Learning News
Learning News - Term 1, Weeks 9-10
Geography/History
K/1
In Geography this term, our K/1 students have been busy exploring the world around them! Students have been learning about the Traditional Custodians of Country and developing an understanding that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have cared for Country for thousands of years. Through stories, discussions and classroom activities, students have explored the special connection First Nations Peoples have with the land and the importance of caring for places and environments.
Students have also been developing early mapping skills by exploring a variety of maps and identifying natural features such as land and water. Activities have included locating and describing features on maps, using simple directional language, and creating maps of familiar places. It has been wonderful to see students enthusiastically explore, question and make connections about the places that are important to us all!
Miss Downes
K/1 Teacher
Year 3
This term, our Year 3 students embarked on a captivating journey back in time to explore three of history's greatest civilizations. Centered around our core focus question—Where did the Maya, the Aztec, and the Inca people live?—the children developed their mapping and geography skills. They discovered how the Maya thrived in the tropical rainforests of Central America, how the Aztecs engineered an empire in the Valley of Mexico, and how the Incas conquered the rugged heights of the South American Andes Mountains.
Beyond simply locating these empires on a map, students investigated how these diverse environments shaped the daily lives, innovations, and cultures of each society. From the ingenious floating gardens of the Aztecs to the high-altitude mountain terraces of the Incas, our young historians analyzed the incredible resourcefulness of ancient peoples.
To wrap up this exciting unit, students created their very own PowerPoint presentations. Each child selected one of these ancient civilizations to dive much deeper into, moving beyond geographic locations to explore specific areas of interest—such as Maya hieroglyphs, Aztec warrior culture, or Inca engineering. Developing these digital presentations allowed them to hone both their historical inquiry and technology skills.
Miss Martin
2/3M Teacher
Year 4
This term in History Year 4 has been learning about the First Fleet. We have investigated the events happening in England and around the world that led to the First Fleet sailing to Australia and the ships and some of the stories of the people of the First Fleet. We have traced their journey and examined what life onboard would have been like. Students have been applying their knowledge to imagine they were on the First Fleet as a marine, convict or free settler and are creating journal entries of what they may have thought and experienced during their journey.
Miss Cronin & Mrs Shepherd
Year 4 Teachers
5/6
This term in Geography, 5 / 6 have turned into history detectives as we explore Australia’s rich and fascinating past. We have unpacked the past of the crossing of the Blue Mountains, the British Settlement, The Gold Rush, and currently exploring the Convict era. Children are currently deep into a hands-on research project, tracing the real-life journeys of early convicts who arrived on our shores. Each student has adopted a specific convict to research, uncovering the crimes they committed, the harsh conditions of their journey and what life looked like after. To bring their research to life, they’re creating a poster. It has been incredible to see their enthusiasm for historical research and we cannot wait to see their finished masterpieces!
Miss Murphy
5/6 Teacher