Performing Arts
In Performing Arts lessons, students attend a sixty minute lesson each week in which they become immersed in the world of music, dance and drama. Students are provided with many opportunities to be musicians, composers, conductors, dancers, choreographers, actors, script-writers and directors.
The Performing Arts program at Dandenong West Primary School promotes a safe, supportive learning environment where all children are encouraged to have a go and celebrate their achievements in music, dance and drama. Students from all year levels are given the chance to perform musical and dance items at Monday morning assemblies throughout the school year.
The formal elements of Music are taught including beat, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and form. Students are engaged in a wide variety of musical genres including classical, jazz, musicals, pop and music from other cultures. Listening and responding to music allows students to discover the joy that music can bring and the feelings it can invoke.
Regular singing practice is a focus which incorporates learning the ‘sol-fa’ scale, Kodaly hand signs, vocal warm-ups and singing songs from a variety of musical genres. Playing percussion instruments, jumbie jams (West African steel drums) and keyboards are a highlight of music lessons as students learn to play melodies from classical to contemporary music!
In Dance, expressive and technical aspects are taught as well as finding portraying characters and interpreting the world around us. Students are taught formal elements of dance and are provided with opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers to choreograph dance sequences and routines in a variety of styles. Contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and cultural dances all form part of the dance curriculum.
In Drama, students build their confidence through a wide array of drama games which involve co-operation, teamwork, listening skills, voice projection, improvisation and characterization. They then move into more formal script-writing and performing, as well as using media to produce their own videos.
There are many opportunities for students to extend their performing arts through their experiences in:
* School Choir
* Dance Troupes
* School Concerts
* Dandy West’s Got Talent
* Assembly Performances
Visual Art
All students at Dandenong West Primary School experience a comprehensive Art program for one hour each week with a specialist Visual Art teacher.
Our art room is a resourceful, productive and busy environment where the children are valued as critical thinkers and explorers. They are supported in their processes of creative self-expression, encouraged to experiment in a safe space and to make informed decisions about art making.
All students are exposed to different art experiences. By way of excursions, visiting artists, workshops and funded art programs. We are proud to contribute artworks to many shows and competitions, including our own art show.
Physical Education
At Dandenong West, Physical Education is an important part of our students’ education. Our aim for students from Grades 3 to 6 is to deliver a program that challenges students physically and mentally by participating in group games, individual fitness tests and working with selected partners across many different abilities. For our students in Prep to Grade 2, they participate in different games, executing key fundamental motor skills and working with fellow classmates during physical activities.
Children at Dandenong West also have many exciting opportunities to represent the school in different sporting events. Our Grade 3 to Grade 6 students represent the school in District Cross Country and District Athletics. Our Grade 5 and 6 students also represent our school against other local schools in a competition called Gala Day. Students get a chance to play a variety of sports, such as Basketball, Soccer, AFL Football, Tee Ball, Netball, Rounders, Volleyball, Cricket, Tennis and Rugby.
Dandenong West representatives always aim to give their best and show good sportsmanship. We are very proud of all our Dandenong West students who have been awarded trophies, ribbons and medals from different sporting events over our school’s history. They are currently on display near our main office for viewing.