Spotlight on Learning  Waratah 3 & 4

Mathematics

This term in Mathematics, our Year 5 students have been getting hands-on with measurement, taking trundle wheels out to explore our very own school grounds! Students have been learning to confidently convert between metres and kilometres, and putting those skills to practical use by using estimation and measurement to plan routes around the school. Our success criteria guide students at every level of their learning: at a surface level, students are working to convert distances between metres and kilometres; going deeper, they are using estimation, measurement, and conversion to plan and analyse real school routes; and at a transfer level, students can justify the units and methods they chose when planning a route. This learning is relevant because converting, estimating, and measuring distances helps us solve practical, everyday problems such as planning school events or creating accurate maps. These skills ensure our information is clear and reliable.

English

In English, students have been exploring the extraordinary power of natural disasters, with a particular focus on volcanoes and the science behind how they erupt. Our learning has centred on the tragic White Island volcanic eruption of 2019, providing a deeply meaningful and real-world context for our literacy learning. Through this lens, students have been developing their ability to compose informative narratives using descriptive, imagery-rich language. It has been wonderful to see students engage so thoughtfully with both the science and the human stories behind this event.

Highlights

We have so much to celebrate in Waratah 3 & 4 beyond the classroom! Three of our incredible students have made it through to the Multicultural Speech Finals, which is a wonderful achievement that reflects their confidence, preparation, and ability to speak with poise and conviction. We are incredibly proud of them all. Additionally, a number of our students have extended themselves by submitting entries to the Willoughby Wildlife Story Book competition, presenting beautifully drawn artworks that showcase their creativity and love of storytelling. It is a joy to watch our Waratah 3 & 4 students embrace every opportunity to shine.