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Year 5-6 Program

Empowering Year 5-6 Independence

At SHARE, we understand that as children reach Year 5 and 6, their needs and interests evolve. Many older students begin to take on greater responsibilities and value increased independence — some even start managing their own schedules, such as walking themselves home from school. Recognising this shift, we reviewed our practices and found that we were not fully meeting the needs of this age group. That’s why we’ve introduced our exciting new Year 5/6 initiative: a program designed specifically for older children to foster independence, develop leadership skills, and keep them engaged in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

Why We Created the Year 5-6 Program

Our goal is to ensure that children in Years 5 and 6 feel valued and catered to during their time at SHARE. This program reflects their growing independence and helps prepare them for the transition to high school. By tailoring activities to their interests and providing a dedicated space — the newly renovated "Hangout Zone" — we’ve created an environment where older children can explore their individuality, socialise with peers, and build on their skills in a way that feels relevant and empowering.

The Hangout Zone

The Hangout Zone, located in our revamped Quiet Room, is designed with Year 5/6 students in mind. Outfitted with cosy couches, beanbags, fresh paint, and stylish furniture, it’s a welcoming space where they can relax, connect with friends, or enjoy activities tailored just for them. From a 'group chat' to intense games of Uno, the room has quickly become a hit among our older children.

Program Details

The program includes a range of activities that encourage creativity, leadership, and social interaction while aligning with the children's interests. Highlights include:

  • Self-Managed Cooking Day: Students independently tackle recipes with staff providing support only when needed.

  • Games and Activities Day: Exclusive access to the Hangout Zone for board games, role-playing, and drama-based activities chosen by the children.

  • Sports and Park Hangout: Group outings to places like the tennis court and skatepark, featuring outdoor games selected by the students.

  • Nintendo Day: One afternoon (1hr) a week of Mario Kart competitions on the Nintendo Switch, balancing screen time with active, hands-on play.

  • Self-Managed Fridays: A flexible day for students to organise and enjoy the Hangout Zone at their own pace, with occasional staff check-ins.

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Meet the Year 5/6 Leadership Team

This program is led by our dedicated Year 5/6 leadership team: Naomi, Rose, and Kurt. These experienced educators guide and support the students, creating a fun and enriching experience. They also act as liaisons between the students and the broader SHARE team, ensuring the students' voices are heard, their needs are met, and the program remains aligned with their interests.

Naomi
Rose
Kurt

This initiative has been met with enthusiastic feedback from children and parents alike. Educators have observed higher levels of engagement, collaboration, and socialisation among Year 5/6 students. Parents have shared that their children feel more excited about attending SHARE, and students have embraced the program as an opportunity to explore their independence in a fun and supportive environment.

By tailoring our approach to meet the needs of our older students, this program reflects our commitment to evolving with the children we serve, helping them thrive both now and in the future.

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