North Cottesloe Primary School has an outstanding Performing Arts program that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and community connection. Our Classroom Music program features a unique integration of Kodály, Orff, and Dalcroze pedagogical approaches, ensuring that every child from Pre-Primary to Year 6 experiences a rich, sequential, and engaging music education.
Students are immersed in playful and purposeful learning experiences, progressing through a developmental program that includes singing, playing, moving, reading and writing music, creating, and analysing. Singing forms the foundation of our approach, leading to the development of strong aural skills, musical literacy, confidence, and teamwork. Through music-making, students learn to explore, question, and collaborate, fostering personal growth, self-expression, and ensemble skills.
Of particular note is our participation in the Department of Education’s Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) program, which provides specialist instrumental instruction for selected students in Years 3 - 6. This extension program supports students who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to music learning, with small-group lessons designed to develop musical knowledge, skill, and personal discipline.
Our ensembles, including choirs and instrumental groups, are highly regarded throughout the Perth community. Students regularly represent North Cottesloe Primary School at community and partnership events such as Telethon, WAGSMS, WAPPA, the Massed Choir Festival, the Town of Cottesloe ANZAC Day Services, Cottesloe Carols by Candlelight, performances with the Salvation Army Band, and Channel 7 community initiatives. These opportunities provide students with the opportunity to connect with the local community, perform in some of Perth’s state-of-the-art performance venues, and share their talents in meaningful and authentic contexts.
At its heart, the North Cottesloe Performing Arts program is about service and connection, using music and performance as a way to give back to the community, build relationships, and celebrate shared experiences. The program is inclusive and welcoming of all students, encouraging participation, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
IMSS Program
North Cottesloe Primary School proudly participates in the Department of Education’s Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) program, which provides high-quality instrumental tuition to selected students who demonstrate musical aptitude, commitment, and passion.
The IMSS program offers an opportunity for extension and enrichment, allowing students to learn a musical instrument under the guidance of a Department of Education specialist Instrumental Teacher. Through weekly lessons, students develop instrumental technique, music literacy, and confidence as performers. As students progress through the program, they are encouraged to join the co-curricular ensembles at North Cottesloe Primary School, where they can further develop their ensemble skills and performance experience.
At North Cottesloe Primary School, the instruments offered through the IMSS program are:
- Year 3: Violin and Viola
- Year 4: Cello
- Year 5: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Baritone
Students selected for the IMSS program participate actively in school and community performances, showcasing their progress and contributing to the cultural life of the school. Participation in the IMSS program promotes teamwork, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for music as both a personal and shared experience.
The IMSS program forms an important partnership between the school, families, and the Department of Education, supporting students in achieving excellence in music and providing pathways for continued study in secondary school and beyond.
For more information about the IMSS program, visit the Department of Education’s Instrumental Music School Services website
Co-Curricular Ensembles
Students are provided with a range of opportunities to extend their musical learning beyond the classroom and are encouraged to participate in North Cottesloe Primary School’s co-curricular music ensembles. These ensembles offer valuable experiences in teamwork, performance, and musicianship while promoting a strong sense of school and community pride. They also provide students with the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and collaborate with students from other year levels, building relationships across the school community.
The ensembles currently offered at North Cottesloe Primary School are:
- Junior Choir – for students in Year 3
- Vocal Ensemble – for students in Years 4 to 6
- String Orchestra – for students participating in the IMSS Strings program
- Concert Band – for students participating in the IMSS Woodwind and Brass program
Students who are learning a string, woodwind, or brass instrument outside of the North Cottesloe Primary School IMSS program are welcome to apply or audition for a position in the String Orchestra or Concert Band.
Participation in these ensembles provides students with authentic performance experiences at school and community events and nurtures confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation of music.
Public Speaking and Debating
North Cottesloe Primary School offers the Lighthouse Program in Debating and Public Speaking, providing extension and enrichment opportunities for our gifted and talented students. This program is designed to challenge students, develop their critical thinking, and enhance their confidence in presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
Participation in the Lighthouse Program helps students develop a range of valuable skills, including effective communication, argument construction, logical reasoning, teamwork, research, leadership, and confidence in public performance.
Students are selected to participate through a selection process based on their aptitude and performance in classroom or school-based activities. The Lighthouse Debating Program operates in partnership with the West Australian Debating League, ensuring students receive high-quality coaching and exposure to competitive debating standards.
Our top-performing students have the opportunity to represent North Cottesloe Primary School at Interschool Public Speaking and Debating Competitions, where our teams consistently achieve excellent results and are regularly among the top place winners.
