical Education

Prep Learning Community

In Term 4, the Prep Learning Community has embarked on an exciting journey, delving into the world of fundamental motor skills. They've been mastering the art of catching, kicking, throwing, and leaping. These skills have been explored through enjoyable and interactive rotations, including using equipment like rebound nets, launch boards, and scoops.

Adding to their excitement, the Preps had a special visit from an AFL clinic during Week 2, offering them a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with Australian Rules Football, making their physical education adventures all the more memorable and fun!

Junior Learning Community

The Junior Learning Community has kicked off Term 4 with an exhilarating focus on the skill of the Forehand Strike. Students are honing their abilities, emphasising the importance of keeping their eyes fixed on the ball during the strike. They're also learning to stand side-on to the target with the bat held in one hand and take a step toward the target with the foot opposite their striking arm.

Additionally, the Junior Learning Community had a fantastic time during the AFL clinic in week 2, where they had the opportunity to explore and engage with Australian Rules Football, further enriching their physical education experiences.

Middle and Senior Learning Community

The Middle and Senior Learning Communities have kicked off Term 4 with tremendous enthusiasm and energy! They've had the privilege of diving into a Hockey Clinic, delving into the sport and refining their skills through exciting and engaging activities.

Additionally, the Middle and Senior Learning Communities had a special treat during Week 2 with the opportunity to participate in an AFL clinic. These experiences add a fantastic dimension to their physical education journey, allowing them to explore a range of sports and activities. 

AFL Clinic

Dig2Dine

Middle Learning Community

This term is all about exploring the cool connection between food and science. We started by letting our curiosity run wild and came up with many ways that science and food are buddies. We discussed things like what makes food healthy, how it's packaged, how plants and animals grow, how to make food last longer, and so much more!

Senior Learning Community

This term, we've been diving into the world of economics and thinking about what influences our food choices. We discovered that many things influence our choices, like how food looks, where we can find it, our culture and beliefs, and even what we see on social media and in advertisements.

We also discussed what it means to be an informed consumer who makes good food decisions. We asked ourselves, "How can we be an informed consumer regarding food?"

The students have been curious about social media's impact on our food choices as a consumer. They enjoyed watching different marketing strategies on social media platforms and discussing their strategies.

Cooking 

The Middle and Senior Learning community have enjoyed continuing to develop their cooking skills each week as they immerse themselves in a cooking experience. This term, we have cooked:

• Sushi
• Gnocchi
• Tortillas, Mexican Lentils and Guacamole 
• Homemade bread rolls with fresh salad

Performing Arts

Prep is turning into a rhythm revolution this term! Our students are not just learning music; they're crafting beats with rhythm sticks and drumsticks, turning our classroom into a musical wonderland. From structured rhythms to call and copy exercises, they're exploring the melody of creativity.

But that's not all – our little maestros are trying to steal the spotlight at the end-of-year concert! They are working hard to perfect every lyric and dance move!

Junior School Community

Within our Junior School Community, students enthusiastically immerse themselves in the performing arts world. They're revisiting their knowledge through dances, games, and songs, refining their skills, and eagerly preparing for an upcoming grand concert. The anticipation is building as we approach the term's exciting conclusion, and there's a buzz of excitement in the air as we all look forward to the upcoming performances!

Middle School Community

In the Middle School Community, students are working together to create an exciting performance for the school concert. Their creative sparks have ignited discussions on how to craft an unforgettable show, emphasising inclusivity. Alongside this, students embrace the chance to embark on passion projects, crafting whimsical trash instruments, conjuring up enchanting magic shows, and choreographing their own Just Dance clips.

Senior School Community

In the Senior School Community, students are in the spotlight, preparing for the upcoming school concert. They've been given creative freedom to use GarageBand for music, teach cultural dances, and deliver self-written monologues. This unique showcase highlights their artistic independence and diversity, making them the architects of their own captivating performance.

Playscape

Term four in Playscape has delved into the social skills and positive interactions landscape, with students further developing their understanding of why and how we interact in different ways across our varied communities. We’ve enjoyed exploring and practising our skills in active listening, following instructions, and sharing and turn-taking. We look forward to expanding these skills and many more over the coming weeks, all through rich, play-based experiences. 

Having recently attended a professional development opportunity on art and mindfulness, I look forward to giving students even more opportunities to express and embrace their minds, thoughts and personal well-being throughout the Playscape program, empowering each student with tools to navigate their often-challenging worlds.

Our Playscape pet, though yet to officially be named, is settling into the Wollert Way and enjoying spending time with our engaged learners. Our Blue-tongue lizard makes a great addition to our inviting Playscape space, with many students enjoying the sensory interactions and calming vibes reptiles can offer.