Icarus 

Inquiry 

Grade 3 Inquiry: The Impact of First Contact

The Grade 3 students have been exploring the fascinating topic of "The Impact of First Contact," diving deep into the history of Australia. This inquiry helps students empathize with and understand the experiences of the First Peoples of Australia and European settlers. Key questions guide the investigation, including: How did the First Peoples live before European settlers? What were the causes of the First Fleet’s journey? Students have learned about the hardships faced by convicts, the stark differences between the two groups at the time, and the emotional and cultural impact of European settlement. Through this exploration, they gain a better understanding of the journeys of exploration and the complex consequences of early contact. This inquiry encourages appreciation for the rich history and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

SEL

Students have been learning about emotions—what they look like and what can trigger them. Through fun activities, they’re discovering how different emotions show up in our faces and actions, and how we can recognize what causes them. This helps them understand their own feelings and be more understanding of others. At the same time, they’ve been talking about the important values that guide our school community. The class has been brainstorming how to live out our school’s four core values: Caring for others, Caring for the school, Caring for learning, and Caring for themselves. These values help create a positive and supportive environment for everyone to grow and succeed.