Specialist Programs
MUSIC
Classroom Music
Classroom music at Halidon is based on the WA Curriculum Framework and guided by the music specific pedagogies of Kodaly and Orff .
Students from year one to six attend weekly music lessons with a specialist music teacher in a well-resourced music room. Halidon is fortunate to have a wide variety of quality musical instruments. Students learn about the elements of music (rhythm, pitch, dynamics, expression, timbre, texture and form) by engaging in a variety of musical experiences such as singing, listening, moving, playing instruments and creating. Technology is incorporated into the learning process with the use of iPads and access to a computer room.
Students participate in community singing at school assemblies and Halidon is an advocate for the ‘Music: Count Us In’ program. http://www.musicaustralia.org.au
Instrumental Tuition
The specialised study of instrumental music further enhances student learning in music at Halidon.
The scholarship program offered through the School of Instrumental Music is aimed at those students who show keen interest and aptitude in music, and who are prepared to make an ongoing commitment to musical activity. Selected year five and six students are offered tuition in clarinet, brass or classical guitar. Small group lessons are provided weekly by qualified music teachers employed through the Department of Education and Training. Students have the opportunity to attend instrumental workshops, perform at special assemblies and join a training band at a local high school.
To see more information visit the website http://www.sim.iinet.net.au
Choir
Halidon provides opportunities for students to participate in choir activities and perform at special school assemblies, community events and choral festivals.
I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but more importantly music; for in the patterns of music and all the arts, are the keys to learning. – Plato
LOTE
At Halidon Primary School students study Japanese from Year 3 to Year 6.
Students develop skills and strategies for language acquisition as well as a knowledge of contemporary and traditional Japanese culture. We aim to prepare our students to participate in the Asian Century as a global citizen.
Taiko Drumming
The students at Halidon PS have been experimenting with their taiko drumming skills during their Japanese lessons. They thoroughly enjoyed keeping rythm and beat with each other and Ms Yukari Tsuzuki was very impressed with their skills.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
At Halidon we are proud of the comprehensive physical education and sports program that we provide to all students to help establish positive attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Physical activity for students has many benefits including developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, promoting academic learning, building self-esteem and developing cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship skills.
We provide weekly Physical Education lessons that are run by specialist teachers to all of our students. Our structured physical education program revolves around the development of student’s fundamental motor skills – running, jumping, dodging, kicking, throwing, catching etc. As students gain control with these skills, they are introduced to numerous sports through modified games. Each lesson has an emphasis on participation, persistence, teamwork, sportsmanship and all students experiencing success.
Our school recognises the importance of students being provided with the space and resources to be physical active during recess and lunchtimes as well as during PE lessons. We continue to invest in and develop the facilities available to students. Currently we have three full-size interchangeable basketball/netball courts, a naturally grassed oval with AFL and Soccer goals and two cricket pitch practice nets. Our school has three separate adventure playground areas designated for different year levels. Students also have easy access to sports equipment to use during recess and lunchtime with every classroom in the school having their own sports kit.
Apart from the weekly PE lessons, our school provides many extra programs and events to extend on the students’ experiences and skills:
In-term swimming
We coordinate a 9 lesson swimming program for all students, regardless of their swimming experience and ability at our local accredited swimming centre, Craigie Leisure Centre. All students from Pre-Primary through to Year receive guidance from trained staff in developing their swimming competency.
Faction and Interschool Athletics
These whole day events are held towards the end of Term 3 and serve as a great day for all students in the school. Faction Sports Day is held on our school oval and is an event strongly supported by the school community and our active Parents and Citizens Association. Faction Sports Day allows all students to participate in many track, field and team tabloid events such as long jump, distance throwing, flat and relay races, leader ball, tunnel ball and flag races. Students earn Faction points for their effort, attitude and participation with the top four finishers in each event representing our school at the Kingsley District Sports Association interschool competition.
Interschool Sports
Throughout Term 2, our students in Year 5 and Year 6 elect to represent our school in either Net ball, Soccer or AFL Football. The students train under the guidance of our specialist Physical Education teacher as well as classroom teachers during sports sessions. These teachers then assume a coaching role, along with parent volunteers as we compete against West Greenwood, Marangaroo, Dalmain and Goollelal Primary School in home and away fixtures. A key focus for Halidon students as well as our competing schools is that of participation and sportsmanship as well as skill development and a positive team ethos. All schools compete in a shortened game format for the Lightning Carnival where all schools play each other over the course of the day.
Running Club
At Halidon, we continually seek to improve the health and fitness of our students and our Running Club provides the ideal opportunity to promote these virtues whilst encouraging students to achieve their personal best. Students are acknowledged by receiving certificates at school assemblies after they complete every 50 laps.
Tennis coaching
We are proud supporters of Hince Tennis run by Keith Hince who conducts private tennis lessons on the school site for any interested students on Friday mornings before school. This program has been successfully run at our school for over 20 years and is well received by the school community.
Year 6 Camp
Students in Year 6 are given the opportunity to attend camp where they experience a range of outdoor pursuits. With an emphasis on promoting healthy, active lifestyles, students of all abilities participate in a range of activities including abseiling, rock climbing, archery, raft building, outdoor sport challenges, orienteering, ziplining and much more! Run by qualified instructors, the aim is to provide a safe experience in which students can extend their abilities and limitations.
ARTS
The Arts program offers students an opportunity to demonstrate expressive, creative and communicative forms that engage students in critical and creative thinking and help them understand themselves and the world. The Arts at Halidon Primary School encompasses Visual Arts and Music with both areas run by Specialist teachers. Further details outlining our high quality Music program are included in a separate section.
We have a Visual Arts facility where children participate in a wide variety of experiences, using a multitude of materials. Each Level will learn about – Painting, Drawing, Printing, Textiles, Modelling, Construction, Collage and Art appreciation. The Visual Arts curriculum focuses on Creating and Making and Exploring and Responding. We take great pride in our Visual Arts program and seek to showcase children’s’ work throughout the school and wider community. As such there are many areas around the school where our student’s high quality work is on display and each year, as part of our annual Open Night, student work is exhibited to all visitors.