Welcome to Performing Arts at Aveley Primary School
Hello, everyone, I am Chris Spencer, and I have had the absolute privilege of being the Performing Arts teacher at APS since our doors first opened in 2012. As a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and lifelong musician with decades of professional experience under my belt, my ultimate goal is to share the sheer joy of music and drama with every student who walks into the classroom.
Learning music and drama is about much more than just putting on a good show—though we certainly value that! Extensive research shows that an active education in the arts provides incredible developmental benefits for growing minds. Studying music enhances memory, accelerates language development, and sharpens skills that are crucial for subjects like math and science.
Beyond these benefits, as our students sing a scale, play the many instruments we offer here, or deliver a dramatic line, they build self-confidence, learn emotional empathy, and demonstrate great teamwork. Plus, it gives the students a highly productive, creative outlet to channel all of that boundless primary school energy!
What We Do in the Classroom
Our curriculum at Aveley Primary is dynamic, hands-on, and designed to help every student find their voice.
- Instrumental & Vocal Mastery: Drawing on my own background as a performing musician, I guide students through the fundamentals of rhythm, pitch, and melody using a variety of classroom instruments and vocal training exercises…and we have noisy fun in the process! Whether it be tuned percussion, untuned percussion, bucket drumming, ukulele, boomwhackers or many other amazing instruments, our students have a fun time becoming the best musician and singer they can be.
- Dramatic Exploration: We dive into acting, improvisation, character development, and storytelling. Students learn how to express themselves clearly, conquer stage fright, and think on their feet.
- Ensemble Work: Whether acting in a scene or playing in a musical group, students learn the vital skill of listening to one another to create something unified and beautiful.
- Choir Rehearsals & Performances Outside School: Our school choir is a large group of year 1–6 students who use contemporary songs to learn a variety of vocal techniques. We also enjoy performing at as many community events every year that we can. This includes Christmas events, community festivals and anything else that welcomes us to the stage!
Spotlight Program: West Australian Opera Sings
I am particularly proud to facilitate our participation in the West Australian Opera Sings program. This special initiative exposes our students to the magnificent, larger-than-life world of opera. The children don’t just sit and listen; they actively learn professional singing techniques, explore heavy dramatic elements, and tackle authentic opera arrangements. It is a thrilling way to stretch their vocal capabilities, teach them proper breath support, and introduce them to a classic art form in a highly engaging and accessible way. We are one of only three schools as a part of this pilot program in the state. We work very closely with a professional opera singer and composer who is on site for all year 5 and 6 classes every week. This is a fantastic partnership with West Australian Opera and West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Here’s a link to some videos where you can see this program in action.
Whether your child is a future stadium-touring rockstar, an aspiring actor, or just someone who loves to sing at the top of their lungs in the shower, there is a place for them to shine at APS. I look forward to making some noise, creating some art, and making wonderful memories with your children this year!
Chris Spencer | Performing Arts Specialist.
