The Power of Knowledge
From the Crowther CentreAt this time of year, a lot of work happens in the background to prepare for the new academic year.
In the Junior School, we teach reading comprehension and writing through a knowledge-rich curriculum. Among scientists who study the learning process, it is well established that having prior knowledge of a topic has a strong positive effect on reading comprehension (Natalie Wexler – The Knowledge Gap).
The more background knowledge and familiarity you have with a topic’s specific vocabulary, the more likely you are to successfully comprehend what you are reading.
Put simply, our knowledge units aim to build the students’ knowledge of history, geography, civics and science, deepening their content understanding and enabling them to make links across different subject areas.
The units include explicit teaching of vocabulary, reading of related texts and link with writing instruction to provide the boys with a purpose when putting pen to paper.
In Term 1 2025, Year 4 students will develop reading and writing skills through learning the history of Australia’s First Peoples and the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet.
In contrast, Year 5 boys will build their geographical and scientific knowledge through exploring the impact of natural disasters on the environment and communities in Australia.
We aim to give students an in-depth understanding of topics and themes that sets them on course to become knowledgeable, well-read and critically thinking individuals.
Zoe Picton
Literacy Co-ordinator ELC-Year 6