The Visual Arts

Young children greatly benefit from opportunities to express themselves in non- verbal forms so they are able to develop emotional health. Our Visual Arts program includes: Appreciation, Interpretation, Presentation, Courageous Expression, Two and Three-dimensional Artforms; Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Textiles, etc 

Objectives of the Visual Arts
  • Promote life-long learning skills
  • Foster personal reflection on the creative process
  • Appreciate those in our local and global community who contribute in unique ways
  • Analyse historical context in our society
  • Develop exploration and experimentation of ideas and media
  • Communicate ideas through a variety of Media
  • Engender personal responsibility
  • Celebrate achievement
  • Recognise the Creator God as the source of creativity
  • Know that a personal relationship with the Creator God can be experienced and that understanding of life can be expressed through Art works

MANDARIN

At Maranatha, we recognise the growing influence of Asia and its importance to Australia. Thus, we seek to prepare students with some of the communication and language skills needed for the ‘Asian Century’.

Primary Mandarin students practise vocabulary and common sentences around the tops of family, school, animals, travel and recreation.

Along the way, they explore Chinese culture and learn to recognise several Chinese characters.

PERFORMING ARTS (MUSIC)

The aim of the Music program is to acknowledge God as the Creator and Giver of the gift of music. Music theory, history and aural training is taught from a Biblical perspective. Students are involved in a range of learning activities which develop music appreciation skills. In the early years, students are engaged in listening, singing, movement to music and keeping the beat. 

Regular school productions are a feature across the school. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All children participate in PE and sport. It is a positive and enjoyable experience as we offer a variety of non-competitive activities as well as the more traditional games, skill enhancing opportunities and Interschool sporting programs. This makes the Physical Education Program appealing to a broad selection of children of varying ability levels. The emphasis is placed on the children having fun, improving their own personal abilities and developing them to their fullest potential.

Children who combine a balanced diet with regular activity are often happier, healthier and more ready to learn. Not only is it beneficial to a child’s physical well-being, physical activity also has numerous substantial benefits in terms of social interaction, mental alertness and motor skill development.

SWIMMING INTENSIVE

Prep to Year 5 students take part in an intensive swimming program. Lessons assist in developing water safety strategies and enhance technique. 

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Throughout the Primary school, students have the opportunity to use technology in a variety of ways. There is explicit teaching in the Computer Laboratory. The use of technology is being progressively integrated and incorporated across most subject areas. Students have access to laptops in classrooms, Interactive Whiteboards and other technology such as digital cameras and iPads.

A variety of skills are taught, computer competencies are developed and programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint are taught at specific year levels. Our Junior School students are taught Cyber Safety through a variety of programs such as Hector’s World and Skooville.