Holly Gilbody-Yeom

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Medieval Madness

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Medieval Madness

https://youtu.be/gLzx6dOeWMg

Semester 2, 2023 Spark Topic | Medieval Madness

This unit builds connections between History, Science, Maths and Art.

It involves inquiry-based learning built on students’ curiosity for the past.

This subject allows students to lead an inquiry into medieval history, focusing on what life in a medieval castle was like, why people built castles, and how castles were defended.

Students learn about medieval architecture, innovations and simple machines via hands-on activities.

They also observe, question, research, measure and draw aerial perspectives.

Students use their knowledge and skills to design a blueprint and build their very own medieval castle!

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What is SPARK?

SPARK is an elective-based ‘hands-on’ curriculum for Years 5 and 6 students that is unique to Canterbury.

Each semester our students choose a special subject to study.

Then students from both year levels are combined into the same classroom and taught by relevant staff.

SPARK is about building curiosity, encouraging students to try something new, and providing an exceptional opportunity for them to embark on their own learning journey, as part of their ‘World Ready’ Canterbury education.

When does SPARK occur?

SPARK happens once per week, with students encouraged to continue their learning beyond the classroom.

How does SPARK link to the curriculum?

SPARK focuses on the Australian Curriculum’s general capabilities, looking at critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding.

How can I see my child’s learning?

The Junior School hosts a learning exhibition at the end of each semester, where all students will have something to exhibit based on their SPARK sessions.

by Holly Gilbody-Yeom

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Epic Engineering

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Epic Engineering

https://youtu.be/6AUW4UxEyXQ

Semester 2, 2023 Spark Topic | Epic Engineering

This unit focuses on hands-on inquiry-based learning with real-world applications, helping to develop a variety of skill sets.

Students use Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to solve problems and come up with new and creative solutions.

They follow the design process as they identify problems and investigate and research issues.

Students then use this knowledge to develop their ideas, and to plan and create innovative solutions to relevant issues facing our world today.

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What is SPARK?

SPARK is an elective-based ‘hands-on’ curriculum for Years 5 and 6 students that is unique to Canterbury.

Each semester our students choose a special subject to study.

Then students from both year levels are combined into the same classroom and taught by relevant staff.

SPARK is about building curiosity, encouraging students to try something new, and providing an exceptional opportunity for them to embark on their own learning journey, as part of their ‘World Ready’ Canterbury education.

When does SPARK occur?

SPARK happens once per week, with students encouraged to continue their learning beyond the classroom.

How does SPARK link to the curriculum?

SPARK focuses on the Australian Curriculum’s general capabilities, looking at critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding.

How can I see my child’s learning?

The Junior School hosts a learning exhibition at the end of each semester, where all students will have something to exhibit based on their SPARK sessions.

by Holly Gilbody-Yeom

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Critical & Creative Thinking

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | Critical & Creative Thinking

https://youtu.be/4Nr635kU9oE

Semester 1, 2023 Spark Topic | Critical & Creative Thinking

Thinking that is productive, purposeful and intentional is at the centre of effective learning.

By practising critical and creative thinking, students can solve problems and devise innovative ideas to do so.

Participants follow the design process as they identify a problem, then investigate and research the issues.

They develop their ideas, then plan and create solutions that will be evaluated and adapted based on testing.

Their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills are applied to real-world issues that concern them, which may include freshwater access, environmental pollution or sustainable energy.

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What is SPARK?

SPARK is an elective-based ‘hands-on’ curriculum for Years 5 and 6 students that is unique to Canterbury.

Each semester our students choose a special subject to study.

Then students from both year levels are combined into the same classroom and taught by relevant staff.

SPARK is about building curiosity, encouraging students to try something new, and providing an exceptional opportunity for them to embark on their own learning journey, as part of their ‘World Ready’ Canterbury education.

When does SPARK occur?

SPARK happens once per week, with students encouraged to continue their learning beyond the classroom.

How does SPARK link to the curriculum?

SPARK focuses on the Australian Curriculum’s general capabilities, looking at critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding.

How can I see my child’s learning?

The Junior School hosts a learning exhibition at the end of each semester, where all students will have something to exhibit based on their SPARK sessions.

by Holly Gilbody-Yeom

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Canterbury’s Years 5-6 Spark Program | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

https://youtu.be/Q26f5Q3WIjc

Semester 1, 2023 Spark Topic | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Do you love detective stories, watching Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) shows, or dream of being a forensic scientist?

Then this subject is for you!

Using crime scene activities and investigations, students can learn skills in data collection, observation, analysis and problem-solving.

They work collaboratively to find suspects and culprits via fingerprinting, fibre analysis, chromatography and other investigative strategies.

Students lead themselves through research and apply their knowledge of investigation techniques using critical thinking, analysis and communication through clear documentation.

The big question is: Who did it?

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What is SPARK?

SPARK is an elective-based ‘hands-on’ curriculum for Years 5 and 6 students that is unique to Canterbury.

Each semester our students choose a special subject to study.

Then students from both year levels are combined into the same classroom and taught by relevant staff.

SPARK is about building curiosity, encouraging students to try something new, and providing an exceptional opportunity for them to embark on their own learning journey, as part of their ‘World Ready’ Canterbury education.

When does SPARK occur?

SPARK happens once per week, with students encouraged to continue their learning beyond the classroom.

How does SPARK link to the curriculum?

SPARK focuses on the Australian Curriculum’s general capabilities, looking at critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding.

How can I see my child’s learning?

The Junior School hosts a learning exhibition at the end of each semester, where all students will have something to exhibit based on their SPARK sessions.

by Holly Gilbody-Yeom