Year 5/6

English

Reading

This term in Reading the students conducted an author study on Colin Thompson and used the Close Reading process to analyse and critique his books. In order to analyse a text, students learned to notice how a text is crafted and appreciate the language choices the author made, as well as the organisation of the text and the structures that the writer has used to convey information. Students learned how to think critically about the texts they read and view, make judgments about a text, reflect on it and evaluate it. 

Colin Thompson has written and illustrated a large number of wonderful books but for this unit we  focused on; Barry, Stanley, The Violin Man, Free to a Good Home, Fearless, How to Live Forever and a few select others. Students looked at the graphics and colours used in these texts, the figurative language chosen by the author, the theme and mood conveyed as well as the use of symbols and motifs.

Writing

This term in Writing the students focused on two main units of study. For the first five weeks of term, the students immersed themselves in explanation texts. Students learnt the purpose and features of explanation texts, and reconstructed these texts in order to demonstrate their understanding of the following features; title, definition, description, process and application. As a class we jointly constructed an explanation text on why or how a certain phenomenon occurs; for eg. Why do volcanoes erupt? Students were then given an opportunity to engage in research on a phenomenon that they had shown interest in, then began to craft their own explanation text on that phenomenon.

The remainder of the term was spent looking at the topic of analytical writing. Throughout this unit the students were given the opportunity to consolidate their learning in reading and writing in preparation for when undertaking English classes in Secondary School. Students learnt about the purpose of analytical writing and looked at the structure of this type of text in detail; such as topic sentences, evidence and explanations and linking sentences. Students then had an opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct examples of analytical writing, jointly construct one with the class, then begin work on constructing their own about a text they had been exposed to in class this year.

Mathematics

This term the Grade 5/6’s applied their previous knowledge on two dimensional shapes (e.g. circle, square) when learning about three dimensional shapes (e.g. cube, triangular prism) and the volume and capacity of these three dimensional objects. This was run over the first three weeks of term before continuing on with our measurement and geometry unit, when the students started to explore the mass of these objects. This involved students converting metric units (system of measurement) of length, mass and capacity. Later in the term, our students learnt about time, including 12 and 24 hour time systems and converting between the two, as well as measuring, calculating and comparing elapsed time. To conclude the term, the students focused  on reviewing and extending their number knowledge. This term was an exciting one in mathematics!

Inquiry 

This term in Inquiry the students explored the topic of Mother Earth. We framed our learning around the key understanding that a country’s climate and landforms influence where and how people live. Students explored geographical phenomena such as volcanoes, peninsulas and icebergs and where they are found all over the world. Students also looked at natural disasters like floods and bushfires and the impact they have on the environment and the resulting displacement of people living in these affected areas. Throughout the unit students worked towards answering the key questions; How do people and environments influence one another? and how can the impact of bushfires or floods on people and places be reduced? 

The unit ended with an assessment task that asked students to research two cities in two different countries and compare and contrast these cities in terms of their climate and geographical features. Students then needed to consider how people in these cities live and interact with their environment to help them survive and the impact of climate change on the landforms.

 Science

It has been an exciting year in the STEM room with students getting to complete many hands-on activities. Term 3 saw students investigating how light is created, how it moves and how it enables us to see everything around us. Students investigated how rainbows are formed and used creative activates (light boxes and periscopes) to explore materials that reflect, absorb or refract light. Term 4, students examined the common states of matter in our universe (solids, liquids and gases) and created a poster explaining each matter’s properties and atomic structure.

As the end of year fast approaches, I hope all students enjoyed their time in the STEM room and remember that “an annotated diagram needs to include labels”! Merry Christmas to one and all and enjoy the break!

 LOTE – Chinese

During Term 4 in Chinese, Grade 5/6s finished the movie Rob B Hood from the end of Term3 and did number 1-100 revision at week1. From second week they started to learn a Chinese story “The Rabbit and The Turtle”. There were some key characters for students to practise writing and got to recognize and remember. They learnt to use Book Creator and Pinyin to write in Chinese on the iPad. Around Mid-Autumn Festival Grade 5/6s enjoyed making moon cakes with colourful play-dough. Students also enjoyed online games such as Kahootz and Quizlet live based on this story, but also experienced a new game – Blooket to learn Chinese. Well done on a great Term4 Grade 5/6s!

Art

The Grade 5/6 students have been discussing the cross-curricular aspects of symmetry, such as symmetry in mathematics and Symmetry in Art. The students have explored why symmetry is important to artistic values and they have created drawings that focus on equal sides, with estimation and measurement. Symmetrical drawing suits students who enjoy structured art, as opposed to free hand drawing and there have been some creative moments. The 5/6 students have celebrated spring and the beautiful Cherry Blossoms in bloom. They have used the Japanese paint blowing method to design their trees with ink, and used mixed mediums to represent the blossoms. They have also had fun with their ‘dark and spooky’ art, celebrating Halloween, and used Origami techniques to create their designs. To end the year, we are currently working on ‘Street Art designs, that focus on colour, depth and dimension, creating a design that resonates with them. These methods and colour techniques create the illusion of 3D. Finally, wrap up the year, the students will have free time to design cards and decorations for someone special or for Christmas. I have had a fun and creative year with the grade 5/6 students. I wish them a relaxing break, they have really shined this year!

P.E.

Our 5/6 students this term concluded the year with interschool sport rugby. We fielded both a girl’s and boys’ team and were represented well finishing 3rd in the girls and 5th in the boys. Congratulations to all those who participated and a huge thank you to all teachers and staff throughout the year who assisted with all inter school activities. I know all the students are thankful for the efforts put in this year and we are all looking forward to building on this in 2023.

For term 4 students in 5/6 worked took a focus on the sports of badminton, hockey, and netball. During this term we worked on a range of movement skills and being able to apply them to game-based situations. We have continued to take a games-based approach and all students participated throughout the term in games to showcase not only the skills but also strategy, rule knowledge, and tactics to win or have success in a range of sports. This term was so enjoyable to teach and the students in 5/6 worked very hard and engaged in all learning. Best of luck to the grade 6 students who move into high school next year and for the grade 5 students I look forward to working with you all next year.