Specialist Programs 2011
Apart from strong teaching in all key learning areas, our school also offers the following specialist programs:
Philosophy for Children
Every student participates in one session per week by our specialist trained teacher Kate Kennedy White. Research conducted by Dr Philip Cam from the University of NSW shows that comprehension levels of children who study philosophy in primary school are much higher than their peers.
The Philosophy for Children Program addresses several Key Learning Areas. Children learn to analyse texts and concepts more deeply using deep questioning techniques. The subject matter encourages discussion that covers the Talking and Listening strand of the English syllabus. Critically discussing the moral issues in the texts helps build resilience and respect for differing opinions in and this covers Personal Development. This program complements other Restorative Practice Student Welfare Program and helps to define our Discipline Policy, which heavily relies on cooperation and tolerance. See Philosophy for Children for more details.
Private Music Lessons
Any student can enrol in private music lessons in guitar, keyboard and strings under the tutelage of Jonathan Bowden. We are working towards creating a school concert band containing brass and woodwind as well as keyboard and drums.
Gifted and Talented Programs
All teaching staff at Bondi Public School have undergone extensive training in identifying Gifted and Talented Students in mainstream classes. We recognize that giftedness and talent can be in several areas or just one and can cover writing, talking, art or sport to name just a few. These programs are incorporated into classroom teaching. In addition enrichment sessions are provided to selected students. Currently a group of seven students from Stage 2 have embarked on a special ‘secret’ project – to be screened in Term 3.
Biannual Music Concert
2010 is the year for our music concert. Every student participates in music, dance and drama activities culminating in a whole of school performance for parents in Term 3.
Public Speaking and Debating
Students commence Public Speaking training from Kindergarten and are encouraged to participate by leading our weekly assembly as well as during class discussion. A debating and public speaking team compete annually in the district competition under. The Program is run by our experienced debating and public speaking coach Rachel Borthwick.
Choir
Students can elect to participate in the school choir and have the opportunity to perform to the whole school and at special events. This is supervised by specialist music teachers, Tammy Boutsikakis, Greg McLeod and Daniel Skehan.
Reading Recovery
Students in year one who are experiencing reading difficulty are given one to one sessions with specialist teachers. A rigorous home reading scheme is implemented across all stages.
Welfare programs
These include Student Representative Council, Peer Support and transitioning programs for entering Kindergarten and moving to High School.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Project
All children participate in one session each week in the garden and one session in the kitchen. This unique program complements our holistic approach to learning and complements many of the formal subjects in classroom such as science, mathematics and reading. See Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Project for further information.