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Learning Across Primary

A powerful element of the Primary Years Programme at Nexus is the deep transdisciplinary nature of the learning that your child undertakes.

There are six transdisiplinary themes that we explore which take us beyond the confines of learning within subject areas. These themes provide us with the opportunity to introduce deep concepts, incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum and develop key approaches and skills in children to enable them to become successful independent learners.

Within each theme, the teachers will create a Central Idea: a broad general statement that is conceptual in nature and they work alongside the learners to unpack this idea and co-construct lines of inquiry that will drive the learning forward.

Below the teachers have shared with you the Transdisiplinary Theme and Central Idea that they have begun to explore this term.

Nursery: Who We Are

Central Idea: The relationships we have with others can shape our journey

The Nursery learners have made a fantastic start to their learning journey. Through our Unit of Inquiry, the learners are beginning to gain a sense of self, identify as individuals, make connections and understand their role in the class community. Positive friendships are being formed and the learners are beginning to work cooperatively in a group, share and take turns. This week, the learners worked collaboratively to bake cookies. They loved singing the song, ‘Who took the cookie from the cookie jar?’ and were great at working together to count the cookies and share them equally with their teachers and friends. During this unit, we will begin to explore our wider community and discuss our families, relationships and experiences at home.

Kindergarten: Who We Are

Central Idea: People use their senses to learn about themselves and the environment.

The Kindergarten learners are exploring their senses and how we use them to make connections with others. This week we focused on our sense of hearing and linked this to the mathematical concepts of sequencing and patterns. The learners tried making rhythmic patterns using body percussion. We have also played a ‘Guess the Sound’ game on our big screen, using noises that we might hear in our daily lives, such as a lawn mower, a vacuum cleaner, a jet and various animal sounds. However, some of these sounds have proved to be a challenge for our Singapore-raised city learners!

Year 1: Who We Are

Central Idea: Choices Influence Our Wellbeing

The Year 1 learners have started the term with a wonderful exploration of personal wellbeing. This has led to some thoughtful discussion on feelings and emotions as we explored the story 'The Colour Monster' by Anna Llenas. The learners have enjoyed creating their own colour monsters as well as discussing different scenarios associated with each emotion. They have also been 'tuning in' to our inquiries using a 'See Think Wonder' thinking routine and provocation baskets, which has led to some deep thinking and questioning. Thank you Year 1 for being so open minded in our discussions this week!

Year 2: Where We Are In Place and Time

Central Idea: Family histories and cultural influences shape personal journeys

The Year 2 learners are enjoying getting to know their new classmates better through their explorations in their first inquiry into Personal Journeys. The children have investigated ways that they have changed so far in their lives and created a timeline of key events that influenced them. We also had a lot of fun matching the learners and Nexus teachers to their baby pictures! The learners have been sharing personal items that hold special meaning to them. They have been making connections with each other by thinking about things they have in common and it is wonderful to see new friendships developing even though we all have to do our best to maintain an appropriate social distance.

Year 3: Who We Are

Central Idea: People's Actions Affect Others

The Year 3 learners have been busy exploring their exciting new learning environment while digging into our first unit of inquiry, ‘People’s Actions Affect Others'. Through discussions and sharing they have been exploring their similarities and differences, and thinking of creative ways to take action and spread kindness both at home and in the wider Nexus community. They should be very proud of the way they have settled into their new environment and have taken on the responsibility and independence of Year 3.

Year 4: Who We Are

Central Idea: Informed Choices Support Well-being

Through our first Unit of Inquiry in Year 4 we are exploring how we look after our own well-being and that of others. We have discussed our physical needs; ways we look after our mental and emotional well-being; the importance of our social connections with our friends and family and how our core beliefs and values help us to feel 'OK'. Our conversations have raised many questions. How much sleep should I have every night? How do I look after my eyesight? How can I make new friends? What can I do if others are feeling lonely or sad? What can we do to feel 'safe'? How can I make the most of my year ahead? We collaborated to make some 'Well-being Wheels' and 'Well-being Houses to remind ourselves of ways to attain balance in our lives and make knowledgeable, responsible choices.

Year 5: Sharing the Planet

Central Idea: Peace and Conflict exist within and between communities

In Year 5 we have started our year with an inquiry into understanding how we can create a learning environment that is enjoyable for everyone. Learners have collaboratively created their RECIPE Essential Agreement for Year 5 and identified how they can be Ready, Respectful and Responsible when using digital devices and tools.

Learners have identified the causes of conflict on different levels, including: between individuals, communities and on national and global levels. Conflicts of interest have included discussions around: haze in Singapore, the current Covid situation, disagreements between friends or family and current or past global conflicts that they are aware of.

Learners enjoyed the opportunity to design their own silent movie, where they designed and demonstrated their own choice of conflict. It was fantastic to see learners creatively using their communication skills when they couldn't speak.

Year 6: How We Organise Ourselves

Central Idea: To achieve a common goal, individuals collaborate

In Year 6 for our first Unit of Inquiry, we have had a very exciting opportunity to explore what it means to be a Digital Citizen, while utilising our new iPads for learning. The learners have taken the opportunity in their stride and quickly become confident in both developing and sharing their ideas. For our inquiry, learners had the option of initially inquiring into Balance, Safety or Creativity. Learners identified the most important concept to personally explore... NOW, and recognise all areas will continue to be a focus throughout the course of the year.

Learners were also introduced to our R.I.S.E. Challenge. Responsibility, Involvement, Services and Experiences, are all elements they will be taking on as the year progresses. It is an exciting opportunity to explore learning outside of the classroom. Action is a area Nexus Learners pride themselves on. The R.I.S.E. Challenge is sure to provide many new and exciting experiences for our learners.

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