YEAR 6 – Bellbrae Primary School
In Year 6, we aim to develop confident, independent, and innovative learners who are well prepared for the transition to secondary school. We provide a supportive and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, think critically, and take responsibility for their learning. Through a strong sense of community and belonging, students are empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally as lifelong learners.
Literacy
In Year 6, we align our literacy instruction with the Science of Reading approach. This includes Multisensory Structured Literacy (MSL), Sounds-Write, the study of morphology and etymology, the development of core knowledge, and the explicit teaching of vocabulary through rich text studies.
In Spelling, students explore words through phonological (sound patterns), orthographic (spelling systems), and morphological (word structure) lenses. This deepens their understanding of spelling patterns, word origins, and vocabulary. Reading instruction focuses on the five key components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Throughout the year, students engage with a range of high-quality texts that support literacy development and encourage thoughtful discussion and critical thinking.
Our class texts for 2026 are:
- Term 1: Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman
- Term 2: Boy by Roald Dahl
- Term 3: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
- Term 4: True Spirit by Jessica Watson
These texts provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of themes, perspectives, and historical contexts while developing comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.
In Writing, students write across a range of genres and curriculum areas. Instruction focuses on the key components of writing, including spelling, sentence structure, text structure, vocabulary, audience, purpose, planning, organisation, and revision. Students also utilise the Seven Steps to Writing Success framework to develop engaging and purposeful writing pieces.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, we follow the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and use an explicit teaching approach to support student learning and achievement. Our lessons follow the I Do, We Do, You Do model, where teachers clearly model new concepts and skills, guide students through supported practice, and then provide opportunities for independent application. Learning is aligned with the ARC Teaching and Learning Framework, ensuring lessons are purposeful, engaging, and responsive to student needs. Through this approach, students develop strong mathematical understanding, confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply their learning in a range of real-world contexts.
Mathematics is taught daily through the strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students participate in engaging learning experiences that encourage mathematical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, and collaboration.
Teachers use targeted small-group instruction to support students at their point of need while also providing opportunities for independent learning and peer collaboration. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, use mathematical language, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
A typical Year 6 mathematics lesson includes:
- Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
- Tuning In Activity
- Explicit Teaching
- Independent or Small Group Tasks
- Reflection and Sharing
Inquiry Learning
Our Inquiry units are integrated across multiple curriculum areas to provide meaningful and authentic learning experiences.
Term 1: Diverse Australia, Immigration, Indigenous History and Culture
Term 2: Democracy
Term 3: Energy
Term 4: Earth's Place in Space
Through these units, students develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of the world, and make connections across learning areas.
Digital Technologies
Technology plays an important role in supporting learning in Year 6.
iPads
Students regularly use iPads to access learning resources, complete tasks, and showcase their learning. Google Classroom and Seesaw are key platforms used for communication, learning activities, and sharing work with families. Students also use digital tools to create presentations, videos, podcasts, animations, and other multimedia projects.
Mathletics
Mathletics is used to support the teaching and consolidation of mathematical concepts while building fluency and confidence through engaging online activities.
Essential Assessment
Essential Assessment provides targeted numeracy learning based on individual student needs. Students access instructional videos and learning tasks while teachers use assessment data to inform teaching and create targeted support groups.
Leadership Opportunities
Year 6 students are provided with a range of leadership opportunities that encourage responsibility, teamwork, and service to the school community. Students may take on leadership roles such as School Captain, House Captain, Bus Captain, and other leadership positions throughout the year.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and sporting events throughout the year, including:
- Preparation for Puberty Program
- BioCAT
- Aquatic Survivor
- Cross Country
- Athletics Carnival
- Swimming Carnival
- Interschool Sport
- Lightning Premierships
- Camp
Camp
Our Year 6 students attend Grampians Retreat Camp, located in the beautiful Southern Grampians region of Victoria.
The camp provides students with opportunities to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills through a range of outdoor adventure activities and challenges. It is always a highlight of the Year 6 year and creates lasting memories as students prepare for their transition to secondary school.
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