Creating positive learner-centred classrooms is a priority for us in Year 5 and 6 at The Grange P-12 College. We are committed to providing every child with the same learning opportunities by providing consistent learning processes across all classrooms.
Academic Programs
Literacy and Numeracy continue to be very important at Year 5 and 6. Each day the students participate in Literacy (including reading and writing) and Numeracy (including daily number, space, and chance and data). The program includes regular point of need teaching throughout all Year 5 and 6 classes. Students in Year 6 participate in the Scaffolding Maths program, focusing on multiplicative understandings.
Students are encouraged to develop and produce writings that are both factual and imaginative. They explore a variety of writing styles– a reading response reflection for a book, a speech for a debate, an information report, an explanation report, a persuasive piece and a reflection or a journal entry. Written responses begin to show an elaboration of ideas, descriptions and arguments that flow in a logical, sequential order. Students reflect for whom their written piece is targeted and also investigate the many ways that the same message can be presented – flyer, poster, newsletter, essay, program, etc.
Year 5 and 6 students also focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation and paragraphs, vocabulary extension and handwriting. Students explore such strategies as brainstorming, mind mapping and webbing as they search out possible topics. Drafts are prepared, revised and rewritten following editing processes with both peers and teachers alike. Creativity in final presentation is always encouraged and final publications are often celebrations of the written journey in themselves. Individual and group writing activities allow peer support, discussion and guidance.
Students are provided with the opportunity to extend their learning in both literacy and numeracy through the provision of Extension Programs offered in all classrooms from Foundation to year six that are facilitated by Leading Teachers.
Our students are with opportunities to interact with others in both small and large group settings, informally and formally. With constant practice, students develop skills that allow them to become confident, fluent speakers who can deliver oral presentations that show logical and sequential flow and thought. Students are also encouraged to become effective and critical listeners.
It is our belief that children must see the link between maths and the real world. To provide opportunities for students to transfer and apply their mathematical skills and knowledge to the real world, they are presented with open-ended, rich tasks which are realistic activities requiring students to apply both literacy and numeracy skills to complete challenges. We encourage any opportunity for you to engage your child in outside mathematical activities such as shopping, cooking, building, etc. would be of vital importance to their mathematical development.
Students in Year 5 and 6 have a varied specialist program including: Visual Arts, Physical Education and STEM.
Netbook Program
Netbooks are an integral part of the teaching and learning program in Years 5 and 6. It is important that the children have their fully charged netbook at school each day. Information and Communication Technology is a critical component of the curriculum.
Transition
Students in Year 5 and 6 undertake Inquiry Studies which is an approach to learning where students find and use a variety of sources of information and ideas to increase their understanding of a problem, topic, or issue. Inquiry Studies encompasses investigation, exploration, research, pursuit, and study. Research shows that inquiry learning is a powerful tool. The benefits for students is the development of abilities that are crucial for learners such as, critical thinking, team-work and informational literacy. It encourages learners to be self-directed and can improve students´ enthusiasm and motivation for learning. Inquiry Studies includes key subjects areas such as Science, History, Geography and the Arts. Year 6 students have the opportunity to attend the Canberra camp where they are given the chance to immerse themselves in Australia’s history during visits to the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.
An essential part of Year 6 learning is preparation for secondary level study. At The Grange P-12 College we provide an Enrichment program where students access Robotics, Hospitality/Food, Drama and Art at our senior campus on a weekly basis. This is then consolidated through student participation during state wide transition in term 4.
We find this highly engages students, develops the necessary work and study skills for secondary level education and importantly provides a “real” hands on transition to our senior campus learning environment.
