Year 6 English – Term 1 (WA Curriculum): Term 1 Language Skills

What this unit covers

In Term 1, Year 6 English in the WA Curriculum centres on the unit “Term 1 Language Skills”.

Term 1 English for Year 6. Writing (24 lessons), Reading (16 lessons), Speaking & Listening (40 lessons).

Lesson sequence (80 lessons)

The unit breaks down into the following lesson-by-lesson sequence — each title below is a teachable lesson, in order:

1. Planning and structuring narrative texts using story maps
2. Writing engaging story openings with descriptive language
3. Developing complex characters through dialogue and action
4. Using varied sentence structures to create rhythm and flow
5. Writing detailed settings using sensory language
6. Building tension and conflict in narrative writing
7. Crafting satisfying narrative conclusions and resolutions
8. Editing narratives for coherence and impact
9. Understanding the structure and purpose of persuasive texts
10. Writing compelling arguments with supporting evidence
11. Using persuasive language techniques and rhetorical devices
12. Organising persuasive texts with clear thesis statements
13. Writing formal letters to persuade specific audiences
14. Editing persuasive texts for clarity and effectiveness
15. Exploring the features and structure of information reports
16. Researching and note-taking for factual writing
17. Writing clear topic sentences and supporting paragraphs
18. Using technical vocabulary and formal language in reports
19. Incorporating visual elements into information texts
20. Proofreading reports for accuracy and presentation
21. Applying complex spelling patterns and word origins
22. Using advanced punctuation including semicolons and colons
23. Developing vocabulary through word families and etymology
24. Publishing final texts using digital tools and formatting
25. Analysing Character Motivations in Contemporary Fiction
26. Identifying Themes and Messages in Short Stories
27. Understanding Figurative Language in Poetry
28. Comparing Perspectives in Non-Fiction Texts
29. Evaluating Author's Purpose and Audience
30. Interpreting Visual Elements in Multimodal Texts
31. Making Inferences from Context Clues
32. Analysing Text Structure in Information Reports
33. Understanding Bias and Point of View in Media Texts
34. Exploring Cultural Perspectives in Literature
35. Synthesising Information from Multiple Sources
36. Analysing Persuasive Techniques in Advertisements
37. Understanding Symbolism in Traditional Tales
38. Evaluating Evidence and Arguments in Opinion Texts
39. Interpreting Historical Context in Literature
40. Critically Analysing Digital Text Credibility
41. Developing Effective Eye Contact and Posture for Presentations
42. Active Listening: Identifying Key Information and Main Ideas
43. Building Vocabulary Through Collaborative Word Games
44. Giving Clear Step-by-Step Instructions to Peers
45. Retelling Stories with Expression and Sequence
46. Role Playing Different Characters and Perspectives
47. Asking Open and Closed Questions Effectively
48. Responding Thoughtfully to Others' Ideas
49. Using Voice Projection and Clear Articulation
50. Listening for Specific Details in Audio Texts
51. Participating in Small Group Problem-Solving Discussions
52. Following Multi-Step Oral Instructions Accurately
53. Creating and Sharing Personal Anecdotes
54. Exploring Different Accents and Dialects Through Drama
55. Formulating Questions to Gather Information
56. Providing Constructive Feedback to Speakers
57. Using Gesture and Body Language to Enhance Communication
58. Identifying Fact and Opinion in Spoken Texts
59. Collaborating to Plan a Group Presentation
60. Practising Turn-Taking in Formal Discussions
61. Retelling News Stories and Current Events
62. Role Playing Historical Figures and Events
63. Asking Clarifying Questions During Conversations
64. Responding to Different Types of Questions
65. Developing Confidence in Public Speaking
66. Listening for Bias and Persuasive Language
67. Engaging in Respectful Debate and Argument
68. Following Oral Directions for Creative Tasks
69. Sharing Book Recommendations and Reviews
70. Improvising Dialogue in Drama Activities
71. Questioning Authors' Choices and Intentions
72. Responding to Poetry Through Discussion
73. Using Appropriate Volume and Pace When Speaking
74. Identifying Main Ideas in Recorded Speeches
75. Collaborating to Solve Communication Challenges
76. Giving and Receiving Oral Feedback Constructively
77. Storytelling Using Different Narrative Techniques
78. Exploring Character Motivation Through Role Play
79. Preparing and Delivering Persuasive Mini-Speeches
80. Reflecting on Personal Growth in Speaking and Listening

Curriculum codes in this unit

Content codes:

Reading the codes: WA codes (the ones starting with WA) pack the year level, learning area, strand and content number into one string, while the national Australian Curriculum v9 uses a different anatomy that starts with AC9 — same content family, different labels. Our complete WA Curriculum guide decodes both, character by character.

Planning notes for Term 1

WA terms run roughly 9–11 weeks, and in 2026 Term 1 runs from Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April — 9 weeks for WA public schools. With 80 lessons in this unit, that leaves breathing room for assessment, moderation and the weeks that disappear to carnivals, camps and public holidays — plan the assessable work to land two to three weeks before the end of term rather than in the final week.