Grade 6 Community News
Dear Year 6 Families,
It’s hard to believe how quickly the term is flying by! We have already settled into a busy and exciting term, and there is plenty more to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Students have lots of engaging learning experiences and exciting activities coming up, including our Antarctic projects & scrapbooking. We can’t wait to see their creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm continue to shine throughout the rest of the term!
English
Students have been working hard and continuing to build their reading, writing and grammar skills. Here is a snapshot of what we have been learning.
Reading
Our focus: Locating important information in non-fiction texts.
We are continuing to enjoy Dirrarn and exploring the characters, events and important messages throughout the novel.
In Chapters 6 and 7, Mia visits Perth Zoo with the other boarders. She is fascinated by the animals but becomes saddened by seeing them in captivity. Mia reflects on her connection to Country and family and begins to develop a strong interest in caring for injured animals. We have been discussing how Mia's experiences are shaping her thinking, feelings and future choices.
Writing
Our focus: Answering comprehension questions using evidence from the text.
Students are learning to use the RAP strategy when responding to comprehension questions:
- R – Restate the question
- A – Answer the question clearly
P – Prove the answer using evidence from the text
We have also been learning about Jandamarra (Tjandamurra), a Bunuba man who resisted British colonisation in the Kimberley. Students have explored a range of texts to learn about Jandamarra's life and the significant events surrounding his story.
For further reading, you can explore this ABC News article with your child: Jandamarra: The outlaw who fought to save his Country – ABC News
We are also developing our ability to write interesting topic and concluding sentences. Students are experimenting with different sentence structures, including appositives and subordinating conjunctions, to make their writing more engaging and sophisticated.
Grammar
Our focus: Using nominalisation in our writing.
Students are learning how nominalisation can help make writing more varied, objective and formal. We are exploring how changing words into nouns can help us create more precise and sophisticated sentences.
At Home
You can support your child by asking them about what they are currently reading and encouraging them to explain their answers using evidence from the text. Asking, “What makes you think that?” is a great way to encourage deeper thinking and discussion.
Maths
In Maths, students will be developing their understanding of metric measurement, with a focus on length, mass and capacity. They will revise familiar units such as millimetres, centimetres, metres, grams, kilograms, millilitres and litres, while also being introduced to larger units including tonnes, kilolitres and megalitres. Students will learn to convert between different units of measurement and use multiplication and division with powers of ten to calculate equivalent measurements. They will also explore how to choose the most appropriate unit for different situations and apply their knowledge to practical, real-world problems. Throughout the unit, students will participate in hands-on activities and rich problem-solving tasks that encourage mathematical reasoning, collaboration and the application of their learning.
Upcoming units: Week 6 & 7 Measurement. Week 8 & 9 Location & Transformation.
Humanities
In Humanities, students will be exploring the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, with a focus on the journeys of Ernest Shackleton and Douglas Mawson in the early 20th century. Students will investigate the motivations behind Antarctic exploration, including scientific discovery, national pride and personal ambition, while learning about the incredible challenges faced by these explorers. They will examine the impact of these expeditions on Australia’s scientific presence and national identity in Antarctica, as well as Australia’s ongoing role and responsibility in protecting this unique environment. Throughout the unit, students will develop their historical inquiry skills by analysing sources, asking questions and sequencing key events, while also exploring Antarctica’s geographical significance and its connections to the wider world.
In Week 7, students will begin an exciting hands-on project linked to our Antarctic unit. They will work collaboratively to design and build shelters that could withstand the harsh conditions of Antarctica, applying their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills along the way. We are very excited to see their ideas come to life and look forward to sharing their completed projects with families during our Open Day at the end of Term 3!
We kindly ask that families continue sending in small cardboard items such as shoe boxes, cereal boxes and egg cartons. Donations of materials such as aluminium foil, cotton wool and string would also be greatly appreciated and will help students bring their Antarctic shelter designs to life.
Scrapbooking
We are all going with our scrapbooking! Students are currently working on pages centred around their journey from Prep to Grade 6, reflecting on the special memories and experiences they have shared along the way. They are very excited to get creative and begin decorating their pages.
Students are encourages to bring in photographs ( they can be from both in & out of school) and any scrapbooking materials they would like to use to personalise their pages. We look forward to seeing their creativity and wonderful memories come to life!
Reminders for upcoming weeks:
Week 7: BOOK WEEK 22nd - 28th
Wednesday 26th Book Character Dress up day
Thank you for your continued support,
PLC 6