Junior School Arts
Diversifying interests and developing sense of self
Arts at the Junior School consists of Dance and Drama, Music and Visual Arts classes. By undertaking these subjects through the Curriculum, and the opportunity to choose to pursue Co-curricular involvement within the Arts, your child is offered an outlet for their creative expression, an opportunity to build confidence and communication skills, and the chance to expand their imagination.
Dance and Drama
In Dance and Drama, they will be encouraged to explore and find joy in self-expression in a fun, safe, creative and inclusive environment. Our Performing Arts inspires, engages and enriches all students, sparking their imagination to reach their creative potential whilst learning to work collaboratively with their peers.
Co-curricular
Co-curricular Dance and Drama groups encourage students to express themselves and have fun. These opportunities also provide them the chance to discover a passion for the Arts and build skills that can be further pursued once they move to the Senior School.
- Dance Club
Music
At Iona, every child is nurtured as a musician through the Orff Schulwerk approach - a dynamic, holistic method built on singing, speaking, moving and playing. Students explore music using classroom percussion and xylophones to develop a deep and joyful understanding of musical concepts.
Our instrumental program caters to developmental stages, starting with the Suzuki method for our youngest learners - led by an experienced practitioner - where parental involvement is key. As students grow, they can enrol in piano, guitar and drums lessons, and can participate in the band program, learning woodwind, brass and percussion instruments from Year 5 onward. Our scholarship program supports string and band participation from the early years through to upper primary.
A rich Co-curricular program complements classroom learning, featuring choirs for all levels, string orchestras, chamber groups and a structured band pathway from Zephyrs (beginner) to Tornadoes (advanced). Invitation-only groups provide further extension for keen musicians.
Co-curricular
There are a number of Co-curricular Music groups at the Junior School in which your child can undertake to learn new skills, build confidence, compete and perform.
Groups consist of:
- Suzuki Strings (string ensemble from Pre-primary to Year 2)
- String Orchestra
- Zephyrs Concert Band (beginner band)
- Tornadoes Concert Band
- Petite Chorale (Year 2 Choir)
- Years 3 and 4 Choir
- Years 5 and 6 Choir
- Percussion Ensemble
- Rock Band
Visual Arts
In Visual Arts, students experience and explore the concepts of artists, artworks, world and audience. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional media and techniques are explored during sessions. Techniques and practices such as pottery, textiles, painting, printing, drawing, collage and construction are often integrated with a theme or concept being explored within the classroom. Students from Years 3-6 receive specialised instruction in Art over a double period each fortnight ensuring substantive time is provided for the creative process.
Students who are gifted in this area may be selected to participate in our Art Extension Program which is available for Year 5 and/or Year 6 students.
Co-curricular
Students can engage in Drawing Club at the Junior School. Select works can also be chosen for display and celebration at the annual Creative Art Exhibition, Create held at the Senior School campus in November each year.
- Art Extension (Year 6)
- Guided Drawing (Years 1 - 6)
