Specialist programs

Languages

What is Auslan?

Auslan is Australian Sign Language, the native language of the Australian Deaf community, and is a visual-spatial, natural language with its own grammar and vocabulary.

Auslan has linguistic elements, such as hand shapes (including orientation, location and movement), non-manual features (including eye gaze, facial expressions, arm, head and body postures) and fingerspelling. Auslan also has its own grammar, which is different from English. Auslan grammar is composed of precise hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements that convey concrete and abstract information.

Benefits of learning Auslan

Incorporating Auslan into the school program has many benefits for both Deaf and hearing children.

Sign language can:

• enhance children’s educational and personal development
• increase memory retention and motion processing
• stimulate brain development and mental flexibility
• increase enjoyment in communicating for both hearing and deaf children
• assist students who have difficulty verbalising, especially when emotional
• assist students in the Bilbies class to express their wants and needs, and communicate with their peers.

Auslan at Tea Tree Gully Primary School

This is our first year offering Auslan as a Language other Than English. The students and staff have embraced it very positively and have started using Auslan in their daily routines, and in the yard. The Auslan Program is being taught by Jo Holland, a qualified teacher who is Hard of Hearing and has been teaching Auslan in schools in SA for 9 years.

Science

In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is essential for students at Tea Tree Gully Primary School to understand their world, both past and present, and to develop the capacity to respond to challenges in innovative, informed, personal, and collective ways. Science plays a crucial role in fostering students’ curiosity and imagination about the natural world, empowering them to actively shape their lives and make reflective, informed decisions.

Science education encourages students to explore and understand the natural phenomena around them, equipping them with the skills to respond to local, national, and global challenges. By engaging with scientific concepts and processes, students learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of life and the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards sustainable living.

At Tea Tree Gully Primary School, science education includes the study of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural world. This knowledge helps them appreciate the impact of scientific advancements on society and the environment, encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities.

Science empowers students to shape change by developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It provides them with the tools to question, investigate, and draw evidence-based conclusions, preparing them to face the challenges of the future. Through studying science, students are given opportunities to communicate effectively, adapt to change, and participate in the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment and society.

The integration of technology in science education encourages collaboration and creativity. Students learn to work together to solve real-world problems, using technology to communicate and share ideas effectively. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and empowers students to become active contributors to society, equipped with the skills to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Physical Education and Health

Students can develop team play and team building skills through our specialist sports program. The program is run by a specialist teacher and volunteer parent coaches.

Our sports program includes: 

• SAPSASA events 
• Physical Education classes
• Health Education classes
• Sports day and swimming carnival 
• Swimming and aquatics lessons

Choir and music

We provide specialised weekly music classes tailored for students from Reception to Year 4. Additionally, all Year 5 and 6 students participate in our Festival Choir program.

Under the guidance of our highly skilled instructor, Lesley, who possesses exceptional talent and extensive musical knowledge, students receive comprehensive instruction in rhythm, beat, percussion, singing and vocal development, recording, and performance techniques. These classes offer students a rich musical education, fostering their appreciation for music and providing them with valuable skills.

Students at our school have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents through performances. These include events such as the Festival of Choir, regular school assemblies, and special performances through the year.

During the festive period, students spread cheer by performing carols at various local venues, including the Tea Tree Gully Public House and Garden, as well as at the local Vet and Bakery. These performances not only allow students to demonstrate their musical abilities but also foster a sense of community engagement and holiday spirit within the local area.