Enrichment

Enrichment in Term 3

This term has been a busy and exciting one for enrichment at Boroondara Park Primary School, with students being provided with a range of opportunities to extend their learning, challenge themselves and showcase their knowledge and skills.

ICAS Academic Competitions

Students in Years 3–6 were offered the opportunity to participate in the ICAS competitions across a range of academic areas, including Digital Technologies, English, Mathematics and Science. These assessments provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills to challenging questions that extend beyond the regular classroom program.

We have been very proud to see students embrace these challenges and demonstrate their curiosity, persistence and enthusiasm for learning across a variety of academic fields.

Maths Extension Program

Selected students in Years 3–6 have continued to participate in our Maths Extension Program led by Carli Greenwood, where they have been challenged to think deeply, explore unfamiliar mathematical concepts and develop their problem-solving and reasoning skills.

As part of the program this term, students have participated in the Maths Olympiad and the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), as well as completing the Maths Challenge Problem Solving Program.

The Maths Challenge is a particularly exciting opportunity as it encourages students to work collaboratively to solve a series of challenging mathematical problems. Rather than simply finding an answer independently, students work in teams to discuss possible strategies, explain their thinking, test ideas and agree on a solution. This provides students with an opportunity to develop not only their mathematical reasoning, but also their communication, collaboration and perseverance.

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of 12 students from our Maths Extension Program who completed the Maths Challenge competition and achieved Distinction Awards. These students have demonstrated excellent mathematical thinking, persistence and teamwork throughout the program. Their Distinction Awards will be presented at Assembly this week.

High Abilities Writing Workshop

Grade 5 students with a passion and aptitude for writing have also had the opportunity to participate in a High Abilities Writing Workshop, provided by the Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) and facilitated by published author Sue Lawson, author of Always Was, Always Will Be.

The workshop explored how characters and point of view can be used to create compelling fiction. Through discussion, examples and a lot of hands-on writing activities, students experimented with first- and third-person narration. They created contrasting characters, sometimes placing them in conflict and wrote short pieces from each character’s point of view. 

The workshop gave students practical strategies for developing stronger, more intentional storytelling and provided an opportunity to work alongside other students who share their enthusiasm for writing.

We congratulate all our students who have or are participating in these enrichment opportunities this term. It is wonderful to see them embrace challenges, take risks with their learning and strive to achieve their personal best. We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for our students to extend themselves and discover their strengths and passions.

Julie Tainsh

Learning Specialist - Curriculum 

Grade 5/6 Teacher