Newsletter - Term 2 (Week 5)

Dear Parents,

Week 5 is here and we are in the midst of more testing! Throughout our current unit of inquiry the children have had to demonstrate good teamwork, knowledge and thinking skills. This week will be no different!

Reflections: 26th – 30th January
Last week we had a big focus on our second teacher question, how are products tested? Students spent much of the week learning about quality control testing, including failure testing, statistical testing and animal testing. We did some hands-on experiments last week to experience quality control first-hand. The students in 6G designed ‘egg transportation devices’ that had to safely transport an egg from a height of 3 metres to the floor without causing the egg to crack. While in 6B the students had to design bridges that could withstand various weights without collapsing (stress testing). In both cases, the children had to ensure appropriate quality control checks to ensure that their completed designs worked. Those that didn’t pass the ‘failure test’ were given the chance to go back and improve their designs, materials and/or the assembly of their products.

Weekly News: 2nd — 6th February

Unit of Inquiry
This week we turn our attention to our final teacher question, why do we need quality control? During the week we will look closely at some case studies where consumers have been injured or deceived by poor quality products and what the repercussions were for the companies involved. We will continue doing more hands-on science experiments this week and begin our rubber band elasticity testing that was originally planned for last week.

Mathematics
The focus of our maths groups this week will be to revise division concepts taught during Term 2 and to begin to introduce fraction concepts. The children are improving their application and understanding of both written and mental strategies for division and will be tested on their understanding of these strategies later in the week. In our class maths groups we will turn our attention towards accurately measuring the mass of different objects through a variety of problem-solving tasks.

English
The children will continue to learn about the purpose, structure and language features of lab reports. They are now familiar with the various parts of a lab report and will continue to develop their skills in this area. Reading groups will continue to focus on good reading and comprehension strategies, with a particular focus this week on how to respond to questions in their own words rather than copying large chunks of writing from a text.

What can I do to help?
· Don’t forget to check the class blogs to find links to sites that will support your child in their class work. Look for the Testing, Testing 1,2,3 link in the Unit of Inquiry menu box to find great websites and information for you and your child.
· Maths - please continue to refer to the information booklet that was distributed to parents in Term 1. This document has valuable information about different strategies and methods used to teach maths.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:
· We are currently negotiating our first field trip for the year. We are very lucky to have a Year 6 parent who works for a company who is involved in product and quality control testing. As soon as dates and details are confirmed we will let you know.
· Due to illness and bad weather, last Friday’s Junior School cross country (Years 3-6) was cancelled and is now scheduled for Monday, 2 February. Year 6 will be leaving school and walking to the course at 1:30pm and the race is scheduled to start at 1:45pm. Parents are more than welcome to attend and support the children.
· Portuguese Poetry and Mother Tongue Language Day – 19 February.
· Half –term break – 23 – 27 February.
· Music - From term 2 all music sheets will be posted only on Ms Balazs’ blog. If you need a hard copy, you should contact your Ms Balazs.

With thanks,
David Barrett, David Gocentas and Ms Isabel Costa Pereira