Junior School – Term 3 Academic Initiatives
We are excited to outline two initiatives this term that support our commitment to fostering academic and personal growth: the House Poetry Competition and Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions. Both these initiatives aim to enhance students’ skills, confidence and engagement with their learning. The House Poetry Competition will see students from Kindergarten to Year 6 selecting and memorising poems to recite, progressing from class presentations to an assembly final. Later in the term, we will have scheduled Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions, which are a new and improved variation of previously held Student-Led Conferences. These sessions will provide a more interactive and engaging experience for both students and parents, showcasing students’ work and achievements across various subjects.
House Poetry Competition
Competition Stages
As part of Oxley College’s tradition of drama and oratory, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will participate in the House Poetry Competition by selecting and memorising a poem to recite in class. The competition progresses from class presentations in Week 5, where one winner per house per year level is chosen, to house presentations, and finally to an assembly final. Each house winner from K-2, Year 3-4, and Year 5-6 will recite their poem at the assembly, with class finalists earning points towards the House Cup. Students are encouraged to explore projection, diction, pacing, gesture and characterisation. Poem selection involves finding a poem on a theme the student is passionate about, with a three-minute time limit and memorisation strongly encouraged. The schedule includes poem selection as homework in Weeks 1-4, classroom presentations in Week 5, house presentations in Week 6, and the final assembly in Week 7. Parents of the winners will be notified before the assembly, promising an exciting poetry season.
Benefits of Poetry Recitation
Participating in poetry recitation competitions offers numerous benefits for primary school students, fostering both academic and personal growth. Academically, reciting poetry enhances literacy skills by exposing students to rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures and diverse linguistic rhythms. This exposure helps improve reading comprehension, fluency and expressive speaking abilities. Additionally, memorising and reciting poetry can aid in the development of cognitive skills such as concentration, memory retention and critical thinking. According to a study by the US National Endowment for the Arts, engaging with poetry can significantly boost language and communication skills among young learners.
On a personal level, poetry recitation competitions can bolster students’ self-confidence and public speaking skills. Standing before an audience to recite poetry requires courage and poise, and whilst we acknowledge some students may find this challenging, facing this fear builds resilience, helping students overcome stage fright and build self-assurance. Furthermore, the process of interpreting and delivering a poem encourages emotional expression and empathy, as students must connect with the poem’s themes and convey its emotions effectively. These experiences can foster a sense of accomplishment and pride, promoting a positive attitude towards learning and personal challenges. The Poetry Foundation emphasises that engaging with poetry in this way nurtures a lifelong appreciation for literature and the arts.
Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions
We are thrilled to announce a new and exciting initiative that we believe will greatly benefit our students and foster stronger connections between home and school. Instead of our traditional student-led conferences, we will be hosting Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions in Week 8 of this term. These sessions are designed to provide a more interactive and engaging experience for both students and parents.
What to Expect
The Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions will be staggered across an evening, with small groups of 5-8 students in each session. During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to share their work with their parents, reflect on their learning journey and share the goals they have set for the future. Class teachers will be present to support the session and answer any questions parents and carers might have. Additionally, our specialist classrooms will be open, allowing students to showcase their achievements in subjects like Visual Arts, Music and French.
Why This Change?
Research shows that student-led sessions can significantly enhance student engagement and motivation. According to a study by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), student-led learning experiences can improve communication skills and promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Another study by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) highlights the importance of student agency in driving educational outcomes, noting that students who take an active role in their learning exhibit higher levels of self-efficacy and academic performance and are more likely to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Positivity of Celebrating Hard Work
One of the core principles behind these sessions is the celebration of hard work and achievements. By allowing students to present their work freely, we are fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. This positive reinforcement is crucial for building confidence and a growth mindset. When students see their efforts recognised and valued, they are more likely to stay motivated and continue striving for excellence. Furthermore, involving parents in this process strengthens the home-school connection. Parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s learning experiences, challenges and triumphs. This shared celebration of progress helps create a supportive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.
Join Us in Celebrating Our Students
We invite all parents and carers to join us for these Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions and will communicate closer to Week 8 with information about how to sign up for sessions. Your presence and support are invaluable to your child’s educational journey. Together, we can celebrate their hard work, reflect on their growth, and set new goals for the future. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Both these initiatives highlight our dedication to creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment at Oxley College Junior School. The House Poetry Competition develops students’ literacy, public speaking and emotional expression skills, while the Student-Led Open Classroom Sessions enhances student engagement and motivation by celebrating their hard work and achievements. We invite parents to join us in these events, reinforcing the home-school connection and supporting our students’ educational journey. Together, we can celebrate their progress and set new goals for the future, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience for all our students.
Warm regards
Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6