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.

Humanities and Social Sciences

In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students at Tea Tree Gully Primary School come to understand their world, past and present, and develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways.

Humanities and Social Sciences plays an important role in harnessing students’ curiosity and imagination about the world they live in and empowers them to actively shape their lives; make reflective, informed decisions; value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society; and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally.

Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of different perspectives; the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved; and how these different factors interrelate. At Tea Tree Gully Primary School, this includes the knowledge and understandings of history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, gives students a deep understanding of the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encourages them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity.

Humanities and Social Sciences empowers students to shape change by developing a range of skills to enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems. The subject provides students with the skills, behaviours and capabilities that will equip them to face challenges in their lifetime and to participate in and contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment, the economy and society. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students are given opportunities to develop their ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.

Physical Education

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
• 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, Bec, 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.