Curriculum News
Our Curriculum Overviews for the Term
English
Reading
During this term we will continue to learn new sounds each week and revise all the sounds we have learnt so far. Each literacy lesson includes teaching new content, one activity based on the weekly focus, an activity focusing on previous work to support students in remembering all sounds and building fluency to read these within a text. Activities are adapted so that any gaps in student learning are identified, and students can revise and focus on the sounds that they most need to practise.
Writing
We will continue to focus on forming all letters correctly and constructing simple sentences. Students will begin using new workbooks that require them to write on dotted thirds rather than a single line - this is to support their understanding of forming letters of consistent sizes. Writing will include a combination of guided writing sessions and dictation, which includes using sounds they have learnt, as well as free creative writing, where students are encouraged to use writing to share their ideas and memories. It may involve students attempting to work out words they are not familiar with. In this case, spelling corrections are focussed on the sounds they have learnt, and new sounds are introduced where appropriate to support students extending their own learning.
Speaking and Listening
Oral Language underpins many parts of Literacy and the students will complete activities that focus on improving their oral language skills. During our whole class reading, we include reading texts as a whole class, focusing on identifying punctuation and reading with appropriate expression. We will complete our final rotations with The Hungry Caterpillar and The Magic Box. Students are encouraged to continue sharing special events from their evenings and weekends. Students will have opportunities to share their own writing in small groups and to the whole class.
Mathematics
We will complete our final maths units, introducing some new concepts such as Data and Time, as well as building on what we have learnt in Counting and Place Value, Location, and Measurement.
Data
Students will progress from basic sorting skills to more complex concepts. This includes sorting collections and comparing quantity with terms like "more" and "less", emphasising equal spacing for accurate comparisons. The unit introduces data collection, using yes/no questions. Visual aids like ticks and crosses simplify abstract concepts, fostering comprehension. Though not yet introduced to formal picture graphs, students learn to answer questions with full sentences, connecting responses to the original inquiry.
Location
Students will expand understanding of spatial concepts by describing object positions and moving a specified number of squares on a grid. A key focus is on developing their ability to follow and give verbal directions for object movement, building on prior knowledge of positional language. They are supported in this skill by using visuals, symbols, and concrete materials to enhance comprehension.
Counting and Place Value
Over 4 weeks, students are introduced to ordinal numbers, numbers beyond 20 and Australian coins. A key focus of this topic is counting and the representation of two-digit numbers in tens and ones. Students use ten-frames, bundling and base-10 blocks before moving to counting to 100 on a hundred chart. Students are involved in an in-depth exploration of Australian coins, including identifying, matching and sorting. They are supported in this skill by using plastic coins and role-play items.
Measurement (Length, Mass, Capacity, Time)
We will introduce time duration and apply their previously learned skills in length, mass and capacity to solve problems. Students will use a number of concrete materials, such as balance scales and containers with water, to assist with measurements. The focus is on direct comparison of measurement.
Inquiry/Religion
Our big idea for Term 4 is Energy. Through our unit “Energy in Motion”, students will focus on the Physical Science concepts of push and pull forces. We will use hands-on experiences to observe the ways different shaped objects move, as well as comparing the way different sized objects of the same shape respond to forces. Students will explore movement of different living things, and how their size and shape changes the way they move. We will also identify toys that use forces of push and pull, and explore the different ways they can be used.
In our religion unit, students will explore the concept of energy through the idea of the light of Jesus Christ, and how we can show this in our daily lives to build positive relationships with others. We will also deepen our understanding of prayer, and explore the different ways we can pray - through song, dance, stories, quiet reflection, or formal prayers. Towards the end of the term, we will learn about Advent through exploring the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love, connected to each week of Advent, in preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Wellbeing - Stress Management
Our Wellbeing focus for Term 4 is Stress Management. Throughout these sessions, students will focus on identifying their own emotions, as well as identifying the situations that have caused those feelings. They will identify how emotions can affect their actions, and build skills to respond appropriately to situations and express their emotions constructively.