Year 5 Curriculum Newsletter

Maths:

This term Grade 5 will be revising a wide range of mathematical concepts in preparation for NAPLAN in March, while the Grade 6s will work with Maths Buddies to apply their knowledge of the four process and a range of problem solving strategies to solve complex word problems. The students will be immersed in a unit on place value to strengthen their understanding of whole numbers beyond six digits, as well as becoming more familiar and confident with decimal numbers. We will be exploring number patterns involving both addition and subtraction and learning to identify the rule before continuing a number pattern. Students will also work on building their automatic recall of multiplication facts through daily fluency sessions. This term we will also see the introduction of Maths Projects which will encourage the application of new and existing skills while promoting engaging learning opportunities.

Reading:

This term the Grade 5 and 6s will become familiar with features of a range of text types and be encouraged to choose books that are a good fit for their reading abilities. We have introduced ‘Sunshine Online’ to add to the bevy of texts available already in the classroom libraries, through the school’s library borrowing system and the digital platform, ‘Epic’. Together with the teacher, students will set individual reading goals and have the opportunity and support to practise applying specific strategies in their independent and small group reading tasks. The Grade 5/6s will embark on a unit to analyse persuasive texts and identify specific techniques writers use to persuade their audience.

Writing:

During Term One we will explore a number of traits that writers use to enhance the quality of their writing pieces. With an emphasis on ‘ideas’ and ‘organisation’, students will build their skills in these areas while planning, drafting and publishing persuasive texts and short narratives. Student work samples will be used to aid in the creation of individualised goals during teacher-student conferencing, and these goals will be monitored and evaluated throughout the term.

Inquiry:

As part of the Inquiry program, students will be exploring Australian history including the formation of Australian Federation. They will learn about human rights and freedoms in the 20th century including those of First Nation Peoples. The Grade 5/6s will also explore Protective Behaviours and learn about where and how to seek help online and in the real world.

Wellbeing:

We are looking forward to building upon our social and emotional skills through The Resilience Project, Respectful Relationships and the introduction of The Berry Street Educational Model. Students will explore the importance of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness through a series of carefully planned and targeted learning experiences and will be guided to apply a range of effective strategies to solve friendship issues.

Japanese

This term in Japanese the Grade 5 students will participate in a unit called ‘Hiragana Karate Belts’ where they will revise hiragana (Japanese alphabet) by completing various activities and games that will enable them to practise identifying and saying each hiragana character. When a student can identify and say the first 5 hiragana characters they will move from white belt to yellow belt. Once they can identify and say the next 10 characters they will move to the orange belt and so on. They will continue to move through the belt colours throughout the year. This system allows students to work at their own level, at their own pace, helping to differentiate their learning. Students will continue to read and write Japanese words, phrases and sentences. Students will also develop their speaking and listening skills through Japanese listening tasks with a focus on greetings. 

Visual Arts

This term students investigate the tools of drawing, creating artworks using pencils, markers, crayons, and oil pastels. Students will continue to learn about the elements of art – line, shape, and colour. They will make choices about how their artworks will look and will take risks when working with unfamiliar materials and techniques. Students will work towards developing their confidence and artistic skills as they appreciate and value the creations of others.

Performing Arts

This term in Japanese the Grade 5 and 6 students will participate in a unit called ‘Hiragana Karate Belts’ where they will revise hiragana (Japanese alphabet) by completing various activities and games that will enable them to practise identifying and saying each hiragana character. When a student can identify and say the first 5 hiragana characters they will move from white belt to yellow belt. Once they can identify and say the next 10 characters they will move to the orange belt and so on. They will continue to move through the belt colours throughout the year. This system allows students to work at their own level, at their own pace, helping to differentiate their learning. Students will continue to read and write Japanese words, phrases and sentences. Students will also develop their speaking and listening skills through Japanese listening tasks with a focus on greetings. 

Physical Education

In Grades 5 PE classes, students further develop their physical abilities through challenging activities and sports. In preparation for inter-school competitions students will learn, practise and master different game specific skills. They refine techniques and strategies whilst developing sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork to best represent Kismet Park against other schools.