YEAR 6 - Bellbrae Primary School
In Year Six we aim to develop critical and innovative learners. We use a wide range of learning materials and resources to develop and support our students. We promote a strong sense of community and belonging with our students. This enables our students to develop and grow in a unique environment that is enjoyable, supportive, relevant and able to offer challenges that empower students to be 21st century life-long learners leading into high school.
Literacy: In year 6 we align our learning with the Science of Reading program. These approaches include: Multisensory Structured Literacy (MSL), Sounds-Write, the exploration of the morphology and etymology of words, the building of core knowledge and development of a rich and robust vocabulary through text study.
In Spelling, we work on unpacking words using phonological (sound patterns), orthographical (spelling systems) and morphological (structural) lenses. This not only builds strong understanding and application of spelling patterns, rules and origins but also expands and enrichens vocabulary. Vocabulary and reading comprehension instruction are embedded within a knowledge-rich, text-based curriculum across all year levels at Bellbrae. We focus on the five keys to reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Throughout Year Six, students will be engaging in class texts. Our class texts are as follows;
Term 1 – Boy Over Board
Term 2 – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Term 3 – The Giver
Term 4 – The Midnight Zoo
In Writing, instruction is further embedded within a knowledge-rich curriculum. Students write about what they learn and read across subjects. Within these sessions we focus on the keys to writing: transcriptual (spelling and handwriting), text generation (knowledge of vocabulary, sentence structure, text structure, audience and purpose, idea generation), executive functioning (attention, organisation, planning, revising) and working memory (holding on to and manipulating information while planning and executing a writing task). We also use the Seven Steps approach and apply these to our writing pieces.
Maths: Numeracy is delivered daily through the key mathematical strands of Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry and Statistics and Probability. We provide a range of engaging lessons aimed at exploring and investigating mathematical concepts, applying strategies in problem-solving situations, recording and sharing our thinking and use of concrete materials. Teachers utilise small focus teaching groups to target each student at their point of need, whilst giving students time to work independently through tasks and support their peers in a collaborative setting. These aspects of teaching numeracy have been developed to give students the tools they need to succeed in real world situations.
A typical one-hour Numeracy lesson in Year Six looks like this:
*Learning Intentions and Success Criteria displayed and shared with students
*10 minutes – Tuning-In Activity
*10 minutes – Explicit Instruction
*30 minutes – Independent or small group Numeracy Tasks
*10 minutes – Reflection Time
Inquiry: We incorporate our unit topics into all areas of the curriculum
Term 1- Diverse Australia/ Immigration
Term 2- Democracy
Term 3- Sources of Energy/ Natural wonders of the world
Term 4- Money Smart/ Natural Disasters
Digital Learning Tools:
IPads: iPads are used as a learning tool in Year Six. Students often access resources and platforms to support their learning. See Saw and Google Classroom are the main platforms we use to access resources for learning and post our learning for parents to view. IPads allow students to access the Internet, email, electronic books and a wealth of other online tools and resources too. Students can also produce movies, animations, podcasts and other multimedia products on their iPads.
Mathletics: Mathletics is an online platform used to support the teaching of new mathematics concepts and build strong foundational skills. As students' progress in their learning they move onto Skill Quests, to develop their mathematical understanding and fluency.
Essential Assessment: Another comprehensive online numeracy program that provides targeted delivery of numeracy at our students point of need. The ‘My Numeracy’ function provides instructional videos as support, allowing students to progress through the application of key mathematical concepts when working independently. Teachers regularly use the data from students attempts to create targeted focus groups to support student learning.
Extracurricular activities:
-Preparation for Puberty program
-Aquatic Survivor
-Cross Country
-Athletics Carnival
-Swimming Carnival
-Camps
Camps: The year 6's attended Cave Hill Creek in 2023. Cave Hill Creek is an award winning accommodation and outdoor recreation venue. Cave Hill Creek school camp program focuses on developing a child’s love for the outdoors through challenging and fun activities – from canoeing, abseiling, mountain biking and ropes courses, to archery, hut and raft building, bushwalks, orienteering, bush cooking and so much more.
