The Arts

Performing Arts at Sydenham Primary School

At Sydenham Primary School, Performing Arts provides students with an engaging and dynamic opportunity to explore creativity,

 expression and storytelling. Through a combination of Drama and Dance, students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate and immerse themselves in the world of performance. Our Performing Arts program supports the development of essential skills including critical thinking, imagination, reasoning and problem-solving, while fostering confidence and a strong sense of self-expression. 

Drama 

In Drama, students are introduced to the art of performance and the purpose of entertaining and communicating stories to an audience. Our dedicated Performing Arts space allows students the freedom to move, explore and interact in a supportive and creative environment. Students develop a wide range of skills, including facial expression, body language, movement, voice variation and characterisation. They engage in improvisation, role-play and the interpretation of both familiar texts and personal experiences. Through these experiences, students build confidence, collaboration skills and an understanding of how to bring stories to life.

Dance 

Dance at Sydenham Primary School encourages students to express themselves through movement while developing coordination, creativity and teamwork. In the early years, students explore movement through music, action songs and simple choreography, learning to communicate emotions and ideas through their bodies. As they progress, students have opportunities to create their own dances and begin to analyse the purpose of dance, including its connection to culture, identity and storytelling. In the upper years, students deepen their understanding by exploring the links between dance and drama, focusing on how movement can convey meaning. They rehearse and perform choreographed routines, demonstrating technical skill, collaboration and the ability to engage an audience. 

Creative Opportunities 

We offer a Dance Club for all students from Prep to Year 6, held every Monday at lunchtime as part of our special lunchtime programs timetable. This provides an additional opportunity for students to develop their skills, build friendships and enjoy performing in a fun and inclusive environment. 

School Concert 

Each year, our school community comes together to celebrate the Arts through our highly anticipated Concert Spectacular. This event showcases the talents, creativity and dedication of our students in Drama and Dance, giving them the opportunity to perform for family and friends. The School Concert is a highlight of the year, fostering a sense of pride, excitement and achievement—an experience our students will remember for years to come. 

Visual Arts at Sydenham Primary School

At Sydenham Primary School, Visual Arts provides students with a vibrant and engaging opportunity to explore creativity, express ideas and make meaning through art, craft and design. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, our program supports students to develop confidence, curiosity and imagination while building essential creative and critical thinking skills. 

Students engage in both making and responding to artworks, exploring a range of materials, techniques and processes to communicate their ideas, experiences and observations. They learn to use visual language—such as colour, shape and texture—to create meaningful artworks while developing their own personal style. 

Across all year levels, students: 

• explore and express ideas through creative inquiry and experimentation 
• develop practical skills using a variety of materials and techniques 
• present and display their work to communicate meaning to an audience 
• respond to and interpret artworks from diverse cultures, times and perspectives.

As students progress, they build their ability to reflect on their own work and the work of others, developing an appreciation for the role of artists and the importance of visual arts in society. 

Visual Arts at Sydenham Primary School nurtures confident, creative thinkers who are empowered to express themselves and connect with the world around them. 

Art Exhibition

Beginning in 2026, our school community will be invited to come together to celebrate the Arts at our Sydenham Art Show. Students will have the opportunity to display a “proud piece”, while enjoying the creative works of their peers. We look forward to seeing the amazing artwork they select for display during this exciting school-wide event in Term 4.