Junior School

Year 1 Cross Curricular Learning 

Article written by Andria Manoli - Year 1 Level Leader  

In Year 1 this term, our Cross Curricular Learning (CCL) unit has centred around the Central Idea: Collaboration depends on cooperation and communication. Throughout the term, students have explored what it means to work as part of a team and how their individual roles and responsibilities contribute to group success. 

As part of our inquiry theme ‘Who We Are’, students investigated the importance of belonging, communication, resilience and teamwork. Through a range of hands-on learning experiences, they developed their understanding of how effective teams function and what makes collaboration successful. 

The unit began with a provocation task where students were challenged to “Build the Tallest Tower” using wooden blocks. With minimal instructions provided, students worked in small groups and were encouraged to problem-solve together.  Following the activity, students reflected on their teamwork by identifying what went well, what was challenging and how they could improve. This experience introduced key vocabulary such as collaboration, cooperation, roles, responsibilities and communication. 

To further the students understanding of the lines of inquiry they participated in an incursion delivered by Supreme Incursions. During this interactive 90-minute session, students took part in small group challenges designed to build resilience, communication skills and empathy.  

Through four purposeful structured activities, students practised; building a tall tower, working in pairs to complete an obstacle course, cooperating to balance balls into a bucket, and problem solving to catch objects on a hook. To complete these tasks students put their teamwork skills to the test all culminated with one final challenge, the Giant Parachute. 

This required them to communicate and cooperate with one another by lifting the parachute collaboratively to bounce a large ball as many times as they could. Students shouted “up” and “down” in unison as they successfully bounced the ball, causing the space to fill with laughter and a strong sense of achievement.  

Throughout the incursion, students were encouraged to reflect on how their actions contributed to the team. They explored the importance of setting goals, taking responsibility and supporting one another. Many students demonstrated growth in confidence, particularly when stepping outside their comfort zone.  

Over the course of the term, students have activated the Curious and Risk-Taking Learning Dispositions as they explored how effective communication strengthens collaboration. They practised identifying their role within a team, explaining their responsibilities and reflecting on how their actions impact group success. 

As we move forward, students will continue to consolidate their understanding by applying their collaboration skills across other areas of learning. Through reflection, discussion and shared experiences, Year 1 students are developing a strong sense of self — recognising that being part of a successful team requires cooperation, communication and responsibility. 

We look forward to seeing these skills continue to flourish throughout the year.