Mr Peter Stevenson - Dean of Biblical Studies
Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6), is such an exciting time in a student’s life. These pre-teen years present both challenges and opportunities, yet the fact remains that these students are still ‘kids’ who want to play and laugh. Students are often eager to engage in interesting and thought provoking conversations about complex social and political issues, whilst at the same time laughing at their jokes. This diversity makes teaching Stage 3 an exciting and rewarding experience.
Students are independent, dynamic workers who are curious and constantly questioning. We also want them to grow in their independence and take on many responsibilities, remembering to bring homework, diaries, instruments, sporting equipment etc on the correct days. We expect them to be ready to go and be on time. Independence and responsibility are key.
Stage 3 usually has lots of exciting experiences to look forward to. Both grades are planning on significant camps, with Year 5 up to the Crusaders site at Galston Gorge, and Year 6 down to Canberra and the Snow. During these camps the relational aspects are so important, students make friends and memories that remain with them for life. I can still remember my own Year 6 camp, and still keep in contact with a few of my mates from camp to share stories.
The independence that students experience during camp is also a vital skill. Teachers go to great lengths to provide assistance in daily personal organisation, however, logistically we can not stand next to each student and make sure they brush their teeth, or comb their hair for example. The expectation is that students are prepared and ready to go at scheduled times.
During these camps, students also get to experience many significant and interesting places, including Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, Questacon, Perisher Snow Fields. In addition, they experience a range of recreational activities such as abseiling, high ropes and canoeing. A favourite of mine is always the War Memorial. The students participate in a tour of the site and witness the ‘Wall of Honor’ and ‘Hall of Memory’. It is interesting to observe students as they process all of the names of fallen soldiers and the significance of their sacrifice. Every single student goes in and leaves different. They understand that this place is important, and they see the sacrifice that has been made for us in the past and present through war. Asking students to reflect on the way out is so interesting; the range of the experiences is invaluable. In the past students have shared an overwhelming sense of sadness but also of pride. I love the Year 6 Camp, and that our school values the camp experience as an essential part of schooling.
Throughout Stage 3, there is also an emphasis on preparing for what is next, including high school, and riding the waves of decision making for their future. We emphasis the importance of using the student’s diary, and not leaving things to the last minute. We aim to capture those right of passage moments that happen during this transition time. These events are important, and like all adults, we made it through, and so will your children (even if there are a few bumps in the road).
(This article was written prior to COVID-19. It is our hope that camps will be able to continue in 2020, although acknowledge those may occur at different times than planned).
