Classroom Gallery
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Walcha
News from Year 5-6 with Mr Hyatt
Year 5-6 and Mr Hyatt have been having a fantastic time together every Thursday and Friday, diving headfirst into some incredibly hands-on and exciting learning!
During last term, the class focused on 'Material World' for Science and Technology, conducting a number of experiments to explore various scientific concepts. The students investigated the reactions created when baking soda is combined with citric acid, lemonade, and vinegar. These experiments were a huge hit, especially when one student—whose identity Mr Hyatt has graciously promised to keep a secret—caused a major chemical reaction. Let's just say a significant part of the classroom, including Mr Hyatt’s laptop, ended up covered in lemonade!
The class also investigated how rust forms by observing steel wool placed in different mixtures of water, salt, and vinegar. Another highlight was learning how to separate mixed substances back into their original states using filters. This was a resounding success for the class, except for one group who decided they didn't have the patience to wait for the slow filtration process. Their solution was to poke larger holes in the filter paper, which, shockingly, didn't quite work out the way they had hoped!
This term, Year 5-6 are shifting their scientific focus to the concept of Light. The students will be exploring how and why we need light to see various objects, investigating how to change the path of light, and discovering the science behind how shadows form.
Over the last term and the first three weeks of this term, the students have been thoroughly enjoying their Spanish lessons. Every week, our wonderful language teacher, Jean Paul, Zooms in all the way from Colombia! The students have been doing a brilliant job learning various Spanish terms and phrases associated with furniture and stationery.
Finally, with the school athletics carnival fast approaching, Year 5-6 have officially started their preparations. During sports sessions, the students have been hard at work practicing their sprinting techniques, running in circular relays, and learning the correct forms for shot put and discus.
It has been a brilliant few weeks in Year 5-6, and Mr Hyatt is looking forward to much more learning (and hopefully fewer lemonade explosions) for the rest of the term!
Mr Hyatt
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students have recently completed a unit on Data, where they collected, represented and interpreted data using a variety of graphs and displays. Students developed their ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and communicate findings using appropriate mathematical language.
We are now focusing on Fractions, with students learning to compare and order fractions with denominators including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. Students are building their understanding of equivalent fractions and developing confidence in using fractions in practical and problem-solving situations. Through hands-on activities, visual representations and mathematical reasoning tasks, students are strengthening their number sense and applying efficient strategies to solve increasingly complex problems.
English
English lessons continue to provide students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, literacy and critical thinking skills. Across the term, students are engaging in learning experiences that develop oral language and communication, vocabulary knowledge, reading fluency and reading comprehension.
Students are also working on creating written texts for a range of purposes and audiences, with a strong focus on planning, editing and improving their writing. Spelling lessons continue to support students in understanding spelling patterns and word knowledge, while handwriting and digital transcription activities are helping students improve presentation and typing efficiency.
In literature studies, students are developing their ability to understand and respond thoughtfully to texts by identifying themes, analysing characters and discussing author techniques. We have also recently introduced the EdClub typing program, where students are learning touch typing skills to improve typing speed, accuracy and confidence when working digitally.
Creative Arts
In Creative Arts, students have begun an engaging unit titled Nature, where they are investigating local natural environments and recording their responses through observational drawings and artistic experimentation. Students are discussing how artists respond to their environment and exploring how direct experiences and artistic interpretations can inspire creative works.
This learning will contribute to students’ preparation for the upcoming UNESAP “Let’s Hang It” competition. Students are encouraged to observe carefully, experiment creatively and communicate ideas and emotions through visual arts. It has been wonderful to see students demonstrating imagination, persistence and pride in their artwork.
Geography
In Geography, students are studying A Diverse and Connected World. Through this unit, students are exploring countries within the Asia region and investigating the connections Australia has with nations across the globe. Students are learning about the diversity of the world’s people, including the Indigenous Peoples of other countries, and reflecting on the importance of intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
Students are comparing lifestyles, environments, traditions and cultures while considering the ways countries are connected through trade, communication, migration and shared global challenges. Rich discussions and inquiry activities are helping students develop respect, empathy and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
Leadership, Learning Goals and Classroom Focus
An important focus in Year 5/6 this term has been developing leadership skills, improving concentration and encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour. Students have been reflecting on the qualities of effective leaders, including respect, responsibility, kindness, resilience and service to others. We continue to encourage students to model positive behaviours, support their peers and contribute positively to our classroom community. Congratulations to Year 5/6 who received the Jellybean Cup at the most recent assembly for their leadership.
Students are regularly setting personal learning goals and reflecting on their progress as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. We are also working closely with students to strengthen focus, organisation and productive learning habits during class time.
As part of our school community, we continue to draw upon the ‘Living Well, Learning Well framework’, which guides our approach to wellbeing, relationships and learning. Parents interested in learning more about the tenets and principles that underpin this framework are encouraged to access the document via the Armidale Catholic Schools Office website.
Mrs Flanagan