Specialist Programs

 
L.O.T.E.
“Languages other than English” is one of the Discipline-based Learning components of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.
 
Japanese is the chosen language at Wodonga West Primary School and it is taken as a specialist subject. All students from Year Prep to Year 6 are involved in the study of the Japanese culture and language.
We have a trained teacher of Japanese language.
 
In our Japanese studies we aim to develop within our students the ability to:
  • Communicate effectively in another language through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • Appreciate and respect the views of others and their way of life.
  • Develop a sense of personal and cultural identity through comparison and reflection of other language and culture.
  • Increase awareness of the multi-cultural nature of Australian society and to develop inter-culturally aware citizens.
 
Our school has many Japanese resources and it is through games, stories, songs, role plays, craft work and cooking that children are immersed in the study of Japan and its language
 
 
MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
 
Our Performing Arts / Music program focuses on the Arts Strand of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards:
  • Creating and Making.
  • Exploring and Responding.
 
In the classroom, students develop an understanding of the elements of music and discover how to create, make and perform a variety of musical styles, both known and unknown and from a range of cultures.
 
A wide range of instruments are encouraged and taught, expressive qualities of music are explored and students work practically by combining sounds from varied sources for particular purposes.
Students also work with various software packages for learning about music and for creating original compositions.
 
An Elective extension program runs concurrently with the classroom program. This includes “Rock Band” and “Choir”. Students have the opportunity to specialise in their area of interest and numbers are flexible.
 
 
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
At Wodonga West we are fortunate to have a climate controlled gymnasium which allows for physical education activities to be pursued year round.
 
As well as classroom time for physical education activities, children at Wodonga West have sessions with a specialist Physical Education Teacher once a week. This teacher also coordinates our swimming program and our competitive sport (years 5-6) including Zone, Regional and State Wide competitions. 
 
VISUAL ARTS
 
All children from P-6 have access to our specialist art studio and program conducted by our visual arts teacher, in addition to classroom activities in this area. Students are often involved in preparing art projects for special events at the school and in the community. We are very proud of the standards they achieve and displays of children’s art work are a feature of our corridors and around our school.