Learning & Wellbeing @ ASPS
Whole School Unit of Inquiry: ‘Who We Are’
The start of the school year has been marked by our whole-school unit of inquiry, ‘Who we are’. This unit invites students from Prep to Year 6 to explore the central idea: Relationships develop through interaction and communication.
Each year level has approached this central idea through tailored lines of inquiry, enabling students to reflect on themselves and their interactions with others, fostering a sense of community and connection. Across their time at Auburn South and through this whole-school unit of inquiry, students experience and develop their understanding and application of these concepts.
Prep – Building Foundations of Understanding
Our youngest learners have been exploring how understanding themselves helps build relationships. They have been developing emotional awareness by learning to identify and manage their emotions and recognising how their actions impact others. Through stories, role-play, and group activities with their Year 5 buddies, they are building a toolkit to navigate social interactions with confidence and empathy.
Year 1 – Connecting Emotions and Relationships
Year 1 students have been delving into the connection between emotions and physical responses. They are learning strategies to manage their feelings and reflecting on how their choices can build or break positive relationships. Through discussions and hands-on activities, for example creating their mindfulness jars, they are gaining insights into emotional management and the impact of their actions on others.
Year 2 – Positive Interactions and Open-Mindedness
In Year 2, the focus has been on creating positive relationships and approaching interactions with an open mind. Students are exploring the importance of managing emotions responsibly to maintain and develop respectful relationships. Collaborative games and reflective practices are helping them understand different perspectives and strengthen their sense of connection.
Year 3 – Building Respectful Relationships
Year 3 students have been investigating positive behaviours for learning and the impact of words and actions on maintaining relationships. They are discussing rights, responsibilities, and respectful relationships, learning how to communicate thoughtfully and act with empathy. Their inquiries are fostering a classroom culture of respect and collaboration. Reflecting on their Circus Day incursion, students shared how they applied positive behaviours for learning to their new circus skills.
Year 4 – Learning Environments and Identity
In Year 4, students are exploring how to create learning environments where everyone can be successful. They are reflecting on respectful peer relationships and understanding how their identities and interests evolve over time. Discussions on rights, resilience, and respectful relationships are empowering them to build supportive and inclusive communities.
Year 5 – Advocacy and Digital Wellbeing
Year 5 students are exploring the impact of advocacy and standing up for others, learning how their actions can influence relationships and create positive change. They are also beginning to consider how ICT affects interactions and wellbeing, developing strategies to act responsibly and maintain respectful relationships both online and offline.
Year 6 – Influences and Responsibility
Our Year 6 leaders are exploring the influence of relationships on their lives and how external factors shape attitudes and behaviours. They are considering their rights and responsibilities, and how resilience plays a crucial role in navigating relationships. Their inquiries are preparing them to become empathetic and responsible community members.
A Community of Connection and Growth
Through the ‘Who We Are’ unit of inquiry, students at Auburn South Primary School are developing a deep understanding of relationships and how they influence their lives. By exploring identity, emotional wellbeing, and respectful communication, they are building the foundations for positive interactions and a harmonious school community.
We are proud of the curiosity and insight our students are demonstrating, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive as caring, connected individuals.