This week we have been exploring coding as the Technology part of STEM week.

What is coding?

“You can control something using a remote, a steering wheel, peddle or touch screen.” – Alex Thom

“It’s instructions that you give to something for it to follow.” – Anaya Rana

What did we do?

We had a big discussion about what coding is and what it is used for in everyday life.  Then we had lots of activities to explore coding.  We were able to make our own castle game that felt like we were inside a video game.  A friend had to ‘code’ us by giving clear instructions to reach the castle.  We also used Beebots and gave them instructions to move them around the mats.  We explored code.org on the laptops which has lots of fun coding games.  On the iPads we played on the Beebot app.  We had a great afternoon!

As part of our Scotland topic we looked at the landscape around us and discussed what it was used for.  We picked out key features such as, Gargieston school and nursery, Rugby Park, The Park Hotel, Howard Park, Beechwood Nursery, churches, the Sheriff Court and the Police station.  Then we worked in teams to build our street.  Today we described our street in our writing.  Which features can you spot?

During Scottish Week we made Scotch pancakes.  We took turns at weighing, measuring and mixing.  They were delicious.

A big well done to Freya Ahrens, Charley Allan and Emma Wright who were our class winners.  The girls will compete on Monday in front of Mrs Skelton and Mrs Marshall to decide who will perform at our Scottish assembly.

I was very impressed by everyone who entered the competition and it was such a difficult decision to make.

In science we have been learning all about materials.  Today we were exploring how objects made from different materials could be changed.

Can you squash it?

Can you bend it?

Can you stretch it?

Can you twist it?

Maybe you could explore some other materials and objects at home?

Today we started working on division in our numeracy time.  We learned two strategies that we can use to find the answer to division problems – grouping and sharing.  We played lots of games to practise our new skills.

Thank you very much to Mrs Rana (Anaya’s mum) who came in to school last week to tell us all about Islam and how a baby is welcomed into a Muslim family.  It was very interesting and the children loved trying on some traditional clothes and accessories.

A big well done to all of the children who gave super solo talks on their favourite authors and books last week.  You all worked very hard!

We were lucky enough to have a visit from Pudsey bear to kick off our week of fundraising for Children in Need.  Primary 3A have been working so hard over the last few weeks and now it is all coming together, look out for more information and pictures soon.

We hope you all enjoyed our class assembly, we had so much fun performing on stage.  Here are some photos below.