Curriculum Matters
Foundation
Our Foundation classes have been exploring the Power of Yet and developing a growth mindset.
We have been learning that when something feels difficult, we can change our thinking from "I can't do it" to "I can't do it... yet!" This small but powerful word reminds us that learning takes time, practice, and perseverance.
Through class discussions, students discovered that trying new things, making mistakes, and continuing to practise helps our brains grow and allows us to achieve amazing things. We talked about how everyone learns at their own pace and that it's okay if we can't do something straight away.
To support our learning, we enjoyed reading the inspiring stories The Magical Yet and Giraffes Can't Dance. These books encouraged us to believe in ourselves, embrace challenges, and understand that with effort and persistence, we can continue to grow and improve.
To help us remember this important message, students also created a range of colourful 'Power of Yet' crafts. These visual reminders celebrate the importance of using the word "yet" and encourage us to keep trying whenever we face a challenge.
We encourage families to use the word "yet" at home too. When your child says, "I can't do it," try encouraging them to add one powerful little word—yet!
Level 1
In Maths, we have been learning all about data!
We have collected lots of different sets of data and represented our findings using pictographs and simple bar graphs. We loved our lesson, “I moustache you a question!”, where we surveyed our classmates, as well as playing Rock, Paper, Scissors and graphing our results.
But the absolute favourite was counting and graphing how many of each colour M&M we found in our packets! It was definitely the most delicious data collection we’ve ever done!
In Literacy, we have been writing information reports about familiar places within our local community. Students have also been using their creativity to design a unique animal by combining two different animals into one! They are now beginning to write information reports about their new creations, describing their appearance, habitat, diet, and other interesting characteristics.
In Inquiry, we have been exploring the differences between cities, states, and countries. Students have learnt how to locate Melbourne on a map of Australia and have begun developing their understanding of place by learning some of the Aboriginal names for locations across our country. This has helped us appreciate the rich cultural history and significance of the land on which we live.
Level 2
Recently, Level 2 students have been exploring multiplication in maths.
Students have been developing their understanding by experimenting with a range of strategies, including equal grouping, repeated addition, skip counting and arrays. They have enjoyed a variety of fun, hands-on learning experiences across the Level 2 classrooms and have demonstrated resilience and perseverance when taking on new challenges and solving multiplication problems.
Level 3
The Level 3s have been hard at work learning how to write information reports over the past couple of weeks!
To showcase their new skills, students have been researching, writing and publishing an information report on their chosen animal. We have loved seeing all the interesting facts they have discovered, and we can’t wait to see how their finished flipbooks turn out!
We have also been exploring a range of multiplication and division strategies. To showcase all our learning, we are creating our very own Multiplication Monsters! Each monster will demonstrate lots of different ways to solve our chosen multiplication or division number sentence. We are having lots of fun getting creative while showing off our mathematical thinking!
In Literacy, students have been working hard on writing information reports about Australian landmarks.
Each student chose a landmark they are familiar with since exploring them in inquiry and has been organising their knowledge and research into clear, informative paragraphs. Students have been learning how to use headings, topic-specific vocabulary and interesting facts to teach their readers about their chosen landmark.
Level 4
Inquiry
Our Level 4 students have been busy exploring the world of design, engineering and innovation as part of our Future Innovators inquiry!
We have been fortunate to welcome some special guest speakers into our classrooms. Product designer Lauren and engineer May spoke with students about their careers and shared insights into what it is like to work in the world of design and innovation.
Students learnt about the different stages involved in designing a product, the importance of testing ideas and how engineers and designers use creativity, problem-solving and collaboration to overcome challenges.
These experiences have provided students with a valuable opportunity to see how the skills they are developing at school can be applied to real-world careers. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they ask questions, share ideas and begin to think like young innovators!
And we’re not finished yet! We still have more special guest speakers to come, giving our students even more opportunities to learn, be inspired and discover where their creativity and ideas could take them in the future.
Reading
The One and Only Ivan
All Level 4 classes have been reading The One and Only Ivan as their class novel this term and the students are loving it! They have become very engaged with the characters and storyline and have enjoyed sharing their thoughts, predictions and favourite moments as we continue reading the story together.
Level 5
On Friday 21st August, Level 5 had a fantastic time celebrating all their hard work in Inquiry with our ‘Living Landscapes’ Movie Premiere!
Students enjoyed watching each other’s short documentary-style presentations about their chosen habitats, including animal adaptations and environmental challenges.
The movie lolly bar was a huge hit, with lots of delicious treats to enjoy while watching the documentaries!
It was such a fun way to celebrate the students’ creativity, learning and hard work throughout our ‘Living Landscapes’ unit.
Level 6
Our Level 6 students are having far too much fun on their camp at The Ranch!
They’re making memories, taking on new challenges and having plenty of adventures along the way. There’s so much fun happening that they barely have time to share it!
We can’t wait to hear about all their adventures when they return.