What’s happening in Year 5

Science

Year 5 has been learning about the properties of materials in Science. The students were given a range of materials such as straws, paddle pop sticks, tape and blu tac to design a boat that would hold 50g or more for 30 seconds.

The students were highly engaged as they discussed the best way to design a boat that would meet these criteria. The designs were tested and the most successful boat held 750g for over 30 seconds. Like true scientists, the students discussed ways they could improve their designs to make them even more effective.

Wendy Anetter
Year 5 Teacher

Interdisciplinary

5Core1 has been delving into the UN Sustainable Development Goals during interdisciplinary unit lessons. Students have applied their research skills to explore the SDGs, gaining insights into global issues and their impact on both global and local communities. The students excelled in presenting their findings and proposed innovative solutions to the entire class.

Yu-Han Chen
Year 5 Teacher

Healthy Harold

As part of their Pastoral and PDH units of work, Year 5 visited Healthy Harold and were engaged in learning about respectful relationships. The students were immersed in great discussions throughout their time in the session and also enjoyed sharing their opinions on particular topics – as well as a pat from Harold at the end of the session!

Bryony Williams
Year 5 teacher

One Small Island

Year 5 Kostakis students have been exploring the book One Small Island by Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch and created introductions to persuade the audience to protect and care for Macquarie Island and places like it.

Macquarie Island is a microscopic island situated between New Zealand and Antarctica. It is also classified as a World Heritage area. Macquarie Island is a remote Island that was accidentally discovered by Captain Fredrick Hasselbrough in 1810. I undoubtedly believe that we should continue to protect Macquarie island and places like it as we are imperatively doing because there are native animals found nowhere else on earth and the animals that we brought are killing them as some have already become extinct. We are ruining Macquarie Island’s agriculture as we have brought disaster to this poor island with our animals chewing them to their fragile roots. We should have admiration and care for this beautiful little island. The Great Barrier Reef is a great example of what is happening to small islands like Macquarie Island. I strongly agree with this topic for all these reasons and you should too!
Zara Bakhos

In a world, so lush and green, Macquarie Island is under attack. It is imperative that we protect our valuable island and we must start NOW! Did you know that Macquarie Island is microscopic and is situated between New Zealand and Antarctica and lies in the Southern Ocean? The Island contains such beautiful, native and unique animals that are starting to move off the land because of us! The Island provides a valuable opportunity for scientific research. Our precious animals are getting killed because of the rodents which are ruining the fragile, vast agriculture. We need to acknowledge this and make a start for these significant animals on our land. Scientists are studying the island, trying to help maintain a safe island. They have done a lot of research to share with the world. We must keep the Island safe so that for the future generations, people have the opportunity to visit the island one day. We have the opportunity to protect the island but we don’t do it.
Ariana Cassimarty

Tayla Kostakis
Year 5 Teacher