Students at St Columba's relish the opportunities they are given to expand their knowledge and skills in a diverse range of specialist learning areas. At St Columba's we offer the following specialists subject areas and experiences.
Specialists
The Arts - Visual Arts, Music and Drama
The aim of our Arts program is to bring out the individual creative talents in each child and to build the confidence of each of our students. Each week, students engage in a Visual Arts lesson facilitated by our specialist Art teacher. In addition, throughout the term, students are regularly involved in specialist Music lessons that focus on music-making and creating.
Each even year, students engage in our Community Arts Program where students nominate a particular area of interest and participate in eight weeks of 'masterclasses' in that field. The program concludes with our Community Arts Expo.
In alternate years, every child is involved in a school musical giving them the chance to work cooperatively to stage a high-quality production. In 2017, we performed Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' and in 2019 our musical was 'Seussical.' In 2022 we were finally able to have our musical 'Madagascar jr'. And in 2023 our musical was 'Shrek Jr'.
Mandarin
There are many benefits to learning another language. Studies show that learning an additional language boosts problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills. It also has proven to improve memory, concentration, empathy, and the ability to multitask.
Key to being an IB PYP school is a commitment to ensuring that our students have the opportunity to learn an additional language. As such, all students at St Columba's participate in weekly Mandarin lessons. Through the guidance of a specialist Mandarin teacher, students are immersed in Chinese culture and customs, with an emphasis on language acquisition as they move through to Year Six.
Physical Education
Students at St Columba's love so much about our Physical Education and Sport Program. They enjoy the weekly PE lessons with our dedicated PE teacher, our weekly class sport lessons led by classroom teachers and the opportunities to participate in House and inter-school sporting events. Physical Education lessons focus primarily on the acquisition of movement skills and the concepts and strategies which will enable students to confidently, competently, and creatively participate in a range of physical activities.
During Sport, students participate in game-based activities, strengthening their sense of self and building relationships and a strong sense of teamwork. Prep students also engage in a weekly PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) that enhances gross motor skills, hand/eye coordination, balance, and eye-tracking skills.
