From Elly, Year 6 teacher

Literature Circles

A new term has brought a fresh batch of books for Year 6 to disappear into. While some students have discovered the magical world of Hogwarts for the first time, others have been introduced to the thrilling Maze Runner series. After practising key reading skills in Term 1, we have moved onto discussing the author's craft, imagining we have the opportunity to interview characters and taking on the role of illustrator. Students are enjoying the experience of coming together with their book club each week and celebrating a love of reading.

Writing

We have been looking at the importance of word choice. We asked ourselves if the nouns, adjectives and verbs and figurative language we selected to use in our writing had the desired affect on the reader. Does the word choice entertain, excite, intrigue, inspire or inform the reader?

Here are some little snippets from some proud Year 6 writers:

‘The rays of sunlight beamed through my glass window and then reached my eyes.’

‘It pulverised through the clouds.’

Felix

‘Take deep breaths,’ the wind whispered.

Leen

‘She holds my shoulders and showcases me like a prize.’

Cece

‘The arrow flew through the air, glinting a faint silver hue in the weak moonlight.’ Isaac

Math

Year 6 have been using Maths Pathways to support the teaching and learning taking place in the classroom. It provides students the opportunity to choose which areas of maths they would like to learn about and improve in. Here are two student reflections of how it's been going:

I like maths pathways because I learn a lot and I think it teaches me everything. For example I have been learning things like gradients, linear equations, algebra and fractions. The difference between pathways and class is that I am able to challenge myself because the diagnostics are unique to me.

Micheal

I like maths pathways because it's fun. I like being able to use technology while doing maths. The lessons that they provide are easy to understand and I have enjoyed learning about fractions, BODMAS and algebra so far this year.

Lachy

History

Students have been delving into the story of Australian activism and protest, as a way to explore some of the challenges different communities have faced in this country over the years. Students have so far examined women's rights, universal suffrage and are now about to explore the complex history of aboriginal rights, just in time for National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

Along the way they will be learning about some amazing and inspiring characters and getting the opportunity to see first-hand one of the most protested-at places in Melbourne!

Science - Growth

Year 6 will be focusing on growth of different plant and fungal species, and the effect of the environment on their development. Students have begun by setting up bean experiments that investigate the role of soil, light (e.g. red, green, no light), fertilisers, etc, on the different stages of growth.

Through this unit, students will also be looking at the extreme conditions in which some exotic species can flourish. In the following weeks, they would be investigating fungi growth as a part of their unit.

Important Times