Specialist Program

We provide an inclusive Physical Education and Health Program for all students. We aim to promote a balanced program that incorporates the development of fundamental motor skills, health and fitness, competition and fun. Our school is very well equipped with a number of sporting areas for students to use, including an indoor gymnasium, a large oval, an astro-turf soccer field and running track and a synthetic turf netball and basket ball court. Students in Years 5 and 6 have the opportunity to participate in inter-school sports competition during Term 1 and 2. Students in Years 3-6 participate in Cross Country and Athletics day each year at our school. A tabloid sports carnival is run for Foundation to Year 2 students as part of our Athletics Day program.

The Performing Arts program incorporates Dance, Drama and Music. The Performing Arts learning space at Deer Park West is a supportive, engaging and enjoyable space in which we encourage all students to reach their creative and expressive potential. In Dance, students learn movement and dance techniques through choreography and performance opportunities. Through drama, students learn to move, speak and act with increased confidence, as they create, rehearse, perform and respond using the elements of drama. In Music, students compose and perform using their voice, body, and instruments. Percussion instruments are used by students in all year levels to explore beat and rhythm, in addition, the recorder is introduced at Year 2, and the ukulele is taught in years 4 to 6, in order to introduce students to musical notation through the use of tuned instruments.

The Visual Arts program is designed to equip students with visual communication skills. Students engage in learning experiences including drawing, painting, architecture, design, construction, fashion, sculpture and digital art. Each week, students engage in a journey of discovery, experimentation and problem solving through using a variety of exciting and amazing mediums and materials. Students are challenged to achieve their artistic potential in an enjoyable and supportive environment. They develop their creativity and imagination as well as refine their practical and fine motor skills.

The Chinese program focuses on developing students’ understanding about the role of language and culture in communication. Students develop their capacity to communicate and their understanding of the nature of language and culture of China. During Chinese classes, students learn about both written and spoken Mandarin language and culture. Students identify common Chinese written characters and words by using basic stroke orders, and also learn about the significant celebrations and festivals of China, including Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival.