Year 6 News
Reading
This fortnight in Reading, Year 6 students have been exploring the exciting world of non-fiction text features. They have been learning how headings, subheadings, captions, glossaries, and diagrams all help readers find and understand information quickly. Students have been detectives, spotting these features in books and then discussing why authors use them. “I liked reading non fiction books because i learnt new facts about topics” - Bonnie 6D“Non Fiction are factual and real” - Lachlan 6E “I prefer reading non-fiction books because they’re real” - Livreet 6B
“Ive learnt that you can find sub headings in a text and that nonfiction texts are real” -Alyra 6D
Writing
This fortnight in Writing, Year 6 students have been mastering the craft of explanation texts. They have been learning how to plan their ideas clearly, use topic sentences, and link paragraphs so their writing flows logically. Students have experimented with precise vocabulary and technical terms to make their explanations both clear and engaging. After drafting their work, they have been revising like real authors; adding detail, improving sentence structure, and ensuring their ideas are easy for readers to follow.“I wrote my explanation texts on how to qualify for the Olympics” - Rania 6E
“I liked learning about the structure of an explanation so I was able to write and publish my text on Calisthenics” - Ivy 6A
“I wrote my explanation text on motocross” Izayia 6D “I wrote my explanation text on gymnastics” Bonniebelle 6D
Maths
Year 6 students this past fortnight have been exploring integers in mathematics. To begin their learning, Year 6 students discuss directed numbers and language we use when something is increasing or decreasing. They explored real life examples of integers; for example, bank accounts, lifts, school, temperature and when we give directions. Students explore how we can demonstrate integers on numberlines (as pictured below) and how we can apply these to real life situations. The Year 6 students also explored how to add and subtract different integers.
“It was interesting to learn that integers cannot have decimals or fractions. They must be whole numbers” - Sarthak 6E
“At first it seemed challenging learning about integers but I think I’ve got the hang of this now” - Maya 6B
“Using timelines helped me when looking at integers” - Grace 6A
“ I learnt that integers are negative numbers” - Oliver
Inquiry
Year 6 students this past fortnight have been exploring changes to the natural environment and how these changes occur. Students began by identifying both natural processes and human-induced changes, discussing examples such as erosion, flooding, pollution, construction, and agriculture. They explored how human infrastructure and farming have impacted the environment and considered how these changes have developed and intensified over time.
Students also investigated environmental change through the five key concepts: Natural Processes, Human Impact, Interdependence, Adaptation & Resilience, and Long Term vs. Short Term Change. Using Melbourne as a case study, students discussed how the city’s environment has changed, how humans, animals, and ecosystems are interconnected, and how some species and habitats adapt or recover from change.
Finally, students examined ways that people are working to protect and restore the environment, including community projects, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction strategies.
“I wonder what is really in the yarra river” - MK 6A
“I liked learning about the changes in Melbourne over the years especially the yarra river” - Layla 6A“ I have seen Flinders Street station before and it looks the same now as it does in the earlier years” - Layth 6E
Auslan
The Year 6 Cohort have been exploring the importance of respectful communication with deaf people, gaining valuable insights into deaf culture and effective interaction techniques. Through engaging activities, students learned how to approach conversations thoughtfully to promote greater empathy and understanding. This experience highlighted the significance of being inclusive to others and the power of respectful communication in building meaningful connections.
Year 6 students have also practised expressing a range of emotions using Auslan by learning signs for feelings such as happiness, sadness, excitement and frustration. The cohort developed both their signing skills and emotional awareness this past fortnight. This hands-on approach allowed students to appreciate the richness of non-verbal expression and deepened their appreciation for the diversity of human connection.
“We learnt about deaf culture and how it is important to look at people who are deaf” - Khloe 6E
“Learning to communicate non-verbally is really important for talking to people who can’t hear too well.” - Levi 6B
“Its been really fun learning different signs” - Alexis 6A
Social and Emotional Learning
Year 6 students this past fortnight have been exploring what connection means and how building connections can help prevent bullying. Students began by discussing why it is important to be respectful to everyone, even those they may not get along with, and how positive connections create a safe and inclusive environment.
They identified what “connections” mean in the context of friendships, teamwork, and community, and reflected on the value of the connections they already have. Students also explored ways to diversify their connections by interacting with different groups of people and showing kindness and respect in new situations.
Throughout the fortnight, students learned strategies for managing personal feelings, such as taking deep breaths, pausing before responding, and using positive self-talk, to help them interact calmly and respectfully. They practised real-life scenarios through role-play activities, using effective communication and problem-solving skills to work through disagreements or misunderstandings.
The students have been able to recognise that developing and maintaining positive connections with a variety of people helps strengthen relationships, build understanding, and reduce the likelihood of bullying.
“I think it's very important to make friends and know how to comfort people when they are sad” - Ivy 6A“ Being inclusive of everyone is important so that everyone feels included” - Jorja 6E
Special Event
Kinglake Adventure Day Camp
The Year 6 Cohort had an amazing day at Kinglake Adventure Camp. The students were able to participate in a climbing ropes course, zipline, team work challenges, a nature walk and were even able to feed native animals. These experiences helped students to further develop skills such as building leadership capabilities, communication and working with others.“I saw a possum hanging off a tree” - Rania 6E
“I loved the excursion” - Akman 6B
“My favourite thing was zipline” - Rimas 6A
“It was a lot of fun learning about the wildlife on the hike and pushing myself to my limits” - Ivy
“Spending time on the bus with my friends was fun” - Rimas
