Primary 7 Term 2 Curricular Update

P7 have settled brilliantly into their role as ‘top of the school’. They have embraced the responsibility of being positive role models, setting an excellent example for the younger classes through their behaviour, effort and enthusiasm. The House Captains have been doing an excellent job in their roles and our younger pupils respond well to them. We are very proud of the start they’ve made to their final year. As we move into Term 2 it’s hard to believe this will be their last Christmas at Mount Carmel; one last round of carols, Christmas jumpers and festive cheer!

Below is an overview of the exciting learning and teaching taking place this term.

Literacy

Reading

P7 will start Term 2 with a focus on exploring poetry. Most pupils will learn how to identify and discuss a range of poetic devices such as rhyme, rhythmic patterns, assonance and figurative language. Most pupils will use these skills to analyse and compare two poems that share a similar theme, considering how each poet expresses ideas and emotions through language and structure.

Moving into December P7 will focus on playscripts: how they are written and performed. They will learn about the key features of a script including stage direction, dialogue, and character cues. Pupils will read and act out short scripts to develop their understanding of dramatic structure, expression and performance.

Writing

Writing this term will be closely linked with our Reading focus. Most P7 will start Term 2 by focussing on critical essay writing; learning how to write a critical essay based on the poem they have been studying. Pupils will be guided in planning, structuring, and writing paragraphs that include evidence and explanation to support their points. Critical essay writing is a skill they will need as they move to S1, this writing block will help them build confidence in forming opinions about texts, using comparative language and linking their ideas and opinions back to the texts.

Moving into December, P7 will plan and write (in groups) their own short Christmas play, focussing on clear dialogue, character development, and creative storytelling. This writing unit will build confidence in writing for performance and support teamwork, communication and expression.

P7 will also have opportunities to write across the curriculum.

Spelling and Grammar

The spelling groups will continue to experience the Active Literacy spelling program; this will introduce common words and focus phonemes pertinent to their level and stage. Most P7 will focus on complex Grammar rules this term:  nouns (abstract and irregular), complex pronouns and extend knowledge and use of adverbs.

Numeracy

Mrs Terras continues to focus on Number Processes. All groups will begin Term 2 with a focus on whole number place value and rounding. Our place value focus will end with learning about negative numbers in application. Most groups will learn about decimal place value. Using their decimal place value knowledge, P7 will learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals of varying decimal places. Some groups will make links between decimals and money and measurement.

Mrs Canning will focus on Data Handling on a Monday.

Primary 7 are encouraged to revise their multiplication tables as these permeate all areas of Numeracy.

Health and Wellbeing

Our PE days have been changes to a Wednesday and Friday due to works in our school kitchen. Pupils are required to have a FULL change on these days. P7 will start Term 2 with a block of gymnastics lessons with the focus on leaps and jumps, rolls and balances. P7 will also have full responsibility for safely setting up apparatus and putting it away. As December approaches, P7 will be swapping pencils for pas de basques as we take to the floor for Scottish dancing. Pupils will be brushing up on their Strip the Willow and Gay Gordons steps! I know they can’t wait!

Through a H&WB mini IDL focus P7 will discuss Substance Misuse of Drugs and Smoking/Vaping. Focus will be on how the media can influence young people’s attitudes and choices. They will explore how advertising, social media, and popular culture can use persuasive techniques to promote certain behaviours. The aim is to help pupils make informed and responsible decisions.

French

Towards Christmas P7 will complete a four-week block comparing a French and Scottish Christmas. We will research similarities and differences. We will learn new vocabulary, use French dictionaries, and increase confidence with writing and reading French.

Science/Technologies

P7 will be investigating Space and Forces. They will be researching features of our solar system and identify the planets. P7 will recognise that the Sun is a star and the largest object in our Solar System. They will identify that objects on Earth fall to the ground due to gravity. P7 will recognise that the Moon doesn’t change shape, we see it differently at different times due to its position in relation to Earth and the Sun. They will recognise that different places on Earth experience night and day at different times due to the Earth’s rotation on its axis. P7 will investigate by creating models and taking part in experiments. They will make predictions, record results, and explain findings.

 

Expressive Arts

Dance

P7 will continue to build on their knowledge of popular Scottish dances, we are hoping to join in with P6 for more ‘ceilidh’ style lessons. Pupils are encouraged to give it a go as it is part of our Scottish culture and identity.

Drama

Through Drama, P7 will bring their playscripts to life through performance. They will explore how to use voice, movement, and expression to convey character and emotion. They will need to work collaboratively to rehearse and perform their short script.

 

RME

P7 continue to work towards their Pope Francis Faith Award. This award encourages children to live out their faith at school, at home and in the Parish. Pupils will continue to develop their understanding of the liturgical calendar, exploring key events and celebrations. P7 will take part in activities and prayers linked to Advent as we prepare for Christmas.

UNCRC

As a school we are working towards our Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award. We have reflected and reviewed our Class Charter from Term 1.  P7 asked if they could include that every child has the right to nurture their gifts and talents. We agreed as a class community that listening could be better and have included the responsibility to engage and listen to everyone without interruptions.

This term pupil will be looking at Article 38 for Remembrance Day and the right to protect children from war as well as articles 4 and 41 and 45 in celebration of World Children’s Day and Human Rights Day.

Linking in with the Class Charter, Primary 7 enjoyed the Reward Card system last year and asked to use it again in P7. The reward card system allows pupils to gain reward cards for Wonderful Work, Amazing Attitude, and being a ‘Superstar.’ When the pupils gain five cards, they can choose an individual reward. They can also choose to go for a class reward once everyone reaches five reward cards; this promotes teamwork within the class.

Learner Journals

Pupils will continue to Learner Journals to reflect on their progress and celebrate achievements. We encourage parents and carers to login to Learner Journals as it provides a valuable link between home and school.

Personal Target Setting

This term, pupils will focus on setting their own personal targets. They will reflect on their strengths, identify areas to improve on, and create achievable goals. Regular check ins will help them track progress, celebrate successes and develop confidence and responsibility in their learning journey.

Thank you for all your support,

Mrs Terras and Mrs Canning