Octavia Community

READING 

Our year 6 students have been learning about diversity through a range of powerful stories. They explored important themes such as race, culture, identity, and belonging. In Tea and Sugar Christmas, students learned about the different communities who lived along the railway in remote Australia and how the train helped bring people and cultures together. The Tea and Sugar Train  helped students understand what it can feel like to leave your home and start a new life in another country. Through the book Black Lives Matter, students discussed fairness, equality, and the importance of standing up for what is right. These texts have helped students develop empathy and a better understanding of the diverse experiences that make up our world.

WRITING 

Our Grade 6 students have been exploring the features of effective speeches. They’ve learned about key elements—like using a clear introduction and conclusion, choosing words that connect with an audience, and adding techniques such as rhetorical questions or emotive language. After studying a variety of speeches, they practised planning and drafting their own by following the strategies we taught (for example, identifying their purpose, organising main points, and using powerful opening lines and knowing their audience). Now, each student is writing and rehearsing their own speech, putting these skills into action to communicate confidently and persuasively.

MATHS 

In maths, our Grade 6 students have been learning about fractions and data in fun and practical ways. They’ve worked on understanding equivalent fractions, as well as how to change between mixed numbers and improper fractions. Students have also been collecting and organising data, learning how to read and create tables and graphs. These activities have helped them build confidence in using maths to solve problems and explain their thinking. It’s all part of helping them prepare for real-life situations using the maths skills taught at school.

INQUIRY 

The students researched influential Australians who were born overseas and came from migrant, refugee, or asylum seeker backgrounds. They explored their life stories, the challenges they faced, and the positive impact they have made in Australia. As part of their learning, they created projects to present to their classmates, helping everyone understand and appreciate the valuable contributions of people from diverse backgrounds in shaping our community.