P5A have been learning about Scottish history during the Wars of Independence. We learnt about significant events such as King Alexander III’s death, the Successional Crisis and the Auld Alliance.
Dan says, “I can confidently explain the key events of the Scottish Wars of Independence we have learnt so far.”
We made links through our Social Studies learning with Art and Drama. We have been learning the skill of drawing in proportion through the creation of proportional Lion Rampant flags.
Cameron M says, “Quite often with some support, I can successfully draw in proportion.”
In addition, we learnt how to use simple 2D shapes to guide the drawing of more complex shapes. We used rectangles and triangles to help us draw horses which resembled King Alexanders III horse.
In Drama we have been performing and improvising plays based on the key events leading up to King Alexander III’s death. We used a variety of different skills in undertaking this such as, acting in front of an audience, interpreting scripts and using props in our acting.
Molly says, “I am becoming more confident at performing in front of an audience.”
In RME, P5A have been learning the Jewish story of Passover, or Pesach. We used research skills to gather key facts to increase our knowledge of the 15 stages of Seder.
Cameron D says, “I can regularly explain the story of Passover successfully with no support!”
In ICT, P5A are using a variety of presentation formats to share our information on a chosen key figure from Scottish history during the Wars of Independence. We selected the most appropriate digital software for this and have utilised the skills of using search engines to retrieve information, selecting and using appropriate information and creating and modifying text.
We are currently learning to explore online communities while demonstrating responsible digital behaviour. The skills we are learning to do this include the use of Creative Commons for ensuring safe images, giving examples of and advice on appropriate online behaviour through safe online research. We are looking forward to learning more during Internet Safety Day on Tuesday 6th February.
Nathan says, “ I am developing my understanding of appropriate digital behaviour and can access and use safe images very successfully through my understanding of Creative Commons.”
In P.E. we have been learning about body tension and how this helps us to balance and how we can move across the floor in different ways. We have been practicing a variety of balances and movements using different parts of our bodies. Gymnastics is helping us to become more aware of our muscles and we are confident and knowledgeable when explaning how to stretch each of our main ones (our favourite is ‘hugging the tree’ which stretches our back).
Harris says, “I think I have been very successful in completing my stretches and I am becoming more successful in the skills of moving on the mat in different ways.”
We have been learning about worries and how to manage them in HWB. We read “What To Do When You Worry Too Much”, which compared our worries to planting a tomato seed. If you tend to the tomato seed every day, it grows. In the same way, if you think about a worry everyday, it can also grow. As such, we know that talking to someone and sharing your worry will help. As part of this, we produced calming bottles with glitter inside. These remind us that that worries eventually calm down and bad times don’t last.
This term, we are learning about chemical reactions in Science. Through undertaking a “Self-Inflating Balloon” experiment, we learnt that when two substances are combined, other substances can be produced.
Elliot said, “When bicarbonate of soda and vinegar (an acid) mix, the chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide gas and that is what inflated our balloons.”
Using this knowledge, we successfully made accurate predictions of similar chemical reaction in different experiments (Foaming Lemon, Exploding Bags and Dancing Raisins).
Awesome Achievers
We have celebrated a variety of class and individual achievements. Pupils have developed a wide range of different skills such as, learning new languages, reading books at record speed, keeping bedrooms tidy and helping with chores, playing tennis in regional competitions and helping with D.I.Y. around the house. As a class, we are becoming more skilful at recalling the times tables, especially the X7, X8 and X9 through daily quick practice.
Article 29: You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for other’s rights and the environment.
