Year 5/6

English

Reading

Throughout this term, Grade 5/6 students explored a unit centered on analysing and evaluating texts by conducting a comprehensive study of Chris Van Allsburg as an author. They read several of his books, delving into both his narrative style and his approach to illustration. At the outset, students showcased their analytical abilities by interpreting an image from one of Van Allsburg’s stories. As the term progressed, they examined various language features, text structures, themes, and the distinctive methods Van Allsburg used to create his stories and artwork. Collaborating with their teachers and classmates, students engaged in discussions to assess the style, tone, mood, and visual techniques that characterise Van Allsburg’s works. They also paid special attention to the visual aspects present in his books, ultimately offering critiques by evaluating how effective these texts are as both literary works and pieces of art. 

 Writing

In Writing this term the Grade 5/6 students have completed a unit on biographies and autobiographies. The students began the topic by being immersed in a range of example texts, having the opportunity to deconstruct the textual features of biographies and autobiographies. Students were then guided in choosing a person of interest who they were to complete a biography on. They were then given time to plan and draft the key sections of their biographies, these sections included an introduction, early life, challenges, achievements, and a conclusion. Students were encouraged to support their writing by quoting direct evidence from different sources and where appropriate to include facts, figures and statistics. On completing the drafting stage of the writing process students were given time to revise and edit their work before producing a published copy. To conclude the year the Grade 5/6 students have been engaging with a minor unit on poetry. In this unit students have explored language devices including metaphor, simile, personification, onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance, and rhythm. They have also been exposed to a number of common poem types and have had a go at composing their own limerick, rhyming, and free verse poems.k together. The students enjoyed writing on a range of topics that interested them.

Mathematics

In Mathematics this term, students explored a range of topics such as division, fractions, decimals and percentages, algebra, probability, capacity and transformations. The students began the term by applying efficient mental computation strategies to solve division problems. Next they revised their previous learning of fractions and decimals so that they could make the connection with percentages. They then had the opportunity to apply fractions, decimals and percentages in everyday contexts, for example, looking at sales in retail. In capacity, students solved problems using capacity and reading measurements. They learnt to use the correct units of measure, compare different quantities and convert between units. Next students learnt about algebra, where they found unknown values in numerical equations involving brackets and combinations of arithmetic operations. In probability, students identified possible outcomes of chance situations. They also prepared and conducted simple probability experiments, where students observed and recorded their results. Lastly, in the topic of transformations, students described and performed transformations of various shapes through translation,  rotation and reflection.

Inquiry 

In Inquiry this term, students explored how connections between countries shape the way people see places and cultures. They started with globalisation, using maps and everyday items to see how Australia links to other nations through trade, migration, travel and media. Each student then chose a country to research, identifying its location, flag, language and currency and comparing these to Australia. They examined traditional food, dress and celebrations, and discussed how climate, religion and history influence daily life. Students also looked at access to education, health, clean air and water, using basic data to think about fairness. To finish, they created a project showing how their chosen country connects with Australia and how those connections influence people’s perceptions.

 Science

In Science this term, 5/6 students focused on Physical Science. Term 4’s unit is called ‘Electricity’. Throughout this unit, students learnt about electrical circuits, components and forms of electricity. They did so by experimenting with Electrical Kits and creating circuits using a variety of wires and components. Students also investigated sustainable use of energy through solar panels and turbines.  

 LOTE

During term 4 in Auslan, Grade 5/6 learnt about: – Junk/Take Away Food, Telling the time, Around the House – Bathroom & Laundry, On the Weekend, Opposites, Handshapes #4, Going to the Beach, Sign Languages Around the World, Party time and Revision.

These new lessons showed signs being used in a variety of social settings, and we explained that there are many sign languages used around the world.

As their knowledge increased, combining signs, fingerspelling & Mime/Constructed Action enabled the students to extend their Auslan communication. Telling the time in Auslan related to many situations to develop Auslan clauses or phrases.

The Auslan story in our revision lesson provided the opportunity for the students to recall / ‘read back’ signs they had been taught during the term. Well done Grade 5 and 6’s on a wonderful year of learning Auslan! 

Art

In Term 4, our Year 5/6 artists continued to enjoy sharing their abundant creativity. Throughout the term, students explored foundational textile skills such as felting, beading and sewing. They also practised and significantly impressed me with origami techniques, steadily developing precision and patience! Another highlight was our excursion to the Potter Museum of Art, with several students meeting one of the brilliant curators, and all expanding their understanding of the profound importance of First Nations art and culture.

In addition, the 5/6s used photography to capture expressive images, highlighting aspects of their personalities and elements of our school environment. Our photography projects were inspired by the colourful and playfully staged works of Melbourne-based artist Atong Atem. Students were introduced to the idea of ‘light as a material’ and experimented with costumes, props, angles, focus and photo-editing tools to create imaginative scenes and montages. It was a joy to welcome the students into the art room for our final term. We hope you are as delighted to share the wonderful creations we’ve produced over the course of the year. I am incredibly proud of the students’ growth, capacity for challenge and sparkling individuality.

P.E.

This term our Year 5/6 students took part in mainly game based learning for both hockey and rugby, as well as a variety of other sports during their free play sessions. They spent time refining their skills and making tactical decisions in different game situations. It was great to see the way they communicated, supported each other and showed resilience during each lesson. Students had plenty of opportunities to play, practise and enjoy these sports together, and their teamwork and effort were a highlight across the term. Well done on a fantastic term 5/6s!

Music

This term students in Grade 5/6 have learnt about various structures of music such as verse and chorus. The students have also composed a simple melody using the five note pentatonic scale. Students have practised techniques for playing the keyboard, guitar and ukulele including interpreted pitch and rhythm on their instrument. Students have learnt to play ‘Riptide’ on the ukulele using four chords A minor, C major G major and F major.