Author: Ms Whorlow

The whole school had a fabulous day at Logan Gardens on the 27th of April.  First, we all enjoyed a social picnic on the garden lawns.  We got to observe the friendly coy carp in the pond who came up to say hello to everyone.

Class 2 worked with Kath to use their observation and mapping skills to create 3D mapping of the area using natural resources.  They also  applied their maths skills to use compass points and coordinates to navigate around the gardens.  Later they were given the option of either being scientists or artists by surveying their surroundings and recording their findings on a scaled location line.

Class 1 enjoyed a nature walk with Kath before taking part in a texture treasure hunt.  The children created beautiful collages using foraged natural materials.  Then followed an experience of using magnifiers and microscopes to observe plants up close.  The group then created their own 3D map of an area of the garden using natural materials to represent the landscape, plants and flowers all around them.

The sun shone for the whole session and everyone had a great time!

 

 

 

 

Class 2 braved the biting wind to apply their measure skills for area and perimeter today.  We used our playground to undertake a range of measure challenges. Using our knowledge of shape properties, we had to draw squares, rectangles and triangles of given perimeter and areas.  We also had the option to choose our own dimensions where we then calculated the area and perimeter as appropriate.  We remembered to apply our formulae and to use the correct unit of measure.  We also developed our HOTS & soft skills by working collaboratively in pairs.  We cooperated, negotiated, listened and applied our skills.  We were successful learners.

I can explain how different methods can be used to find the perimeter and area of a simple 2D shape. MNU 2-11c

A representative team of 4 pupils from Class 2 travelled into Stranraer with Pat today for the S.P.F.L. Trusted football tournament arranged by Allan Jenkins.  The boys and girls performed well alongside their Leswalt teammates in inter-school matches.  They played 3 matches; winning 3-0 against Sandhead and drawing two with St. Joseph’s and Glenluce/Castle Kennedy.  Afterwards, they were allowed to see the S.P.F.L. trophies up close.  Major teams such as Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen vie to win such esteemed trophies.  Everyone then received a commemorative medal before returning to school.  The team then shared their experience with their classmates.

 

Mr Bennis from Scottish Water visited Class 2 today.  This supported our learning on ‘Life in our Local Area’ as part of our Social Studies this term.  We are considering how the services of our community are served. Mr Bennis gave the pupils input on where and how the water in our area is treated to be made safe for our community.  He also supported our Water Eco-Learning by advising us on how we can protect our environment and preserve our natural water resources.  The children became more aware of how to be responsible citizens.

P5/6 participated in the annual Rhins school cross country tournament held at Green Valley. Every pupil gave each race their all, competing against high numbers. Our boys and girls gave an excellent performance in determination and were ranked as high as 5th and 6th position for their year group.

Portpatrick Primary pupils had some swashbuckling escapades as they entertained audiences with their Easter production of Pirates vs Mermaids. They ‘heave-ho’d’ with sea shanties and mermaid invaded adventures on the ocean waves. The boys and girls presented two performances for family and friends of Portpatrick. It was a real community affair as local senior citizens were invited to enjoy the entertainment and refreshments provided. The actors swaggered and sparkled to everyone’s delight.

Class 2 were treated to a musical experience in a live session with Pitch, Pulse and Magic today.  The musicians demonstrated a range of brass instruments; playing contemporary and classical pieces for the children’s entertainment.  There was even a demonstration of playing a tune on a common garden hose!

Class 2 participated in a live link with the Tim Peake Primary Project today.  There were about 40 schools selected from across Britain to take part.  The children gained insight into life on the International Space Station (ISS).  We carried out practical and learning activities covering aspects such as:

• Manual dexterity in space suits
• Reaction times
• The effects of zero gravity on the body
• Using a model to visualise the distance between the Moon & Earth
• The importance of maintaining physical fitness in space
• Observations of Earth from the surface and satellite
• Tim Peake – selection, training and missions

The children were all inspired and I think there may be a few future astronauts in the making!

Today we learned about the custom of Shrove Tuesday for Christians. Traditionally, on this day, Christians used up the eggs and butter in their home before Lent began the following day.  This is why we make and enjoy pancakes.

In maths we applied ratio to adjust the quantities in a pancake recipe for the number of people required. There were also opportunities to multiply by 2D, factors of 10 and decimals in our calculations. Once we had calculated the required quantities for our pancake recipe we began to make them.

During the practical task we remembered our HWB food preparation and hygiene practices by washing our hands, wearing protective clothing and covering our hair. We applied our soft skills of cooperation and sharing to create the batter mixture then cooked them in a pan.  We shared them out amongst the whole school and enjoyed them with butter and jam; yum!