Learning and Teaching

Year 1

Our Year 1 learners have been busy stepping into the shoes of scientists as they investigate the Sun and its important role in our Solar System. What began as a simple question, “Is the Sun the boss of the Earth?”, sparked lively discussions, thoughtful predictions, and plenty of wonder as learners shared their ideas and tested their thinking.

Through hands on learning and rich classroom conversations, learners have discovered that the Sun plays a crucial role in making life on Earth possible. They have been exploring how the Earth moves around the Sun and how the Earth's constant rotation creates day and night. Learners were fascinated to learn that while it may feel like the Sun is moving across the sky, it is actually the Earth spinning on its axis! One of the most fascinating discoveries for our learners was realising that while they are enjoying daylight in Australia, children on the other side of the world are experiencing nighttime. This helped them understand how the Earth's rotation creates day and night around the globe. 

The learning didn't stop there. Our scientists have also been investigating why we experience different seasons throughout the year. They have explored how the Earth's journey around the Sun affects the amount of sunlight different parts of the world receive, leading to the changing seasons we know and experience. 

One of the most exciting parts of this unit has been watching learners ask big questions, challenge their thinking, and make connections to the world around them. From noticing sunrise and sunset times to discussing why it is warmer in summer than winter, Year 1 learners have been eagerly applying their new knowledge to everyday life. 

Year 5

Year 5 English 

Our Year 5 learners have started reading our final class novel for the year, The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. The story follows April, who travels with her father to Bear Island, a remote island in the Arctic Circle, where he is studying the weather. There, she meets a polar bear and learns about the impact humans can have on wildlife and the environment. 

Through this text study, learners are also discovering fascinating facts about polar bears and have been amazed by their size and strength. We have explored climate change and its impact on polar bear populations, leading to thoughtful discussions about how our actions can affect the environment, both directly and indirectly. Learners have considered ways we can make more sustainable and environmentally friendly choices in our everyday lives. 

As part of our writing program, Year 5 learners are using their knowledge of this topic to write a persuasive letter about the impact of climate change on polar bear populations. 

Year 5 Religious Education 

In our Religious Education unit, Our Christian Heritage, Year 5 learners have been exploring the roots of the Christian faith. They have learned that Christianity is one of the three Abrahamic faiths, alongside Islam and Judaism, and have made connections between these religions and their shared history. 

Learners have explored the traditions and customs of each faith, including Lent, Ramadan and Passover, and have developed an understanding of practices such as halal and kosher food laws. Through this unit, learners have discovered the many similarities between these faiths and gained a deeper appreciation of their shared focus on developing a relationship with God.