What’s happening in Year 6

06CORE 1 & 06CORE 3 – Sphero coding and design

This term, 6 Core 1 & 3 students have been putting their creativity and problem solving skills to the test in an exciting STEM design challenge. Working collaboratively in small groups across the classes, students were tasked with designing and building a medical cart that could attach to a Sphero Bolt. The project encouraged students to think like engineers and innovators. Each team began by brainstorming and sketching initial ideas before creating a detailed digital design of their medical cart. They then planned the materials needed, considering both the functionality and efficiency of their designs. Over the following sessions, students will bring in resources and build their medical carts, seeing their ideas take shape through teamwork and hands-on construction. The coded Sphero acts as a miniature medical transport system, demonstrating how robotics and design thinking can be applied to solve real-world problems.

Monique Taylor and Eamonn Dunphy
Year 6 Teachers

06CORE 2 and 06CORE 4

During Maths we sometimes take the lesson outside and have challenge problems for the students to solve with a partner. The questions are many and varied and often promote lively discussion between the students. They check their answers after every question and keep working on it if they don’t get it right the first time, which often happens as the questions are challenging. At times they also need to be able to explain their thinking and process to the teacher.

Leonie Trees and Ann Milicic
Year 6 Teachers

06CORE 3 Science – Sustainable Solutions

This term, students have been exploring Sustainable Solutions with a focus on understanding the Greenhouse Effect. They began by investigating how greenhouses work, learning how these structures trap heat and create ideal conditions for plant growth. To bring their learning to life, students conducted an experiment comparing temperature changes inside a model greenhouse and outside in the open air. By observing and recording data over time, they discovered how heat is retained within the greenhouse similar to how gases in Earth’s atmosphere help keep our planet warm. Through this hands-on inquiry, students gained a deeper understanding of sustainability, climate science, and the importance of caring for our environment. 

Monique Taylor and Tiffany Anderson
Year 6 Teachers

06CORE 4

Year 6 Core 4 students are diving into an exciting STEM challenge that blends creativity, engineering, and real-world problem solving. Working collaboratively, they are designing and building simple carts that can attach to a Sphero Bolt robot. The goal is to simulate the delivery of medicine to a remote village, encouraging students to think critically about design, terrain, and functionality. This hands-on project not only strengthens teamwork and innovation but also highlights the power of technology in solving global challenges.

Ann Milicic 
Year 6 Teacher