Year 5 News 

Reading

This fortnight in Reading, the Year 5 students have continued exploring figurative language. They looked at how authors use onomatopoeia, idioms and ‘show, don’t tell’. The students read through passages and identified the language and phrases the authors used in their writing to show these types of figurative language. 

Using the figurative language the students have learnt over the last couple of weeks, the students used their knowledge to analyse songs and song lyrics. The students had to identify any symbolism that artists used in their songs and how they told stories using specific language in their lyrics.

“In reading, we have been looking at symbolism in music. One song I like is Waka Waka.” - Joseph 5C

“In Katy Perry’s song Firework, the plastic bag means feeling bad” - Miles 5A

Writing

This fortnight in Writing, the Year 5 cohort has begun exploring persuasive writing. Students have been learning how authors use persuasive language to convince their audience and have been investigating the structure of a well-written paragraph.

They focused on creating clear topic sentences, supporting their ideas with reasons and evidence, and concluding their paragraphs effectively. Through a range of engaging activities, students have been developing their ability to express their opinions confidently and organise their ideas logically and convincingly. It has been wonderful to see the Year 5 cohort building their confidence as persuasive writers.

 “I want to persuade my mom to get me an e-bike.” - Ayman 5C

“Watching a movie at the cinema is better than watching a movie at” - Harry 5A

Maths 

Over the past fortnight, Year 5 students have been exploring factors, multiples, and chance. When learning about factors and multiples, students identified factor pairs, investigated common factors and multiples, and used their understanding of multiplication and division to solve worded problems. They worked collaboratively to recognise patterns in numbers and explain their mathematical thinking using correct vocabulary.

In Chance, students conducted experiments, recorded results using tally charts and tables, and analysed outcomes. They explored concepts such as equally likely, likely, unlikely, and impossible events, and used their results to make predictions and draw conclusions. Through hands-on investigations, students developed their understanding of probability and learned how chance affects everyday situations.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and problem-solving skills students have demonstrated throughout these learning experiences. 

“Worded problems are sometimes fun and sometimes not. There are a lot of steps to solve them.” - Yohan 5C

“Worded problems are fun because we have to find the answer.” - Dion 5C

“I like the Flying Pig Race question: A flying pig flew 45 kilometres. It then flew 17 kilometres more. How far did it fly altogether? The answer is 45+17=62.” - Ayman 5C

“To work out worded problems, you use CUBES” - Josiah 5A

“Multiples are like skip counting” - Fatima 5A

“We use the rainbow to find the factors of a number” - Sofia 5A

Inquiry

This fortnight in Inquiry, the Year 5 cohort has been investigating biomes from around the world. Students explored the unique characteristics of biomes such as the tundra, desert, savanna, and rainforest, learning about their climates, landscapes, plants, and animals.

Through research and class discussions, students examined how living things adapt to survive in different environments and compared the similarities and differences between each biome. It has been wonderful to see the Year 5 cohort developing their understanding of the natural world while building their research and critical thinking skills.

“A male lion can roar so powerfully it can be heard from far away” - Fatima 5A

Social and Emotional Learning

In SEL over the fortnight, the students have been looking at two main topics: respect and healthy eating. They have been unpacking the word ‘respect’ and how we should treat others. The students also explored bullying and racism, what it looks like and how it affects themselves and the people around them.

The students have also been exploring healthy lunches and why it’s important to eat a balance of different foods. They researched the different main food groups and the benefits it has to your body. The students looked at the 5 main food groups and the portion sizes for each.

Special Events

Reconciliation Week

During week 6, it was Reconciliation Week. Throughout the week, the students looked at the meaning behind Reconciliation Week and why it’s important. The students explored the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history. They analysed a story written by an Indigenous author and discussed the meaning behind the text. To conclude the week, the students created their own Acknowledgement of Country that reflects their understanding and respect for the Indigenous community.

“We have Reconciliation because it’s important to unite all people in Australia” - Jobe 5A

Maths Open Classroom

This fortnight, the Year 5 cohort welcomed families into the classroom for our Maths Open Classroom session. Students showcased their learning by engaging in a range of activities focused on partitioning and multiplication, demonstrating the strategies they use to solve mathematical problems.

Working alongside family members, students explored different ways to break apart numbers to support efficient calculation and applied their multiplication skills through hands-on tasks and games. It was wonderful to see the Year 5 cohort confidently sharing their mathematical thinking and celebrating their learning with the wider school community.