Systemic Knowledge

Systemic Knowledge – History ( Life Then & Now) Year 1

This term in Systemic Knowledge, our Year 1 students will be learning about History -  Life Then & Now. Students will explore how the world has changed over time by learning about the concepts of past and present—understanding that the past is what has already happened, and the present is what is happening now. 

They will use time language such as then, now, past, and present to describe changes in everyday life. Through familiar examples like games, cars, and household appliances, students will learn that while some things change over time, others stay the same. They will be introduced to the ideas of change (when something becomes different over time) and continuity (when things remain the same). 

Students will also explore different types of sources, such as photos, objects, stories, and buildings, to learn about the past and understand how these sources provide information about what life was like. As part of their learning, students will investigate the history of our own school, discovering how Sunshine Heights Primary School, built in 1956, has changed over time.

Systemic Knowledge - Health and Human Biology (Bodies, Food and Feelings) Year 1

This term, students will explore the topic of Health and Human Biology through our unit Bodies, Food and Feelings, with a focus on Relationships, Communities and Consent. Students will investigate a range of health messages and strategies they may see in their everyday lives, learning how these support their health, safety, and wellbeing. They will also develop important social skills by practising how to seek, give, and deny permission respectfully in different situations. 

Through discussions, role-play, and real-life examples, students will build their understanding of how to make safe and respectful choices, communicate clearly with others, and develop positive relationships within their community.

Systemic Knowledge - Earth Science, The Sky Above Us (Year 2) 

This term will begin with a 6 week unit on Earth Science with a focus on The Sky Above Us. Students will learn about the solar system, including the Sun, Moon, stars and planets, and observe patterns in the sky such as day and night and the phases of the Moon. They will develop scientific vocabulary, build models, and investigate how planets move in orbit. The unit includes an exciting excursion to Scienceworks Planetarium and will conclude with students creating a diorama and information booklet to showcase their understanding of space and astronomy. 

Systemic Knowledge - History, The Evolution of Civilisation (Year 2) 

Later in the term Year 2 students will explore History, Science and Technology through the unit The Origins of Civilisation. Across four weeks, students will investigate how technology has changed over time, focusing on life in the past compared to today. Using the example of ancient Mesopotamia, students will learn about early innovations such as writing, farming, number systems and jobs, and how these developments shaped the way people lived, worked and communicated. Students will compare past and present technologies and consider how change has impacted daily life, culminating in a hands-on assessment where they create and present their own representations of early writing and technological advancements.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Year 1 & 2 

We will continue to work through the Resilience, Rights, and Respectful Relationships Program (RRRR). This program supports schools and early childhood settings in promoting and modelling respect, positive attitudes, and behaviours. It

teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence.

Using the RRRR Program, and with support from Open Parachute and Zones of Regulations, we aim to help build positive social interactions across our class and the whole school community.