English

Reading and Viewing

This term we will be integrating our inquiry unit through our reading content. Explored texts will expose students to information related to key figures and events that led to Australia’s Federation, democracy and citizenship. Guided reading groups sessions will focus on instructional reading strategies at students' point of need. Group discussions will be based on asking and responding to open and closed questions. Students will be supported to, locate and use evidence from the text to support and justify their answers. In particular, texts viewed will support the building of new vocabulary, concepts and different points of view about events from different groups.

Writing

The focal point of writing this term will be to support the development of students incorporating learned facts to present a particular viewpoint, which have clarity of meaning and also reflect their developing voice and style. This will include a variety of modelled, independent and conference writing experiences.

Speaking and Listening

To support students in developing their capacity to speak confidently and with expression they will be provided opportunities to investigate and compose a spoken text. They will be provided opportunities to engage and record sustained conversations and discussions using content integrated from the inquiry unit.

Maths

Number and Algebra

This term we will undertake a unit on addition and subtraction. Students will be working with whole numbers to build fluency and recognition across a range of different contexts. Students will then explore, extend and practice applying various strategies to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division equations with and without technology.

Measurement and Geometry

We will focus on extending our understanding and practical application of timetables in various formats to plan a trip or set , daily activities. Collectively, exposing students to experiences that use mathematical skills to develop critical thinking citizens.

Statistics and Probability

This area of mathematics provides another opportunity for teachers to make visible for students the relationship between mathematics and other areas of the curriculum. Students will be exposed to primary and secondary sources in both interactive and hardcopy formats linked to data that underpins the historical study of Australia’s demography, human population and reconcile events related to our government and election process.

Regligious Education

Making a Sacred Space in our Day

During the term students will make regular time to pray daily. Each student will be provided a rotating opportunity to lead the level in daily prayer. The various readings and psalms cater to different student abilities. For the first two weeks of school teachers will be modelling the skills and setting expectations for students to work towards. In addition, we will be exploring the customs and traditions of our patron saint, St Brigid. Then, we will have opportunities to explore and interpret the life of a Catholic Australian who has contributed to Australia’s government and consider how they have reflected the Catholic Traditions during that time. Students will reflect and respond personally by discussing how this person has made decisions, taken action, followed their faith and respond to how I feel about this in a recorded interview.

Inquiry

Our unit this term is about the concept of community, more specifically the historicity of Australia’s political community. In addition to student’s questions we will be exploring, Why and how did Australia become a nation?

How did Australian society change throughout the twentieth century?

Who were the people who came to Australia? Why did they come?

What contribution have significant individuals and groups made to the development of Australian society?

What does it mean to me to be a Catholic in Australia today?

This unit will expose and position students to concepts and language that can further enhance their Canberra camp experience.

Year 5/6 Term Newsletter

Issue 1 · 11 Feb 2020

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