Specialists

 

Languages

At St. Brendan's Primary School, our Japanese language program is designed to inspire students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, the program focuses on three key areas: Engaging with Japanese Language and Culture, Communicating Meaning in Japanese, and Understanding Language and Culture. Through these areas, students develop their communication skills in Japanese while also exploring the rich history, traditions, and culture of Japan. The program offers students the opportunity to not only learn the language but also immerse themselves in the cultural practices that shape Japanese society. By fostering a deeper understanding of both language and culture, we aim to broaden students' global perspective and encourage respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.

Performing Arts/Music/Dance

At St. Brendan’s, Performing Arts is offered across all year levels, from Foundation through to Year 6, in weekly lessons. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum for Drama, Music, and Dance, students engage in a variety of activities designed to build confidence, enhance wellbeing, and foster enjoyment through participation. 

In Music, students have access to a wide range of instruments, starting with percussion in the early years and progressing to ukuleles, drumming, and keyboards in the upper levels. Drama activities allow students to work with peers to develop and present short performances, utilizing props, costumes, and a curtained stage area. Dance is incorporated into the program through games, activities, and ensemble performances, which are presented to the wider school community during open house events and special occasions. This comprehensive Performing Arts curriculum supports the development of creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, in line with the goals outlined in the Victorian Curriculum. 

Physical Education

At St. Brendan’s, our Physical Education program aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles for all students, fostering both physical and personal growth. In alignment with the Victorian Curriculum, we focus on the acquisition and application of movement skills, concepts, and strategies across a range of contexts. Through the use of our sheltered basketball court, netball court, and grass oval, students are exposed to diverse movement experiences that support their physical, social, psychological, and cognitive development. 

Students participate in weekly physical education lessons, engaging in various warm-up games, skill drills, and competitive activities. These experiences not only enhance students' movement performance but also build confidence and competence in a variety of physical contexts, from team sports to individual challenges. The primary focus is on developing sportsmanship, learning new skills, and having fun, while also promoting a sense of wellbeing, fostering personal and social skills, and helping students understand the balance between risk and challenge. Ultimately, our program aims to encourage lifelong participation in physical activity, with an emphasis on enjoyment and holistic development. 

STEAM

At St. Brendan’s Primary School, we are excited to introduce STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) as an innovative approach to learning. Through this integrated curriculum, students are immersed in hands-on activities that encourage creativity, design, coding, and innovation.

Our STEAM Challenges inspire students to think critically, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and persist in order to achieve a final product. These challenges foster independent thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration with peers.

Our dedicated STEAM room is equipped with a wide range of supplies, tools, and recycled materials to support project creation. Additionally, students have access to various digital technologies, including Sphero BOLT, Bee Bots, Edison robots, Gyro robots, iPads, laptops, and Makey Makey kits. These resources help students develop skills as responsible, intuitive, and skillful lifelong learners, ready to engage in the technological future.

At St. Brendan’s, we encourage students to use the Engineering Design Process as they explore the STEAM curriculum. This process allows students to tackle challenges in a structured yet creative way, building their problem-solving abilities and fostering teamwork. Through these engaging, hands-on activities, students develop the skills and confidence needed for success in a rapidly evolving world.

SCIENCE

At St Brendan’s, our Science Specialist Program inspires curiosity and a love for discovery! Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, our hands-on approach allows students to explore the wonders of biological, chemical, physical, and earth and space sciences through exciting experiments, investigations, and real-world applications. Our program nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students engage in a variety of interactive learning experiences that encourage them to ask questions, test ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through our Science Specialist Program, we empower young learners to become confident, inquisitive thinkers. 

 

The Sandhurst Catholic Education Office and Schools acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which their Offices and Schools are built. We commit to working in partnership with Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.