6F

During the last few weeks, 6F have been preparing for an important part of their schooling life. Graduation. In our Inquiry unit, ‘How are rite of passages celebrated?’, learners explored a variety of past and current Rite of Passages across different cultures around the world. 

Rite of passage: A rite of passage is a ceremony or ritual of the passage which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another. It involves a significant change of status in society. 

Here are some examples that the learners have investigated during their Inquiry lessons.  

- Agoge Spartan experience. It lasted from the age of 7 until 30! -  Ayub

- Setera Mawe Bullet Ant. Young teenagers have to stick their hand in a bullet ant glove while dancing! Yuvan

- The Ingenious Walkabout. Young teenagers are left on their own in the outback for 6 months! - Eeman

- Apache Sunrise Dance ceremony. Girls dance for many hours non-stop! - Jiya

- Book of the dead, Egyptian culture. You can buy you way to the afterlife! – Cardin 

- The Neanderthal people included burial as part of their rite of passage for those that have died. This was some 40,000 years ago! – Zach 

When comparing and contrasting the various examples, learners noticed the common elements to each one, 

• A lesson from an elder
• Strengthening of a character trait
• Building of a skill
• Persevering through a challenge. 

In order to transfer the theoretical learning that has taken place into an authentic experience, learners are in the process of creating a ‘Becoming a Year 6 learner’ Rite of Passage experience to be undertaken by the 2023 Year 6 cohort using the above elements. 

Here is an example from Mith, Aaron, Ben and Tiger. 

The lesson: In Year 6 we are leaders of the school. 

Character Trait: Respect

Skill: Problem solving.

Challenge:  A list of scenarios that reflect common challenges in the yard during year 6. The 2023 Year 6 Learners will have a go at solving these independently and they will have the opportunity to check their thinking against responses created by the 2022 Year 6 Students.