Specialist Program

STEM

At Killara Primary School, STEM learning ignites curiosity, creativity and critical thinking through engaging, hands-on experiences. The development of STEM-capable learners begins in primary school, where students are encouraged to explore, question, experiment and solve problems while making connections between Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in real-world contexts.

Students from Prep to Year 6 participate in a one-hour weekly STEM lesson with our specialist teacher in our dedicated STEM learning space. Through investigations, design challenges and collaborative projects, students develop problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills while building confidence, resilience and a growth mindset.

Our STEM program fosters a creative and innovative learning environment for young scientists, engineers and designers. Students engage with a variety of technologies, including Bee-bots, Ozobots and Dash Robots, while developing an understanding of scientific inquiry, engineering design and emerging technologies. By encouraging curiosity and authentic problem-solving, we equip students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to thrive in an increasingly technological and ever-evolving world.

Visual Art

Visual Arts provides students with opportunities to explore, create, and express ideas through a wide range of artistic experiences. Through weekly lessons, students develop their understanding of the visual arts while building creativity, confidence, and practical skills.

Students investigate and apply the elements of art, including colour, line, shape, texture, and form, as they experiment with different techniques and processes. They work with a variety of materials and mediums, including:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Printing
• Clay and sculpture
• Threads and Textiles
• Collage and mixed media

In our well-equipped Visual Arts learning space, students are encouraged to take creative risks, solve problems creatively, and develop their own artistic style. They learn to use tools and materials safely and responsibly while refining their skills through hands-on experiences.

Students explore and discuss artworks created by Australian and international artists from both the past and present. Through these experiences, they discover how art can tell stories, share ideas, and reflect different cultures, histories, and perspectives. By talking about and reflecting on artworks, students build their confidence in expressing their own opinions and develop an appreciation for the many ways people communicate through art.

We proudly celebrate student creativity by displaying artwork throughout the school, transforming our learning spaces into vibrant galleries that showcase achievement, inspire others, and foster a strong sense of pride in student learning.

Physical Education

At Killara Primary School, our Physical Education program provides students with opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to lead active and healthy lives. Through a variety of engaging, inclusive and enjoyable experiences, students develop fundamental movement skills, strengthen their ability to work collaboratively with others, and gain an understanding of how regular physical activity supports their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, our program provides students with authentic opportunities to refine movement skills, apply tactics and strategies in a range of game situations, and develop knowledge and understanding of the benefits of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Foundation – Year 2

In the early years of Physical Education, students develop the essential movement skills that provide the foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity and sport. These Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) include running, jumping, hopping, balancing, throwing, catching and kicking, helping students build confidence and competence in a variety of movement settings.

Through engaging games and structured learning experiences, students learn to move safely, follow instructions and rules, work cooperatively with others, and develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Year 3/4

In Years 3 and 4, students build on their fundamental movement skills by applying them in a variety of physical activities, sports and game-based learning experiences. Through participation in athletics, fitness, kicking and punting activities, net and wall sports, striking and fielding games and invasion games, students continue to develop their movement competence, confidence and understanding of game play.

Students learn to combine and refine movement skills, work collaboratively with others, make decisions in dynamic situations and apply simple tactics and strategies during games and sporting activities. Through these experiences, they develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity and participation in sport.

Beginning in Year 3, students have the opportunity to represent Killara Primary School in interschool sporting events at a District level. These experiences include swimming, cross country and athletics competitions, as well as participation in events such as the Rugby Gala Day. These opportunities encourage students to challenge themselves, demonstrate sportsmanship, and experience the excitement of competing alongside and against students from other schools.

Year 5/6

In Years 5 and 6, students further develop their movement skills, tactical awareness and understanding of game play through a variety of sports and physical activities. Using a Game Sense approach, students apply skills, strategies and decision-making in dynamic game situations across invasion games, striking and fielding activities, and net and wall sports. Through these experiences, students strengthen their teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while learning to adapt their play to different situations and opponents.

Senior students are also provided with a range of opportunities to represent the school in interschool sporting competitions. Students may participate in District Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics events, as well as Rugby and Cricket Gala Days. These experiences allow students to challenge themselves, demonstrate sportsmanship and compete against students from other schools.

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in Winter and Summer Interschool Sports competitions. These competitions may include sports such as volleyball, basketball, lawn bowls, tennis, netball, AFL 9s, soccer and tee ball. Through participation in these events, students develop confidence, resilience and a deeper appreciation for the benefits of teamwork, commitment and lifelong involvement in physical activity.

Social and Emotional Learning

At Killara Primary School, we believe that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is integral to the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of a student. When students feel safe, connected and confident, they are better able to learn, build positive relationships and thrive both at school and beyond.

Currently, all students from Prep to Year 6 participate in a one-hour Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson each week with our SEL Specialist Teacher. Our program is built around School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS), Zones of Regulation and the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program. Students also engage in SEL learning within their classrooms, focusing on our school values, friendships, emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive relationships.

Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, our SEL program develops students' skills across the Personal and Social Capability learning area, supporting them to:

• Understand and manage their emotions
• Develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills
• Build positive relationships and friendships
• Show empathy, respect and kindness towards others
• Communicate effectively and resolve conflicts respectfully
• Demonstrate resilience when facing challenges
• Contribute positively to their school and wider community

Through SWPBS, students are explicitly taught the behaviours and expectations that help create a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment. The Zones of Regulation framework helps students recognise their emotions and develop strategies to manage their feelings and behaviours. The RRRR program supports students to build emotional literacy, resilience and an understanding of respectful relationships, inclusion and equality.

At Killara Primary School, our goal is to empower every student with the social and emotional skills they need to become confident, respectful and successful learners for life.