Year 5 News  

Our Learning Celebrations 

Literacy - Text Studies  

Year 5s have continued their journey through Blueback, diving deeper into the novel’s themes, characters and language through a series of rich, discussion-based lessons. 

They've examined figurative language, interpreted metaphors, and analysed how dialogue reveals character traits. Students have also engaged in thoughtful debates around whaling, distinguishing fact from opinion, and considered how character attitudes shape the author’s message.

These activities have helped deepen their understanding of literary techniques while encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and expressive writing. 

Library  

Year 5 students have been enjoying their weekly library sessions, where they have the chance to explore a wide range of books across all genres. During this time, they return and borrow books that spark their interests. Students then settle into quiet reading either independently, with a partner, or in small groups. 

Mathematics  

In Maths, we have recently finalised our focus on decimal fractions. Students have been comparing and ordering temperatures, organising and analysing data represented with decimal numbers and have explored decimal numbers in real-life contexts. 

The Year 5 students should be proud of their effort and positive attitude towards developing their mathematical understanding during unit. 

Unit of Inquiry 

Year 5 students have been diving into three lively and engaging texts. Recess Queen, The True story of The Three Little Pigs, and The Day the Crayons Quit. Through these stories, they’ve stepped into the shoes of different characters, exploring how each one sees the world and how those perspectives shape the narrative. 

They’ve also been tuning into the tone of each book, discussing the feelings the author wants to spark in the reader. Along the way, students have analysed the texts closely and created a wonderful variety of work pieces. 

Swimming Carnival  

Last Thursday, our Year 5 students took part in the BNPS Swimming Carnival, and we were lucky to have such a beautiful sunny day. Each house had the opportunity to compete in a variety of 50‑metre events, as well as 25‑metre races in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. 

The energy at the event was incredible, with students cheering proudly for their teams and celebrating each other’s efforts. It was an amazing day with so many people joining in and having a go, showing teamwork and a strong school spirit. Well done Year 5s! 

NAPLAN 

NAPLAN begins next week, and our Year 5s are approaching it with such positivity and determination. We’ve been reminding them that these assessments are simply one way to show what they know, and that doing their personal best is all that matters. 

We are already incredibly proud of the effort, growth and resilience they show every single day. 

 What We Are Learning Next  

Mathematics  

Measurement  

From now and until the end of Term 1, students will be developing their understanding of measurement across a range of key mathematical concepts. They will learn to measure and compare length using two metric units, explore area and perimeter, and estimate and measure mass and capacity.  

Students will apply this knowledge to then confidently solve practical measurement problems (worded problems). 

Problem Solving  

Beginning this week and into Term 2 the Year 5 students will be explicitly focusing on problem-solving strategies, with each fortnight dedicated to exploring and practising a new approach such as drawing a diagram, making a table, using concrete material, guess and check, creating an organised list and looking for patterns. Students will learn how to select efficient strategies, apply logical thinking, and clearly explain their reasoning when tackling worded problems.  

Looking ahead to Term 2, the APSMO Maths Challenges will begin, and students who are participating will attend practice sessions designed to further develop their problem-solving skills, build confidence, and prepare for the competition. 

Literacy  

We will continue with our class novel, Blueback, by Tim Winton. Students will be examining how narrative point of view shapes meaning, by writing from a character’s perspective, analyse character’s inner thoughts and key themes, explore how authors show the passage of time through sequencing events, and continue to investigate figurative language helping to better understand mood and meaning. 

Well done Year 5- keep it up!