We used the wooded area of the playground to identify symmetry in nature and create symmetrical patterns.

Learning objective:

• I am learning to create a symmetrical picture with 2 lines of symmetry.
• I am learning to create a symmetrical picture with 1 line of symmetry

Success Criteria:

• I understand which materials have their own lines of symmetry.
• I can use a mirror to check for lines of symmetry.
• I have taken account of shape, colour and pattern in my symmetrical design.
• I can identify ways to make my design more complex.
• I understand the difference between reflective and rotational symmetry.

We have been making use of the local environment as part of our Wolf Brother topic. The pupils took part in a range of activities including den building, plant identification and trail making. Below is an example of what we were learning and what the pupils were working on to make sure that learning took place:

We are learning how people in the Stone Age would have survived by using the local environment.

Creating a clan campsite and map.

We can:

• Use natural materials.
• Make good use of our ‘animal skin’
• Include our own clan identity (for example: Torak would include a wolf)
• Include at least 3 clan locations on our map.
• Include the 4 main compass points on our map.
• Include important landmarks on our map

On the 13th November Primary 7 took a trip to South Queensferry to learn more about the 3 bridges that cross the Firth of Fourth. As our topic is bridges the  pupils already had a lot of background knowledge around the 3 structures and were keen to learn more.

The trip started in the activity centre with the pupils looking at models of the various bridges and asking questions to a structural engineer.  Pupils were then led in creating strong shapes that worked together to create a sturdy structure. They worked together in smaller groups and then as a larger cohort to create a huge structure (almost as tall as the lights!). To complete the day we walked across the road bridge and had a better view point of the other bridges.

After a 3 week election campaign consisting of making manifestos, video speeches, posters, canvassing for votes, speaking to all adults and staff  saying why they would make good house/vice captains and culminating in a very exciting election afternoon where pupils visited their respective houses’ polling stations, the house captains and vice captains were given their badges from Mrs Patton at the weekly assembly.   All candidates worked very hard and showed a good understanding of how democracy works and the importance of voting.

This week is Maths Week Scotland across Scottish schools. (11th-15th Sept). As a result P7 blocked out a whole morning to just focus on maths. The year group was split into teams of 6 to visit 8 stations all morning until lunchtime whilst using various skills.

Stations included:

Symmetry in Nature (outdoor learning)

Maths Trail (working in pairs around playground/recording/investigation thinking)

Sumdog (to tie in with the current Maths Week Contest)

Make 24 online game (mental maths)

Problem Solving (critical thinking skills)

Tangrams (2d Shape/Creativity/problem solving)

Gameboards (working with others)

French Number Game (cross curricular)

The pupils really enjoyed looking at different aspect of maths and found that they used a range of skills.

P7 have been using their new class step tracker during their daily mile. Using the grass pitch we are trying to run a mile and setting ourselves goals each week to either meet or exceed this.

As part of our Wolf Brother topic we have been using the local environment to support our learning. Taking advantage of the local woods we have been using natural resources to enhance our learning experiences.

Using our knowledge of Wolf Brother we were working in our clan groups to create shelters. We had to think about location, materials and size. We were really proud of our achievements!

Since starting P7 we have been working on a mini democracy topic. This week the topic will finish with an election to decide who will be crowned house captains for each house. Before the vote on Friday afternoon (1st Sept) pupils will be spending time meeting pupils and trying to win their votes.

The pupils held a campaign event in the gym hall to talk to voters and will be showing their campaign videos at special screenings. They have created manifestos and produced posters to tell pupils their promises. All staff members have been really impressed with the maturity of the P7s and their ideas to help better the school.

This week P7  started learning how to be safe when cycling on the roads. Both classes will take part in this every Monday morning in the playground or on the road. Each week we will focus on different skills and follow this up in class with theory lessons.

Today we checked that our bikes were in good working order and helped to double check a friends. We then practised braking in different scenarios and had to keep balance/control when manoeuvring our bikes round a course.

What you can help with at home for next week:

• using both brakes to emergency stop.
• controlling the bike round set courses.
• looking behind when travelling in a straight line.