Year Five/ Six
Communicating with the Year Five/Six Team
We look forward to partnering with you in 2020, and welcome your input:
Llewela Humphries (Class 56A) humphries.llewela.j@edumail.vic.gov.au
Gary Monopoli (Class 56B) monopoli.gary.p@edumail.vic.gov.au
Hayley Oliver (Class 56C) oliver.hayley.h@edumail.vic.gov.au
Jessica Cameron (Class 56C) Cameron.Jessica.C@edumail.vic.gov.au
An Overview of our Learning
What have we been covering in Mathematics this term, and why?
During Term One our students have been focusing on many areas within the Number and Measurement strands, including:
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Place Value and Two / Three Dimensional shapes.
Units of work are planned over a one or two week cycle, allowing students time to learn a range of different methods and to solve a range of tasks. During the second week of a unit, students are able to transfer their learnt knowledge into investigation tasks which make links to the real world.
We have been focusing on students understanding that Addition and Subtraction / Multiplication and Division are opposite operations. By including Place Value in our focused topics, students understand the importance of keeping values consistent during completion of the operations. This is particularly important with bookwork, as we work with larger numbers, and numbers which are smaller components of one (1) unit; such as decimals and fractions.
How have concepts been delivered?
On a regular basis each class uses Essential Assessment (an online Mathematical tool) to complete Pre-test and Post-tests of all units. This data allows us to plan units of work that are specific and focused to the areas that the cohort need further work in. We regularly use this data to inform all of our teaching practices.
Mathematical lessons are planned with a focus on the Gradual Release of Responsibility. This instructional model allows time for the teacher to teach particular skills, students to explore through small group activities, and finally allowing opportunities for the students to work independently to transfer their knowledge.
All levels of student abilities are being covered during Maths lessons, utilising the Steps to Success (SOLO Taxonomy) with tasks that can extend our proficient mathematicians.
What are the underlying proficiencies which students have been focussing upon?
During all Mathematical sessions it is the teacher's Learning Intention to make sure all students have a clear Understanding of the four operations and how they connect to their world.
Through planning using the Steps to Success, students are using Problem Solving strategies to transfer their learnt knowledge into completing a range of tasks.
During our Shapes unit, students have been able to develop Reasoning skills in identifying the features (similar and different) of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.
What Extra Curricular activities are we offering?
During this semester we have been able to offer a range of Extra Curricular activities whcih have a maths focus. These activities are: Maths Olympiad, John Monash Science School – Mini Mathematician and Gift Insights. Later in the year we offer an opportunity for students to be involved in ICAS mathematics.