Special Classes

All Year 1 to Year 6 students participate in various specialist classes throughout the week. Students participate in these lessons for one hour each per week, with the exception of health, which is one hour per fortnight.

Health (Year 1 - Year 6)

Our students learn a range of strategies and behaviours that they can apply to stay healthy and safe, such eating good food, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep each night. As they grow and mature, students learn to adapt to changing situations that occur to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and how to identify credible sources of health information.  

Students are encouraged to build positive relationships with their peers by using manners, positive language, and simple communication strategies to resolve conflict. They learn to understand the different emotions that occur in a variety of situations and learn where to go or who to speak to for help, in situations where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, both at home and school. Students develop positive ways of interacting with others by learning to show empathy, actively listen, accept differences, and be respectful.  

Languages (Year 3 - Year 6)

"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." Quoted by Frank Smith.

In Japanese, students are taught to speak, listen, read, and write the target language. We concentrate on words and phrases used in real situations. Students adapt the use of the language whilst also learning and experiencing various elements of the culture and traditions of the country. We engage in a multitude of learning opportunities from, but not limited to, videos, audio, books, craft, games and outdoor activities. Our end goal is to foster confidence in language and a deepened respect for the Japanese culture.

Performing Arts (Year 1 Year 6)

In Drama, students develop the skills to perform dramatic scenes both scripted and improvised. They explore the use of voice and movement skills in constructing characters, and learn how to read and write scripts. Drama elements are built upon through the year levels, the understanding of pause, tension, relationships, and space are heavy focuses in the upper years. They begin to use rehearsal processes, display audience behaviours, and continue to learn appropriate responses to the drama of others. In lessons, we aim to increase confidence, promote self-expression and empathy, as well as reflect on the world around us through a creative lens.

In Music, students learn theoretical and practical skills to make and create music. They explore and experiment with the elements of music, standard notation, and develop their aural skills. Students experience music as both performers and audience members, listening, composing, and playing in tune. Depending on their year level, students are taught how to play tonal percussion, the keyboard, ukulele, or the drums. We aim to cultivate young musicians through exposure to different styles of music, and openly reflect on the mood and meaning of diverse pieces.

Physical Education (Year 1 Year 6)

In the junior years, the focus is on developing fundamental movement skills that allow our students to participate competently and confidently in a variety of physical activities. There are two types of fundamental movement skills: locomotor and non-locomotor, and object control. Locomotor and non-locomotor skills are movements such as balancing, sliding, running, jumping, hopping, dodging, and skipping; and object control skills include bouncing, throwing, catching, and kicking. As students’ progress through the senior years, they learn to apply these skills in a variety of contexts and combine them with simple tactics to solve movement challenges and achieve intended outcomes.  

Students learn to describe the way their bodies react when participating in physical activity and learn the benefits of being physically active for their overall physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. They understand why rules and fair play are important and are encouraged to always interact positively with others during games, to demonstrate good sportsmanship. 

South Halls Head Primary is an active participant in many Interschool sporting events throughout the year. Students in Years Five and Six have many opportunities to nominate and try out for a variety of summer and winter sports, including basketball, lawn bowls, soccer, and football. All students from Pre-primary to Year Six participate in the school athletics and interschool carnivals in Term Three, with Year Three to Six students then selected to attend the Interschool athletics and cross-country events to represent our school.  

Science (Year 1 Year 2)

Our junior scientists develop their understanding of science by exploring the world around them to learn how and where science is used in our daily lives. In a highly stimulating and productive environment, students are supported and encouraged to accept challenges as they discover the different features and needs of living things, and how they grow and change over time; identify the differences between everyday materials and how they are used for different purposes; observe how our sky and landscape change at different times of the day, and the many ways in which we use Earth’s natural resources; understand how light and sound are produced, and how pushing or pulling affects the way objects behave.

Students gain a robust repertoire of scientific knowledge and skills through hands-on experiences. They participate in guided investigations that help them to make predictions about what might happen. Using quality equipment and resources, students measure and record their observations, and share their results with others in different formats. For our young scientists to understand why differences occur, content is delivered in a meaningful and relevant context to support students’ understanding, engagement and achievement. Rich learning opportunities are provided to ensure that the students understand the steps needed for experiments to be consistent and valid, in a positive learning environment that continually fosters a love of science.

Visual Arts (Year 1 Year 6)

Visual Art at South Halls Head Primary aims to provide visual and tactile experiences to help students understand the world around them. We use a variety of materials and processes to develop their artistic skills, fine motor coordination, social skills, and creative imaginations to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces of artwork. By using guided and free choice activities, students have the opportunity to learn about different art techniques, famous artists, responding to art, and how art can be used to express emotions and feelings. Our aim is to provide a safe, friendly, and colourful environment in which all student’s artwork is valued, and creativity can thrive.