Christian Living

For P-6 Christian Living, we use a curriculum called “On the Way” produced by TNT Ministries. It is a three year syllabus, covering the main Bible stories from Genesis to Acts.
Christian Living classes also involve prayer times, scripture memorisation and singing praise and worship songs. Lively discussion takes place and questions about spiritual matters are encouraged.
Our aim is to lead the children to faith in Jesus Christ. Our desire is for the children to know that the Bible and the Christian life are relevant to them today. Through fun and focussed activities we aim for each child to form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is meaningful, satisfying and lasting.

English

The English program has been structured around the ‘Bookweb’ format, where a new text is employed as the focal point for numerous literacy activities, including reading for understanding, spelling, grammar, writing and handwriting. The program operates on a three-week cycle, with a new text being utilised at the beginning of a new cycle. Various text types are used, covering Christian, secular, fiction and non-fiction genres.

Mathematics

The mathematics program is based upon Go Maths, supplemented by additional daily mental mathematical activities and exercises. The strands (topics) covered will include number; space; measurement; chance and data; reasoning and strategies; working mathematically and structure. This will be achieved through class discussion, regular practice, bookwork and using a variety of small group co-operative activities as well as computer-based programs. All children will be encouraged to use and to develop their God-given skills and to share their understanding in small group and whole class situations.

Science

The Science course for Year 3 covers a variety of topics. In Semester 1 the course focuses on balance. Students study gravity and balancing forces. Children’s understandings of balance and weight are tested. Students make a mobile from various weights. Students also investigate different types of weeds in different soils, grow a variety of seeds and learn where some of these seeds grow best. Students also investigate what weather is and why it is hot and cold in different spots inside and outside. Students undertake practical tasks with thermometers to measure different temperatures. Students will increase their knowledge in these areas through teacher input, class texts and worksheets and practical demonstrations.

Studies of Society and the Environment

The SOSE course for Year 3 covers a variety of topics. In Semester 1 students focus on four different countries/continents and their environments. Students learn more about the environment, climate, flora and fauna, clothing and transport of Canada, Malaysia, Tanzania and Antarctica. We also investigate water and how precious it is. Students learn where water comes from; where we find it around Ballarat; how we use water around the home and how we can save water. Some basic mapping skills will be taught. Students are encouraged to better their knowledge in these areas through teacher input, atlas research, library books and internet sites, worksheets and class discussions.

Languages other than English

God is the author of all languages and every language and culture is important to God (Genesis 11:7-9, Acts 2:6, Rev 5:9, 7:9, 14:6). The purpose of this Primary level French course is to help children enjoy learning languages, creating a positive attitude to language learning for when they reach Secondary level. Students experience learning French through a wide variety of learning activities including songs, games and role plays. Students are introduced to basic vocabulary such as numbers, days of the week and colours. In order to avoid repetition, most topics which students learn during their Primary years are different to those studied at the Secondary level. Topics Year 3 students study include:

Term 1: Les numéros (numbers) and comparing the geography of France to Australia.

Term 2: 'Les couleurs' (colours) at 'la piscine' (the pool) and 'le cirque' (the circus).

Term 3: 'Les jeux olympiques' (the Olympic Games) sports, countries and the colours of their flags.

Term 4: Holiday celebrations in France, especially ‘Le Noël’ (Christmas).

Health & Physical Education

Year 3 students participate in a range of Physical Education units and activities. The class spent the third term mainly looking at matball. Students were involved in an athletics unit during term 4.

Visual Art

Students are taught skills in exploring and developing ideas and utilising methods and techniques to refine and produce a varied range of artistic pieces. They are also shown how to analyse and critique themes and art mediums used in the art program.  Students are also taught the value of developing acceptable finishing and presentation skills.

Music/Performing Arts

Students experiment with copying, reading and playing different rhythm patterns. They learn to sing in unison and in parts using simple rounds. They explore the theory of music through the use of “Music Mind Games”. They learn basic skills on the recorder and have the opportunity to perform in front of peers.

Technology

 Print page