Grade 6 LC Quarter Three Newsletter

Welcome to the THIRD quarter of Grade 6!

Here you will find brief overviews of the topics and themes that will be covered in the core classes this quarter. If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the teacher of the relevant subject. General questions can be directed to the office or the team leads, Peter Gibson (pgibson@jisedu.or.id) or Adam Fox (afox@jisedu.or.id).

Please follow the JIS Middle School Social Media Accounts on Instagram.

MATHEMATICS

What have we done in Math?

Students were busy finding relationships between numbers and using ratio tables to solve many problems involving rates and percentages. They have concluded our units covering Introduction to Ratios, Unit Rates, and Percentages. During the last week of Semester 1, students have been reviewing division concepts in preparation for Unit 4, Dividing Fractions.

Where are we heading next in Math?

After the semester break, we will be continuing our fourth unit on dividing fractions. Students will learn to reason about what it means to divide by a fraction and make connections between contexts, tape diagrams, and expressions. Next, they will develop strategies for calculating the quotients of two fractions, including the use of common denominators, and apply their knowledge of dividing fractions to solve problems.

Finally, students will revisit geometry concepts so they can apply their new division and multiplication skills to solve problems about areas and volumes with dimensions that are fractions.

Unit 5 will begin by having students develop and use a variety of strategies for representing, adding, and subtracting multi-digit decimals. As we progress, students will develop and use a variety of strategies for multiplying and dividing multi-digit decimals. Ultimately, students will apply all four operations with decimals to solve problems in context, including those involving percentages.

How can you help at home?

Since parental involvement is a common denominator in student success, make it a point to look at their Amplify homework. Ask questions, inquire why, be curious, and have your child reason and defend their understanding of concepts.

ENGLISH

Our students will begin quarter three studying poetry. They will be reading and writing poetry, learning about the different literary devices poets use to make their writing engaging. Additionally, students will compose their own poems.

The remainder of quarter three revisits nonfiction reading and writing. For this quarter, students will focus on nonfiction texts related to opinions and arguments, as well as argumentative writing. Students will choose a topic of interest, stake a claim about their topic based on their nonfiction reading, and then develop an argumentative essay to support their claim. Through the writing process and various revision mini-lessons, students will understand the importance of clearly stating a position (thesis/claim), carefully sequencing the supporting details, employing different persuasive techniques, using evidence and transitions and properly citing sources. Students will also present and then refute a counterargument to their claim.

Students will continue to read independently, including approximately 150 minutes of reading at home. Parents can promote positive reading habits by ensuring students have a quiet space to read that is well away from devices and distractions. Please let us know if your child needs assistance with finding suitable books to read.

SOCIAL STUDIES

From Farm to Factory and Beyond: Traditional and Modern Societies.

In Quarter 3, students will explore how societies have shifted from traditional, farm-based economies to today’s modern and globalised world. They will compare traditional and modern economic systems, study how the Industrial Revolution transformed work and daily life, and examine how modern economies influence culture, identity, and the way people live. Students will also examine the benefits and drawbacks of globalization, discussing what societies gain and lose as they adapt to new technologies and challenges.

Students will then apply their learning by exploring how traditional practices can help address modern global problems, such as deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption. The unit will conclude with an oral presentation in which students propose practical solutions to these issues, drawing on the wisdom of indigenous communities. This performance task will emphasize clear communication, thoughtful evidence, and the ability to connect past and present to build a better future.

How Can Parents Help From Home?

As students research specific environmental issues, please check in with them and discuss their findings, wonderings, and/or intended next steps. Encouraging your child to reflect regularly on their learning journey will also be helpful.

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY: Plant Traits, Animal Behaviors, and the Evidence for Evolution!!!

In Quarter 3, students will begin exploring Biology! We will be creating arguments based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

Our class will dive into the amazing biodiversity on planet Earth! We will investigate the evidence for evolutionary relationships, including anatomy, embryology, and fossil evidence. Our focus will be on analyzing and interpreting data to describe patterns.

English for Academic Purposes

English as an Additional Language:

David Schneer (wschneer@jisedu.or.id) will support EAL students.

Here are some resources that can help you from home:

PowerSchool - Attendance and performance grades/comments are recorded here. It is recommended that you and your child review this together to assess their progress.

Google Classroom - Teachers use this to support learning in class. This is also a tool that students can refer to for support at home as well, as it will contain resources used in the lessons, as well as assignments and some student work. Parents, please ask your child to show you their Google Classroom.

Physical Education

Grade 6 Physical Education

In Grade 6 Physical Education, students will participate in a variety of activity units throughout the year, including eight different units:

Surf or Turf (Aquatic strokes and Water safety)
To Infinity and Beyond (Bouldering and Wall Climbing)
Ultimate Invaders (Flag Football and Touch Rugby)
Space Invaders (Endball and Benchball)
Games of the East (Badminton and Smashball)
Strike Force (Striking and Fielding Games)
Body in Motion (Health-Related Fitness)
Invasion IQ (Korfball and Netball)

Throughout each unit, students will develop a range of movement skills, including throwing, kicking, dodging, balancing, striking, and swimming.

They will also learn how to apply strategies to overcome movement challenges, work as a team, and assume various roles and responsibilities to promote safety and cooperation. Students will be encouraged to adapt their skills to different games and situations, think critically, and reflect on how they can improve their performance.

In addition to game-based learning, students will explore concepts of health and fitness. They will learn how to monitor their heart rate, understand different levels of activity intensity, and create a personalised fitness plan that incorporates strength, endurance, flexibility, and body awareness. Across all units, students will be supported in developing confidence, resilience, and responsibility in physical activity. The goal is to help students enjoy being active, develop their physical literacy, and establish lifelong habits that support a healthy and active lifestyle.

How Can Parents Help from Home?

You can support your child’s success in Physical Education by helping them come to class prepared and ready to participate. Please ensure they get enough sleep the night before, bring a full water bottle, wear the PE uniform, and pack any additional items needed for specific units—such as swimwear and a towel for aquatics, or appropriate footwear and sunscreen for outdoor activities. If lessons are held outside, a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Taking a few minutes to talk with your child about what they learned in PE or how they felt during an activity can help reinforce healthy habits and build confidence in their physical abilities.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Grade 6 PE teachers:

📧 rsetiawan@jisedu.or.id

📧 lclaydon@jisedu.or.id

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