Specialists
...students can shine in different ways apart from the more academic disciplines and we discover the hidden and creative talents of our collective student body “… I am talented because we are talented ...”
Our specialist program provides a richer curriculum for our students, often connecting students with an area they have a particular interest in or a strength. This is often where student talents are surfaced and where students can shine in different ways apart from the more academic disciplines and we discover the hidden and creative talents of our collective student body “… I am talented because we are talented”
In addition to the core curriculum our specialist program includes learning in the curriculum areas of:
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Physical Education
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The Arts
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Technologies
Physical Education
Students participate in a one hour specialist Physical Education class each week (a further session is provided by the class teacher). The highlights of the year in this curriculum area are the Whole-school cross country, Athletics Carnival, the Swimming program and the Interschool Sports (years 5/6) involving Catholic schools in the Geelong area. Qualifying students are also able to participate in other regional competitions throughout the year, such as the District Cross Country.
The Arts
Students participate in a one hour specialist arts lesson each week (further sessions are provided by class teachers) in either Visual Arts, Media Arts or Performing Arts (Drama, Music, Dance), depending on the focus area for the semester/year. The highlights of this curriculum area are the showcases offered depending on the learning experiences, e.g. Art show, Performance. This year we have been fortunate to use funds raised by our hard working P & F group, to include an artist in residence, Lauren Green, who has worked with the students to create murals on the playground walls.
Technologies
Students participate in a one hour specialist lesson each week focussing on Design and Technology in semester one and Digital Technology in semester two. We are very fortunate to be technology rich at Holy Spirit school with Chrome books and iPads in each classroom. We also have coding resources such as Bee Bots, Spheros and Makey Makeys. A STEM club operates during one lunchtime each week. This year a group of our senior girls are also engaged in an opportunity to network with other schools in the local community, through the Deakin Girls in STEM initiative.
