Specialist Subjects
Performing Arts
We provide students with a specialised Performing Arts program that includes Music, Dance and Drama.
In Music students explore beat, rhythm, pitch and dynamics with instruments, voice and body percussion. Students sing and respond to music as a class. Students engage in music theory and as they build their knowledge, create compositions of their own.
In Drama, we explore character and storytelling through improvised and scripted activities. Students learn and implement performance techniques when they perform to an audience. Students love to write and direct their own performances once they have grasped the knowledge and skills needed. We also explore puppetry as a storytelling medium.
In Dance, students learn the elements needed to build an engaging and entertaining movement sequence and create dances with others to present to the class. Students explore dances from around the world and develop the language to communicate their purposes and cultural importance.
There is a strong commitment towards excellence in all areas of Performing Arts.
In fourth term, our Performing Arts focus is to create, rehearse and polish a performance for the End of Year Celebration, as a culmination of the year’s learning. This concert is a highly regarded school community event.
The following co-curricular opportunities are provided for students with interests and talents in The Performing Arts:
Junior Choir
The Groovers and Shakers’ is held for students in Years 3, 4 and 5.
The focus is on fun, energy, entertainment, presentation and commitment to the group.
Senior Choir
During terms 1, 2 and 3, the Senior Choir directs its energy to preparing for the Festival of Music held in August / September when this hard working and committed group of Year 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to perform at the Festival Theatre. Students can audition to sing solo for the school choir and/or the dance troupe and this may lead to students performing in the Festival of Music concert.
Instrumental Lessons
Students in Years 3 to 6 may learn an orchestral string instrument through the DfE program based at Edwardstown Primary School.
Tuition is free and the only cost is the hire of instruments and music books.
Health and Physical Education
Physical Education
At Edwardstown Primary School, Physical Education (PE) is an important part of the Australian Curriculum and is taught as a specialist subject from Reception to Year 6. All students participate in a weekly 50-minute PE lesson with our specialist teacher, in addition to daily fitness activities organised through classroom programs.
Our PE program provides students with a wide range of engaging and inclusive activities that develop their physical skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, set personal goals, and make positive choices to support lifelong health and wellbeing. Through active games, sports, and movement-based learning, students build cooperation, resilience, and an understanding of fair play — all key components of our school values. Where possible, PE lessons are connected to classroom learning, promoting meaningful links between physical activity and overall student development.
Sports Day
Edwardstown Primary School holds its annual Sports Day in Term 3. This is one of the highlights of the school calendar, where students, families and staff come together to celebrate participation, teamwork and school spirit.
When students start school, they are placed into one of four house teams, Dolphins (blue), Kangaroos (red), Koalas (green) or Eagles (yellow). They remain in that team throughout their time at Edwardstown.
In the lead-up to Sports Day, PE lessons focus on preparing students for the day’s events. Students learn the skills, rules, and strategies for the activities so that they feel confident, capable, and ready to enjoy the competition. The day has an Athletics focus for the tabloid events, mix of whole-school relays, sprints and the opportunity to participate in various sporting clinics throughout the day.
Our Year 6 leaders play an important role as house captains, supporting their teams with chants, encouragement and leadership throughout the day. It’s a fantastic community event that celebrates effort, enjoyment, and school pride.
School Sport SA (SAPSASA)
Edwardstown Primary School provides many opportunities for students to participate in interschool sport through School Sport SA (formerly SAPSASA).
Students aged 10 and above are eligible to nominate for trials in a range of district sports including swimming, athletics, cross country, soccer, netball, football, cricket, and basketball. Successful students may go on to represent the City South District at regional or state carnivals.
Throughout the year, our school also enters various School Sport SA Knockout Competitions, where Year 5 and 6 students can trial to represent Edwardstown in one-day carnivals and interschool matches. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development.
French
Our French language program introduces students to the rich world of language and culture. Through active, engaging lessons that align with the Australian Curriculum, students develop communication skills and cultural awareness.
The program is based on the rationale that students are active participants in the language learning process. Students use gestures and repetition to internalise high frequency vocabulary embedded in storytelling and conversational contexts. Students are encouraged to use French whenever possible, with the teacher providing and supporting the use of the language. Lessons include a balance between teacher-led instruction and a wide variety of language activities.
The French program is enhanced by use of digital technologies including iPads and computers in the classroom for language activities. Our inclusive teaching methods ensure that every student can participate and enjoy learning French, opening doors to global understanding and friendships.
At Edwardstown Primary School, we are committed to providing a dynamic and inclusive educational experience that celebrates participation, learning, and fun for all students.
