Session 9 Rostrata Primary School Year 6 - Kristy Nita Brown & Mariya Konig
90-minute session in the classroom: Today’s session ran differently from a typical Form session. Instead of the usual warm up and reflection activities, it took the shape of a showcase event titled "Shark Tank." In this creative and highly engaging session, the Year Six students presented toy pitches (made from recycled materials and including movement) to their Year Two buddies, who then voted for their favourites.
The space was set up with a presentation area at one end of the room, creating a mini-stage atmosphere. Excitement levels were high, and the Year Six students approached the session with enthusiasm, maturity, and dedication. They had clearly put a great deal of effort into planning and rehearsing their presentations, demonstrating both discipline and persistence in the lead-up to the event.
Some students went above and beyond by incorporating costumes, dances, chants, taglines, and performance-style elements into their pitches. Their ability to think outside the box and bring their ideas to life highlighted their imaginative approach to problem-solving and communication. It was particularly impressive to see the students taking creative risks and showcasing their ideas with confidence.
Throughout the session, the Year Six students also showed strong collaboration skills. When not presenting, they supported their buddies by helping them fill out voting slips. The Year Two students voted by colouring smiley faces to indicate their satisfaction with each toy, and it was heartwarming to see genuine interactions between the older and younger students. Hugs, high-fives, and words of thanks were exchanged at the conclusion of the event, reflecting the positive and respectful relationships that had been formed.
Mariya led the session with clarity and encouragement. She opened and closed the event, explained the Shark Tank format, and ensured the Year Two buddies understood how to complete their voting cards. Her leadership helped maintain structure and flow throughout the session.
As part of the event, I took on the task of filming each Year Six pitch. These clips will be edited into short videos to be shared on screens and via QR codes at the upcoming Parent-Teacher Night in September, offering a great opportunity to celebrate student achievement with the wider school community.
The Year Two teachers were incredibly supportive, helping with behaviour management and encouraging all students. The 90-minute session passed quickly, with all students, both presenters and audience, buzzing with excitement by the end. Each child received a lollipop as a token of appreciation, which added to the celebratory mood.
Overall, this was a very special event. The Year Six students were commended for their innovation, creativity, courage, and commitment to the project.
Planning with the Teacher: Some students were absent during the Shark Tank showcase. I will work with Mariya to ensure these students have the opportunity to present their toys and have them filmed, so their work can still be included in the Parent-Teacher Night. Additionally, Mariya will organise how the prize will be announced for the toy that received the highest number of votes from the Year Two buddies.
Looking ahead, Mariya and I plan to return to the usual Form session structure next session, including a warm up and reflection activity. We are also exploring ways to introduce new activities to make the most of the remaining five sessions with the students. Two additional sessions will be dedicated to the Parent-Teacher Night, which I will attend, and the final planning session, during which we will prepare our presentation for the evaluation process.
Working with the students: The Year Six students are friendly, kind, and consistently enthusiastic about participating in Form sessions. I have full confidence in their ability to take initiative and make thoughtful decisions. Mariya and I have already brainstormed a range of activities the students could engage in over the remaining weeks. However, to foster greater ownership and accountability, I would like the students to contribute their own ideas as well. Together, they will then decide on a fair process for selecting the most suitable activities - ones we can plan and carry out during the remaining sessions. This idea development and group discussion will take place during our next Form session.
Resources: In the next session, students will complete the origami reflections activity and begin creating yarn sticks using sticks and twine. These yarn sticks will showcase their understanding and application of the 5 Habits of Learning. I have sourced enough sticks for the class, and Mariya will be purchasing the wool and sandpaper needed for the activity.
How can you share learning outcomes/stories of transformation with the wider school community: Creative Schools was recently featured in the school newsletter and on the website, highlighting the Shark Tank showcase. It will also be presented to the wider school community during Parent Teacher Night on September 9th, including video footage of the students presenting their toys to their Year Two buddies. Looking ahead, there may be further opportunities to share the final five weeks of activities with the broader school community. I will be discussing this with Mariya in the coming week.
