Learning and Curriculum Primary - Stage 3

Year 5 English – Term 4

This term, students will continue their focus on informational texts by exploring how writers establish credibility in informational texts across various contexts and genres. Students will investigate the strategies employed by writers to establish themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy sources. The unit will focus on developing students' understanding of credibility indicators, such as expertise, research, citations, and balanced perspectives. Students will learn how to evaluate the reliability of sources, distinguish between fact and opinion, and critically analyse the credibility of information presented. They will explore a range of informational texts, including articles, reports, and digital sources, to identify the ways in which writers build credibility in different contexts and genres. Students will read and discuss Storm Boy (by Colin Thiele and illustrated by Andrew Davies) and view the film, Storm Boy. While clearly a narrative, it is hoped students will be able to extract and learn about various informative features such as caring for and protecting wildlife, the importance of sustainability as well as making connections to the world around them.

Year 6 English – Term 4

In this ‘Informed Perspectives’ unit, students will explore how to present information from both objective and subjective perspectives. The unit will focus on developing students' understanding of objective facts, evidence-based reasoning, and unbiased reporting, as well as recognising the role of personal experiences, opinions, and emotions in subjective presentations. Students will learn strategies for conducting thorough research, evaluating sources, and distinguishing between factual information and personal bias. They will also explore various forms of informative texts, such as articles, reports, and presentations, to analyse how objectivity and subjectivity are employed to engage and persuade audiences. By the end of the unit, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of the ways in which information can be presented objectively and subjectively, equipping them with the tools to be discerning readers and effective communicators in an information-rich world.

Daniel Fields

Head of Curriculum – Stage 3