Our classroom is an engaging centre of learning where we study the eight curricular areas within a variety of contexts.
Learning in P1–7 at Barr Primary
This year is a little different at Barr Primary, as we now have a new P1–7 class setup. With this change, we’ve decided to do things differently too—creating the best possible learning environment for all our pupils.
We now have two learning spaces:
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A Calm Classroom, where we focus on teaching input and quiet, focused learning.
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A Creative Classroom, where pupils enjoy play-based and active experiences.
Learning Through Play
In our play areas just now, we have:
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Construction: wooden blocks, magnetic Polydron, and Lego. The wooden blocks have been a big favourite—P1 even built a rainforest shelter for a toucan!
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Arts & Crafts: a creative hub for making and designing.
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Literacy & Numeracy Station: where pupils are enjoying Orchard Games as a fun way to practise key skills.
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Role Play Corner: currently set up as a home corner—always busy, with the toy babies proving especially popular!
Literacy & English
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Across the school, we are developing descriptive writing skills using our Description Toolkit to explore how to set a scene effectively.
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P1 are focusing on their initial sounds and learning to write their names.
We are developing our phonics skills with Read Write Inc Phonics & Spelling, and working with South Ayrshire Reads to strengthen these further.
Numeracy & Mathematics
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We have started with number and place value, before moving on to patterns.
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P1 are using Number Zoo, which helps with number recognition and formation through fun characters and stories.
Health & Wellbeing
We are exploring emotions through the Regulation Backpack
resource from Good Morning Ms Foster. This helps pupils:
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Recognise their emotions.
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Choose the support they need to manage feelings.
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Develop key self-regulation skills.
Our Rainforest Visitor
We’ve had an exciting visitor in school—Zorg the Alien, who crash-landed in Barr after a trip to the rainforest! In exchange for us helping him get back to space, Zorg is teaching us about the rainforest. He’s also been exploring our village with families, going on adventures like farming sheep, completing a triathlon, and playing in the local park!
Reflecting on Our Learning
We are developing our ability to reflect on learning using our Glow to Grow books. Here, pupils use the Meta Skills Characters from Meta Skills Land to:
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Categorise their learning.
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Highlight achievements.
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Identify next steps for growth.
Wider Curriculum
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Pupils are enjoying music instruction—a highlight for both juniors and seniors.
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On Fridays, we take learning outdoors. One of our amazing parents is helping to lead these sessions, and we’re excited about the fantastic ideas she has planned.
It has been a wonderful start to the year, and we are looking forward to all the exciting learning and adventures still to come.
