What's happening in our classrooms 

Grade 6

Reading

Last semester, grade six focused on comprehension strategies to assist in deepening understanding of texts students viewed or read. Students monitored for meaning by clarifying unfamiliar vocabulary in fiction and non-fiction texts, practised activating prior knowledge, predictions, skimming and scanning, summarising and synthesising. In addition, students viewed episodes of BTN and participated in discussions based on the content. 

Writing

During semester 1, students developed their writing skills across all core curriculum areas.  They planned, drafted and published narratives, information and explanation texts, as well as biographies. They experimented with text structures, language features and digital resources appropriate to purpose and audience. Students have responded in writing to Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships topics, as well as The Resilience Project for social and emotional learning. 

Numeracy

Our grade 6 students really enjoyed Mathematics during semester 1. A key focus in grade 6 is fractions and decimals. Running alongside that, we have reviewed what we know about length and perimeter. Students have improved their knowledge through warm-ups, games, small group and whole class work. Mathematics conferences have ensured our learners are not only on task but can complete the learning independently and with their peers. At the end of each session, learners reflect on what they have learnt, how they know they have learnt it, and what they still need to work on. 

Inquiry

Natural Disasters was the inquiry focus last term. Students learnt about the impact that natural disasters have on people and the environment, and how communities can prepare for natural disasters. Students researched a natural disaster and used technology to create visual representations of their learning. They presented their projects, and their peers used a criterion to measure their performance and provide constructive feedback.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

During STEM, students enjoyed the experience of collaborating across all three grades.  They experimented with Swift Playgrounds where the focus was to explore and create a variety of algorithms to navigate mazes. Students have learnt to implement efficient algorithms to collect gems and activate switches. They also discovered that coding requires different solutions to a problem until you find the one that works best. 

Transitioning to Year 7

Grade 6 is an exciting year as students journey towards an important milestone in their life, transitioning from primary to secondary school.  Applications for secondary school were submitted in May and parents and carers will be notified of the outcome in August.  Recently, students were asked what they will ‘take with them from Mackellar’.  Their responses were truly heart-warming, reflecting immense gratitude and a strong connectedness to learning, friendships and our school community.   

Celebrating Attendance

Proudly, all three grade 6 classes have been recipients of Mackellar’s Attendance Cup.  Here are representatives from each grade; Angelina, Simran and Darko. Congratulations to our grade 6 cohort for their excellent attendance during semester 1. What a positive group of students who have demonstrated a growth mindset and tremendous resilience during remote learning!