Year 6 News
Numeracy
Over the first few weeks of the term, the Year 6 students have extended their understanding of the properties of rectangles and complex shapes by investigating the relationship between area and perimeter. They have explored whether a greater area always results in a greater perimeter, calculated and compared the area and perimeter of a range of rectangles, and recorded and analysed their findings.
Students have also practised calculating perimeter when side lengths are provided in mixed metric units, applying unit conversions where necessary. Through hands-on investigations, they discovered that rectangles could have the same perimeter but different areas and examined how doubling a rectangle's length and width affects both its perimeter and area, identifying and explaining the mathematical patterns they observed.
Moving forward, the students will revise how to estimate the size of angles and measure them accurately in degrees using a protractor.
Literacy
To begin Term 3, the Year 6 students commenced their third text study for the year, focusing on the novel 'How to Bee' by Brew MacDibble.
Throughout the unit, students have participated in shared read-aloud sessions to learn about the author and explore the novel's key messages and themes. They have also developed their questioning skills by generating thoughtful questions in response to images, extracts and themes from the text, encouraging curiosity, engagement and critical thinking as they prepare for a deeper study of the novel.
Looking beyond, the students will students learn the key features of journalistic writing, including using a third-person voice and concise, factual language. Furthermore, the shift from narrative to journalistic style, and students practise rewriting narrative scenes to report events accurately and clearly.
PYP Exhibition
The Year 6 Team are proud of the students for hosting a very successful PYP Exhibition for our current Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet. Please read through the PYP captains' speech from the day.
To begin our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, the Year 6 students first explored the concepts of interests and passions. Through discussions and reflection, we considered the difference between something we enjoy and something we care deeply about, recognising that passions can inspire people to create positive change in the world.
Building on this, we watched the parts of the documentary 2040, which provided a powerful introduction to the unit. The film encouraged students to think about what our world could look like if current global issues were left unresolved, while also offering hope by showcasing practical solutions already making a positive impact. It challenged us to consider how our own actions, both big and small, can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Inspired by the film, we brainstormed a wide range of global issues affecting people and the planet. Next, we reflected on which issues we felt most passionate about before selecting one to investigate in greater depth for our PYP Exhibition.
To support our research, we developed our own lines of inquiry and wonderings. Each of us explored the causes and impacts of our chosen issue, investigated organisations and initiatives already working to address it, and considered what meaningful action we, as individuals, could take to raise awareness or make a positive difference.
It has been an exciting and rewarding journey leading up to the Exhibition. Along the way, we have engaged in thoughtful discussions, asked challenging questions, conducted extensive research, and shared many conversations both at school and at home. On behalf of the Year 6 cohort, we welcome you to our 2026 Exhibition and look forward to sharing the culmination of our learning with you.
- Izzy M & James R
The SEC Renewable Energy Incursion
In Week 1, our students had the opportunity to take part in the SEC (Science and Engineering Challenge) Renewable Energy Incursion, and it was wonderful to see how quickly they became engaged in the learning. Throughout the session, students explored renewable energy concepts that encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The incursion provided a meaningful way to connect real-world sustainability issues with classroom learning.
Using robotics and coding, students had to program a small Ozobot to travel from home through a city or country town to school. This was a clear highlight of the session. It was exciting to observe their persistence as they tested, adjusted, and refined their code. The activity supported learning in Digital Technologies and Design, while also building teamwork, resilience, and creativity.
What stood out most was the way students began to recognise the wide range of careers connected to renewable energy. The SEC educator helped them see that this field involves not only scientists, but also coders, builders, designers, planners, and business professionals. Many students were surprised by the variety of pathways available, and it was encouraging to hear them making connections between their own strengths and future possibilities.
From a teaching perspective, the incursion was especially valuable because it showed students that renewable energy is far broader and more creative than they had first assumed. It was rewarding to see how the experience inspired greater interest in coding, engineering, and sustainable design.
Thank You
On behalf of the Year 6 cohort, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Julia Esmonde. She generously took time out of her busy schedule to deliver an engaging and informative presentation on nursing and the vital role nurses play in keeping our communities safe and healthy.
It is always a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from real-world experts, gaining valuable insights into global issues and the diverse range of careers that make a positive impact on society.
We are incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge and enthusiasm that Julia shared with our students.
Thank you again for helping to inspire the next generation.