Year 6 News

From Kim Ryan, Year 6D Teacher and the 6D students

During Week 5, parents, students from other year levels and staff across both NMPS campuses had the opportunity to view our Year 6 Dystopian Dioramas. It was fantastic to see the incredible effort, creativity and attention to detail that students put into their creations. Alongside their dioramas, students showcased their dystopian prologues and a range of additional text features, including maps, character lists and timelines, bringing their imagined worlds to life. We were so proud of the thought and hard work that went into this project!

Literacy

Students have been developing their media literacy skills by exploring the world of advertising and examining how companies persuade consumers to buy their products. They have been critically analysing the features of advertisements, including the use of ethos, celebrity endorsements, catchy slogans and other persuasive techniques. Students have been learning to look beyond the flashy visuals and clever marketing to consider the messages being presented and how these can influence consumer choices. This learning is helping students become more informed and critical consumers of media.

We took a closer look at how food companies, particularly fast-food chains, use advertising techniques to make their products look more appealing than what consumers might actually receive. Students explored how food can be carefully styled and presented to create certain expectations, prompting discussion about whether companies have an obligation to be more transparent and upfront with their products. Through thought-provoking questions and discussion, students were challenged to look beyond the advertisements and consider the intentions, ethics and responsibilities behind persuasive marketing.

Students have now put their learning into practice by creating advertisements of their own, promoting either existing products or imaginative products they have invented. Using a range of filming apps and green screen technology, they have been developing and filming their own commercials. Throughout the process, students have drawn on the persuasive techniques explored in reading, including slogans, celebrity endorsements and other strategies designed to capture an audience's attention and convince consumers to buy their product.

Year 6 students and teachers worked together to create our fete stall, Fruit Fates! Visitors were invited to press the bell and try their luck at getting three matching fruits in a row. Students played an important role in bringing the stall to life, helping to paint the stall and designing colourful signs to promote their game. It was wonderful to see their creativity and enthusiasm throughout the process, and Fruit Fates certainly brought plenty of fun and excitement to the fete!