Physical Education
Physical Education is the acquisition of movement skills, concepts and strategies to enable students to confidently, competently and creatively participate in a range of physical activities. As a foundation for lifelong physical activity participation and enhanced performance, students develop proficiency in movement skills, physical activities and movement concepts and acquire an understanding of the science behind how the body moves. In doing so, they develop an appreciation of the significance of physical activity, outdoor recreation and sport both in Australian society and globally.
Students at St Cecilia’s participate in one 45 minute lesson with a specialist teacher each week. Students may also take part in a more games based lesson with their class teacher weekly, to reinforce the skills being taught through our specialist program.
Inter school sport
St Cecilia’s is a member of Sporting Schools Victoria, and joins in a variety of inter school sport opportunities. In Years 5 and 6 there are events across the school year including cross country, athletics, basketball, softball, netball and soccer. Students in Years 3 and 4 also have opportunities in gala days for cross country, athletics and basketball.
Intra School Sport
All students compete in their house colours in different carnivals throughout the year, including cross country, running sprints and house sports.
The swimming program at St Cecilia’s is for Foundation - Year 4, usually occurring in Term 4 using the local facilities at Bialik College. These lessons are run by an external swimming school. Year 5/6 students participate in an Open Water Program that consists of sailing and a Beach Life Saving day.
French
At St. Cecilia’s, we teach French lessons to all students from Foundation to Year Six.
Why have we chosen to teach French?
1. A world language.
French is one of the most widely used languages in the world. There are forty-nine countries throughout the world that either use French as their official, second or priority language. This represents one quarter of the world’s nations. An estimated 120 million students throughout the world study French, making it the most widely taught second language after English. French is widely taught in Asia and is the official language of many of Australia’s nearest Pacific neighbours, including New Caledonia, which is only two hours flying time from Sydney.
2. A fantastic learning pathway.
All 22 Secondary Schools that the majority of our St. Cecilia students move on to, teach French.
3. The long tradition of French being taught in Victoria continues.
St. Cecilia joins with many primary and secondary government and non government schools providing a strong, innovative French program. French continues to be a popular study at Year 12 level, with approximately 1300 students studying the language annually.
We know that Language is much more than a subject – it is a way to connect with one another, to communicate with the ‘other’, to learn about ourselves and to learn from someone else. At St. Cecilia’s, French is taught at every level.
We also encourage students and families to maintain use of their mother tongue. Language education offers learners different ways to understand and value diverse peoples’ languages and cultures. While English is important in our globalised world, it is also important to maintain and build academic knowledge of home languages or an additional language, so that young people can work, communicate and collaborate with others across the world.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts includes the fields of art, craft and design. Students create visual art works that communicate, challenge and express their own and others’ ideas. They learn about the role of the artist, craftsperson and designer and their contribution to society. Students learn about the relationships between the viewer and artworks. Visual Arts supports students to view the world through various lenses and contexts. Learning in the Visual Arts helps students to develop understanding of world cultures and their responsibilities as global citizens.
At St Cecilia’s, students receive a dedicated 45 minutes per week with our Visual Art specialist teacher.
We recognise it is just as important to enjoy the process and flow of creating as it is to complete a finished response. Students are able to both relax and challenge themselves whilst immersed in their art, as they continue and strive to produce a diverse and wide range of artforms which reflects the influence of many historical and contemporary cultures and artists.
Music - Performing Arts
Saint Cecilia is the Patron Saint of Music. This has special significance for our school. The Performing Arts program is therefore a vibrant part of our school with an emphasis on music education.
Music develops confidence in students to be creative, innovative, thoughtful, skilful and informed musicians. They learn skills to listen, improvise, compose, interpret, perform, and respond to different genres of Music. Students learn about music and music practices across global communities, cultures and musical traditions. At St Cecilia’s, all students have a Music lesson weekly with our Specialist teacher.
Through music-making experiences we aim to nurture in children an enjoyment and understanding of the performing arts (Music/ Dance/ Drama) which will enrich the quality and creativity of their lives. Music is also an important part of our liturgical celebrations both at school and in the parish community with our school choir leading the singing at masses once a month.
In developing a cohesive and progressive music program students are given opportunities to acquire musical knowledge (rhythm, melody, harmony, expression, tone colour, style, form, theory, history) through a balanced program of musical experiences (singing, moving, dancing, playing instruments, listening, creating).
Sustainability & Garden Program
Education for Sustainability Vision
At St Cecilia's Primary School we strive to inspire courageous learners to make a difference, respect, care for and share the earth's resources by exploring the sustainability Ethos and Catholic Social Teaching around the Stewardship of Creation.