Those who have studied learning processes throughout the ages, beginning with Plato, have emphasized the importance of the arts in the education process. Arts education refers to education in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
At Richmond Primary School we believe that exposure to and participation in the arts is vital for our students. All students study visual art and music with specialist teachers every week. They also have opportunities to perform, watch and engage in arts experiences through assemblies, and visiting theatre troupes and musicians.
Visual Art
Creating art can be beneficial throughout all stages of life. It can help children be better students and improve quality of life for seniors. It relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Students study an hour of visual art a week with our specialist teacher.
Class Music
‘Musical activity involves nearly every region of the brain that we know about, and nearly every neural subsystem’ – Daniel Levitin ‘This is Your Brain on Music’
Students study an hour of class music a week with our specialist music teacher.
Extension: Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music School Service (IMSS) teachers visit Richmond three days a week to provide free specialist instrumental instruction to selected students. Students are selected following a musical aptitude test and are matched with a suitable instrument by specialists.
We have five places for weekly tuition at Richmond for year 5 and 6 students in each of flute, clarinet and brass (trumpet / trombone) – a total of 30 places. This is a two year commitment for year 5 and 6. Our music teacher tests all year 4 students for musical aptitude during class music lessons, and creates a shortlist who go on to specific instrument testing.
Our year 3 and 4 students have the opportunity to join a weekly area strings program at John Curtin College of the Arts. Testing is conducted via JCCA in year 2 for violin / viola and year 3 for cello. Students also play in a strings ensemble. Letters about this testing process are sent home in second semester and parents must apply for their child to be considered.
Usually around 50 Richmond students study a musical instrument via these specialist programs.
More information: Instrumental music
Extension: Chorale and Recorder Ensemble
Our music specialist runs chorale and recorder ensemble as before school extension activities. Membership is via audition, which are held each term.