A Term of Learning and Growth

Online Safety

Our online safety lessons have helped the class take their first steps into the digital world. They’ve learned the importance of safe online behaviour, the importance of creating and keeping passwords safe and secure, and the value of responsible internet use.

NSPCC Stay Safe Campaign

The NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe campaign has been a powerful tool in teaching the class about personal safety. We’ve discussed body boundaries, healthy relationships, and how to seek help if they feel unsafe.

Maths Week Scotland

Maths Week Scotland was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the joy of mathematics. Our class engaged in fun activities that helped them develop their problem-solving skills and appreciation for the subject.

Food Chains

In science, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of food chains. The class has learned about how energy flows through ecosystems and the impact that would occur if a level in the food chain is removed.

New Writing Framework

The introduction of the new writing framework (CYPIC Writing) has given our writing a new dimension. The class has been exploring accurate punctuation, its impact on the reader, and how to be successful in learning to self- and peer-assess writing work. We have looked at narratives and recounts this term.

Pointillism and the Colour Wheel

In art, we’ve been experimenting with different techniques, including pointillism. The class learned colour theory and how to create vibrant and expressive artworks.

Number Processes and Data Handling

Our numeracy lessons have focused on developing a solid understanding of number processes and data handling. Pupils have been practising mathematical strategies, place value, rounding and learning how to collect, analyse, and interpret data.

This term has been filled with exciting learning opportunities for our class, including celebrating International Older Persons Day. We look forward to incorporating further pupil-led learning into term two.

On Tuesday 1st October P7 attended Operation Safety at DGOne. During the day they took part in a variety of different workshops which were all based around the them of keeping safe.

The workshops were presented by the Fire Service, Scottish Ambulance, Youth Work, Scottish Power and Police Scotland.

It was a very informative day with lots of skills developed.

Primary 7 took part in a webinar with DRAX in order to learn all about hydro power.

After the webinar P7 used their focus, collaborating, adapting and critical thinking skills in order to create a turbine which would turn when placed in water. We used Strawbees to construct our turbines. We were all very successful.

On Thursday 3rd October we celebrated International Older Persons Day at Heathhall Primary. We invited elderly residents from Heathhall Community to come into the school and enjoy an afternoon of activities.

P7B decided that they would bake for the event. We made delicious shortbread and provided tea and coffee for the afternoon.

On Thursday 3rd October, in the afternoon classes from P5 to P7 were celebrating International Older Person’s Day.  We invited older people in our community into school for an afternoon of songs, games, crafts and more!

P5/6 did chair aerobics, P6 sang some songs, P7R made bookmarks and P7B made shortbread and served the teas and coffees.

P5 did a ‘Beetle Drive’  We had to explain the game and then play it with our visitors.  It was lots of fun!

We used our collaborating skills when working as a team playing beetle drive.

We were using our focusing skills while we played the game – it was quite quick-paced.

We used our communicating skills, especially when explaining the game but also whilst we were playing.  We were chatting to the people in our group too.

We used our leading skills to lead the game in our group.

All of our visitors had a lovely afternoon and we hope we can invite them in again someday.

On Friday 4th of October, P5 took part in a webinar organised by DRAX.  We learned about DRAX and the work that they do, especially with hydropower.

First of all we thought about all the things we do that requires electricity.  We talked about renewable and non-renewable energy sources.  We played a game of Top Trumps with these energy sources.

We looked closely at hydropower and how a water turbine works to produce energy.

We heard about Tongland Hydro-electric power scheme near Kirkcudbright and what DRAX have done to help the wildlife and environment.   They have created ‘fish ladders’ for the fish to be able to travel upstream.

It was very interesting.

We were then asked to create a moving water turbine that would be tried and tested under the running tap.  We had the choice of all of the resources and STEM materials available in the classroom.  We even got to try out Miss Anderson’s new Strawbees kit, which was lots of fun!

We all tested our water turbines and were surprised that most of them worked.  Unfortunately a couple of group’s turbines did not work.

Primary 6 pupils have been taken part in a dance workshop in conjunction with Razzamataz Theatre School.

Mairi’s Mum came in to our class to teach us how to make Sushi. We have been learning about how to stay healthy and how to make healthy recipes. We made Sushi from scratch with nori, rice, cucumber and soy sauce. Not very many of us had ever tried sushi before and the majority of our class gave it a try. Most of us would love to try it again. Ask us how to make it and we can help you!