Year 5/6 News
ENGLISH
Reading:
In Reading this term, students explored how stories and information texts supported their understanding of characters, ideas and the world around them. They learned to summarise fiction using the SWBST strategy (Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then), applying it to a variety of short texts before independently summarising a personal favourite. Students also practised inferring the central message in both fiction and non-fiction, using multiple-choice prompts to justify their thinking. As the term progressed, they shifted their focus to synthesising - combining new information with what they already knew to build deeper insight. This was applied across different texts and contexts. Later, students were introduced to questioning as a key comprehension strategy. Through modelling and guidance, they learned to generate and record thoughtful questions to strengthen their understanding. By the end of the term, students had developed stronger skills in summarising, synthesising, inferring and questioning, helping them grow into more confident, active readers.
Writing:
In Writing this term, students focused on crafting engaging narratives through the narrative arc structure. They learned how to shape strong openings, rising actions and satisfying resolutions, while developing characters whose actions and emotions carried the story forward. Students examined mentor texts to analyse how authors structured pivotal moments and applied these techniques in their own writing. Alongside narrative work, students studied short biographies, linking closely with our Inquiry unit on the Stolen Generations. They learned to plan, draft and edit biographical texts that respectfully conveyed the lives and contributions of significant individuals, drawing on factual detail and clear organisation. Throughout the term, students refined their writing through conferencing, peer feedback and revision, strengthening their ability to write with clarity and purpose.
MATHEMATICS
This term the grade 5/6 students explored a variety of units in Mathematics. Multiplication and division was the major topic of focus. During the unit, the students solved problems involving multiplication of larger numbers by one- or two-digit numbers, utilised efficient mental and written calculation strategies and used digital tools where appropriate. They also solved problems involving division, applied efficient mental and written strategies and interpreted any remainders. On top of that, the students used their knowledge of factors and multiples to explore tests of divisibility. The minor units that students explored in Mathematics are mass, area, data, and location. In Mass, the grade 5/6 students looked into the use of appropriate weighing devices to compare units of mass and converted units of mass. In the area unit, the students familiarised themselves with the terminology of area and surface area. The students examined strategies in finding the area of a rectangle and efficient strategies to find the area of composite shapes. Throughout our exploration of data, the students represented data for numerical and categorical variables to address a question of interest. Moreover, they planned and conducted statistical investigations by posing questions and collecting relevant data, posed survey questions and identified the best methods for presenting the data. Finally, in our location unit, the students used coordinates, delved into directional language to describe position and movement, and compared grid coordinates to grid references.
INQUIRY
In Inquiry this term, the Grade 5/6 students focused on building their understanding of the significant events and policies in Australia’s history that impacted Aboriginal people. The students explored how the status and rights of Aboriginal people changed over time due to key events in Australia’s history. They investigated the significance of the Prime Minister’s apology to the Stolen Generations and identified the policies and practices that enabled authorities to remove Aboriginal children from their families and communities. The students also researched and organised their findings on how the removal of Aboriginal children by authorities affected individuals, their families, and communities. To conclude the unit, the students created a timeline showcasing the history they had learned throughout the term.
SCIENCE
In Science this term, 5/6 students have focused on the Earth and Space Sciences unit called ‘Natural Disasters’. Throughout this unit, students instigated the different layers of the earth and what they are made of and the tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust. Students explored geological natural disasters, meteorological natural disasters and hydrological natural disasters and how they occur, as well as the effects of them occurring. We also discussed management strategies that can be put in place to minimise the effects that natural disasters have on communities. In groups, students created a flood simulation, where they created cardboard houses and a landscape model. By simulating the flood as a result of heavy rainfall, students were able to determine the impact that a flood can have on housing and the importance of town planning in areas that are at risk. I am very proud of the 5/6 cohort and their inquisitive nature which they have applied to this unit and look forward to exploring new concepts with them next term.
LOTE - AUSLAN
During Term 3 Auslan, students learnt about: – Food/Dinner, School Signs, Nature Walk, Auslan Structure, Conversation, Holiday – Planning & Packing, On Holidays, HOLM + NMF – Minimal Pairs (Orientation) and Modern Technology. These new lessons will showed signs that are relevant to our daily lives and the things that we do as families. We also built on our previous learning, with ‘old’ and ‘new’ signs coming together in lessons. Deaf Culture (conversation elements) and Auslan Structure (sign order) provided information related to the theory and purpose of Auslan. Another focus for the 5/6s this term was to work with a partner to create a ‘skit’ or scene using signs, fingerspelling and Constructed Action to comprehend the content. Using many signs learnt this term, provided experience and ongoing exposure. Hence, the students began to gain confidence, in both signing (Expressive) and understanding others’ signs (Receptive). At this level the students were actively encouraged to develop their Auslan skills in both fingerspelling and signing, so that they developed an increased confidence to fingerspell and read back fingerspelling more comfortably.
ART
The Year 5/6s have had an excellent term playing and discovering in the art room. We have been learning about form and texture - sharing ideas, asking questions, and building on each other’s ideas to create impressive sculptural artworks! We began the term by looking at famous examples of sculpture in art, using these as inspiration to create our own maquette (miniature) sculptures. Some of the materials that we used included wire, foil, mosaic stones, icy pole sticks, styrofoam balls, string, ribbons, pipe cleaners, buttons and 3D pens :D
Following this, we drew designs for clay figurines. In creating our figurines, we experimented with a variety of clay tools, and learnt about clay techniques such as coil and slab building, and score and slip (creating effective joins), to form more robust and texturally detailed artworks. We especially enjoyed painting and varnishing the finished products. We’ll finish Term 3 with some digital art, exploring several new art-related apps on the iPads. I have been delighted to see your achievements this term, Year 5/6s. Thank you for your creative efforts. I cannot wait to spend more time learning and making together next term!
P.E.
Our Year 5/6 students have had a busy and exciting term in PE! We kicked off with basketball, focusing on dribbling under pressure, accurate passing, shooting techniques, and teamwork. Students applied these skills in 3v3 and 5v5 games, showing fantastic growth in their tactical understanding and decision-making. We then moved into striking sports like tennis and badminton, where students refined their control, timing, and power while learning to rally and play modified games. On top of this, many of our 5/6s represented the school in interschool sport competitions for basketball, rugby, and athletics. These events were a brilliant chance for students to showcase their skills, build confidence, and demonstrate sportsmanship and school pride. It’s been such a rewarding term, and I’m proud of the effort and energy all of our 5/6s have brought to PE.
MUSIC
During term 3 in music, grade 5 and 6 students learnt to play various songs. Students learnt about chord progressions and how they support the song. They also learnt to play chords C major, E minor, F major, and G major on the keyboard ukulele or guitar. Students learnt about different song writers and how their music influences us. Some examples of songs they listened to and learn to play ‘Let it be’ by the Beatles, ‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry ‘Take on me’ by ahah. Students also learnt to play ‘Golden’ and ‘Soda Pop’ from K Pop Demon Hunters. Students learnt to play the synth hook for The Weeknd song ‘Blinding Lights’ and the hook for MGMT tune ‘Kids’. Some students also played the opening of Fur Elise by Beethoven. Students learnt to coordinate their hands on the keyboard, ukulele and guitar. Students learnt the letter names of notes on the keyboard and tablature on guitar and where to place their hands and how to play the instruments.