Year 6 Term 2 Learning Overviews

English

Unit Title: Experiences of Refugees 

Unit Overview:

Using a variety of texts students analyse the plight of refugees and how they are represented. Students read and/or view a variety of other publications of various organisations working in the area of social justice with groups such as children and refugees, and interpret, analyse and compare information and ideas and the ways they are represented. As students consider the individual and national responsibilities of global citizens of the 21st century they compose a variety of texts, including a persuasive piece such as a speech, that focuses on facilitating equity and justice for others through personal choices and actions.

Science and Technology

Unit Title: Disaster Dynamics

Unit Overview: This unit begins by looking at the requirements of all living things, before exploring both human factors and environmental factors that have the potential to impact life. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop their skills in conducting first-hand scientific investigations.

PDHPE

Unit Title:  Making Decisions to Keep Myself Safe around Drugs and European Handball 

Unit Overview: During this unit, students will learn about different types of drugs. They will explore how a variety of drugs affect their body and will consider the factors that influence their decisions around drugs. Within the practical component of the course students will spend the time developing and practicing skills in European Handball, including the Fundamental movement skills (FMS) through a Games Sense Approach. This approach encourages simple modifications to accommodate varying skills and therefore maximises inclusion and challenge. A Games Sense Approach also promotes the development of critical thinking in physical education. Students will participate in a range of modified activities to develop their skills in the sport of European Handball.

Course requirements:

• Hat and drink bottle for all PE Lessons

Pastoral Care  (Social and Emotional Wellbeing) Learning Time

Resilience - Focus Resilience in game-like situations

Within our program, we emphasise fostering resilience through engaging games that promote teamwork and collaboration. Cultivating emotional literacy is key to navigating both playground and classroom dynamics. Emotional literacy, defined as the ability to understand and manage emotions, is essential for building empathy and responding effectively to others.

Through various games and activities, students learn to cope with challenges and setbacks without becoming overwhelmed by anger or sadness. Instead, they develop problem-solving skills and a resilient mindset that enables them to bounce back from disappointments. Through guided lessons, students learn to recognize their emotions, make thoughtful choices, and take ownership of their actions. This process not only strengthens their emotional intelligence but also fosters a sense of maturity and self-awareness.

Better Buddies with Year 1 

Better Buddies helps students in their first years of primary school to feel safe, valued and connected to the school community.  Students will continue to work with their buddies they formed last year, and participate in a couple of sessions throughout the term with their buddy to form connections with each other. 

The program builds strong relationships and research shows children benefit immensely from such peer support initiatives - with younger students feeling safe and cared for and older students feeling valued and respected. 

This program will see sessions occur throughout the year in Terms 2, 3 and 4. 

Deep Pedagogies 

This unit is designed to cultivate the holistic development of students by integrating deep pedagogies that encompass collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication, citizenship, character, and catholicity. Through collaborative activities, students learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation, while honing their critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning. Creativity is fostered through arts and project-based activities, and effective communication is emphasized through various forms of expression.

Moreover, the unit promotes social responsibility and global citizenship, instilling values of empathy and compassion through service-learning projects and discussions on social justice. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the unit integrates faith and spirituality into the educational experience, fostering a sense of moral purpose and spiritual identity. Additionally, opportunities for interaction with kindergarten buddies and well-being initiatives such as mindfulness exercises further nurture students' emotional well-being, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their growth and development.