Specialist Education – Years 3 to 6
Unlike many other schools, we employ specialist educators to teach a range of subjects to our early learning students.
Each specialist teacher is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their subject, which enhances our students’ learning experiences and provides them with opportunities to identify their passion.
Specialist teachers teach the following subjects in Years 3 to 6.
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SCIENCE  |
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RELIGIOUS STUDIES  |
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MUSIC  |
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STRINGS PROGRAM  |
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CHORAL PROGRAM  |
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BAND PROGRAM  |
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JAPANESE  |
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VISUAL ARTS  |
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION  |
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION  |
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Scientist in Residence
Our Scientist in Residence Program affords all our Years 3 to 6 students an opportunity to learn alongside a qualified scientist in our purpose-built science laboratory. Our Years 3 to 6 students participate in the program weekly, which allows them to engage in hands-on, practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) experiments and activities.
Outdoor Learning
We believe that nature can inspire learning. That is why we aim to integrate outdoor learning experiences into our curriculum and provide our students with guided and interdisciplinary learning opportunities in natural environments. Through practical experiences in natural settings, students enhance their knowledge, understanding, and skills, promoting effective living and movement, improved health and wellbeing, and a sense of social justice. The program addresses content across various learning areas, general capabilities, and cross-curriculum priorities, fostering personal and social capabilities, critical thinking, ethical understanding, and sustainability.
Year 3: Beach School
Year 3 centres on promoting social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and fostering community connections. During assertive behaviours and communication skills sessions, students learn how to respond to unsafe situations by keeping calm, utilising appropriate non-verbal communication and seeking help when needed. Unique beach-based activities, such as dune restoration at Trigg Reserve and coastal conservation programs, provide the girls with hands-on experiences that connect students with the environment.
Year 4: Connecting Community
Year 4 focus is on nurturing social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and fostering community connections. Throughout the year, they will participate in a series of engaging activities, including team-building exercises, small group hikes, orienteering, creating art using bush materials and a memorable night hike. The girls also visit our St Mary’s at Metricup campus for the first time for a special mother-daughter camp.
Year 5: Ecology Stewardship
Our Year 5 students embark on a transformative journey via our Stewardship Program, which focuses on instilling a profound sense of responsibility, environmental awareness and cultural understanding. In this immersive program, students delve into scientific exploration, investigating threatened species in the local area, participating in conservation efforts and learning about the dynamics of fire. Cultural heritage is celebrated via visits to Ellenbrook Homestead and Indigenous sites near Margaret River.
Year 6: Adventure Challenge
In Year 6, our students focus on building resilience, fostering personal growth and developing leadership skills, all while delving into the rich tapestry of Australia’s history and culture. Through a series of exhilarating activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, sleeping in a tent and cooking outdoors, our Year 6 students are not only challenged physically but also encouraged to develop their resilience, leadership qualities and a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural foundations of Australia.
Music
Our music program is a structured, sequential and Kodaly-based program, which recognises singing as the most direct path to a successful musical education. The main aim of the music program is for each child to experience and enjoy as many different types of active music making as possible, both in class and ensembles.
Year 3 String Program
Students in Year 3 can learn a string instrument free of charge for the year and participate in a string ensemble. As string players advance, they can join the Giocoso Strings ensemble (Years 1 to 4), and the Academy Strings ensemble (Years 4 to 6). They may also participate in chamber music ensembles.
Year 5 Band Program
Our Year 5 students can learn a concert band instrument free of charge and participate in our Year 5 Beginner Band. As wind, brass and percussion students advance, they are encouraged to join our Junior School Concert Band.
Instrument Tuition
Lessons for musical instruments are given privately by specialist music teachers who visit the school each week. Lessons are 40 minutes in duration and are scheduled throughout the school day. Our music lessons are conducted on rotation and the lesson day is fixed but they occur at a different time each week to ensure that students do not miss the same class each week.
Visual Arts
Our Years 3 to 6 students enjoy a vibrant and diverse visual arts program offering learning opportunities that foster their curiosity about the world and understanding of their place within it.
Art lessons are designed to expand our students’ critical and creative thinking skills and develop their dexterity through exposure to a broad range of resources, techniques and processes.
Sport
Our Physical Education curriculum focuses on the benefits of being active. We believe that participating in recreational and competitive sporting activities contributes to our students’ health and wellbeing. We focus on developing our students’ motor skills, fitness and game skills. The girls represent their Houses during interhouse carnivals and participate in several interschool sports, including Junior Independent Girls Schools Sports Association (JIGSSA) carnivals and tournaments.
Apply today
St Mary’s is all about girls discovering their best. We want our students to be engrossed in the exploration of ideas, to be self-motivated and self-directed, to delight in trying something new and to contribute positively to the community.