Grade 1/2 | Term 3 Overview – 2025

Welcome to Term 3! We hope that you enjoyed the winter break and managed to get away for a short holiday or enjoyed some family time at home.

Literacy

This term, students will continue to engage in a two-hour Literacy block daily with a daily phonics instruction. Each day, students will practice their decoding skills by reading aloud to a partner during our ‘Fluency Pairs’. This involves one student reading whilst their partner follows along, providing assistance and feedback before each pair switches roles. Following this, students will independently engage with a reader chosen individually by the student.

Students will participate in shared and modelled writing lessons with a focus on: Persuasive, Recount, Poetry, and Procedural Writing

Numeracy

In Maths, students will be introduced to a number of new concepts as well as consolidating their knowledge of topics covered in the first two terms of the year. This term, students will continue to explore ‘place value’, where they are required to use their knowledge of thousands, hundreds, tens and ones to build numbers using a range of materials. Students will continue to explore the topic of measurement.

Students will continue to develop their abilities to skip count by different numbers, explore a range of addition, subtraction and division problems through real-world examples, practise reading analogue clocks to the half hour, explore elapsed time problems as well as learn about the concept of ‘chance.’

Wellbeing

We will be continuing to use the Respectful Relationships program to focus on positive coping, gender identity and positive gender relations.

Students will engage in lessons looking at:

• Practicing techniques to deal with negative feelings such as fear and anger.
• Reflecting on their identity such as likes, dislikes and strengths.
• Identifying respectful gender friendly behaviours.

There will be a continued focus on our BLPS values and the implementation and reflection of students Learning Goals.

Inquiry

During our Inquiry lessons students engage deeply with Geography, Science, History and Civics and Citizenship studies. Students are prompted to explore fundamental questions that align with their thematic focus each term.

This term Grade 1 & 2 students will explore the following units:

Grade 1:

Spot the difference – This topic explores how ‘everyday’ materials can be physically changed in a variety of ways, through the context of food including spaghetti, chocolate and popcorn. Students will explore how heating and cooling creates physical changes to the observable properties of food.

Look! Listen! – This topic introduces the concept of light and sound and how light and sound are produced from a range of sources as well as how they can be sensed. Students will complete tasks and activities that promote the use of the senses when conducting investigations into light and sound.

Grade 2:

Water Works – The Water Works unit provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, a precious natural resource. Through investigations, students explore how water is used, where water comes from and how to use it responsibly

All mixed up – Is an inquiry-based science unit for primary school students focused on exploring mixtures and their properties. It encourages students to investigate how different materials can be combined for various purposes.

Grade 3/4 | Term 3 Overview – 2025

Literacy
This term, the Grade 3 and 4 reading program is designed to support students in becoming confident, fluent readers with a strong understanding of vocabulary. Students will enjoy reading engaging, age-appropriate texts aloud to build their fluency, expression, and reading confidence. Alongside this, we focus on growing vocabulary knowledge by exploring new words in meaningful ways. Developing reading fluency will continue to be a strong focus across all classes.

Reading activities will be closely connected to our class inquiry topics and our focus class novel, Storm Boy by Colin Thiele, helping students make rich connections between what they read and what they are learning across the curriculum. This integrated approach encourages deeper thinking, improves comprehension, and makes reading both purposeful and enjoyable.

In writing, our students will focus on developing their skills in writing information and explanation texts. Students will learn to provide clear, factual details and understand how to explain processes, concepts, or events to others. Students will learn to organise their writing, research and gather information to ensure their writing is factual. They will learn to use appropriate language to explain how things work and develop their editing and proofreading skills. Throughout the term, students will engage in various writing activities, helping them express their ideas clearly and confidently.

In spelling, students will continue to focus on a new sound each week, examining the different letter combinations that can make the same sound. They will also revisit and consolidate important spelling rules to support more accurate and confident spelling in their everyday writing.

In handwriting, Grade 3 students will be introduced to joined cursive writing and Grade 4 will transition to pen and build on their cursive skills and overall handwriting fluency.

Numeracy
Grade 3 and 4 students will participate in a daily maths fluency program—a quick five-minute maths warm-up designed to build speed and accuracy with number facts. Areas covered in mathematics in term 3 include extending place value knowledge to 10,000 for Grade 3 and introducing decimal notation in Grade 4. Students will continue to explore ways to gather, represent and interpret data and investigate the features of 3D objects. Students across both year levels will further develop their knowledge of subtraction strategies, multiplication and division.

Inquiry Learning

In Geography, Grade 3 students will explore Australia’s major natural and human features, the significance of ‘place’ to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and how Australia is divided into states and territories.

In Science, they will learn about the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, and explore how heat affects materials through hands-on experiments.

In the Grade 4 history unit, First Contacts, students will explore the long connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to country and life before European contact. They will learn about early explorers, the establishment of the Sydney colony, and the First Fleet journey. Students will also investigate the impact of British colonisation on the Eora people.

Respectful Relationships

This term, Grade 3 and 4 students will focus on two key areas in the Respectful Relationships program: Gender Norms and Stereotypes and Positive Gender Relations. Students will explore how gender norms and stereotypes can affect people’s choices and behaviours. They will learn to identify stereotypes in everyday life, understanding the importance of respect and equality. Students will learn about building positive relationships based on respect, fairness, and equality.

Healthier Hearts & Lighter Minds

Earlier this year, Grade 3 and 4 students participated in a Mindful Aus incursion to introduce the Healthier Hearts & Lighter Minds program. Grade 3 and 4 teachers will continue to implement this program during term 3. Students will further explore the six core emotions and deepen their understanding of the links between emotions and behaviour, helping them to build emotional awareness and wellbeing.

Grade 5/6 | Term 3 Overview – 2025

Literacy
In Term 3, both year levels will continue to develop their literacy skills through integrated reading and writing programs, drawing on rich mentor texts to deepen comprehension and strengthen written expression.

Grade 5 students will focus on narrative, information report, and recount text types. Grammar lessons will explore adjectives and adverbs, while sentence structure work will include simple and compound sentences, main and subordinate clauses and complex sentences. These skills will support students in constructing cohesive and engaging texts across a range of purposes.
Grade 6 students will concentrate on narrative writing, figurative language, persuasive writing, and poetry. They will explore how authors use language devices to create tone and mood, and how these tools can be applied in their own writing. Grammar lessons will target clauses, comma usage for clauses, and sentence structure. Students will also engage in the popular “Book Show Bag” activity to showcase their comprehension and creativity.

Both year levels will continue to build fluency through daily reading practice, with a focus on confidence, accuracy, and expression.

Numeracy
Mathematics continues to be hands-on and strategy-based, with students encouraged to explore and apply concepts through real-life contexts and collaborative problem-solving.

Grade 5 students will focus on representing and interpreting data and decimals on number lines, exploring chance, estimating and measuring angles, and using multiplication and subtraction strategies. They will also begin solving equations, learning to identify appropriate operations. Spatial reasoning will be strengthened through transformations of 2D shapes, coordinate grids, and working with fractions in addition and subtraction.
Grade 6 students will work with data representation, decimals and fractions, addition and subtraction strategies (with a focus on decimals) and division. They will also explore angle relationships, equations involving multiple operations, tessellations in 2D shapes and calculating area of rectangles. Time concepts will be consolidated through reading and interpreting 12- and 24-hour timetables.

All students begin their day with fluency tasks to reinforce number sense and mental computation skills.

Inquiry
Grade 5 will dive into Physical Science, exploring the properties of light, including reflection and refraction. In Geography, they will investigate Australia’s links to Asia, differing living conditions around the world and the concept of global citizenship. These units foster scientific curiosity and a broader understanding of the world.
Grade 6 will explore History, focusing on Immigration and personal immigration stories that have shaped modern Australia. In Physical Science, students will investigate energy and electricity, including how electrical circuits work and how energy is transferred and transformed in different systems.

Respectful Relationships
This term, all students will explore:

Topic 7: Gender Norms and Stereotypes – Students will analyse how peer and adult actions can maintain or challenge contemporary gender norms. They will develop an awareness of the impact these norms have on attitudes and behaviours during adolescence and identify standards and actions that support respectful gender relations.
Topic 8: Positive Gender Relations – Students will define gender-based violence and explore how negative gender norms can contribute to its acceptance. They will develop strategies for building respectful relationships, understand the concept of affirmative consent and practise help-seeking and proactive peer support strategies. Lessons will also focus on identifying and normalising respectful behaviours that support the rights of others.

These lessons continue to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Term 3 offers a wide range of opportunities for students to participate, perform, and engage beyond the classroom:
Grade 5 Camp to Forest Edge – A three-day experience designed to promote independence, teamwork, and confidence through a range of outdoor adventure activities.
Courage to Care Incursion – A powerful program exploring themes of discrimination, upstanders, and social responsibility through survivor stories and interactive workshops.
State School Spectacular – Students involved will continue rehearsals, preparing for the spectacular performances later in the year.
Hooptime Basketball – Students involved will compete in a fun, inclusive basketball competition that encourages teamwork and sportsmanship.
Lodgiewood: Talent Unleashed! – (previously known as Film Fest) A celebration of student talents in music, performance, and creativity.
Maths Olympiad – Selected students will challenge their mathematical thinking through problem-solving tasks.
Book Week and Author Visit – Celebrating reading and storytelling, students will enjoy engaging activities and a visit from a published author.
Grade 6 Swimming – A focused program to improve water safety and swimming technique in preparation for secondary school.

Visual Arts |Term 3 Overview – 2025

Each student will contribute to a collaborative whole-school artwork, which will be featured in the School Auction at Trivia Night.

Prep: This term, Prep students will explore a variety of creative projects to build their artistic skills. For NAIDOC Week, they’ll create vibrant painted hand artworks inspired by Indigenous art. In farm-themed lessons, they’ll practise drawing animals and scenes using different materials. To celebrate Book Week and the 2025 theme “Book an Adventure,” students will design fun tooth fairy pouches. They’ll also create a special Father’s Day piece. 

Grade 1 /2: This term, Grade 1 and 2 students will explore Indigenous art through storytelling with air-dry clay. For NAIDOC Week, they’ll create clay sculptures inspired by Songlines using Indigenous stampers, then paint visual representations of the symbols they’ve used. During Book Week, inspired by the theme “Book an Adventure,” students will respond creatively to shortlisted books, including making their own felt breathing bodies using textiles, reflecting the story Don’t Worry, Felix. 

Grade 3/4: This term, Grade 3 and 4 students will explore Indigenous art by researching First Nations words and symbols, then designing creative interpretations on cardboard T-shirts to reflect this year’s NAIDOC theme. They’ll also paint winter landscapes inspired by artist Jeni Aranyi and create Uluru-themed artworks combining elements of Amazing Australia and First Contacts. For Book Week, inspired by the theme “Book an Adventure,” students will experiment with blind contour drawing and wire sculpture to interpret “The Wobbly Bike”. 

Grade 5/6: In term 3, Grade 5 and 6 students will explore Indigenous art by creating cotton-tip dot leaf paintings on black paper using symbolic patterns. They’ll also have the option to design a poster for an art competition that includes an Acknowledgement of Country, specifically recognising the Bunurong people. For Book Week, inspired by the theme “Book an Adventure,” students will create painted cave dioramas using salt and water effects for added texture, along with envelope adventure collages that bring their stories to life through mixed media and imaginative design.

Physical Education |Term 3 Overview – 2025

Prep

Prep students will be focusing on developing the fundamental movement skills of throwing, catching, striking, kicking, running and jumping. They will also be undertaking a gymnastics unit developing their body control, flexibility, balance and movement skills. The students will continue to develop the skills required for successful teamwork, turn taking and following sporting rules. 

Grade 1&2

The Grade 1/2 students will undertake a gymnastics unit focusing on building balance, strength, body control and flexibility. They will continue to develop the correct skill components and techniques needed for gymnastics. The students will focus on building their skills and following rules through positive participation and teamwork. Students will practise and refine fundamental motor skills such as kicking, throwing, two hand striking and bouncing, and incorporate these into modified sport situations. 

Grade 3&4

The grade 3/4 students will undertake a gymnastics unit focusing on the correct skills and gymnastics techniques whilst developing their core strength, flexibility, balance, agility and body control. Students will also participate in a fitness unit focused on improving aerobic fitness. They will continue to refine more complex motor skills and combine strategic thinking and positive attitudes when participating in sports including hockey, soccer and volleystars. 

Grade 5&6

Students in grades 5/6 will continue to refine their skills and combine their understanding of teamwork, sportsmanship and tactical knowledge in a variety of sports including soccer, hockey and badminton. They will undertake a gymnastics unit focusing on the correct skills and gymnastics techniques whilst developing their core strength, flexibility, balance, agility and body control. Students will also participate in a fitness unit focused on improving aerobic fitness.

Mandarin |Term 3 Overview – 2025

Prep

During Term 3, students will expand their Chinese vocabulary by learning words, Chinese characters, songs, and games related to family members. They will practise introducing their family using simple sentences and participate in engaging hands-on activities. Students will also explore the traditions and stories of the Moon Festival and enjoy making themed crafts.

Grades 1–2

In Term 3, students will strengthen their Mandarin skills by learning vocabulary and simple sentences related to vegetables. Through songs, games, and classroom activities, they will be able to express their preferences and recognise common vegetables in Chinese. They will also learn about the Moon Festival and take part in cultural crafts and discussions.

Grades 3–4

In Term 3, students will focus on vocabulary and expressions related to feelings and emotions. They will learn to express how they feel in different situations using appropriate Mandarin phrases. Interactive tasks such as role-plays and dialogues will support their learning. They will also explore the cultural significance of the Moon Festival through stories, videos, and creative projects.

Grades 5–6

In term 3, students will learn to describe positive personality traits and good character in Mandarin. They will build vocabulary and sentence structures to talk about themselves and others in meaningful ways. Class discussions and written tasks will encourage self-reflection and values education. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Moon Festival by examining its history and customs and participating in related cultural crafts and discussions.

STEM | Term 3 Overview – 2025

This term, students across all year levels will embark on exciting, hands-on learning journeys in STEM and Digital Technologies. Through interactive games, creative projects and real-world applications, students will develop essential digital skills in a fun and engaging way. All activities are carefully aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, ensuring strong connections to learning outcomes in Digital Systems, Data & Information and Creating Digital Solutions.

Prep – Exploring Computers and Digital Tools

Activities:

• Engaging in interactive games to develop mouse and keyboard skills.
• Learning about the basic functions of computers and how they work.
• Exploring age-appropriate digital tools to enhance creativity and problem-solving.

Students love the sense of independence that comes from controlling a computer themselves. Activities are designed to be playful, colourful and curiosity-driven, helping them feel confident using technology.

Years 1 & 2 – Typing and Tinkering

Activities:

• Developing touch typing skills using engaging typing games that track progress.
• Creating simple STEM builds using LEGO, recycled materials, or craft to solve real-world mini challenges.
• Introducing basic problem-solving by designing and explaining how their creations work.

Students love seeing their ideas come to life! Whether it’s building their own robot from LEGO or typing a story into a fun app, these lessons are designed to be engaging, entertaining and educational.

Years 3 & 4 – Minecraft, Coding & The Environment

Activities:

• Using Minecraft Education Edition to explore environmental sustainability.
• Creating digital models of ideal eco-friendly towns and habitats.
• Learning basic coding concepts like sequences, loops and logic using in-game challenges.
• Connecting digital work to real-world issues like recycling, conservation and pollution.

Minecraft Education is a favourite among students! We leverage this digital sandbox to allow students to play while they learn, making complex topics like sustainability and coding accessible, fun and collaborative.

Years 5 & 6 – Robotics, eSafety & 3D Printing

Activities:

• Exploring eSafety topics including online privacy, cyberbullying and digital footprints using age-appropriate scenarios.
• Designing and printing their own 3D models, such as keyrings, name tags and a Christmas *surprise* for parents.
• Building and programming robotics kits to complete tasks like obstacle courses or light-up sequences.

These upper-primary projects challenge students while allowing for creativity and independence. Robotics and 3D printing give a sense of real-world relevance and achievement, while eSafety encourages important digital citizenship.

By making learning hands-on, student-led and creative, we help students build confidence with digital tools and foster essential future-ready skills. Across all year levels, students are supported to think critically, solve problems, collaborate and express themselves using technology.

We’re looking forward to another term filled with innovation, imagination and inspiration!