Grade 5/6 students have been extending their understanding of fractions and decimals, with a focus on making, naming, sequencing and comparing these numbers. Students have explored equivalent fractions and developed their skills in converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers. We have also been fortunate to continue working with our mathematics consultant, Dr Margarita Breed, who has supported us in further enhancing our mathematics program. A key focus of this work has been differentiation, ensuring that all students are appropriately challenged and supported to achieve growth in their learning.
Grade 5/6 students have been exploring the nonfiction text Under the Southern Cross by Frané Lessac. They have developed their comprehension skills by retelling the text, exploring key vocabulary and grammar features and examining the author’s language choices and text structure. Using Lessac’s planning structure as inspiration, students have begun brainstorming and drafting their own nonfiction pieces.
As part of National Reconciliation Week, students read Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor and explored point of view while learning about the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Students enjoyed working with their Grade Two buddies to recognise, respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures through a collaborative rock-painting activity.
Grade 5/6 students have been immersing themselves in our Term Two Inquiry unit, Australia and Our Asian Neighbours. Students are exploring key aspects of Australia, including its people, extreme weather and natural disasters, food production and the country’s diverse attractions. This week we have been exploring Australia’s landscape and landforms and have categorised examples of weathering, erosion and deposition. Students have researched a range of landforms, including the Twelve Apostles, Uluru and the Grampians and worked together to create a class PowerPoint presentation.
This term, Grade 5/6 students have thoroughly enjoyed excursions to Essendon Keilor College and Rosehill Secondary College engaging in Open Days. They had the opportunity to participate in a range of learning experiences, including sport, performing arts, mathematics, STEM, food technology and visual communication. This term we have continued exploring cyber safety to support us in maintaining a safe and responsible digital presence.
Over the last few weeks, Grade 5/6 students have been deeply engaged in reading and analysing Fox by Margaret Wild. They have explored how the author’s structure and deliberate word choices shape meaning and mood and they are now applying these insights to strengthen their own narrative writing. Students are continuing experimenting with writing devices that make their work more engaging and effective. Using their writer’s notebooks, they are developing ideas, practising new techniques and planning, drafting and publishing a longer original piece.
This term, Grade 5/6 students are exploring the connection between Australia’s values, democracy and citizenship by contributing to discussions about Australia’s democratic system and what these values mean in everyday life. We have investigated Australia’s three levels of government and discussed their different responsibilities. Students have also participated in a group tower building challenge to explore what qualities a person needs to be a good leader.
In Grade 5/6, we have been revising our knowledge of place value by making, naming, recording and ordering whole numbers through a variety of hands-on experiences, games and puzzles such as missing number charts and place value jigsaws. We have also introduced decimal place value through paper folding, which provided a fantastic visual of dividing one whole into 10 smaller parts each part called a tenth. Students have been practising naming, comparing and ordering decimal numbers.
In Grade 5/6, we have been revising our school values of respect, responsibility and learning and recording what that will look like in the classroom. Students discussed how to feel a sense of belonging at school. We used the ideas generated about belonging, inclusion and expectations to create a class mission statement. Teachers are excited to support our grade 6 students with their final year of primary school! The grade 6 students are excited about supporting the grade 5s and the grade 5 students are excited to be a part of the upper school. We are looking forward to a great year ahead, full of learning, development and growth.
