Primary 7 Term 1 Blog Post

Welcome back Class of 2027! We hope everyone had a lovely summer and enjoyed the fabulous weather. Primary 7 is such a special year and Mrs Dunsmore and I are delighted to support your children through their final year at Mount Carmel.

Below is an overview of the exciting learning and teaching taking place in P7 this term.

Literacy

Reading

This term our focus is on non-fiction reading skills. P7 will read different types of non-fiction texts pertinent to their CfE level. We will be focussing on non-fiction reading skills; skimming and scanning, notetaking, summarising, topic specific vocabulary and finding the main idea. This will be done through Giglets online reading scheme and texts linked to our IDL topic. Reading for enjoyment will also be a focus this year, with dedicated time given most days for children to read books they enjoy.

Writing

This term, P7 will focus on two writing genres: Descriptive Writing and Report Writing. Most learners will be developing their descriptive writing skills by using ambitious vocabulary, sensory language and figurative techniques to create engaging and detailed pieces of writing. In report writing, our focus will be on producing scientific reports, where most pupils will learn how to record observations, present findings clearly and communicate scientific information using a factual and organised structure.

Spelling

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. The pupils will revise the Active Spelling strategies throughout Term 1, these include diacritical marking, syllabification and words within words.

Listening and Talking

This term, we will be working on our Listening and Talking skills. We will practise being good listeners by giving others our full attention and not interrupting when they are speaking. We will also learn how to challenge ideas in a thoughtful and respectful way, helping us to have positive and productive discussions.

Numeracy

We will continue with the use of number talks which helps to encourage different learners to use and understand different strategies. The children show an excellent understanding of the strategies taught so far and are always eager to share their understanding with their peers. Mrs Dunsmore will focus on mental maths fluency and word problems on a Monday

This term P7 will focus on Place Value (whole number and decimals) and Rounding and Estimation. Beyond Number topics will be Data Handling and Probability. The pupils will experience activities at their stage and level. The revision of multiplication tables will be encouraged across all groups.

Health and Wellbeing

The focus this term is Relationships; a compassion and connected classroom and the importance of mental wellbeing. There will be a big focus on respect for all and understanding that will all make a valued contribution to our school community. Mrs Dunsmore and Mrs Terras will both deliver H&WB lessons on these topics.

Our PE days are Monday (Mrs Dunsmore) and Wednesday (Mrs Terras). Pupils are required to have a FULL change on these days. P7 will build on their Badminton and Hockey skills this term with some pupils encouraged to use their existing skills to ‘coach’ other pupils.

Expressive Arts

Our focus this term is Music. The Charanga music teaching tool allows pupils to discuss and learn about different genres of music, rhythm and tempo and instruments. It also allows them to sing different genres as well.  This term, Primary 7 will develop their tuned percussion skills.

RE

Mrs McGahon will continue to lead specific Religious Education lessons through our weekly P5-7 assemblies, helping pupils deepen their understanding of key aspects of the Catholic faith and liturgical year. In class, we will build on this learning through regular opportunities for prayer, reflection and discussion. Pupils will also continue working towards the Pope Francis Faith Award, developing their faith in action by demonstrating Gospel values, serving others and reflecting on how they live out their faith in their daily lives.

IDL

Our IDL topic this term is Climate Change and Global Citizenship. Through science and investigation, we will explore the causes and effects of climate change and how it impacts biodiversity in our local area. We will also compare the effects of climate change in Scotland with those in other countries around the world, helping us to understand our role as global citizens and consider the actions we can take to make a positive difference.

Science and Technologies

Mrs Dunsmore will lead Science on a Monday. The focus this term is on Space (Solar System and Forces). Pupils will discuss Gravity, take part in friction experiments, use estimation skills to estimate distances of planets.

Primary 7 are continuing to develop their digital learning skills by using Chromebooks to enhance their learning across the curriculum. This term, pupils will learn how to access and use a range of Microsoft 365 applications through Glow. As part of their research skills, Primary 7 will practise finding, selecting and using reliable information from online sources appropriately. Pupils will also continue to learn about responsible digital citizenship, including how to stay safe online and what to do if they witness cyberbullying.

UNCRC

As a school we are working towards our Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award. Along with the teacher, Primary 7 discussed what they wanted their class to feel and be like this year and created a class charter to reflect this. This is the final charter that we signed as a class community:

Linking in with the Class Charter, Primary 7 have started using the Reward card system ‘Good to be Green’. Primary 7 earn rewards card for being a Superstar, having an Amazing Attitude and doing Wonderful Work. If they earn 5 rewards cards, they get to choose a reward.

Learner Journals

Pupils will continue to Learner Journals to reflect on their progress and celebrate achievements. Primary 7 will be encouraged to upload their own achievements on Learner Journals. 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 reflect on their Term 4 targets and focus on setting their own personal targets for Term 1 in Primary 7. Regular check ins will help them track progress, celebrate successes and develop confidence and responsibility in their learning journey.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. We value working in partnership with families and will contact you if there is anything we need to discuss regarding your child’s learning or wellbeing. We look forward to a successful term ahead!

Mrs Terras & Mrs Dunsmore