Entering ‘Class 5’s Door,’ the children begin an entirely new phase of development lasting into their 12th year.  Limbs begin to predominate, and the muscular system becomes increasingly important during the years of 10 to 12.  Critical attitudes and thinking capacities heighten, and casual expression of opinions and ideas unfold.  Children begin to sense that, not only their surroundings in space, but also time, is a structured element to life itself. A transition from myth to history unfolds.  These strong pictures of early civilisations convey the gradual change in consciousness from one civilisation to another, and their relationship to their gods, the world and one another.  Learning the balance and harmony between the physical world and the world of the spirit; between practical life and the realms of ideas and ideals, are weighted within the Class 5 curriculum.  The metamorphosis within nature and cultures reflects the dance between these realms.

Throughout the year, we will delve into a number of units with a historical focus, including that of our First Nations peoples and the ancient civilisations of India, Persia, Mesopotamia and Egypt.

We have begun with India – the land of the lotus.  A land of a billion people and a pantheon of gods.  Ancient India brings a sense of oneness, spirituality and clairvoyant connections; of a people  strongly connected to the spiritual world. The many stories of gods, demons, noble heroes and epic adventures are a colourful exploration of this magnificent culture.  We began with the creation story of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.  Followed by Manu being guided by the big fish through the flood waters to India. Many more adventures are currently unfolding.

What the following civilisations portray through their teachings are:

Mesopotamia and Ancient Persia – the development of farming and agriculture; group identity; the beginnings of ordering society; themes of light and dark and the guidance of a spiritual leader emerge.

Egypt – the development of architecture, engineering and writing; rituals surrounding life and death which imply an increasing separation from the gods.

Ancient Greece – new power of thinking; conscience and self-responsibility rather than obeying the will of gods; the birth of philosophy and scientific thought; artistic impulse between beauty and form; social and political structures such as the contrast of Athens and Sparta, and the development of democracy.

Exciting learning is present, and forthcoming!

Maria Moston
Class 5 Teacher