Learning & Teaching

Specialist Update! 

What are the Specialist Subjects offered at St Patrick’s? 

What are the benefits of Specialist subjects in a Primary School setting? 

Specialist subjects in a primary school setting, such as Physical Education (SPORT), Visual Arts (ART), Music, Languages (e.g., Italian), STEM, and more, offer numerous benefits that go beyond the core subjects of literacy and numeracy. These subjects are taught by educators with specific expertise, allowing students to gain deeper knowledge and skills in these areas. Here are the key benefits:

Specialist subjects in a primary school setting play a crucial role in developing the whole child. They enrich the curriculum, foster creativity, encourage physical activity, build cultural awareness, and prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need for future success. By offering these subjects, schools provide students with a broader, more inclusive educational experience that nurtures both academic achievement and personal growth.

How many hours does my child get of Specialist subjects a week? 

Students get 1 hour of Specialist subjects a week! In sport the classroom teacher completes 1 lesson of sport and Miss Wooden completes the 2nd hour which means Students get 2 lessons of sport a week. All other subjects get 1 hour completed by their specialist teacher. 

What are the specialist subjects currently working on in Term 3? 

Our specialist teachers have been hard at work for Term 3. Here are the areas they have been covering with your children in specialist subjects: 

What is ART?

ART in primary schools refers to the subject of Visual Arts, which focuses on teaching students how to express themselves creatively through various mediums. The subject encourages imagination, critical thinking, and cultural awareness by exposing students to different forms of artistic expression and techniques.

Here are the key aspects of ART at St Patrick’s Primary School:

• Creative Expression: Students are encouraged to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through various forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage.
• Art Techniques and Skills: Students learn fundamental art techniques, including how to use different materials (like pencils, paints, clay), how to mix colors, and how to create textures and patterns. They also learn about composition, perspective, and balance in their artworks.
• Art Appreciation: Students are introduced to different artists, art movements, and cultural art forms. This helps them understand the historical and cultural context of art and develop an appreciation for diversity in artistic expression.
• Visual Literacy: Through ART education, students learn to interpret and understand visual information. They analyze and discuss artworks, developing skills to express their thoughts and feelings about what they see.
• Hands-on Projects: Students engage in various hands-on projects that allow them to experiment with different mediums and techniques. This practical experience helps build their confidence and creativity.

What is STEM? 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In primary schools, STEM education focuses on integrating these four disciplines into a cohesive learning experience. The goal is to develop students' problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills by engaging them in hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities.

Here are the key aspects of STEM at St Patrick’s Primary School:

• Science: Students explore natural phenomena, conduct experiments, and learn about the scientific method. This includes topics like biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
• Technology: This involves using digital tools and resources to solve problems or create new products. Students might learn basic coding, use educational apps, or work with digital devices like tablets and computers.
• Engineering: Students are introduced to the engineering design process, where they identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and build prototypes. This could involve simple projects like building bridges with craft materials or designing models.
• Mathematics: Math skills are reinforced through practical applications in problem-solving. Students use math to measure, calculate, and analyse data in STEM projects.

What is ITALIAN? 

The Italian subject in primary schools refers to teaching the Italian language and culture as part of the curriculum. It is typically introduced to help students develop basic communication skills in a foreign language and to promote cultural awareness.

Here are the key aspects of Italian at St Patrick’s Primary School:

1. Language Skills:
   • Speaking and Listening: Students learn basic conversational phrases, greetings, and everyday vocabulary. The focus is on building the confidence to speak simple Italian and understand spoken words and phrases.
   • Reading: Students are introduced to basic texts like short stories, songs, and rhymes in Italian. This helps them recognize common words, phrases, and sentence structures.
   • Writing: At a basic level, students practice writing simple sentences, such as introducing themselves, describing things around them, or talking about family members.
2. Grammar and Vocabulary:
   • Students learn the foundations of Italian grammar, such as verb conjugations (especially regular verbs in the present tense), gender (masculine/feminine nouns), and singular/plural forms.
   • Vocabulary is built around themes such as numbers, colors, food, animals, family, and daily activities.
3. Cultural Learning:
   • Along with language, students are exposed to Italian culture, traditions, and festivals. This includes learning about famous Italian landmarks, cuisine, and cultural practices, fostering a greater appreciation for diversity.
   • Students may celebrate cultural events like Italian festivals or engage in activities like making Italian food, art projects inspired by Italy, or learning traditional Italian songs and dances.
4. Interactive Activities:
   • Italian lessons often include fun and interactive activities such as role-playing, games, songs, and storytelling to keep students engaged. These activities help to reinforce learning in an enjoyable and memorable way.

What is SPORT? 

In primary schools, the SPORT subject typically refers to Physical Education (PE), which focuses on promoting physical activity, developing motor skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles among young students. SPORT education is an integral part of the curriculum, aiming to enhance students' physical, social, and emotional well-being through a variety of activities and lessons.

Here are the key aspects of Sport at St Patrick’s Primary School:

1. Physical Activity and Fitness:
   • Exercise and Movement: Students engage in a range of physical activities such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching to improve overall fitness and coordination.
   • Fitness Fundamentals: Lessons often include basic fitness concepts like endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility through fun and age-appropriate exercises.
2. Motor Skills Development:
   • Gross Motor Skills: Activities that involve large muscle groups, such as running, jumping, and playing team sports, help develop coordination and balance.
   • Fine Motor Skills: Certain sports and activities may also incorporate tasks that refine smaller movements, enhancing dexterity and control.
3. Teamwork and Cooperation:
   • Team Sports: Participation in team-based games like soccer, basketball, and relay races teaches students how to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and support one another.
   • Cooperative Games: Non-competitive activities focus on cooperation, sharing, and building positive relationships with peers.
4. Sportsmanship and Fair Play:
   • Respect for Rules: Students learn the importance of following rules and understanding the structure of different games.
   • Fair Play: Emphasis is placed on playing fairly, respecting opponents, and handling both victories and defeats gracefully.
5. Health and Well-being Education:
   • Healthy Habits: Lessons often include information on the benefits of regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and the importance of staying active.
   • Mental Health: Physical activity is linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and better concentration, contributing to overall mental well-being.
6. Skill Development:
   • Sport-Specific Skills: Students learn the basic techniques and skills required for various sports, such as dribbling in basketball, kicking in soccer, or throwing in baseball.
   • Personal Skills: Skills like goal setting, perseverance, and self-discipline are nurtured through consistent practice and participation.
7. Inclusive Participation:
   • Adapted Activities: SPORT programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all students, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate and benefit.
   • Variety of Activities: A wide range of activities is offered to cater to different interests and abilities, from traditional sports to dance, gymnastics, and individual fitness exercises.