Primary 5 – Term 3

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. I am so excited to be joining Primary 5, and I’m absolutely delighted by how quickly everyone has settled into the new term. We have an exciting and busy term ahead, and I’m confident that Primary 5 will embrace every challenge and excel in all that we do. I’m really looking forward to working with each of you and watching how much the class will grow and thrive throughout the term. Here’s a look of what we’ll be learning about in the weeks to come!

Literacy

Reading – This term, the class will embark on an exciting exploration of Scots language. A key focus will be on poetry, allowing the children to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of Scots verse while developing their analytical skills. Additionally, they will hone their non-fiction reading skills, concentrating on practical strategies such as note-taking, mind mapping, and scanning texts to identify and highlight key words and phrases effectively. These skills will help enhance their comprehension and organisation of information across all areas of learning.

Spelling – Throughout the week, the class will further develop their spelling skills. A variety of active spelling strategies will be implemented to engage learners and reinforce understanding, with a strong focus on consistency and application. These approaches will be extended into homework tasks, providing opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning in different contexts.

Writing – The focus genres for writing this term will be persuasive and discursive texts, which will be closely linked to the class’s topic work to provide meaningful and engaging contexts for learning. Pupils will continue to refine their tools for writing, with an emphasis on mastering the use of complex punctuation and enhancing their vocabulary through effective use of dictionaries and thesauruses. This integrated approach will not only strengthen their writing skills but also deepen their understanding and application of knowledge across the curriculum.

Talking and Listening – This term, Talking and Listening skills will be developed through the study of Scots language, providing an engaging context for pupils to explore rich vocabulary and expressive communication. Additionally, pupils will enhance their presentation skills through links to their topic work, delivering presentations on a new invention, as well as the topic of tsunamis, flooding, and landslides. This integrated approach will allow students to build confidence in speaking and listening while deepening their knowledge and understanding of key curricular areas.

Numeracy

This term, P5 will continue with daily Number Talks as a cornerstone of our numeracy lessons, fostering critical thinking and encouraging pupils to explore and share a variety of problem-solving strategies. Our focus will include core number processes, particularly multiplication and division, to build fluency, accuracy, and confidence in these foundational skills.

Beyond Number, the class will begin by exploring time, ensuring pupils develop a secure understanding of both analogue and digital formats, before moving on to the study of angles. Practical activities and real-world applications will be incorporated to deepen understanding and make learning engaging and meaningful for all.

Health and Wellbeing

Our PE days are Tuesday and Thursday. Our learning journey begins with a strong focus on fitness. In these sessions, the class explore various aspects of physical fitness, including cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Through a range of activities and exercises, we will not only improve our physical abilities but also develop a deeper understanding of the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. P5 will challenge ourselves to set personal fitness goals, track our progress, and learn about the long-term benefits of regular physical activity. As we work together in a supportive environment, we will also foster teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards health and fitness.

During our lessons on substance misuse, P5 will explore the effects and risks associated with harmful substances, as well as the importance of making informed and responsible choices. To deepen our understanding, we will connect this topic with persuasive writing skills by creating our own TV advert. Through this project, the class will learn how to effectively convey important messages and influence attitudes using compelling language, emotional appeal, and strong arguments.

Science

This term in science, the class will be exploring the topic of sound and light. Pupils will investigate the properties of sound, including how it travels, how different materials affect sound, and how we use our senses to perceive sound. P5 will also explore the nature of light, examining how light travels, how it reflects and refracts, and how light enables us to see objects in the world around us. The class will use a range of practical and collaborative activities to reinforce these concepts.

IDL

This term, we are excited to explore the contributions of Scottish inventors and their impact on shaping Scotland’s culture and heritage. As part of this journey, the class will work collaboratively in teams to design our own innovative solutions to address a sustainable challenge facing Scotland today. Through this project, P5 will also dive into the concept of META skills, exploring how we can apply these skills—such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—in real-world scenarios to make a positive difference.

R.E

This term in R.E, the focus of learning will be on the life and teachings of Jesus, exploring how his example continues to inspire and guide people around the world. The class will also learn about the season of Lent, reflecting on its significance and the practices associated with this period of spiritual preparation. Through this exploration, P5 will gain a deeper understanding of Catholic values and how they can be applied in our own lives. Together, the class will reflect on the themes of compassion, sacrifice, and renewal, considering how these ideas can shape our actions and attitudes.

Technology

Our focus in technology this term will be learning how to log on to and navigate the Chromebooks effectively. The class will explore essential skills such as accessing different applications, managing files, and using the internet safely and responsibly. Throughout this process, P5 will become more confident in using technology for research, collaboration, and task completion. Additionally, we will discuss online safety and digital etiquette, ensuring we understand how to protect ourselves and others while using technology.

UNCRC

After exploring the UNCRC for Human Rights Day, we created a class charter focused on the rights of the child. Each of us took responsibility for identifying and highlighting the rights we believe are most vital in fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment. Each of us plays an essential role in creating and maintaining this culture by actively respecting and supporting one another’s rights, ensuring that our classroom is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. The children have adapted well to the changes in their class structure, and we are so pleased with how they are managing. This term is set to be a busy and exciting one, and I am looking forward to all of the learning and growth that will take place. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Miss Dorby