Parent Guide: Years 5 & 6
These are pivotal years -- the final years of primary school. Your child is developing real independence and preparing for the big transition to high school.
What Your Child is Learning
Maths
- ●Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- ●All times tables (up to 12x12)
- ●Order of operations
- ●Area, perimeter, and volume
- ●Data interpretation (graphs and tables)
English
- ●Essay writing (persuasive, narrative, informative)
- ●Complex reading comprehension
- ●Spelling rules and exceptions
- ●Grammar (clauses, sentence types)
- ●Oral presentations and debates
Science
- ●Scientific method and experiments
- ●Earth and space science
- ●Biological science (ecosystems, adaptations)
- ●Physical science (forces, energy)
- ●Writing scientific reports
NAPLAN Year 5: Tips
- ✓ Writing: Practise persuasive writing -- they'll need to argue a position. Practise planning before writing.
- ✓ Reading: Read a variety of texts (fiction, non-fiction, news articles). Discuss what you read together.
- ✓ Numeracy: Ensure they're comfortable with fractions, decimals, and reading data from graphs and tables.
- ✓ Language conventions: Review spelling patterns, homophones (their/there/they're), and punctuation.
- ✓ Keep perspective: NAPLAN shows where your child is at a point in time. It does not define them.
Preparing for High School
Academic Preparation
- ✓ Build organisational skills (managing a diary/planner)
- ✓ Practise completing tasks independently
- ✓ Learn to break large tasks into smaller steps
- ✓ Get comfortable using a computer for schoolwork
Social & Emotional Preparation
- ✓ Attend orientation days and open nights
- ✓ Talk openly about what excites and worries them
- ✓ Practise navigating new environments independently
- ✓ Reassure them that it's normal to feel nervous
Building Independence While Staying Involved
Your child wants more independence -- and that's healthy. The key is stepping back gradually while staying connected.
Let them manage their own homework schedule
Help them create a routine, then step back and let them own it. Check in rather than hovering.
Encourage them to solve problems first
Before jumping in, ask "What have you tried?" and "What do you think you should do next?"
Stay interested in their learning
Ask about their day, attend school events, and show genuine curiosity about what they're studying.
Managing Screen Time & Study Balance
Recommended guidelines for Years 5-6:
- ✓ Homework: 30-40 minutes per day (including reading)
- ✓ Recreational screen time: 1-2 hours per day maximum
- ✓ Physical activity: At least 60 minutes per day
- ✓ Sleep: 9-11 hours per night
Tip: Create a family media agreement together. When children help set the rules, they're more likely to follow them. No screens at the dinner table or in bedrooms at night.