Primary 4a’s first weeks back at school were action packed! We were entrusted with presenting the first class assembly of the year. This allowed us to show off our knowledge of the school values and encourage everyone to be their own hero.

 

Amelia said, “I loved my part in the assembly. Everyone had a role to play and that is why it was so successful.”

 

In Science we have been using our knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems to explore food chains and webs.

 

Evan really enjoyed using the flash cards to categorise animals and plants. “I can now match up producers and consumers in a food chain. I can also explain the words predators and prey.”

 

Our next Science study will be based on Vibrations and Sounds. Through research on how animals communicate, we will explore how sound vibrations are carried by waves through air, water and other media.

 

Logan thinks that we will be talking about how sound travels. “I would like to learn about how animals talk to each other.”

 

Social Studies this term will have a geography focus. By comparing our local area with a contrasting area out with Britain, we will investigate the main features of weather and climate, discussing the impact on living things. 

 

Wardah hopes we do lots of experiments in the playground. “We could see how much it rains and how strong the wind is.”

 

Escher patterns will provide a stimulus for our expressive arts study this term. Through Maths, we will discuss and explore the properties of 2D shapes and identify those that tile. Using this knowledge we will design our own tiling patterns based on the style of Escher.

 

In ICT we will be developing our knowledge and use of safe and acceptable conduct while using different technologies to interact and share experiences, ideas and information with others. We are very lucky at Giffnock to have a range of equipment that we can access and use to enhance our learning and it is important that we all understand how to stay safe.

 

“To stay safe online you have to be careful what you are saying in comments and posts. Don’t share any personal information with someone you don’t know,” explained Sophie.

 

We have been developing our fitness levels over the past couple of weeks and are looking forward to experiencing rugby, basketball and dance sessions in term one.

 

Lewis said, “I like PE and enjoy playing games. The Daily Mile is fun and keeps me fit and healthy.”

 

Linked to our work on the SHANARRI Wheel, this term’s Health and Wellbeing focus will be on staying Safe, keeping Healthy and staying Achieving. Our first lessons have looked at people who help us at school, home and in the community. We were lucky to meet the new Campus Cop and can’t wait for our first library visit.

 

Alex said, “The lollipop lady helps us cross the road. She makes sure we cross at a safe place. The police make sure everyone follows the rules. The doctors and nurses take care of us when we are unwell.”

 

Through RME and Bounceback we have been developing our understanding of the values of respect and honesty. We will also be studying Judiasm and how different religions celebrate Christmas Around the World.

 

Literacy and Numeracy

 

Our learning in these areas will draw upon the contexts listed above but will differ according to the needs of each class / group. Your support with consolidation of core learning through homework activities will be very beneficial to our children.

 

Achievements in August and September

 

Now that we are in Primary 4 we have been learning to be more independent. We have challenged ourselves by remembering our 4 and 6 times tables and we are learning to tie our own ties. Many of our pupils have become more experienced at a sport by taking part in after school clubs and activities; some have even won awards or moved up a grade.

 

Article 29: You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for other’s rights and the environment.