All of our classrooms are introducing the learning pit this term. We had a bit of training from our impact coaches and classes are having a go. The learning pit helps pupils understand the learning process and identify tools that can help them when facing challenge. 
On the in-service days staff also looked at two new resources to support the teaching of reading. We are currently trialling these in the classroom before making a decision on which one to purchase. This will help ensure consistency throughout the school and also reduce the workload for staff in the long run, in preparing multiple reading resources.
We had two busy in-service days in February. Teaching staff had training from Shirley Clark on improving teaching and learning. Lots of ideas were taken away to try out in their classrooms. Our next steps would include have a shared approach to marking, improving the language used in our learning pits and considering how to improve and enhance opportunities for talking to support learning in the classroom.
We had a visit from officers from Aberdeenshire Council. They were looking at quality of teaching and learning. They saw quality learning and teaching in all classes as well as a consistent language of learning used across the school.
Our current digital leaders put our potential digital leaders through their paces! Our new P5 leaders were selected, and are Jorjie, Aiden and Andie. Well done! They will be well trained by our P6/7 digital leaders. We start this term by running lunchtime digital clubs for P5 and P4 as well as training our new digital leaders in updating the school blog.
Pupils had the opportunity to be selected for pupil parliament. House Captains set challenges for those interested. They noted the skills and attributes of each participating pupil. The information was then passed to Miss Irvine and Mrs Marshall to consider the best candidates for joining the pupil parliament.
We have started the year by each child in P2-7 undertaking a reading age assessment. This will support teachers to ensure that pupils are working at the right place for their ability.
At our Parent Council Meeting on Monday 5th September, parents spoke about how to improve our reporting processes. We are all glad we are back to face to face sharing the learning events, concerts, assemblies, workshops etc. We also spoke about sharing pupils progress throughout the year. For example, we will look at sharing information with parents, 3 times yearly, when children are requiring extra support in their learning. We will also be looking at improved profiling processes and P4-7 will be trailing an online profiling process.
At our first assembly back Miss Irvine asked pupils to volunteer for becoming a member of the Pupil Parliament. Anyone could sign up in their class. The House Captains created a list for Miss Irvine and Mrs Marshall. There are a lot to choose from! On Friday 9th September the House Captains will set challenges for anyone who wants to be in the Pupil Parliament. They will be evaluated on their team work skills, communication skills and problem solving skills. The House Captains will select who gets onto the Pupil Parliament after the selection day. Watch this space!
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