Specialist Lessons

 

As well as our dedicated class teachers, our students’ learning is enhanced by offering a diverse range of opportunities.

Our specialist lessons include:

 

Drama & Performing Arts

Drama is a key component of our curriculum at BCPS with all students participating in weekly specialist lessons with our resident Drama teacher, Mel.  

Children respond positively to the imaginative and multi-sensory learning offered by Drama.  This in turn helps them develop such skills as creativity, enquiry, communication, empathy, self-confidence, cooperation, leadership and negotiation.  Most importantly, drama is fun – making learning both enjoyable and memorable. 

Music

Everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing or playing an instrument. Research has proven Music to be an extremely important subject for all students to learn as it can lead to better brain development, increased human connections and even stress relief. 

Our BCPS students are extremely fortunate to experience the expertise and passion Michael, our Music Educator, shares at weekly Music lessons.  Michael is a skilled and experienced musician (he has even won an ARIA award!).  He collaborates with classroom teachers to develop Music programs that foster knowledge, skills and understanding in performing music of varying styles, from different times and cultures through singing, playing and moving.

 
 

For two terms each year,  the students work with Mel and Michael, to prepare for our annual performance. This musical theatre production is a well-loved tradition within our school and wider community. It is an incredible opportunity for students to develop their production and performance skills as well as to showcase their amazing talents.

 
 
 

Spanish

Hola! Learning a second language is good for young people’s cognitive development and research shows that the earlier you start the better, which is why all Prep to Year 6 students at BCPS learn Spanish.  

Stefany, our Spanish teacher, is from Peru and as such is able to provide the students with a deep understanding of her language and culture.  In her weekly Spanish lessons, the students engage in interactive games and activities to learn and practice the language, the benefits of which have additional all-round advantages, including enhanced literacy, verbal and mathematical skills and increased creativity.

Visual Arts

At BCPS we believe providing lessons in the Visual Arts at a young age introduces students to problem solving techniques which help them to see the world in new ways and provide access to creative ways of knowing.  

Through weekly lessons with Dani, our Visual Art teacher, our Year 1-6 students discover how art can communicate their own ideas and how they can develop increasingly realistic depictions and mastering new techniques.  By the end of their primary school years, these young artists can think critically about their own work and that of others, establishing a unique point of view and a sense of community with other creative individuals.

 

Library

Our library provides more than just books, it is also a safe haven for our students to think, create, share and grow. Our library staff, Mel and Tracey, oversee a welcoming space that promotes intellectual curiosity and where students may explore their personal interests and embrace learning as a life skill, not just an academic necessity. There are books of many genres suitable for all ages and an extensive range of interests.   

At BCPS we also celebrate literature through events including our annual Book Week festivities.

Student Support

BCPS aims to provide a supportive and flexible school environment that understands and responds to the individual physical, social, emotional and academic needs of all students. Our vision for all students is that they feel valued in a learning environment which both challenges and supports them to achieve.

We strongly believe in the importance of working closely with teachers, parents, students, and external professionals, in order to develop the most effective holistic plan for students with diverse needs.

Sarah, our Learning Support teacher provides educational advice to teachers to assist with differentiation of teaching practices. She also provides direct support to students with additional learning needs through in-class, small groups and individual programs.

 

Teacher Assistants

Our teacher assistants are integral members of the BCPS team, providing valuable teaching and learning support in our School.  They work closely with the teachers supervising students and participating in learning activities under the direction of the teachers as well as developing resources and assisting with the general operation of the classroom. Their daily duties may include:

  • Setting up equipment and helping to prepare classrooms for lessons, tidying up afterwards and helping with displays

  • Providing targeted support to children who need additional help with learning

  • Assisting students to develop independent learning skills

  • Providing individual and small group support to children

  • Looking after children’s welfare needs, including dealing with playground accidents and caring for children who may be upset

  • Helping with school excursions and special events

School Counsellor 

Sara, our School Counsellor’s goal is to work with parents and staff to help children build resilience, learn positive self-talk and have a growth mindset.  Let’s face it: there is a stigma when it comes to counselling and mental health and the aim is for the BCPS community to work together to remove the idea that accessing a counsellor means there is something wrong with you.   We propose a new idea:  Speaking to a counsellor means there is something RIGHT with you! 

Mental wellness is an essential part of staying healthy and practising self-care.  Sara helps students, parents and staff by providing support, advice and respite in a safe and confidential environment. This is not always about mental health but also friendships and relationships, self-esteem, behaviour and social skills.  Sara’s goal is to help students to problem solve and navigate tricky or confusing social situations while helping them to grow into self-aware and kind members of society.

Teachers and parents can make a referral or students can self- refer if they wish to speak to Sara.  It is important to remember if a child is asking for help, this is a HUGE step towards growth and mental wellness.  Let’s applaud their bravery and support them on this journey.

Sara is available each Thursday or Friday in the Treehouse.