Year 4

This year has seen the development and introduction of Geography into the curriculum. The focus of Year 4 Geography is investigating how the environment supports the lives of people and other living things, approaches to sustainability and how the environment is affected by these different approaches. The boys were introduced to mapping skills through the use of an atlas and investigated the different climates and conditions in South America and Africa. The boys were also encouraged to think about their own environment and how they could improve sustainability through waste management.

Year 4 is an interesting year for our students, not just in the subjects they learn about, but also in their growth in self-confidence. Their transition from the lower primary to the middle school has seen a growth in self-confidence and maturity as they now prepare to move into the upper primary. Year 4 is the year when they learn to become a little more self-reliant and responsible, and as teachers, we spend a lot of time teaching the boys how to organise and plan their assignments and daily tasks so that they can work more independently. Year 4 2014 has been an incredibly busy, exciting and successful year. The year would not have been as fun nor as exciting if not for the wonderful teaching staff who work with our boys every day. I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Benson in 4B, Mr Hamilton in 4H and Mrs Corbett in 3/4C for their wonderful support of the boys, and the fantastic support staff in the Additional Learning Needs Team, the Resource Centre and all of the wonderful teachers who teach the boys in so many different ways through Music and Choir, Art, PE, Robotics, Religion and the Gifted and Talented Program. Of course, we cannot forget our wonderful boys and supportive parent body. A huge big thank you for all of your efforts in the classroom and for the support of all of the parents in your son’s learning. We wish you every success as your journey through the Prep School continues.

YEAR 4B

SEATED ROW: T. CHEN, C. AMOS, T. QUINN, Z. NEWMAN, O. DUNN, H. GRAY, J. STUART SECOND ROW: Z. HOWARD, J. SA, J. BULAT, E. KAY, O. BEECH, D. NEAL, MR DIRK BENSON THIRD ROW: W. CUTAJAR, Z. YOUSUF, M. BRANCH, D. ORDERLY, R. GUPTA, W. ELL

YEAR 4H

SEATED ROW: J. SLATER, J. CATHCART, J. CHAO, C. GEORGEADIS, C. SULLIVAN, A. VAHIDY, A. HUGHES SECOND ROW: B. HOLLEY, C. CARTISANO, S. FERRIS-NATHAN, J. KELLY, M. DAVIS, J. LEE, N. AIVALIOTIS, MR S. HAMILTON THIRD ROW: C. VEIVERS, Y. WHALA, L. ROWLES, M. BEXTON, M. HEIN, J. FABER

YEAR 4P

SEATED ROW: J. PEGLER, J. DEBELAK, J. WEI, R. WINSON, G. SMITH, A. O’KEEFE, A. SKAWINSKI, V. STERGIOU, W. MARSHALL SECOND ROW: T. TRAN, R. PYKE-NOTT, J. BOLTON, L. MAIR, R. PAYTEN, R. STUCKEY, W. WORBOYS, L. WHELAN, MRS A. PEMBERTON ABSENT: E. RAMEAU

5

ROBERT BAKER

Year 5 Coordinator

Being in Year 5 in 2014 was an adventure for all our boys and certainly for staff. The boys got to know one another when we all went on Camp as a cohort and shared some new experiences. They enjoyed “creeking” as a new way to appreciate the habitat of the waterways. Most enjoyed the steep hike/bushwalk. The low-ropes course provided different challenges, and the compass search made the boys think. Academically it has been an adventure also. This year we added Geography as a separate Key Learning Area. Boys were introduced to the language of Geography and learnt about the ways in which we measure and quantify the different aspects of this learning area. They looked at latitude and longitude, rainfall, population density and landforms as well a number of other factors, and then set about evaluating three locations around the world for their suitability as a military aircraft base. This was widely enjoyed by the boys.

Our NAPLAN results this year were excellent. Our Year 5 boys were one point (in scores of over 2000) behind the highest-ranking school on the Gold Coast. I think this is evidence of the quality and focus of our teaching programs, as well as the quality of our students, of course!

The Eureka Gold excursion was an exciting part of our History studies again this year. The boys dressed in period costume and each had a role to portray. Anything from a travelling entertainer to a sly-grog shop operator. The role plays were great fun and the day made History a little more alive to the boys.

Another adventure that was part of our 2014 experience was the iPad trial. Staff were involved in a lot of professional development, including visits to schools in Sydney identified by Apple as standout users of the iPad as a device adding to the learning experience of students. We then had access to a bank of iPads that were used intensively over a two-week period. Somewhere along the journey we became iFive.

The Life Education caravan visited the school in Term Three and boys were able to learn about the safe use of medicines and the health issues related to alcohol and cigarettes. The boys developed understanding in this program that was based on science and good health practices. Another outside group, Family Planning, visited us early in the year and the boys had opportunities to ask questions and shared answers under the carefully guidance of professional people trained in this important area. Again in 2014 we took the boys on a Year 5 Art excursion to the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art. The boys had a booklet that guided them through the gallery with purpose. It is always pleasing to hear the comments from boys who have enjoyed the day.