Electives Term 1

Welcome to Term One Electives

Each term the children from the 5s to 11s embark on a variety of STEAM-focused electives. Each week they  develop their skills, gaining new knowledge while building their capabilities for the future. 

Looking forward in 2019...

We would also like to remind you that we do invite parents, grandparents, friends or alumni to consider offering a particular interest or skill of their own towards the Electives Program.  Some examples and ideas for electives are: Science of all types, cultural studies, geographic and environmental topics, construction of all types, art and craft specialties, drama, music, comedy or circus skills, physical challenges, cooking, puzzles and problem solving, community service or any other area which might open new areas for discovery and challenge or delight the children.

The Electives program allows parents and other members of the Preshil community to help us broaden and enrich the curriculum as well as reinforcing core Preshil practices to do with making and creating, building and growing, exploring passions and finding that special thing that each child loves. 

Make your own Terrariums or Mesocosms

With Victor, Paul and Emily

The children are going to have a lot of fun researching all there is to know about Terrariums and mesocosm and then create their very own.

Birdbaths with Clay

With Claire and Rosie

Go bird watching to find out about the birds in the local area and specially design a clay bird bath for the school grounds.

Fashion Design and Illustration

With Jennie Spruch

Have you wondered how designers get their ideas and inspiration? Using a variety of techniques (including weaving) and materials, you will learn how to design what you would wear to the beach, Summer, Winter, special occasions including accessories.  Use your favourite toy as a model to create a one off original.

Cyclology – The Art of Bicycle Maintenance (and riding)

With Michael 

Back by popular demand this hands on elective allows the children to learn all about safe riding while exploring the different skills and tricks of riding. 

Introduction to Japanese

With Clinton

Another activity back by popular demand.  Learning onigiri to origami and matsuris to manga, the children are once again deep in to the food, craft and language of Japan exploring different elements of this unique culture.

Chess

With -  Jury Kurchatov (Chess Coach & Math Teacher from Chess Australia)

This is a really popular elective.  The children really enjoy learning Chess while having fun playing at the same time.  It's a great way to develop problem solving skills, improve memory and patience.  Many of our children successfully compete in local competitions with students from other schools all over Melbourne.

Programming

With Karl von Moller and Bronte Howell

The children are learning to program using the new ‘Eureka’ learning shield for Arduino. Karl's unique learning shield has been developed to help children learn to code from a very young age. They will learn how a traffic signal works, blink LEDs lights, detect magnetic fields, light, temperature and make music and sounds like the Super Mario game. And of course they are also very keen to see what new videos Karl has found about technology and robots in the future. 

Program Coordinator

For more information about the Electives program you can find me in The Careers Hub office upstairs in Blackhall at the secondary school.  Feel free to make an appointment or send me an email anytime to bronte.howell@preshil.vic.edu.au