Specialist programs

We have wonderful specialist offerings at Fairfield Primary School. Each specialist subject is integral to the curriculum and provides opportunities for students to develop their physical, creative, social and cognitive abilities.

Science

Our Science program is all about curiosity, discovery and asking big questions! Students are encouraged to wonder, explore and investigate the world around them as they build a love of science and technology.

Students engage with key science disciplines, including the study of living things, Earth and space, and the physical and chemical processes that shape our world. Learning is hands-on and inquiry-based, with practical experiments and investigations that bring scientific concepts to life.

Through these experiences, students develop an understanding of how scientists think and work. They learn to ask questions, plan and conduct investigations, collect and analyse data, evaluate results and draw informed conclusions — building strong foundations for future learning, all while enjoying the excitement of discovery.

Physical education

Our Physical Education program emphasises participation and improvement, placing value on teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play and game strategies. Students take part in a wide range of activities, from fundamental motor skill development and individual or non-competitive activities to competitive team sports as they grow older. Sport plays an important role in our Physical Education program and includes:

• House Sports Carnival for Years 4 – 6 students.

• Junior Sports Carnival for Foundation – Year 2 students.

• Learn to Swim program for Foundation – Year 2 students.

• House Swimming Carnival for Years 3 – 6 students.

• District sports carnivals in swimming, athletics and cross country, with opportunities to progress to division, region and state levels.

• Year 5 Alternative Sports Program, providing exposure to a range of less familiar sports.

• Interschool Sports Program for Year 6 students.

Our approach encourages students to be active, resilient and confident. We celebrate participation, effort and enjoyment — encouraging every child to have a go, do their best and enjoy being active.

Performing arts

Our Performing Arts program is creative, collaborative and full of energy! Students grow their skills, knowledge, and enjoyment through music, drama, and dance.

Students explore a wide range of musical experiences, including singing, instrumental work, body percussion and digital composition using software such as GarageBand. They are introduced to various forms of musical notation and learn to create and perform original works.

Each year, the school produces three full-scale performances for Years 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6. These productions ensure every child has the opportunity to participate, whether on stage or behind the scenes. The performances are a highlight of the school calendar and support the development of strong communication skills and self-confidence.

To further complement the Performing Arts program, students also have the opportunity to participate in Choir, Concert Band, and Brass programs.

Visual arts

Our Visual Arts Program celebrates creativity, self-expression and a love of art. Students experiment with a wide range of art forms, including painting, printmaking, collage, ceramics, sculpture and textiles, developing both technical skills and creative confidence with each medium.

Each year, students explore the life and work of a featured artist whose style is distinctive and inspiring. By learning about the artist’s story, influences and creative process, students gain a deeper understanding of art and develop the ability to make meaningful connections with creative works.

By the end of primary school, students can recognise and respond to at least seven artists or artistic styles. Recent studies have included Yayoi Kusama, Vincent van Gogh, M.C. Escher, Joan Miró and Leonardo da Vinci.

Our Artist in Residence Program provides students with the unique opportunity to work alongside professional artists across a variety of media — including textiles, mosaics, 2D assemblage, murals and printmaking — giving firsthand experience of contemporary artistic practice and an enriching, hands-on experience.

French

Learning French at Fairfield Primary School is positive, joyful and fun! Students explore both language and culture, discovering France and other French-speaking parts of the world while developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

The junior grades learn by repeating others, playing games and singing songs. As students progress, they explore common phrases – talking about families, colours, food, animals and other areas of interest. There is plenty of repetition and revision to foster retention and understanding. The senior students explore French reading materials and are introduced to writing and composition skills.

Across all year levels connections and comparisons between the English and French languages are drawn and students are actively encouraged to converse in French.