Student Learning 

Year 6 Leaders Day

"The Innovation Project"

On Wednesday the 1st of March, the Year 6 classes attended Year 6 Leaders Day at the Beach House in Glenelg. Students had the opportunity to listen to the ‘Innovation Project’ presentation which was presented by the CEO of the Beach House and the Big Wedgie, Peter Rimington. Peter discussed the importance of having a growth mindset and persisting when faced with challenges. He talked to our students about some of his business failures and how he was able to use these experiences as learning opportunities. Furthermore, Peter also talked about the importance of having good communication skills, being a good listener and having the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a team to achieve shared goals. The presentation was very inspiring and students were able to ask questions at the end of the presentation. 

After the presentation, students ate their packed lunch and were able to purchase snacks from the canteen. Then, it was time to enjoy the waterslides, mini golf course, bumper cars and the wide range of carnival games. The afternoon was action packed and even the teachers joined in on the fun! Emma Marks (Year 6 Teacher in F1)

F2 Spotlight on Learning STEM Marble Runs

The year 6 students were set a challenge to use recycled materials to create a track, which can successfully complete a marble run. 

A marble run is a fun creation and a great way to learn about physics concepts like kinetic and potential energy. 

Students recorded notes, created designs and answered questions in preparation for this task. 

Some key learning principles from the task that were taken into consideration were using gravitational potential energy to raise the marble off the ground. Using potential energy through the height at which the marble is released and the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy as the marble moves through the track. Students also learnt about the importance of friction to slow the marble down. The key to a successful marble run was ensuring the marble never went over a hill higher than where it started.

The success criteria for the challenge required students to work collaboratively in groups to create an unassisted marble run that lasted at least 5 seconds, incorporated at minimum 2 types of recycled materials, accurately finished in a designated area, had a change of direction and was created to a theme. Optional extras included an uphill track or jump, using a chain reaction or manual levers and having multiple entry points or multi marbles moving at once. 

All marble runs were successful and students thoroughly enjoyed the task, especially the testing process where they had the opportunity to use their peers' marble runs and make comparisons between their own to identify areas for improvement if the task were to be completed again.