As part of our curriculum, we have dedicated specialist teaching programs.
French
Language education enriches learners intellectually, linguistically, and culturally, enabling them to communicate in multiple ways and to view the world from multiple perspectives. Teachers at North Ainslie believe that learning an additional language is important to the education of young people.
At North Ainslie, preschool children engage in French key words through the use of the Early Learning Languages Australia resources. In kindergarten and year one, students continue to receive a basic introduction to the French language. Junior school students start to learn French from year two whilst students in years three to six receive a weekly minimum of 60 minutes delivered by our specialist teacher. At times specialist teachers also team with classroom teachers to provide the French program.
The Arts
At North Ainslie, we believe that an arts program provides a variety of media through which students can develop sound emotional literacy and respond creatively to their environment and sense of humanity. We offer a comprehensive program that incorporates the strands of drama, music, visual arts, media and dance. The school has specialist visual arts and performing arts teachers who work with students across the school from kindergarten to year 6.
Students are exposed to the techniques of various artists and periods, and are taught skills relating to colour, line, form, and shape. Our performing arts program teaches students about music using instruments and recorded music and also incorporates opportunities for drama and dance. Singing is used in the classroom, and by teams for shared time, and is quite often performed at school assemblies and the annual concert. The school participates in the Northside Spectacular, Limelight and holds regular art exhibitions.
Band Programs
North Ainslie is part of the ACT School Band Program and runs both a Year 5 and Year 6 woodwind band. Students have the opportunity to play flutes, clarinets, oboes and percussion if selected for the band. North Ainslie students play as an ensemble as well as participating with other school instrumental groups.
Personal and Community Health (PaCH)
Students from kindergarten to year 6 have an opportunity each year to learn and work in the school’s Healthy Eating Hub (HeHub) as part of our Personal and Community Health program. These both compliment the work done in our Units of Inquiry. Personal and Community Health (PaCH)forms part of the school’s release program and is delivered by specialist teachers. It includes opportunities to be involved in science and hands-on experiences in the gardens. The PaCH program also works to build strong sustainability practices and a connection to and care for Country.
Library
Our teacher librarians support our beautiful library space and teaching programs. All children have opportunities to visit our library each week to borrow books to take home. Over the year, each class will have dedicated library lessons with our specialist teachers. Concepts vary across the year groups and include understanding the Dewey System and how to access and find books in libraries, author studies, building a love of reading and shared stories, as well as research skills in the older years.