Early Stage 1

Early in the year, Early Stage 1 students explored how plants and animals satisfy our needs by providing us with resources for clothing and shelter. They identified a variety of plants and animals and the products they provide. 

This term, students explored how objects move by rolling or sliding. Using playdough, they created shapes that roll and then flattened them to observe changes. The key understanding that round objects roll, due to their curved surfaces, while flat objects slide is introduced. Students investigated classroom objects on a ramp recording whether they roll, slide or do both. 

Stage 1

In Term 1, Stage 1 students designed their own feeders, applying their understanding of birds’ needs and reflecting on their designs. Students were encouraged to think critically about the needs of animals and how they can support them in their local environments. 

This term students observed a range of materials that bend, stretch and twist and they identified these as flexible or elastic materials. They enjoyed ending the term creating a character using modelling materials. 

Stage 2

Working with a classmate or small group, the students created their own Light Rays Maze game in Term 1. They worked on making light travel around corners by using mirrors, books and a torch.

This term students followed the Design and Production process, planned a class design brief and collaborated as a group to construct and build a strong bridge using available materials. 

Stage 3

This semester, Stage 3 students enjoyed learning about electrical circuits by building them. They modified their circuits, predicted and observed the results. Finally, they learned how circuits are designed and symbolised in the real world and considered why there needs to be a universal way of representing each component. 

Dr Joshua W. Pate

In week 8, we were very lucky to have Dr Joshua W. Pate visit North Ryde to speak to students about chronic pain. Josh is a pain scientist, children’s book author, clinician and educator from Sydney, Australia. His PhD delved him into the world of investigating what people, particularly children, think about pain.