Curriculum News
English
Once by Morris Gleitzman
This term, students are diving into the powerful and moving novel Once by Morris Gleitzman. Set during World War II, the story is told through the eyes of Felix, a young boy who uses his vivid imagination and love for storytelling to navigate a changing world.
Through this unit, students will develop their speaking and listening skills by sharing ideas clearly, asking thoughtful questions and using language suited to their audience. They will learn to recognise different viewpoints and present their ideas in a structured and engaging way.
In reading and writing, students will explore rich characters, historical themes, and differing perspectives within the text. They will use a range of strategies to support understanding and discuss how authors create meaning. In their writing, students will produce clear, well-structured pieces using descriptive vocabulary, correct punctuation and careful editing to produce well-structured written pieces.
How you can help at home: Consider asking your child about Felix’s journey or discussing how authors create deep meaning through simple language. It’s a wonderful opportunity to foster meaningful conversations at the dinner table!
Mathematics
Year 5
Number and Algebra
The Year 5 students will continue to develop their understanding of fractions as whole numbers, focusing on adding and subtracting fractions with the same and related denominators using various strategies. They will explore the four operations and algebraic patterns, enhancing their problem-solving skills through worded and multi-step problems. Additionally, students will revise and extend their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages, exploring the relationships between these and whole numbers.
Measurement
The Year 5 students will continue to develop their understanding of measurement by selecting appropriate metric units for length, mass, and capacity. They will also learn to use smaller units or combinations of units to obtain more accurate measurements.
Shapes, Lines and Angles
The Year 5 students will measure and compare 2D and 3D shapes. They will measure angles in degrees using appropriate tools, including a protractor, and relate these measurements to angle types.
Location
The Year 5 students will construct a grid coordinate system that uses coordinates to locate positions within a space; use coordinates and directional language to describe position and movement.
Year 6
Number & Algebra
This term Year 6 students will continue to develop their understanding of Fractions adding and subtracting unrelated denominators. They will work on decimals using the base-10 system to apply and extend the application of decimals using multiplication and division. In Decimals they will interpret, compare and order numbers with more than 2 decimal places, including numbers greater than one, using place value understanding and represent these on a number line.
Measurement and Geometry
The Year 6 Unit on Measurement will focus on Cartesian planes incorporating positive and negative integers in solving problems. They will measure, identify equivalences, and convert units using the base-10 system when measuring length, mass, and capacity. Students will work on reading calendars, timetables, and schedules. They will also compare 12-hour and 24-hour time systems and convert between them.
Shapes, Lines and Angles
In Year 6 the unit on Shapes Lines and Angles will focus on the properties of 2D & 3D shapes with particular emphasis on their relationship to angles.
Religion
Students will conclude their Confirmation unit by reflecting on what they have learned and how they can continue to grow in their faith. They will explore the lives of different Saints and discover how they used the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help others and make a difference in the world. Students will also think about their own faith journey and choose a positive action they can take to support and serve others in our school and wider community.
Science
Manipulating Light
This term, Year 5/6 students will explore the science of light and discover how it helps us understand the world around us. Through hands-on investigations, they will learn how light can be reflected, refracted, absorbed, and transmitted. Students will observe how prisms bend light to create rainbows, draw simple ray diagrams, and explore exciting technologies such as holograms. They will also learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ knowledge of light, including its use in spearfishing, body paint, and housing design. Through experiments and discussions, students will develop their scientific inquiry skills and deepen their understanding of light in everyday life.
States of Matter
They will compare the characteristics of each state of matter and use particle models to explain how the movement and arrangement of particles affect their behaviour. Students will also explore evidence that gases have mass and examine how matter can change in different conditions. As part of their learning, students will recognise and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ knowledges and understandings of solids, liquids, and gases, including how these understandings are applied in practices such as the use of ochres and traditional cooking methods. Through inquiry and investigation, students will strengthen their scientific thinking and deepen their understanding of the physical world.
Humanities - The Search for Resources
This term, Year 5/6 students will explore how the availability and distribution of resources have shaped human history. Through the study of the Silk Road, students will investigate why people travelled long distances in search of valuable resources and how trade networks developed over time. They will learn about the goods traded into and out of China, including silk, spices, precious metals, and other commodities, and examine the benefits these exchanges brought to different societies.
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
Students will explore a range of strategies to help them solve problems and make positive choices when faced with personal, social, and ethical challenges. Through discussions and real-life scenarios, they will practise using these skills in meaningful situations. Students will use the InfBook Faorm and Empower resources to support their learning and develop confidence in making respectful and responsible decisions.