Specialist Programs

Art

At Valkstone Primary School, we aim to deliver an engaging and varied Visual Arts Program which focuses on an age-appropriate scope and sequence that begins with explicit instruction in the early years, through to guided learning in the middle and senior years, as well as opportunity for independent learning through the development of conceptual and perceptual ideas.

This sequential developmental approach enables students to develop skills, techniques and processes in the following areas:

  • drawing
  • painting and printmaking
  • sculpture
  • collage
  • textiles
  • clay

Students work at a level appropriate to their needs to develop knowledge and skills using visual conventions. They explore critical and creative thinking opportunities, engage in and develop visual arts practice and creative processes and also learn ways to express and communicate imaginative Visual Arts ideas in a supportive learning environment.

Students are exposed to a broad range of materials and styles. This allows them to nurture individual expression and creativity, cultivate aesthetic awareness and develop an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design. Participation in the Visual Arts program fosters group participation, problem solving, confidence, persistence, time management, responsibility, risk taking and, of course, enjoyment.

While working in our purpose-built Art Room, students are encouraged to develop their inner confidence and self-awareness as well as develop an ability to analyse and respect artworks from a diverse list of international artists, past and present. Students are exposed to a range of artists and art styles and are encouraged to discuss their responses to selected artworks.

A highlight for all students is the annual Art Show, where our gymnasium is transformed into a spectacular exhibition with every student having multiple pieces of artwork on display. It’s a visual feast enjoyed by the whole school community. By celebrating and showcasing the work of our students (and some staff), we are reinforcing that we value their creativity and endeavour. Student work is also on display throughout the school which the school community is welcome to view and enjoy for a period of time before taking it home. 

Rochelle Hunt and Nguyen Sensei

STEM

Program Overview

Valkstone Primary School’s STEM program curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while promoting sustainable solutions. Our specialist STEM program is taught at all levels from P-6

Robotics/Coding

Students learn to design, build and program robots, developing problem-solving skills and technological literacy.  
In the junior years, students use Bee Bots and Blue Bots, and LEGO® robotics kits and Sphero robots in the senior years

Science Exploration

Hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning foster scientific curiosity and understanding of natural phenomena.

Sustainable Gardening

Students learn about ecosystems, plant biology and sustainable agriculture through our on-site garden projects, including our veggie gardens, chickens, worm farms and frog pond area.

Engineering Design Process

We teach the iterative process of designing, testing and improving solutions to real-world problems.

Culinary Science

Cooking integrates real world maths, chemistry, nutrition and cultural studies, promoting healthy eating habits, while also utilising produce from our vegetable gardens.

LEGO® Engineering

Using LEGO bricks, students explore principles of engineering, architecture, and physics in a fun, engaging way.

Technology Skills

At Valkstone Primary School we aim to equip our students with essential technology skills that will serve them well in the digital age:

Basic Computer Skills
Students learn fundamental computer operations, file management and digital literacy skills essential for the modern world.

Typing Proficiency
Through Typing Club, students develop proper keyboarding techniques and improve their typing speed and accuracy.

Graphic Design
Students learn to create visually appealing designs and infographics to effectively communicate their ideas and project findings.

Animation
Through animation projects, students bring their ideas to life and learn about storytelling and visual communication.


Videography
Students learn basic video production skills, including shooting, editing and post-production techniques.

Photography
Through photography projects, students develop an eye for composition and learn to document their work effectively.

These technology skills are integrated throughout our STEM program, allowing students to create compelling presentations and showcase their projects using a variety of digital media.

Guided by Sustainable Development Goals

Our curriculum is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that students understand global challenges and their role in creating a sustainable future.

Valkstone Primary School supports

Sample Projects

  • Explore Mars rovers using AR technology and program a robot on a mission to Mars.
  • Explore the different types of energy and research how we can be more sustainable.
  • Develop and implement a composting system for the school garden.
  • Plan, draw and engineer musical instruments using recycled materials.
  • Plan and grow a Bush Tucker Garden that will then be used for cooking.

The Benefits of Our STEM Program

Our program offers numerous benefits that prepare students for future success, including:

Enhanced Critical Thinking
Students develop advanced problem-solving skills by tackling real world challenges, fostering analytical thinking and logical reasoning.

Unleashed Creativity
Our program nurtures innovation, encouraging students to think “outside the box” and develop unique solutions to complex problems.

Practical Tech Experience
Hands-on activities with technology and scientific concepts prepare students for the digital future.

Environmental Awareness
Students gain a deep understanding of sustainability and develop a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.

Collaborative Skills
Group projects and team-based learning improve communication, teamwork and leadership abilities essential for future success.

STEM Confidence

Our supportive environment helps students build confidence in STEM subjects, encouraging them to pursue these fields in higher education and careers.

By participating in our program, students not only gain valuable knowledge and skills, but also develop a passion for learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Music

Students at Valkstone Primary School are exposed to an extensive developmental music program, which aims to foster a deep appreciation and love of music. They are encouraged to perform, create and share their music skills amongst the school and wider community. Music sessions assist in building confidence, self-esteem, persistence, social skills and concentration. Students sing, dance, play and, most of all, have fun!

In grades Prep, One and Two, children commence learning with the building blocks of music, such as beat, rhythm, pitch and dynamics. Body percussion, as well as non-tuned and tuned percussion instruments, are used extensively. Ms. Darling teaches Prep and Grades 2-6, and Grade 1 is taught by Nguyen Sensei.

Children from Grade Three onward learn to play the ukulele as an accompaniment to their singing. Valkstone Primary School has a class set of ukuleles, but should you wish to purchase one to play at home, we recommend Mahalo ukuleles, which can be purchased from around $50 and come with a two-year warranty. You will find a colourful array of ukuleles at the Melbourne Music Centre at 525 North Road, Ormond.

During the latter part of Grade Five and during Grade Six, students also learn to play guitar to capitalise on skills that are developed through their ukulele tuition. Once again, suitable guitars can be purchased for approximately $120 at the Melbourne Music Centre.

The following optional lunchtime music sessions are also available from Term Two:

Junior and Senior Choir

Students from Grade One to Grade Four can join Junior Choir with Ms. Darling, Nguyen Sensei and Mrs. Rouch in the Music Room every Friday during the first half of lunchtime. Grade Five and Six students enjoy Senior Choir with Ms. Darling during the first half of lunchtime each Thursday in the Music Room. All Junior Choir students are encouraged to bring along a plastic display book. These books enable students to bring music home in a neat and orderly fashion.

Ukulele Group

A Ukulele Club, consisting of Grades Four, Five and Six children, rehearse every Tuesday during the first half of lunchtime. Students are welcome to come and improve their skills with extra tuition and by ‘jamming’ with others.

Musicorp

Musicorp is an organisation that works in conjunction with Valkstone to offer small group lessons from Grade Two onward. These lessons do involve an extra cost. In Grade One students are offered keyboard lessons. From Grade Two, guitar and drums are included in the program. From Grade Three, additional brass, woodwind and percussion instruments are added to the list of lessons on offer. Scheduled on a Monday during school time, these lessons are voluntary and additional to the school music program. Brochures are available in the office foyer.

School Band

The Valkstone school band practises each Monday at lunchtime in the multi-purpose room servery. Please see Ms. Darling for additional details.

Whole School Concert

A highlight of the Valkstone school year is the whole school Celebration Concert, which is held in December on the school grounds.

Jenn Darling and Nguyen Sensei

Japanese

At Valkstone, we have a lot of fun in our Japanese program!

All Prep to Grade 6 students have a weekly 50-minute lesson in Japanese. Students have topic-based Japanese classes each term for their year level. We teach students songs with actions to enhance their learning of topical vocabulary. Students have activities focused on 4 strands of learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Japanese cultural aspects are an important part of our program. We practice Japanese manners and politeness in each lesson. We also incorporate learning of Japanese festivals through craft and origami activities (e.g., Hinamatsuri, Doll’s festival, in March and Children’s Day in May).

iPads have been implemented into our Japanese program for many years. Our students enjoy learning Japanese characters, typing in Japanese and creating puppet role-play shows using iPad Apps.

We have a sister school, Takou Primary School in Osaka, and have developed an amicable relationship through video conferencing sessions. We also work closely with Kawachinagano Media Centre in Osaka to facilitate video conference opportunities between Valkstone and various schools in Japan and other countries. We have participated in online musical exchange with students from Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, England, Finland and Canada. Valkstone students learn popular Japanese songs such as anime theme songs to showcase for such occasions.

Every second year, a Japanese Cultural Day is organised where we learn about and experience Japanese traditions and celebrate Japanese culture. We have visitors to showcase their specialty, such as taiko drumming, shamisen playing and martial arts.

Every fortnight, we select a Japanese word or phrase (‘the Japanese Word of the Fortnight’) which the students are encouraged to use for the two-week period. The word is presented by our Year 5 students at our school assembly. Students who use the particular word obtain tickets and enter the draw for a prize. The lucky winner is announced at the assembly.

Muldeary Sensei & Nguyen Sensei
マルディーリせんせい & ニューエンせんせい

PE

Elements of the Physical Education Program

  • Basketball, netball, Newcombe and European handball.
  • Soccer and AFL.
  • Tennis, t-ball, rounders, cricket, softball, hockey and lacrosse.
  • Athletics.
  • Fundamental motor skills and movement skills.
  • Strategies and tactics.
  • Examining the benefits of physical activity and the body’s reactions.
  • Teamwork and co-operation and applying fair play.
  • Sport clinics with experts from various institutions, such as AFL Victoria, NRL Victoria, etc.
  • Visits from McKinnon Secondary College students (MSLA program), who work one on one with our students, further developing skills.

Elements of the Sport Program

  • Weekly level sports training sessions for grades 3 to 6 students. This is in addition to weekly Physical Education lessons.
  • Grade 6 summer and winter Lightning Premiership days.
  • House cross country: Junior school Prep-Grade 3 and senior school Years 4-6.
  • House athletics and swimming for grades 4-6.
  • Opportunities to further compete at a district, division, regional and state level.
  • Valkstone swimming, cross country and athletics teams for grades 4-6.
  • Intensive year level swimming programs, Prep-6 at GESAC.
  • Bicycle education program for years 4-6.
  • Whole school tabloid sports days.
  • District girls footy and soccer gala days.
  • Hooptime – Grade 6 basketball competition.
  • Year 6 cricket blast gala days.
  • Volleyball program.
  • Running club.

Grade 6 weekly interschool sport program.

Summer sports offered: Fully loaded softball, rounders, hardball cricket, girls T-ball, lawn bowls, kanga cricket, Hot Shots tennis and circle ball.

Winter sports offered: Basketball, netball, hockey, volleyball (SpikeZone), t-ball, AFL 9’s and soccer.

Kate Walker, Erin Goodman and Cara Glen