Year 5/6 News

Welcome

As we find ourselves in Week 6 and in the middle of a highly unusual term there will probably be challenges for some of the students around motivation. This is a really important time to stay focussed and not allow the grind of the term to become overwhelming. As teachers we are indebted to you, our families, for the amazing support you have provided to the students this year and you have often been pivotal in the successes we have enjoyed during Online Learning. We ask you now to continue to work closely with the students during this potentially challenging period and help them through by reminding them that this is not forever, but it is an important time in their education. Share with the students the hope that with the current downward trajectory in infections that Day One Term 4 will be back on site at St Raphael's. Please use our contact details at the bottom of the page if you have a question or are needing any assistance.

Statement of Intent

Weeks 6 and 7.pdf

Timetable

Student Weekly Timetable.pdf

Reading

Analysing A Text

During recent weeks students have been practising the skill of analysing a text. Along with Critiquing, Analysing is a key skill when thinking about a text. An example of some of the questions that we encourage the students to consider when analysing a text are; What do the character’s actions tell about him? What is the turning point in the story?

Last week the students analysed a text called The Dreamgiver. They were given five questions related to the text observing the features of the story.

Writing

The students have been busy drafting a biography and practising their editing skills over the past fortnight. Last week, each student was given 3 editing goals, based on the feedback they were given from their first draft. The students annotated their draft in red pen and then wrote a second draft that showed they had applied the feedback that was given. As a result, we have seen some very well written biographies. This week, the students are working on presenting their biographies. They are filming themselves reading aloud, while capturing the essence of their subject. They will do this by considering the setting in which they are reading and including props or 'artefacts' that represent their person. We can't wait to hear the stories of some interesting people. Below are some examples of second drafts.

Maths

In weeks 4 & 5, the Year 5/6 students revised Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division for whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Students participated in a range of clinics from using efficient and written strategies to solve problems involving all four operations to adding and subtracting fractions with the same and/or related denominators. Students also revised estimation and rounding. Estimation is a very important skill for students to have so they can determine if their answer is within a reasonable range.