Grade 1/2 | Term 1 Overview – 2026

Literacy 

In Grade 1 & 2, students engage in a daily two-hour Literacy block. This includes a consistent and integrated approach to Reading, Writing, Structured Literacy and Speaking & Listening. All components of the Big 6 areas—oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension—are carefully integrated and embedded into our comprehensive literacy program.  

The students will participate in explicit teaching of phonics and a close analysis of different books to explore characters, settings, plot, language, and structure. Grade 1 students will explore the meanings and uses of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, while Grade 2 students will develop their understanding and use of compound sentences. All students will participate in shared and modelled writing with a focus on recounts and narrative texts.  

Numeracy 

In Grade 1 and 2, students are building their understanding in all main domains of the mathematics. They are given the opportunity to participate in daily maths review, open-ended tasks and explore during hands-on activities. Students are exposed to a variety of learning tasks including: 

• Collect, compare and analyse data. 

• Represent, regroup and ordering two- and three-digit numbers. 

• Apply a range of addition and subtraction strategies. 

• Daily maths fluency skills. 

Inquiry 

This term both the Grade 1 and 2 students will begin with the unit ‘Learning to Learn’ In this unit students will develop their understanding of how they best learn. They develop individual learning maps and through consultation with their class teacher, develop SMART goals.  

Following this unit the Grade 1’s will explore the unit ‘Then and Now: Families’ where they learn about their own history and that of their family. Grade 2 students will explore the unit ‘My Place’ which helps children develop their understanding of the places that are important to them and their families, including the local community.   

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. 

The Grade 1 & 2 Team  

Grade 3/4 | Term 1 Overview – 2026

Literacy 

The reading program for Grade 3 and 4 students is designed to help students develop strong reading fluency and a deeper understanding of vocabulary. Through engaging, age-appropriate texts, students will practise reading aloud to build confidence, speed, and expression. Our program also emphasises vocabulary development by introducing new words in meaningful contexts and encouraging students to explore their meanings.  

Throughout the term, students will focus on two key genres of writing: persuasive and narrative. They will have opportunities to revise and refine the structure of these genres while further developing their writing skills. In spelling and grammar, students will identify, build and use word parts such as prefixes, suffixes, roots and base words to expand vocabulary and understand spelling patterns. They will extend their understanding of common, proper, concrete and abstract nouns. Students will learn that verbs can be doing, saying, sensing (thinking/feeling) or relating (having/being). They will learn to identify and categorise these different verb types. 

Grade 3 students will concentrate on mastering correct letter formation, particularly the entry and exit points, as they prepare for cursive writing later in the year. Grade 4 students will work towards transitioning from pencil to pen, marking an important milestone in their handwriting development. 

Numeracy 

This term, students will explore a range of essential number concepts, including counting, place value and reading larger numbers, addition and subtraction written strategies, multiplication and division, and developing their knowledge of clocks, their ability to read the time and understand time durations. With an emphasis on fostering a growth mindset, students will learn that everyone has the potential to succeed in mathematics, highlighting the importance of perseverance and believing in their ability to learn and grow. 

Students will continue to build their mathematical fluency through our daily Fluency in Five program.  

Inquiry Learning 

Both Grade 3 and 4 students will begin the term with the Learning to Learn unit, where they will reflect on how they learn best, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set personal learning goals. 

Grade 3 students will study the As We Grow unit, focusing on the human life cycle and exploring the characteristics of each life stage as we mature. Meanwhile, Grade 4 students will delve into the Healthy Body and Mind unit, examining the various dimensions of health—physical, social, and emotional. They will also learn about the role of community in supporting our well-being and discover how different individuals have unique needs for maintaining good health. 

In addition, Term One includes an exploration of Earth Sciences. Grade 4 students will investigate the unit Earth’s Changing Surface, where they will examine how both human activities and natural processes can change the earth’s surface over time. Grade 3 students, through the Night & Day unit, will study shadows and learn how the earth’s rotation and revolution cause day and night, as well as the changing of seasons and years. 

Respectful Relationships 

In the Grade 3 and 4 Respectful Relationships units this term, students will focus on developing Emotional Literacy and understanding Personal Strengths. Through these units, students will learn to recognise and manage their emotions, understand how emotions influence behaviour, and practise strategies for building emotional resilience. Additionally, students will engage in activities that help them identify their personal strengths, build self-confidence, and learn how to set and achieve goals. These lessons aim to equip students with the skills to form positive, respectful relationships with others, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Grade 5/6 | Term 1 Overview – 2026

Numeracy 
This term in Mathematics, our Grade 5/6 students are building strong skills and confidence across a range of key areas. Students will explore data representation, properties of numbers, place value and multiplicative thinking, while also investigating area, perimeter,and location. Each day, students will strengthen their number fluency and revisit previously learned concepts through short review and retrieval activities to consolidate understanding. 

Throughout the term, students will learn to see how different areas of mathematics connect and work together, using their skills to solve real-life problems and everyday situations. Regular practice and hands-on activities will help build confidence and deepen understanding. Guided by our Mathematics Norms, we are supporting students to develop confidence and persistence in math, helping them to keep trying, tackle challenges and experience success. 

Literacy  
This term in English, students will focus on developing their reading, writing and language skills. Through a detailed study of the novel Blueback, students will explore characters, themes, language features and author techniques to strengthen comprehension and support written responses. 

Students will develop persuasive writing skills by creating persuasive letters linked to themes and issues from Blueback, learning to use a range of persuasive devices for specific purposes and audiences. 

Daily reading fluency practice will support improved accuracy, pace and expression, building confidence and comprehension. In spelling, students will continue to develop their understanding of word structure by exploring morphemes, including prefixes, suffixes and base/root words, to support spelling accuracy and vocabulary growth. 

Inquiry 
In Inquiry, Grade 5/6 students will investigate the human brain, learning about its different parts and exploring the science behind a growth mindset at a biological level. To deepen their understanding, students will also have the opportunity to participate in hands onlearning experiences, including brain dissections. 

As Term 1 progresses, students will extend their learning to natural disasters, examining how geological changes and extreme weather events shape and impact the Earth’s surface. 

Throughout the year, all Grade 5/6 students will also take part in live, interactive cyber safety webinars and activities. These sessions will support students in developing the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. 

Respectful Relationships 
During Term 1, students will begin with Topic 1: Emotional Literacy. Through a range of discussions and activities, they will explore how emotions influence behaviour, learning and relationships, and examine the factors that impact their ability to regulate emotions. 

Later in the term, students will move on to Topic 2: Personal Strengths. They will identify and describe their own strengths and personal qualities, monitor their progress in developing these strengths, and reflect on the importance of working independently. 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities 
Senior school students will have access to a variety of sporting clinics and interschool sports opportunities. All Grade 5/6 students will participate in interschool sports, with the option to compete at a district level or take part in a friendly gala day competition. 

Students may also choose to participate in additional programs such as Library, Art, Mandarin and STEM clubs, along with other extracurricular activities offered throughout the school. 

Grade 6 students will also have the opportunity to nominate for the Zance Committee. In addition, a group of Grade 5/6 students will represent the school as part of the 2026 State Schools Spectacular Mass Choir. 

Additionally, students are excited to meet their younger buddies and share a range of activities with them throughout the year. 

Visual Arts | Term 1 Overview – 2026

This term in Visual Arts, students across the school will take part in a whole-school collaborative artwork. Each student will contribute their own thread to a shared String Art piece, symbolising connection, belonging, and the idea that every individual plays an important role in creating something meaningful together. This project will encourage cooperation, creativity, and a sense of community. 

Later in the term, students will turn their attention to the Winter Olympics, creating artworks inspired by the spirit of celebration, perseverance, and human achievement. Through this theme, students will explore how artists can represent movement, emotion, and important events using visual language. 

Prep 
In Prep, students will focus on learning the routines and expectations of the Art room while building confidence with materials and tools. They will experiment with the elements of line and colour through hands-on, exploratory activities. These experiences will support fine motor development, creative expression, and an understanding that art is a space for experimentation and enjoyment. 

Grade 1 / 2 
Grade 1 and Grade 2 students will explore a range of mixed media techniques, learning how different materials can be combined to create cohesive artworks. They will experiment with a variety of art elements and processes, developing their ability to make choices, share ideas, and refine their work. These activities will encourage creativity while building foundational skills in planning and visual storytelling. 

Grade 3 / 4 
In Grade 3 and Grade 4, students will deepen their understanding of value and collage techniques to bring landscape artworks to life. Through layered materials and thoughtful use of light and dark, students will learn how artists create depth, mood, and interest in their work. These projects will support observational skills, creative decision-making, and attention to detail. 

Grade 5 / 6 
Grade 5 and Grade 6 students will explore different drawing styles while developing their own self-portraits. They will investigate how artists use line, proportion, and expression to represent identity and personality. Through experimentation and reflection, students will refine their drawing skills and consider how artistic choices can communicate meaning and individuality. 

Physical Education |Term 1 Overview – 2026

Prep: The Prep students will participate in a wide variety of physical activities, on their own and with their peers (including games, creative play- with or without equipment) in a range of movement environments. They will focus on building their skills and following rules through positive participation and play. Students will be introduced to and practise fundamental motor skills such as leaping, running, jumping, dodging, throwing, catching, rolling and kicking. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the House Cross Country day.  

Grade 1&2: The Grade 1/2 students will participate in a wide variety of physical activities, on their own and in groups in a range of movement environments. They will focus on building their skills and following rules through positive participation. Students will practise and refine fundamental motor skills such as leaping, running, jumping, dodging, throwing, catching, kicking and bouncing. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the House Cross Country day. 

Grade 3&4: Students will be practising and refining their skills in preparation for our upcoming athletics day in Term 1. They will work on performing the correct technique in events such as long jump high jump, hurdles, shot put, discus, sprinting and relay racing. Students will have the opportunity to work in teams and small groups whist building their confidence when participating in minor games. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the House Cross Country day.  

Grade 5&6: Students will be practising and refining their skills in preparation for our upcoming athletics day early in Term 1. They will perform athletic movements working on the correct technique of events such as long jump, triple jump, high jump, hurdles, shot put, discus, sprinting and relay racing. Students will have the opportunity to work in teams and small groups in minor games and will be encouraged to think strategically to plan, adapt, and choose effective actions to improve performance. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the House Cross Country day and try out and participate in school team sports such as swimming, district/gala sports and the St Margarets netball tournament.  

Mandarin |Term 1 Overview – 2026

PREP  

Prep students are provided with a happy and positive learning environment in order to promote interest and build their confidence in Mandarin learning. In term 1, students will learn expressions of greetings and classroom routines. They will be introduced to the legends and traditions of Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in cultural sessions. 

G 1-2 

In term 1, Grade 1-2 students will continue to build on their Chinese vocabulary. They will focus on learning vocabulary, sentences, Chinese characters, songs, and dances relating to Chinese Zodiac animals. Students will be introduced to the legends and traditions of Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. They will also be provided with an opportunity to make related handcrafts. 

G 3-4 

In term 1, Grade 3-4 students will continue to build on their Chinese vocabulary. They will focus on learning vocabulary, sentences, Chinese characters, and songs relating to seasons. Students will be introduced to the legends and traditions of Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. They will also be provided with an opportunity to make related handcrafts. 

G 5-6 

In term 1, Grade 5-6 students will continue to build on their Chinese vocabulary. They will focus on learning vocabulary, sentences, Chinese characters, and songs relating to classroom routines and the names of subjects. Students will be introduced to the legends and traditions of Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. They will also be provided with an opportunity to make related handcraft. 

STEM | Term 1 Overview – 2026

Prep Term 1, 2026 

Prep students will learn what it means to be a safe and responsible digital learner while building confidence using school devices. We practise key routines such as carrying, logging in, caring for equipment and using basic tools to create and explore. Students develop early computational thinking through sorting, patterning, following instructions and simple “unplugged” coding activities with Bee-Bots. They will also begin using beginner-friendly apps to create simple digital work, share ideas and reflect on what helped them learn. The focus is on independence, curiosity and learning that digital tools are used for creating, not just consuming. 

Years 1/2 Term 1, 2026 

In Years 1/2, students will strengthen their digital routines and independence while beginning to think like designers and coders. They will practise keyboard and mouse skills, safe saving habits and respectful collaboration. Students will create simple digital projects (including short stories and animations) using visual coding, learning how to build and explain a clear sequence of steps (an “algorithm”). STEM challenges will also be woven through the term using hands-on materials (e.g., construction and design tasks) where students test ideas, make improvements and describe what worked and why. The emphasis is on creativity, clear thinking and growing confidence. 

Years 3/4 Term 1, 2026 

Years 3/4 students will build skills in planning, creating and improving digital projects. They will practise being safe and responsible digital citizens while learning how to design solutions for an audience. Through a mix of coding and design challenges, students will learn to test their work, fix bugs and explain their thinking using clear “first/next/then” language. Where appropriate, students will use engaging tools (including creative digital platforms) to explore real-world themes and communicate ideas. Collaboration, problem-solving and persistence are key focuses this term, as students learn that effective projects are built through iteration and thoughtful choices. 

Years 5/6 Term 1, 2026 

In Years 5/6, students will take on deeper challenges that develop digital responsibility, computational thinking and design skills. They will explore eSafety and digital wellbeing concepts (privacy, respectful communication and digital footprints) and apply safe protocols when creating and sharing work. Students will plan and build digital solutions, using data or variables where appropriate and will test and refine projects based on criteria and feedback. Hands-on STEM tasks will support design thinking, measurement and prototyping, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world problem solving. The goal is to grow capable, thoughtful digital creators who can explain their decisions and improve their work over time.