Year 5 News  

Our Learning Celebrations 

Literacy 

Text Studies 

Students have begun exploring The Blue Cat by Ursula Dubosarsky, a historical fiction novel set during World War II in Sydney. The story follows Columba and her family as they navigate life during wartime, while mysterious appearances of the blue cat weave throughout the narrative. 

Through the text, students are gaining an understanding of Australia's experiences during World War II and exploring themes such as war, refugees, mystery and belonging. They have been analysing characters, investigating important symbols, identifying how the author creates atmosphere and suspense, and using evidence from the text to support their thinking. 

Students are also developing their writing skills by constructing complex sentences and making deeper connections between historical events, themes and characters. 

Spelling, punctuation and grammar 

Students have been exploring prefixes, suffixes and Latin roots to build their vocabulary and understanding of word meanings. We have investigated the roots nom/nomin and migr, as well as the prefixes mis-, hyper- and hypo-, learning how these word parts help us decode and create new words. Students have applied this knowledge through word building, sentence activities and vocabulary tasks. 

Mathematics   

To begin this term, Year 5 students have been developing their understanding of angles. They have learned how to estimate and measure angles using a protractor, explored angle relationships that total 180° and 360°, and investigated the internal angles of triangles and quadrilaterals. Students have been applying their knowledge to solve problems, justify their thinking and calculate missing angles with increasing confidence. 

Unit of Inquiry 

In our new Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet, students have been exploring the central idea: Significant events affect the balance of an ecosystem. We began by investigating adaptations and how they help living things survive in their environments. 

Students are currently working on a research project based on an animal from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ugly Animals. They have been investigating the unique adaptations of their chosen animal and how these features help it survive and thrive. Students will soon share their findings through a class presentation, showcasing their research and developing their communication skills. 

Mini Market  

The Year 5 students had a wonderful time taking part in the Mini Market organised by the Year 6 students. They enjoyed purchasing a variety of food and items, as well as participating in the different games and activities on offer. It was fantastic to see students having fun, making choices independently and supporting the hard work of the Year 6s.  

What We Are Learning Next  

Text Studies 

Over the coming weeks, students will continue exploring The Blue Cat by investigating different points of view, analysing themes such as war and change, and building their understanding of characters and events. They will also begin preparing for their assessment by examining artefacts from the text and using flashbacks to connect past and present experiences in their writing. 

Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar 

In upcoming English lessons, students will explore the Greek root graph and the prefix tele-. They will build and investigate words containing these morphemes, explain their meanings and apply their understanding through vocabulary and sentence-building activities. 

Mathematics  

Over the coming weeks, Year 5 students will be learning about time and statistics. They will develop their understanding of 12-hour and 24-hour time, practise converting between the two formats, and use timetables to plan journeys and solve real-world problems. Students will also explore line graphs, learning how to interpret data and make inferences. Towards the end of the unit, they will conduct their own statistical investigations by collecting, analysing and presenting data, before using their findings to draw conclusions and communicate their results. 

Inquiry 

In the coming weeks, students will build on this learning by exploring different types of adaptations, including structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations. They will also investigate biomes and ecosystems, developing a deeper understanding of how living things interact with each other and their environment, and how changes within an ecosystem can impact its overall balance.