Specialists:
Art, Health and PE, STEM, Music and Performing Arts

STEM

During STEM lessons, students are guided to make their own discoveries through an inquiry model of learning. Lessons have explored the main areas of Science through units of work that also integrated Maths, Digital Technology, Engineering and Design skills. This style of learning promoted problem solving, critical thinking and group collaboration.

In Term 1, we looked at different materials and their properties. We identified the observable properties, what we knew about them and how we could change those properties. During our lessons, we explored push and pull, sink and float, warm and cold and other opposites and their effect on objects. We investigated different types of materials for building.

In Term 2, we learnt about the features of the 4 seasons and the differences between day and night. We investigated different types of weather that we see in Australia, and traditional seasonal weather (e.g. snow in winter). In the second part of the term, we learnt about our planet, the sun and the moon.

In Term 3, The STEM lessons covered how things move, light and using the Bluebot robots. Students experimented with making things move and then how to slow then down and make them stop. We looked at how we get natural light and that electricity/batteries allow us to create light. The students were introduced to the Bluebot robots and imputed instructions directly into the robot to control their movement. 

In Term 4, The STEM lessons focused on the topic of Biology. We identified living and non living things and looked at the features of different animals and plants.  Students were introduced to using the chromebooks and its features (screen, keyboard). We talked about cyber safety when using online apps and websites.

Music / Performing Arts

Exciting, enjoyable, and invigorating, the Music and Performing Arts program at Pascoe Vale North Primary School embodies a spirit of creativity, active participation, and technological innovation. Students are immersed in a diverse array of concepts and genres, catering to various learning styles.

In Music, students are introduced to different rhythmic syllables, notes and durations, which they explore through playing sheet music and their own compositions. Students look at reading and writing music on a stave using treble and bass clef and are introduced to a wide range of instruments, including singing, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, xylophones, vocals, percussion, and drums.

Students delve into musical terminology such as tempo, rhythm, instrumentation, and style through listening exercises and their own musical creations. Their journey encompasses the exploration of chords, intervals, dynamics (both soft and loud), and the collaborative experience of playing in small groups or ensembles.

In lower primary levels, students create compositions using crotchets, quavers and semiquavers using percussion, glockenspiels and keyboards. They also look at singing and playing simple songs such as Frere Jacques and This Old Man to name a couple. They look at finding the notes on a treble and bass clef and playing in time and using different dynamics (louds and softs).

In upper primary levels, students venture into music production using BandLab. They learn how to record their voice, change the pitch and speed, add loops/samples, fade music in and out and record using MIDI keyboards and drum pads. They also learn keyboard basics including basic sight reading, melodies and chords and learn ukuele, exploring chord diagrams, strumming and simple TAB melodies, where they learn how to play popular music and riffs.

Students also have the chance to audition for the school's Rock band in Grades 3-6. There is also a school choir for all, ran by Miss. Buffington.

In Performing Arts, students explore various scenarios, dissecting story structures and fictional narratives through the use of props, puppets, images, and video technology via iPads and laptops. We learn how to create scripts, using the correct conventions, use green screens and look at different camera angles and perspectives.

They delve into role-playing, utilising facial expressions to convey a spectrum of emotions and moods.

Additionally, students learn choreography and dialogue for school concerts and talent shows, while also delving into the intricacies of theatrical production, such as creating backdrops and selecting suitable music to enhance the overall performance.

The School also runs a separate instrumental program

For drumming lessons email Daniel.brates@gmail.com

For piano, guitar, ukulele and bass lessons contact Matthew on matthew.ericksongtr@gmail.com or call 0401 324 334 (he also has flyers near the office)

Art

From the earliest years in Prep, our young artists are encouraged to explore their surroundings, creating vivid representations of their community using an array of mediums—from paint to textured materials. As they progress through Grade 1 and Grade 2, they learn to differentiate between colours, experimenting with warm and cool shades to evoke emotions and moods in their artwork.

By Grade 3 and 4, students are delving into the rich tapestry of art history, drawing inspiration from different eras and cultures to inform their own creations. They master colour theory, understanding the nuances of shading and tones, while also exploring diverse techniques and mediums to bring their ideas to life.

In Grade 5 and 6, our budding artists embark on a journey of deeper exploration, using art as a tool for self-expression and reflection. They analyse and evaluate artwork, honing their critical thinking skills while continuing to refine their technical abilities and artistic vision.

Throughout their primary school journey, students not only develop their artistic skills but also cultivate important qualities such as creativity, resilience, and a sense of cultural appreciation. Our art program fosters a supportive environment where every child can thrive and where the bounds of imagination are limitless. Join us as we celebrate the colourful creations and boundless creativity of our young artists at our Art Show showing their talent and ingenuity.

PE

Students will be involved in a range of activities that focus on learning how to perform fundamental movement skills such as running, dodging, leaping, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and one-handed and two-handed strikes.

Students learn how to move and play safely by following rules and using equipment correctly. They develop personal and social skills when working with others in a range of activities. Student work on their listening skills and following instructions, both visual and voice commands during lessons. They participate in minor and invasion games, which promote physical movement, teamwork, cooperation and leadership through fun activities. In the younger year levels, students will learn how to transfer these skills into various games. As the students’ progress in school, they will have opportunities to use these skills in sports such as: Basketball, Soccer, Netball, AFL, Softball, Cricket, Bat Tennis and minor games.

Each grade participates in one hour of Physical Education every week and will have access to various sporting equipment in their classroom for use during recess and lunchtime.

Interschool Sports

Pascoe Vale North Primary School is a member of the Coburg District Primary Schools’ Sports

Association (C.D.P.S.S.A.). Students will have the opportunity to try out and be selected to represent the school in various sports. While most sports teams are gender-specific, Softball, Netball and Football occasionally require the formation of a mixed-gender team. Students who are selected to participate in interschool sport play at home and away at other schools and must pay a bus fare. Students also participate in a variety of sports clinics, tournaments, cross country running and interschool athletics.

Summer and Winter Sport are run from 11:00am to 1:30pm, including travel time when we play at other schools. Matches are scheduled to start at 11:30am. If a team finishes first in their division, they will then play in a finals match. Successful teams may compete at Divisional or Regional level.

In Term 2 the grade 3/4s and 5/6s have the opportunity to try out for District cross country running, which is 2 or 3 kms, depending on their age. This is run at Coburg athletics track and includes running through the adjacent parkland.

In Term 3, grades 3/4 and 5/6 try out to represent Pascoe Vale North Primary School at the Coburg District Athletics Carnival in ages U10, 11 and 12s. The field events are high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put and discus. The track events are 100m, 200m, 800m and relay. If a student finishes first or second in their event they progress through to the next level of competition. The levels of competition are school, district, division, regionals, state (Victorian) and then nationals.

In Term 4, the 5/6 cohort play intra-school friendly sports matches. The students are placed into teams and play a range of minor games which culminates in a final played close to the end of the school year.

Health

All students participate in health lessons. These are held each term and are generally classroom based. They cover such topics as: People who keep me safe and healthy, Dealing with feelings, Healthy eating, Water and road safety, Being more active, Healthy safe and active classrooms, Promoting physical health and safe medicines. These are just some of the areas covered throughout the school year.