Year 3

DIRK BENSON

Year Level Coordinator

BRETT MASSEY CRAIG NEWTON

Year 3 Teachers

A new year and a new team. Year 3 expert Brett Massey was joined by Craig Newton and Dirk Benson to guide the boys through this pivotal year. Year 3 bridges the years of early childhood schooling and the upper years of the junior school.

The boys adapted beautifully, and as their first NAPLAN experience was only a few short months away, we approached these tests as a Celebration of Learning. With a focus on the knowledge and skills needed to succeed, the boys, superbly supported by specialists in their field, approached the tests with enthusiasm. Confident in their ability and well-prepared the results were simply outstanding. This Year 3 cohort achieved at the highest level, topped all Gold Coast schools in Spelling and in Numeracy and with sister school St Hilda’s were perched at the top of all Gold Coast schools in Year 3 NAPLAN. The boys are to be congratulated for their hard work. Thank you also to the parent reps for the wonderful celebration BBQ.

As the year progressed learning programs continued in earnest, and the boys continued to succeed. Mathematics results across all groups continued to soar. Year 3 ICAS results were extraordinary, with multiple Credit and Distinction certificates. Master of Prep Spelling results saw a high number of boys receive awards on stage.

The Year 3 Choir performed exceptionally at Eisteddfod and our rugby teams excelled on the field. The culmination of the year, the Year 3 Sleepover, is a deserved activity that recognises the work of the boys and their growing maturity.

Year 3 Geography was certainly an interesting and relevant experience as the boys grappled with the concept of sustainable development. They studied the proposed billion dollar cruise ship terminal, hotels, shopping precincts and casino, all planned for the Southport Spit. At certain points along the way the boys stated their position (for or against the development), and it was encouraging that many changed their stance based on their learning. Highlights included a day at the Spit where the boys surveyed the public, photographed the area and participated in a movement study through art. The boys learnt about the workings of the local council and State Government and their interactions with developers. A visit from a representative of Save the Spit convinced many boys to preserve and improve the natural environment. Each boy presented their persuasive PowerPoint, wrote a letter to the State Premier and wrote

an information report on the Spit. This was a true unit of learning that the boys could relate to.

Our budding scientists in Year 3 investigated a range of topics throughout the year relating to our living world and beyond. We began the year by understanding what makes things living and non-living, and used charts and diagrams to help us classify them into different groups. Our learning was enriched by an excursion to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where we got up close and personal with a wide variety of Australian animal species. Other standout Science topics this year included our experimentation with solids and liquids, where the boys collaborated with each other to plan and conduct an investigation to test the fastest way to melt an ice cube. We also observed changes that occur to various solid foods when they are heated up and then allowed to cool. The Year 3 boys also showed immense enthusiasm when learning about how the Earth, Sun and Moon work together to create day and night. They applied their ICT skills to develop an animated PowerPoint presentation explaining how this works.

The Year 3 History curriculum provided a study of identity and diversity in both a local and broader context. Moving from the heritage of our local area, students explored the historical features and diversity of their community as represented in symbols and emblems of significance, and celebrations and commemorations, both locally and in other places around the world. The boys in Year 3 truly enjoyed the opportunities to extend their learning by taking part in extra learning experiences such as the Surfworld Excursion, Aboriginal History Day and Multicultural Day. These valuable learning opportunities brought the History program to ‘life’ and gave the boys a depth of appreciation for their wider community.

The boys had a wonderful year and are certainly well prepared for Year 4. Teaching them has been a pleasure and a privilege, and we wish them well.

YEAR 3B

SEATED ROW: J. PELS, M. THILWIND, T. BROWN, J. ROBINSON, J. DUNNE, H. ILLES, J. SULLIVAN SECOND ROW: L. KEATES, A. GLADYSHEV, C. BROWN, F. WILTSHIRE, F. GOSS, T. GARRETT THIRD ROW: R. ACKROYD, C. BOS, S. STREET, C. WOOD, C. CUMMINGS ABSENT: D. ELVIN, J. MCPHEE TEACHERS: MRS R. ELLIS (TEACHING ASSISTANT), MR D. BENSON

YEAR 3M

SEATED ROW: C. ROSS, J. GILBERTSON, M. FLETCHER, A. RICE, J. AMOS, X. GANE, C. PHILLIPS, A. DELANEY SECOND ROW: A. NICKALLS, M. WALFORD, G. POOLE, J. RAY, B. PARSONS, A. ESPIN, E. FABER THIRD ROW: F. REICHMAN, L. ROCHE, D. ROGERS, W. BAWDEN, J. GENNARI, T. FARAGALLAH TEACHER: MR B. MASSEY

YEAR 3N

SEATED ROW: J. HAWES, L. REINHOLD, L. LEWINSMITH, N. HAYES, A. GILL, S. STEEL, I. WAN SECOND ROW: J. OTTOSON, R. CLINTON, A. ARTHUR, A. TRAN, C. FERRIS-NATHAN, A. AL-JUMAILY THIRD ROW: J. GALLIE, W. SPEERING, L. ELLIOTT, J. FOGARTY, J. PATERSON, C. MILLIGAN TEACHER: MR C. NEWTON