Year 6

Welcome to Year 6. The following is an outline of this Year's content and routines.

Curriculum

Science and Technology

Year 6 Science and Technology lesson explore key topics:

● Turn Up the Heat: Understanding how materials handle heat.

● Earth and Space: Delving into the Solar System.

● Digital Technologies: Learning to code

History and Geography

In History and Geography, we study the units Australia and a Nation and a Diverse and Connected World.

English

In English, students develop their skills in writing imaginative, informative, persuasive texts and poetry and lyrics. They are given opportunities to plan, write and edit narratives, persuasive texts and reports concerning a range of topics. Students learn about how to use language devices, text structure and grammar features to achieve the purpose of entertaining and informing their audience. They read and engage with a selection of imaginative and informative texts and develop skills in comprehension.

Year 6 learn how to use language features, appropriate text structure and grammar devices to engage their audience in both written and speaking formats. Students also study multiple texts to continue to develop their reading and comprehension skills and interact with different textual themes.

Spelling

SRA Spelling Mastery is an evidence based, direct instruction spelling program that teaches students dependable spelling skills and rules in a systematic and explicit manner. Students are taught how to think like spellers and apply phonemic and morphographic skills to known and unsighted words. Mastery is achieved when students demonstrate a strong and consistent understanding of the rules taught.

English

Reading: Year 6 study a variety of texts throughout the year, focusing on different contemporary themes to help students to understand and respond to literature. The texts encourage students to think critically and help them to develop a deeper understanding of the world God has created.

Writing: Students develop their writing skills across four main text types, narratives, information reports, expositions and poetry/lyrics. Grammar and punctuation are integrated into the writing units and they also include a focus on handwriting and digital transcription.

Speaking and Listening: Students hone oral communication through dynamic activities. This includes lively discussions, collaborative projects, solo presentations, and media analysis. Students participate in a Public Speaking Challenge in Term 3.

Mathematics

Students learn to use mental and written strategies, in order to solve problems and undertake investigations. They are encouraged to use mathematical terminology and conventions, in order to describe ideas. Students also engage with online learning platforms, including Maths Trek, TTRockstars and Essential Assessment.

Year 6 is implementing the new NESA Mathematics syllabus this year. Key features of the new syllabus are:

● Focus on developing Number sense, Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability skills in a more integrated and interconnected way.

● Emphasis on using mathematical processes: problem-solving, reasoning, communicating, and reflecting.

● Greater focus on real-world applications of mathematics.

● Differentiation to cater to students' different needs and learning styles.

PDHPE

PE lessons are taught by specialised teachers. During Health lessons, students learn about human sexuality, focusing on how they have been intricately created, how their DNA makes them unique, as well as changes to the body during puberty and pregnancy, from a Biblical perspective.

Second Step

We are looking forward to implementing our “Second Step” program across K-6 this year. “Second Step" is a well known social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum designed for students Prep to Year 8. The core principles of the “Second Step” program often revolve around three main themes: being safe, being respectful, and being responsible. These themes are essential in helping students develop healthy relationships, manage their emotions, and make informed choices. As a community we will be learning the skills for learning, empathy, emotional management, problem solving and friendships. In Year 6, family reflection sheets will be uploaded to Google Classroom throughout the year for you to work through with your child. We are looking forward to this becoming a part of our school culture here at William Carey.

Students will participate in lessons throughout the year and there is an opportunity for this to be a partnership between school and home. By following this link https://www.secondstep.org/ you can create an account as a parent/carer. Please use the activation code SSP5 FAMI LY75 to access information for your child's grade.

Creative Arts

In Visual Arts, students create bold Name Art designs using crayon resist techniques with edicol dye. Silhouettes are created featuring the moon and using ANZAC themes. Students also plan and design self portraits using skills they acquire during visual art lessons. Students study the elements of photography such as angle, background and perspective. In music, students develop their understanding of musical concepts using voice and tuned percussion instruments. Students will perform several pieces individually and as a class.

General Expectations

Homework

It is expected that, in year 6, students complete approximately 20-30 minutes each night. As part of this, students are required to read for at least 10 minutes each night. The day homework is due is dependent on the class. If you have any queries regarding your child’s homework, please contact their class teacher.

Bookwork

Bookwork needs to be neat and to the best of your child’s ability.

Discipline

Students are expected to display respect for others and do their best to embody the Carey Attributes. Positive strategies are consistently used in the classroom, however the behaviour management systems vary between classes. If you have any questions about the specific strategies used in your child’s class, please contact their class teacher.

Assemblies

Parents are welcome to attend special assemblies. Families will be notified of these events by the school newsletter.

Excursions and Camps

Canberra Camp

Year 6 will travel interstate to enjoy many exciting and educational activities and experiences that Canberra has to offer. The trip is across two nights and students will develop their knowledge of our nation’s politics and history with visits to places like Parliament House, the National Capital Museum, the Australian War Memorial and the Museum of Australian Democracy. Students will also enjoy the opportunity to visit Questacon, the Australian Institute of Sport and the National Museum.

AquaTopia Fairfield Water Park

Students in Year 6 traditionally engage in an end of year excursion to AquaTopia Water Park to celebrate the year and the completion of their time in Primary School.

Student Planner

The Student Planner is a source of communication between home and school. To make yourself familiar with the workings of this planner, please carefully read the instructions on ‘How to use this School Planner’ on pages 1a – 24a. It is a requirement that the Planner is signed each week, ready for viewing by the class teacher each week, in order to ensure that families have sighted the planner and seen any notes about your child. Please also ensure that you have read the ICT Primary Student Acceptable Usage Agreement (page 9a) to familiarise yourself with our schools expectations around student devices and their usage.

ICT Requirements

BYOD

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is compulsory in Year 6. Students will use their devices across a range of lessons to develop skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication and research. They will be using their devices every day to access various applications from the Google Suite and other platforms to support their learning, so ensure their device is fully charged and kept updated. Device specifications, and more information about BYOD can be found in the BYOD Booklet and more information about BYOD at WCCS can be found through the ICT Help Icon on the Parent Portal. There is also plenty of useful information regarding cyber safety that can be found through the welfare help page or google site on the WCCS portal. We encourage you to access this information which can inform your whole family about online safety and ways to report any bullying incidents.

Social Media

All social media platforms operating in Australia currently have an over 13 age restriction. This means that no student in Year 6 should lawfully be able to access any of these platforms. Please ensure that this is the case with your child, regardless of what they may try to convince you of. Social media has caused many issues in the past at school and we do not wish to repeat these issues. Developmentally, primary aged children are not yet mature enough to deal with the complexity of these social interactions on social media or the constant 24/7 nature of these platforms. For the avoidance of doubt, we have a no TikTok, no Instagram, no Messenger and no other type of social media policy on all devices K-6 at WCCS. Devices found with social media apps or will be removed and parents contacted.