Systemic Knowledge 

This term, Grade 3 students will be exploring Earth Science: The Water Cycle and Geography: Environments and Interdependence.

In Science, students will learn about the water cycle and why water is essential for all living things. They will investigate how water moves around our planet through evaporation, condensation, precipitation and runoff, and discover how water changes between its three states: solid, liquid and gas. Students will also learn where fresh water comes from, how it is used, and why it is important to protect this valuable resource. They will explore how pollution and other human activities can affect waterways and investigate ways individuals and communities can help care for local environments, including the Yarra River (Birrarung).

In Geography, students will investigate how living things depend on their environment to survive. They will explore how elements such as water, soil, air, sunlight and temperature support plants, animals and microorganisms. Students will also examine how environmental changes, such as drought, can affect ecosystems and the living things within them. Throughout the term, they will develop an understanding of how people rely on the environment for resources like food, water and energy, while also learning about the importance of caring for our natural world.

This term, Grade 4 students will be exploring History: Indigenous and European Contact and Science: Scientific Development.

In History, students will learn about the establishment of the first British colony in Australia and the arrival of the First Fleet. They will investigate why the British came to Australia, what life was like during the voyage, and the experiences of people living in the early colony. Students will explore the perspectives of convicts, British officials and Aboriginal Peoples, developing an understanding of the different experiences and the lasting impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal communities. They will use historical sources and evidence to deepen their understanding of this important period in Australia's history.

In Science, students will explore how scientific and technological knowledge has developed over time. They will investigate how ideas and discoveries from different cultures and historical periods have been shared, improved and built upon to shape the world we live in today. Students will learn how knowledge has been passed on through trade, travel, communication, translation and collaboration, and examine important contributions from ancient Greece, the Islamic Golden Age and Asia. They will discover how developments such as paper, printing, the compass, gunpowder, astronomy and mathematics have influenced the way people live, learn and communicate today.

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.

Throughout Terms 3 and 4, both Grade Four classes will participate in Social Stencil, adapted and facilitated by our art therapist, Olympia.

Through creative group experiences, students will use creativity, visual expression and collaborative art making to explore friendships, communication, and relationships. The sessions provide a shared space for students to notice their responses, express ideas in different ways and become aware of the experiences and perspectives of others.

Students have begun exploring how their bodies support listening and what helps a group work well together. Future sessions will explore emotions, anger, mindfulness, conflict, cooperation and assertive communication, including how to express feelings, ideas, needs and boundaries confidently and respectfully.

By creating alongside one another, students will practise sharing space and materials, negotiating ideas, making decisions, and responding to difference. The program aims to strengthen self-awareness, confidence, empathy, group connection, and each student’s sense of belonging within their communities.