The Arts at St Joseph’s
At St Joseph’s Primary School, The Arts are celebrated as a vital vehicle for self-expression, communication, and critical thinking. Our program is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, ensuring students develop both technical proficiency and a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of artistic works.
The Arts curriculum at St Joseph’s is delivered through two distinct specialist pathways: Visual Arts and Performing Arts.
1. Visual Arts: Creating and Making
In our dedicated Art space, students explore the visual world through hands-on experimentation. The curriculum focuses on the two key strands of the Victorian Curriculum: Explore and Represent Ideas and Visual Arts Practices.
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Foundation to Year 2: Students focus on the “building blocks” of art—line, shape, and color—using clay, paint, and collage to express personal experiences.
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Years 3 to 6: Students refine their skills in complex mediums like printmaking and textiles, analyzing the work of diverse artists to inspire their own unique style.
2. Performing Arts: Music and Drama
The Performing Arts stream brings the curriculum to life through movement, sound, and storytelling, focusing on the Music Practices and Present and Perform strands of the curriculum.
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Music: Students develop auditory literacy, learning to understand rhythm, and explore a range of instruments, from percussion to the wind.
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Drama: Students explore the elements of drama, such as voice and movement, to create imaginary worlds through improvisation and scripted performances, building immense self-confidence.
Performance & Community
At St Joseph’s, we believe the Arts are meant to be shared. We provide two major high-profile performance opportunities:
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The Annual School Production: Each year, every student in the school is involved in our whole-school production. This ensures that every child, from Foundation to Year 6, experiences the thrill of the stage, developing teamwork and performance skills in a professional theater environment.
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Wakakirri Story Dance: Every two years, our Year 4 to 6 students represent the school in the prestigious National Wakakirri Story Dance competition. This program allows our senior students to engage in story-sharing through a fusion of dance, drama, and creative movement, competing on a professional stage against other schools across the state.
Extra-Curricular Performing Arts
We offer an array of additional ensembles that proudly represent St Joseph’s at public, Parish, and collaborative events, as well as our weekly school assemblies:
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Drumbeat: An accredited program utilizing African djembe drums to build social skills and rhythm.
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Choirs: We facilitate a Senior Choir (Grades 3–6) and a Junior Choir (Grades 1–2).
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Instrumental Lessons: Private or group tuition is available during or after school for Piano, Drum, and Guitar.