Curriculum News
English
Us Mob Walawurru
During our novel study of Us Mob Walawurru, students are developing their speaking and listening skills by sharing ideas clearly, asking thoughtful questions and using language suited to their audience. They are learning to recognise different viewpoints and present their ideas in a structured and engaging way.
In reading and writing, students explore characters, themes and cultural perspectives within the text. They use a range of strategies to support understanding and discuss how authors create meaning. In their writing, students produce clear, well-structured pieces using descriptive vocabulary, correct punctuation and editing skills to improve their work.
Free Diving
In our Free Diving novel study, students explore and discuss key ideas from the text in a clear and engaging way. They ask thoughtful questions, rephrase ideas to show understanding, and consider different perspectives within the story. Students also share their thinking with others, sometimes using images or digital tools to support their ideas.
As they read Free Diving, students develop their understanding of characters, events, and themes, and how language and images help shape meaning. In their writing, they focus on expressing ideas clearly, using descriptive vocabulary, and organising their work effectively. They are encouraged to review and improve their writing, while also applying spelling and grammar strategies with growing confidence.
Mathematics
Year 5
In the Year 5 unit, students will extend their understanding of fractions by comparing mixed numerals and improper fractions, converting between them, and using number lines to order fractions. This builds on prior learning and prepares them for adding, subtracting, and finding equivalent fractions.
Students will also explore 3D objects by identifying features and creating nets, while developing their decimal skills to work with thousandths using place value tools and number lines.
In other areas, students will investigate probability by exploring all possible outcomes, transform 2D shapes through rotation, translation, and reflection, and build their time-telling skills using both analogue, digital, and 24-hour formats.
Year 6
In this unit, Year 6 students will build on their understanding of fractions, learning to compare and order them by finding common denominators and developing a stronger sense of their size using a range of strategies. They will also explore the features of 3D objects, with a focus on right prisms and cross-sections, building on their knowledge of shapes, nets, and right angles.
Students will continue to develop their number skills by working with decimals, including rounding, partitioning, and adding and subtracting numbers to three decimal places, while exploring the connections between fractions, decimals, and percentages. They will further their understanding of probability by conducting increasingly complex chance experiments, using digital tools to investigate theoretical probabilities and relative frequencies.
In addition, students will identify and create rules for number patterns, recording these rules using algebraic equations and building on their previous learning with simple sequences and patterns. Across all these topics, students will apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in practical and engaging ways.
Religion
Students will learn about the Sacrament of Confirmation and its role in the Catholic faith. They will explore the history and meaning of Confirmation, and reflect on the spiritual significance of receiving the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, reflection, and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Students will learn about the importance of Pentecost. They will explore the biblical story and reflect on how these teachings can be applied to their own lives.
Science
Plant Survival
Students will observe the physical features of plants and explain how these help them survive in their environment. They will explore how flowers, fruits and seeds are specially designed to support reproduction, and discuss the strengths and limitations of different adaptations. Students will also describe how changes in a plant’s habitat can affect the usefulness of its features for survival.
Natural Disasters
Students will learn about the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and how they change over time. They will explore natural events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and fires, and how these impact the environment. Students will also look at how people can reduce the effects of natural hazards using technology and planning. They will learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use sustainable practices to care for and protect the environment.
Making Shadows
Students are learning about how light helps us to see by identifying where light comes from and tracing the path it travels. They are also exploring how shadows are created when an object blocks light, and investigating the different factors that can change how shadows form.
Humanities
Changing Communities
In this topic, students will explore how and why communities change, looking at examples from the past and present. They will learn about the impact of migration, cultural diversity, and new ideas on the way people live, work, and connect with each other. By understanding these changes, students will see how communities grow and how they can contribute positively to the future.
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
Our wellbeing unit this term is Emotional Literacy. Throughout the unit, students will learn about how their emotions affect the way they behave, learn, and interact with others. They will explore different factors that can make it easier or harder to manage their emotions, and develop skills to help them regulate their feelings in a positive way.