Specialists Programs
Visual Arts Term 4 Overview
Prep
During Term 4, the prep students will explore the tactile world of 3D forms, focusing on construction and modelling techniques. They will engage with developing their ability to manipulate and form 3D constructions, looking at cutting and joining techniques and creating textures. They will enjoy upcycling ordinary materials into works of art. Students will explore and experiment with soft clay to create Christmas-themed artwork, develop fine motor skills through modelling skills including stretching, kneading, rolling, flattening and coiling. Prep students will reflect on their creative journeys and the skills they have obtained this year. A key focus of the term is learning about how artwork can be displayed and shared with others, celebrating their achievements at the Visual Art Show.
Year 1/2
During term 4, Year 1/2 students will be supported in the concept of design to fully think through their ideas and translate them to the page. They will explore color theory by mastering complementary and analogous color schemes through drawing and painting. Students will use their designs to help them create 3D art works. Students will also apply their design skills to a 3D clay modeling project, learning essential joining techniques to ensure structural stability. In preparation for the upcoming School Art Show, students will reflect on their learning journey and actively participate in curating, labeling and displaying their masterpieces for a community audience.
Year 3/4
During term 4, Year 3/4 students will complete a major collaborative 3D construction project. They will analyse their recycled art coral reef and make any design or structural changes before they begin decorating. Students will first apply vibrant finishing techniques to a mixed-media coral reef sculpture using neon elements. Students will curate their collection for the upcoming School Art Show, and take pride in both displaying their work and sharing it with others. Students will reflect on their growth as artists in knowledge, attitude and skill. Students will then leap into the world of threads and textiles. They will then develop fine motor dexterity by learning foundational weaving and structural sewing techniques to craft felt Christmas decorations.
Year 5/6
During term 4, Year 5/6 students will refine their technical execution and curatorial independence. They will be given opportunities to shift from just being "makers of art" to "presenters of art," helping set up displays and run activities at the upcoming School Art Show. They will finalise a multi-layered, Pete Cromer-inspired Australian animal textile project by mastering structural hand-stitching, choosing to engineer it as a functional puppet or a 3D soft sculpture ("stuffy"). Students will work on design to first create a 2D representation before advancing their ceramic and modelling skills by using air-dry clay to bring their vision to life.
Beth Neason - bneason@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Chinese - Term 4 Overview
Prep Overview
In Term 4, Prep students will explore the concept of time by building on their previous learning about numbers and familiar Chinese characters. They will be introduced to simple vocabulary related to the calendar, including year, month, day and days of the week, and students will practise using this language in simple conversations with their teacher and peers. As they explore how we organise and talk about time, students will begin to understand that each day is a gift from God and that our time is valuable. They will reflect on the Bible wisdom, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”.
Year 1/2 Overview
In Term 4, Year 1/2 students will explore time and calendars in Chinese, building on their knowledge of numbers, Pinyin and familiar Hanzi characters. Students will use this vocabulary in meaningful conversations, asking and answering questions about dates and time using simple, complete sentences. Alongside their language learning, students will reflect on the deeper meaning of time and consider how they can use each day wisely, connecting their learning with the Bible wisdom, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”.
Year 3/4 Overview
In Term 4, students will learn about food (食物) in Chinese. They will build their vocabulary and use simple sentence structures to express their personal preferences, such as “I like/don’t like to eat or drink” (我喜欢/不喜欢吃/喝). Through reading, writing, action songs, creative arts and crafts, and interactive activities, students will develop their language skills while exploring healthy eating habits and the food pyramid. Students will also participate in individual or group activities to investigate and share a cultural cuisine, connecting their language learning with cultural experiences.
Year 5/6 Overview
In Term 4, students will extend their learning about food (食物) in Chinese by developing their vocabulary, sentence structures and communication skills. They will use Chinese to express personal preferences and talk about food and drinks, while exploring healthy eating habits and the food pyramid. Through reading, writing, creative activities, interactive tasks and team projects, students will apply their language knowledge in meaningful contexts. They will also complete an individual or group investigation into a cultural cuisine and present their findings, making connections between language, culture and their own experiences as they reflect on and celebrate their learning journey.
Mandy Jin - mjin@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au - Chinese Teacher
Performing Arts Term 4 Overview
Prep
This term in Performing Arts, Prep students will explore singing, rhythm, movement and instruments through songs, chants and rhymes. They will develop their singing voices and explore high and low pitch, beat, rhythm, sound and silence. A special focus will be preparing for the Prep Nativity Play, where students will learn songs, movements and performance skills while building confidence and working together to share the Christmas story with our school community.
Year 1/2
This term, students will develop their musical skills through singing, instrumental playing, composition and performance. They will experiment with voice, movement, body percussion and instruments, creating their own rhythmic and musical ideas. A key focus will be reading simple notation, playing instrumental parts and combining these to make music together. Students will rehearse songs and instrumental pieces, developing their ability to listen, follow cues, keep a steady beat and perform confidently as part of an ensemble.
Year 3/4
This term in Performing Arts, students will explore music and dance, learning vocal and instrumental parts of songs and combining these to perform as an ensemble. They will continue to develop choreographic skills, exploring and considering how movement choices can communicate ideas and engage an audience. Students will create, rehearse, refine and perform individually and collaboratively. They will develop confidence, creativity and teamwork while sharing their learning through opportunities such as class performances, live entertainment at The Art Show and our Christmas concert.
Year 5/6
This term in Performing Arts, students will develop their musical and performance skills through singing, instrumental playing, improvisation and composition. A key focus will be learning to read and follow musical notation to play new songs and instrumental parts, then combining these parts to create collaborative ensembles.Through activities such as ensemble rehearsals, composing and performing, students will refine their skills and prepare music to communicate their ideas and intentions to an audience.
Amanda Hill ahill@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Physical Education Term 4 Overview
Prep – Term 4 PE Overview
In Term 4, our Prep students will explore a range of striking and fielding activities, including tennis and rounders. They will learn how to hold and use equipment with the correct technique while developing safe participation habits.
We will continue to focus on team and partner games, encouraging students to cooperate, work together and have fun with their teammates. Students will also build their fundamental movement skills through our animal walks and movement activities.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the school swimming program.
Grade 1/2 – Term 4 PE Overview
In Term 4, our Grade 1/2 students will develop their striking skills through activities such as tennis and rounders. They will focus on holding equipment correctly, making contact with the ball and using equipment safely. We will continue to explore team and partner games, with an emphasis on cooperation, teamwork and beginning to develop simple strategies during gameplay. Students will also continue to develop their fundamental movement skills through our animal walks and movement activities, while building positive relationships with their teammates. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the school swimming program.
Grade 3/4 – Term 4 PE Overview
In Term 4, our Grade 3/4 students will develop their striking skills through tennis and rounders, with a focus on refining technique, keeping score and applying strategies during gameplay. Students will also brainstorm, explore and participate in a range of games and physical activities, identifying those they enjoy most. Together, they will create a bank of movement games that can be played during break times to encourage physical activity and active play. To finish the term, students will be introduced to European handball in preparation for its return to the Summer Gala Day program next year.
We wish our students competing in Division Athletics all the very best!
Grade 5/6 – Term 4 PE Overview
In Term 4, our sporting skills will include tennis and rounders, with a focus on refining technique, keeping score and applying strategies during gameplay. Students will be creating and participating in activities and games they could replicate at home, designed to improve health-related fitness. We will finish the year with netball, preparing students for the much-anticipated Grade 6 vs Teachers netball match.
We wish our students competing in Division Athletics and beyond all the very best!
Michael van Rooy - PE Teacher - mvanrooy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au