Classroom connection

What's happening in Specialist?

STEM

This term in Science, our Prep students have been studying movement, and they have investigated how toys can move in different ways. They even learnt how to sort toys using a Venn diagram made of two hoops. The Year 1/2 students have been exploring water and its uses. They located sources of water at school, and some of the problems that can happen where there is water. Our Year 3/4 students have been investigating magnets and engaging in a variety of fun activities to increase their understanding of magnetism. The Year 5/6 students have been learning about solutions and suspensions, and they made some crystals using two different types of salt.

Coding in Digi Tech

At CJC, coding is introduced from Prep and progressively builds across the year levels to develop students' logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Starting with directional language and simple sequences, students gradually move into more complex coding concepts such as branching, debugging, and designing digital solutions with real-world applications.

Prep: Our Prep students have developed their coding skills by sequencing steps with Bee-Bots and transitioning into 2D coding on the Bee-Bot app. They proudly documented their thinking on Seesaw, using voice, drawing, and photos to explain their learning.

Grade 1/2: Grade 1/2 students combined storytelling and coding as they retold a Dreamtime story using Scratch Jr and OctoStudio. They used sequencing and problem-solving to bring characters and events to life through simple code.

Grade 3/4: In Grades 3/4, students explored the design process through LEGO SPIKE Essential, building and coding prototypes to solve real-world problems. They applied logic, creativity, and teamwork to bring their unique creations to life.

Grade 5/6: Our senior students designed interactive 3D games on Delightex, coding immersive scenes that explored the immigration experience during the Australian Gold Rush. They used branching logic and co-blocks to create meaningful player choices and narratives.

The Year 2's went back in the past!

This week, our Year 2 students enjoyed a fascinating incursion called ‘The Past In Your Class’, which brought the past to life through engaging, hands-on activities linked to their history Inquiry unit.

During the 45-minute session, students were transported back to the 1800s and experienced what life was like for children growing up in that time. They were taught by Mrs. Sargood, who shared stories about the Sargood family and their home-schooling life at Rippon Lea Mansion.

Students discovered just how different school used to be by stepping into a recreated 1800s classroom. They were guided through strict classroom rules, learned how children were expected to behave, and even practised sitting with perfect posture! Everyone had the chance to try writing with a nib and ink—realising how slow and tricky writing used to be, and how important letter writing was in daily life.

This immersive experience helped students develop a greater understanding of how life, learning, and expectations have changed over time. It was a fun and educational way to explore history and reflect on the differences between “then” and “now.”