Primary 6/7DS have been busy settling into the final term of the session. What a busy term it is!
Numeracy
In numeracy, Primary 6/7DS have been learning about fractions and decimals. They have been identifying and calculating equivalent fractions and decimals; adding and subtracting fractions and decimals and they are ready to move onto percentages. The numeracy discussions taking place within each group have been really impressive and they are all excellent at explaining their thinking by using the mathematical vocabulary.
The class have also just completed a topic on data handling. They worked with a range of graphs, including pie charts to interpret data. They also used their digital skills to create pie charts from data gathered and entered into an Excel spreadsheet.
Literacy and IDL
At the start of this term Primary 6/7DS completed their recent learning about the Titanic. We read the excellent novel ‘The Titanic Detective Agency’ by Lyndsay Littleson, who wrote to us at the start of the previous term. We concluded our topic by writing a review of the book which will be sent to the author. The photos below show some of the cross curricular learning that took place:
During STEM lessons Primary 6/7 were challenged to designed and create their own functioning paddle boats. They learned how stored energy converts to motion to propel the boat. They also explored concepts of buoyancy, water resistance, propulsion, and friction. There are some keen engineers in Primary 6/7DS!
Our main focus this term ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ and Primary 6/7 have been busy learning about future careers they are interested in. They have been using their digital literacy skills to research and present facts about their chosen career.
Primary 6 – Danger Detectives
Primary 6 had the opportunity to visit Dean Castle this week to take part in the “Danger Detectives” workshop. They had lots of fun (in the rain) discussing a range of topics such as keeping themselves safe, anti-social behaviour, alcohol misuse, and vaping.
For more Danger Detective photos see Miss O’Connell’s blog.
Primary 7 Leavers’ Service
The Primary 7s had the opportunity to work together this week. Preparations are well underway for their Leavers’ Service and they are looking forward to sharing their reflections with you. Parents have the tissues ready!
The Primary 7s who are moving onto St Joseph’s have enjoyed one transition day so far. Throughout the remainder of May all Primary 7s going to St Joseph’s and Robert Burns Academy will have the opportunity to visit their new schools and take part in lessons there. Good luck everyone!
Ascension Thursday
On Thursday the whole school had a lovely morning at St Thomas’ in Muirkirk where we celebrated Ascension Thursday. Primary 6/7 set a wonderful example with their lovely singing and readings during mass. They were great ambassadors for our school.
After mass, we were invited into the hall where the community of St Thomas’ had prepared some snacks and drinks for everyone.
Reading for Pleasure
One of our whole school aims this academic session is to promote reading for pleasure. Every Friday we participate in D.E.A.R (Drop Everything And Read). This involves teachers swapping classes to read with a different stage or older pupils reading to a younger ‘buddy’. So far, it has been greatly received and is a calm, enjoyable way to start the day.
Sharing the Learning
Primary 6/7DS and Primary 4/5 recently paired up to develop their coding skills. They collaborated to create a range of codes that enabled the Microbits to play a range of sounds and images. Primary 6/7 even managed to recreate the SOS messages that were sent from the Titanic. Very impressive!
PE
During the summer term tennis is a focus in PE. Primary 6/7DS are currently enjoying developing their motor skills and agility during lessons. There are some future Wimbledon stars in the making!
Learning Logs
At the end of each busy week we take time to reflect on our learning and how we have used meta skills in each lesson. To strengthen pupil voice, Primary 6/7 are trialling different ways to reflect on their learning. They are currently doing this via MS Forms and evaluating which version they prefer. They are always offer reflective, thoughtful and mature insights of the week that has passed.
Classroom Refurbishment
Our Primary 6/7DS classroom is currently being refurbished so we are learning in the digital learning room. We hope to share photos of our completed classroom with you very soon!
