Specialist Subjects
These are Japanese, PE, Health and the Arts.
Japanese
Learning another language can be a slow process. Students who achieve the most success are those who are willing to have a go, are confident, and a little bit resilient! These skills are transferable to all subjects and life itself! We often think our children can’t learn another language, but the younger the child is, the better their brain is equipped to learn a second language.
With a level of support, most year 7 students are able to understand and generate a conversation about family, daily activities, time and hobbies. Their brains are also “geared” for language learning and all the skills related to it for the rest of their life – a good investment!
Each year we enter an Inter-school Hiragana competition for Year 7 students. Our students are always very enthusiastic and we have great participation. We have a link with a Japanese school, see performances and have good general knowledge about Japan. Family members are always welcome to drop in and have a go as well!
PE
The aim of PE at Willunga Primary School is to promote and develop:
- pleasurable involvement in physical activity
- cognitive, aesthetic, expressive, physical, cultural and social development
- fitness and health
- positive attitudes, character development, team building and ‘being a good sport’
- an understanding of healthy lifestyle choices
Children at Willunga have the opportunity to participate in many SAPSASA South Australian Primary Schools Amateur Sports Association) sports.
The Arts
The Arts, one of our eight areas of study, includes Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Dance and Media. Arts are an important part of our daily lives, in which people participate and enjoy. Arts play a central role in both our social and cultural identities.
For students, The Arts help develop character and encourages students to show that they are individuals. The 5 areas of study become a vehicle for self-expression, while increasing physical and mental conditioning, developing co-ordination, communication, and helping to build self esteem and confidence.
Schools are not designed to develop students’ skills necessarily for the theatre, but to develop their personal and individual qualities.
Health
The specialist area of Health supports students to make decisions to enhance their health, wellbeing and safety. As they move through the year levels students begin to explore the social and personal factors that contribute to and influence their identities. Students learn about emotions, how to enhance their interactions with others, and the social and physical changes they go through as they grow older. The content explores knowledge, understanding and skills that supports students to build and maintain respectful relationships. Across the year levels, students explore and interpret health messages and how these relate to the decisions and behaviours they make about their health, wellbeing and safety.
At Willunga Primary School our health program integrates the vegetable garden as a major emphasis. Students learn how to grow, tend, harvest and prepare a variety of fruits and vegetables and how this contributes to healthy lifestyle decisions.
Willunga Choir (Years 5, 6 and 7)
Students in this Choir learn music for the Adelaide Primary Schools Festival of Music. A selection of students are chosen each year to represent the school and perform at the Festival Theatre. This is a wonderful event and opportunity for students to perform with others in a professional setting, and a rewarding experience that will stay with them for life.
Instrumental Lessons
Students in Years 5,6 and 7 have the opportunity to study an instrument in brass or woodwind. These instruments are taught on a weekly basis during class time. Lessons are provided by an instrumental music teacher from the DfE Instrumental Music Service. Instruments are organised and hired by the student’s family.
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