Year 5 - Numeracy

Recently, Year 5 students have been exploring the use of grid coordinates through hands-on map-making activities. They’ve been designing their own imaginative spaces, including parks, theme parks and water parks, while learning how to accurately plot and read coordinates. As part of this activity, they have incorporated a cafe they'd previously worked on, where they have already designed their own cafe packaging and recipes. 

In a recent lesson, students built on this work by transforming their maps into mini treasure hunts. Each student created a set of clues based on grid references and challenged a buddy to navigate their map in order to find the 'hidden treasure'. This activity not only reinforced their understanding of mapping skills, but also encouraged problem-solving, teamwork and creativity.

Now, students are beginning to extend their learning by exploring more complex types of maps. They are experimenting with reflecting their maps along the x- and y-axis, deepening their understanding of symmetry and transformations. These new challenges are stretching their thinking and allowing them to see how mathematical concepts can be applied in creative and practical ways.

These lessons are helping to prepare students for an exciting real-world application of their learning. During camp, they will take part in orienteering, an activity where they will put their mapping and navigation skills to the test in a natural outdoor environment. By practising now in a fun and engaging way, students are developing the confidence and skills they will need to succeed at camp.

To further explore mathematical patterns, students have been introduced to mandalas. By creating mandalas, they are learning about rotation, reflection and symmetry in an artistic and highly engaging way. This activity not only reinforces the mathematical concepts they have been studying, but also allows them to express their creativity and discover the beauty of mathematics in design and nature.

Families are welcome to view some of the students’ work on the Year 5 display boards.