Year 5 Curriculum News
Term 2, 2023
Term 2
We have an exciting term ahead, preparing for our ‘How the world works’ unit of inquiry showcase of learning. This showcase will provide our Year 5 students with the opportunity to share their newly acquired knowledge and expertise about specific natural disasters from around the world, how this impacts a particular region and explain their innovative design of a solution to help the community and environment.
Specific details about our Year 5 Showcase will be provided in the coming weeks via Compass.
Reminders
* Interschool Sports Program – On Friday mornings, students are to arrive at school no later than 8:30am. Students meet their coaches in the designated area for roll call prior to departure. Any student that arrives after the buses have departed are to proceed to the main office for further instructions.
Students are required to wear appropriate sports clothing (ie. Full school sports uniform) and bring any additional items/equipment (ie. mouth guard, shin pads, etc) to play their selected sport. During wet weather, it is requested that students bring a wet weather jacket, and pack a spare pair of clean, dry socks and/or runners for comfort after their activity.
Details about the weekly sports activity will be available through Compass.
* Homework and Student Diaries – Homework tasks are explained each Monday and usually consist of reading, spelling activities and math revision. It is expected that students complete all tasks and return their Homework book and diary to school each Friday. Students are expected to inform their class teacher of any incomplete homework before Friday.
Homework catch up sessions will be offered during lunch times on Fridays for any students who choose not to complete the required tasks.
We remind parents to regularly check in with their child’s progress at home and initial their child’s diary on a Thursday evening prior to returning it to school. We thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child takes responsibility in managing and organising their time.
Literacy
Reading
We will continue to build on the students’ knowledge and application of the C.A.F.E. reading strategies throughout Term 2. More specifically, we will look at ‘Tuning into interesting words’ to expand vocabulary, and ‘Making a mental image’ to study how authors use imagery, in the form of figurative language, in their texts (metaphor, personification and simile).
There will be a continued focus on building reading stamina through ‘Read to Self’ and broadening students’ reading interests through exposure to a variety of text types. We have introduced regular ‘Read to Someone’ sessions where the students read to their prep buddy. This is an opportunity to share the joy of literature, as well as practice specific reading skills. It is an expectation that students to continue to read regularly at home, a minimum of three times per week.
From Term 2, students will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge.
We encourage all students to become involved in reading for pleasure and sharing a variety of text types to assist in the reinforcement and practice and of important literary skills and knowledge. Year 5 students are challenged to read 15 books. The challenge will end in September.
Writing
This term students have been exploring the writing trait of Sentence Fluency using mentor texts. We have been examining how sentences flow, sentence beginnings, types of sentences (ie. compound and complex) and sentence length.
Students will demonstrate their understanding of different sentences by applying their knowledge when writing more interestingly for their audience.
Students will continue to develop their own writing ideas and style using their Writer's Notebook.
Students correct use of punctuation, word choice and accurate spelling will be identified and targeted throughout writing lessons.
Spelling
Students will continue to review the correct spelling of words using the SMART Spelling weekly focus. They will also identify personal spelling errors in their own writing, known as 'Back of Book' words, explore patterns within word lists and expand their vocabulary linking spelling to our unit of inquiry.
Students are provided with opportunities for extension by identifying unfamiliar words in when reading and using their dictionary to find words that relate to the weekly spelling focus.
Numeracy
Number and Algebra
Students have been revising and building on their understanding of place value, applying their knowledge of the four processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), rounding and estimation of whole and decimal numbers and fractions. Problem solving investigations allow students to work independently or with a partner, to demonstrate their understanding of numeracy applications in open ended challenging questions.
The Year 5 challenge program will be introduced in Term 2 with the inclusion of the APSMO Maths Games Competition. This opportunity provides challenges and extension for students who have demonstrated higher order thinking.
Measurement and Geometry
We will be exploring measurement, including conversions of units (ie. g to kg), length, area and perimeter and 12–24-hour time.
Statistics and Probability
Year 5 students have been describing the likelihood and probability of an event occurring, expressed as a fraction, on a number line and using percentages, using the practical application of hands-on games and chance experiments during class.
Unit of Inquiry
HOW THE WORLD WORKS
Changes to the Earth’s surface and natural environment can impact communities.
Lines of inquiry:
- Sudden geological changes
- Extreme weather conditions
- Impact on human lives
- Impact on the environment
Speaking & Listening
This term students will be practicing their 'Speaking and Listening' skills when working in groups and completing an independent research project, developing a presentation to share their knowledge with peers and teachers.
Resilience Project
This term students will be learning about the importance of respectful relationships, exploring emotional literacy and empathy.
Whole-school Focus on PYP Learner Profile
April and May - Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
June - Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively. We are grateful, expressing a deep feeling of appreciation. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
