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, text writing and handwriting.  These skills are achieved through the reading of a range of genres and carefully selected activities that are tailored to suit individual students.
The program operates on a four-week cycle, with a new text being introduced at the beginning of each new cycle.  Various text types are used, covering Christian, secular, fiction and non-fiction genres. 

Mathematics

The Mathematics program is based on the text ‘Maths Plus for Victoria Level 3’ and supplemented by additional mathematical activities (games) and exercises. Maths Plus is a comprehensive curriculum covering the key strands of number, shape and space, measurement and chance and data. The program equips students with the knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to think, reason and work mathematically. Mathematics learning involves class discussion, small group work, working in pairs, practice, bookwork and use of a computer-based program ‘Maths is Fun’ to practise and consolidate learning.

Science

The Science course for Year 4 covers a variety of topics. In Semester 1 we focus on systems and how they work. We look at the various parts of a system and how they interact together to make the system work properly. Experiments include making and testing a balloon rocket and constructing and investigating a simple form of communication using paper cups. The class will work in pairs to create an undersea diorama, learning how to change a variable so that it works better. In Semester 2 we will continue the theme of systems and look at variables or changes in simple systems including mouldy bread, the respiratory system and which soil is better for drainage. Students will increase their knowledge in all these areas through teacher input, class texts, worksheets and practical investigations.

Studies of Society and the Environment

The SOSE course for Year 4 covers a variety of topics. In Semester 1 we focus on Australia and its states looking at the geography, climate, rivers, cities and towns. Some mapping skills will be taught. We will learn about the First Fleet and the early explorers and what life was like for Captain Cook and his crew on their journey to the South Pacific. In Semester 2 we will study the country of Japan, its geography, climate, cities, schooling, industry and religion. The class will experience some Japanese culture through games, music and food tasting. We will also look at water and discover what a precious resource it is. Students will learn where water comes from, water usage and water saving techniques. Students will be encouraged to improve 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 4 students study include:

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

The Physical Education program encourages students to participate in a number of units that develop skills in a variety of physical activities that require cooperation and communication. These activities are aimed at developing correct techniques for propelling, controlling, dribbling and receiving an object including throwing and catching balls. Students also participate in a swimming program, whole school sport’s carnival and cross-country marathon during the year.

Visual Art

Students are taught how to make and present visual art works, using a range of visual arts elements, skills and techniques. They also learn to identify purposes for which visual arts work are made and used in the community; for example – the art of folding paper, known as Origami is an activity in relation to our Bookweb text, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Students are also taught to observe, discuss and critique each other’s works, while remembering that each of us has different talents. Each individual student will be encouraged to do their best with the talents that God has given them.

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 skills on the recorder and explore basic drama skills. They examine and practise performance skills and learn to be appropriate audience members.

Technology

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