This term Year 5 have had a focus on narrative in English, as have all year levels. This year level is one when our peer friendships become paramount and so making good decisions together is part of the learning. In Year 4/5 the text was “White Bird” which was based on a Jewish girl during World War 2 and how kindness had the power to change hearts, build bridges and even save lives. “Black Cockatoo” is a text about discovering our own strengths in the face of adversity, even when situations are beyond our control. In Year 5/6, “Blueback” told the story of a giant fish in a small cove. A young girl takes on a Big Development Company to stand up for the environmental issues and at the same time realised that though she had moved away from home that her voice was needed to speak on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves.
With a spread of 6 classes, the Year 5 students meet each other at the breaks and continue their strong friendship bonds. Learning when to listen and when to speak up, in the most appropriate way, is part of the social learning that continues.
Year 5 teachers are working together to guide and encourage students in their academic and social learning, with some magnificent work evolving through the term.