Jells Park is most fortunate to be able to offer a number of programs, delivered by specialist teachers, including Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical Education, DigiTech and LOTE.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts program is a special feature of the school, providing students from Foundation to Level 6 the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting activities, including the school choir, performance groups and music lessons, as well as the whole school concert at the end of each year.

Student performance skills are showcased and celebrated at the Performance Showcase held every second year. This is an opportunity to undergo an audition and then perform in front of 500+ parents and students.

Term 1 & 2 - Music & Dance

During term 1 and 2, students participate in a music and dance focused program in their Performing Arts lessons.  The Performing Arts program has an experiential learning approach, constantly linking theory and practical skills to then apply them to ‘real-life’ music making. Lessons focus on the elements of melody and rhythm recognition and playing. Students learn a range of instruments with a focus on particular instruments for each year level. Students are taught a range of different skills and are encouraged to perform and explore these skills. The Performing Arts Program has a strong voice focus. Students are encouraged to sing and learn different techniques with their voice that also assist their instrument skills and their theory skills.

 Term 3 - Drama

In term 3, Performing Arts lessons are focused around Drama and Drama skills.

 Term 4 - Whole School Concert

In term 4, Performing Arts lessons transform into whole level concert practice. Students learn songs and dances that they perform at the end of the year in a final whole school concert in Caulfield Grammar’s fantastic Performing Arts Centre. The concert is held annually and is a large part of the Jells Park Primary School calendar. The concert also provides opportunities for students in Level 6 to use their acting skills, linking the whole concert together with a play on the concert’s main theme.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program promotes the development of coordinated movement, strength and endurance. Group activities and games encourage teamwork and leadership with an emphasis on skill development and participation.

• All children in Foundation to Level 6 have weekly Physical Education (PE) lessons.

· The focus in Foundation to level 2 is on developing fundamental motor skills and a ‘try it’ approach to lots of different sports and activities

• Level 3 & 4 students continue to develop a higher level of sport associated skills and are introduced to game sense by learning the sports that will be offered in Levels 5 & 6. They also at times have extra opportunities for weekly sport sessions or extra curricular sporting programs.

• Level 5 students participate in weekly PE sessions to practice the major sports and athletics and they also have the opportunity to enter Regional and Divisional teams.

• Level 6 students participate in an interschool sport competition (eg: football, netball, cricket), swimming, athletics and cross-country in the Waverley East District. Successful students also participate in Divisional, Regional and State events. Our school concentrates on the participation of as many children as possible in these activities while striving to obtain excellent results. PE lessons continue to develop game awareness and sport related skills along with teamwork and leadership.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Program at Jells Park Primary School cultivates creativity, risk-taking and imagination. In the weekly lessons, all students explore various materials, techniques and processes. During that time they experiment and develop their skills in one or more areas of drawing, printmaking, collage, painting, textiles, construction and modelling. They draw inspiration for their artwork from a range of local and international artists.

Throughout the process of making and viewing art, students are encouraged to:

· express their feelings, ideas and view of the world

· enjoy each step along the way to the finished artwork

· present their work for discussion and display

· give kind, specific and helpful feedback to their peers

· be a community of artists and learn from each other

The Arts are valued at Jells Park Primary School. The fully equipped art room has been enhanced by a new state-of-the art kiln paid for by the school community. Student artwork is showcased and celebrated by being displayed around the school and at the Art Show held every second year.