Year 1/2 News

Literacy

In Literacy, students have been learning how to read and spell words that include a silent letter, such as digraphs kn and gn (knight and gnaw), wr and mb (wrong, comb), and understanding a schewa in words such as lemon and salad. They are also practising how to read fluently by paying attention to punctuation and making meaning from the texts. This helps them develop a natural rhythm when reading aloud and supports their overall comprehension. In writing, the focus has been on persuasive texts. Students are building their understanding of how to use specific and convincing vocabulary to strengthen their arguments and make their writing more engaging for their readers.

Maths

In Maths, students are learning how to collect, record, and represent data. They are exploring ways to display their findings in simple charts and tables, while also interpreting the data to explain what it shows. This work encourages them to think critically about information, make comparisons, and communicate their findings clearly.

Inquiry: Sharing the Planet – Bugs & Insects

Our Inquiry unit this term is called Sharing the Planet. Students are investigating the world of insects to learn about their lives, habitats, and importance in our environment. Each student has chosen one insect to research, exploring what it looks like and where it lives. To support this learning, we are drawing on resources from the Melbourne Museum’s “Bugs Alive!” exhibition. This gallery features both live and preserved insects and arachnids, including tarantulas, redbacks, orbweavers, mantids, millipedes, and exotic species. The exhibition also includes habitat displays that show how insects live in tropical, temperate, and arid environments. Students had the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, such as observing ant colonies, studying giant insect body models, and hearing from museum experts.

On Thursday 18 September, parents were invited to attend the Year 1/2 presentation of  the inquiry unit "Lets get buzzy". This special event gave students the opportunity to showcase their Inquiry learning. They shared their knowledge about bees - their features, pollination, lifecycle and their importance to the world. Students also shared what they discovered about their chosen insects and explain where they live. It was a wonderful celebration of student effort and learning. 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Excursion

On Friday 12 September, students attended the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for a live performance. Students were able to experience the magic of live orchestral music, observe musicians performing together, and enjoy the dynamic role of the conductor. Students participated in 'create music' using their voices along with the magical sounds of the orchestra.

Melbourne Museum Excursion

On Thursday, 28th August, students had the chance to visit the Melbourne Museum to explore Bugs Alive! in person. This allowed them to see live insects, preserved specimens, and a variety of habitat displays up close. They also took part in the “Living Things: Bugs” program, which is run by museum experts. This session gave students hands-on opportunities to learn more about insect features, life cycles, and their essential role in supporting our environment. Students were also able to visit the Forrest Gallery to investigate and look for insects.