Year 6
In English, students will draw upon their learning from across the English curriculum to take on the role of journalists. They will implement skills in Speaking and Listening to investigate areas of interest within our school community by conducting interviews. Students will experiment with different text types including persuasive and informative with the purpose of entertaining their audience. They will collaborate with their peers to combine their writing and generate the Semester One edition of our Glen Waverley Primary student magazine, Grapevine.
In Mathematics, learners will explore the many interesting and useful theorems and facts connected to right-angled triangles. This will include learning about the connections to the Pythagorean Theorem and the use of trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine and tangent) to solve problems. They will use their knowledge of length and angle measurement to calculate the height of tall objects such as a tree, the undercover area or the Year 6 building. Additionally, the Year Six innovators will measure dimensions of the school water tank and calculate its volume, paying particular attention to choosing appropriate units, converting between them and visualising how big each unit is. They will also use data to find a general rule and plot this on a Cartesian Plane.
In STEAM, students will continue planning and building their structures, ensuring that they are stable, aesthetic and natural disaster proof. Once students complete their physical models, they will then recreate them using Computer Aided Design tools. Later on in the term, learners will embark on an extended exploration into automotive engineering, exploring concepts such as downforce, grip, and drag. The knowledge gained from these investigations will then enable them to collaborate in teams to design their own miniature race cars according to a set of specifications and criteria, which they will ultimately race against one another.
In Virtual Design, students will explore how a brand’s identity is developed and what businesses need to consider when adapting their image to appeal to a new audience. They will also examine the techniques used in different forms of advertising. This learning will lead into a project where students willl rebrand a fictional company, considering elements such as the logo, colour palette, imagery and product line. In the second half of the term, students will be introduced to the principles and elements of fashion design, and how these can be applied in practical ways. To conclude the semester, learners will take on the role of style consultants, interviewing teachers and designing a range of outfits tailored to them.
In Rocketry, students have explored the forces of rocketry and engaged in some scientific experiments with balloons, string and other items to demonstrate their understanding of thrust. After this, small groups were able to create bottle rockets with differing amounts of fins and fin sizes attached. As they were propelled into the air using pressurised water, theory was discussed and data observed to see how well the rocket performed. This term, students will apply their newly learnt knowledge and theory to create their own design of a rocket that will be launched. They will explore the use of an altimeter to collect valuable data and also a mini camera to capture the view of the rocket flight path.
In Robotics, students are continuing their lego-based builds. Currently, they are building a ‘Hopper,’ a robot that needs to move without the use of wheels. Prototypes are being sketched and developed as students test and iterate their robotic designs. Following this, they will create a robotic device that picks up objects of different sizes and weights before the challenge of building a CNC Machine with moving x- and y- axes. As the end of the semester draws closer, opportunities for their own creative build will come into fruition after applying all the coding skills they have learnt over the course of the unit.
The Netball Sports Innovation will give Year 5 and 6 students the opportunity to build on their skills and deepen their understanding of the game. Throughout the program, students will take part in a variety of engaging drills, challenges, and game-based activities to strengthen their passing, catching, footwork, shooting, and defensive techniques. They will also begin to explore tactical elements such as moving into space, creating opportunities, and reading the play. The program will emphasise teamwork and fair play, with students encouraged to communicate positively, support their teammates, and show respect for everyone involved.
In Languages Innovation class, students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of Chinese folk tales and shadow puppetry, combining history, creativity, and performance. Through engaging storytelling, they will continue to explore the cultural significance of traditional stories such as Nüwa Patching the Sky, Hou Yi Shooting the Sun, the legend of Nezha, and the 12 Zodiac Animals.
Working collaboratively, students will research, design, and create their own shadow puppets, developing an appreciation for this ancient art form. They will showcase their learning through group performances, bringing their stories to life while demonstrating their creativity and storytelling skills, and celebrating the rich heritage of Chinese folk traditions.