Barr Primary continues to operate as a P1–7 class, allowing learners of all ages to work together, learn from one another and develop strong relationships across the school.

To support the different needs of our learners, we make use of two learning spaces each morning:

• The Inspiration Space, where our P1–5 pupils access literacy and numeracy through a more play-based, active learning approach.
• The Calm Classroom, where our P6/7 pupils focus on literacy and numeracy through targeted teaching, discussion and independent learning activities.

In the afternoons, the whole school comes together to learn across the wider curriculum, creating opportunities for collaboration, leadership and shared learning experiences.

Learning Through Play

Our Inspiration Space currently includes:

• Role Play – our extended home corner, complete with Barbies, which have proved to be one of the most popular resources in the classroom.
• Construction – pupils have been using recycled materials to design and build their own arcade, complete with moving parts, showing fantastic creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Arts & Crafts – a busy creative area where children can design, create and express themselves through a variety of materials and techniques.
• Curiosity Corner – a space for investigating, exploring and asking questions about the world around us.
• Small World – encouraging imaginative play, storytelling and collaboration.
• Teacher Space – where targeted learning experiences and small group activities take place.

Literacy & English

Across the school, our writing focus has been persuasive letter writing. Pupils have been learning how to structure persuasive texts, present reasons to support their opinions and use persuasive language effectively.

Our P1 learner has been developing early literacy skills through play-based experiences, including phonological awareness activities, early reading experiences and opportunities to build confidence as a writer.

We continue to develop our phonics and spelling knowledge through Read Write Inc. Phonics and Spelling, supporting learners to become confident readers and writers.

Numeracy & Mathematics

Across the school, learners have been exploring:

• Place Value
• The Four Operations
• Chance and Uncertainty

Our P1 learner has been using Number Zoo to develop number recognition and number formation through engaging characters and stories.

Through our weekly Cook School sessions, pupils have also been developing their understanding of measure and time through real-life learning experiences.

Health & Wellbeing and RME

This term, our learning has focused on charities and the positive impact they have on people and communities. Linking Health and Wellbeing with Religious and Moral Education, pupils have explored why charities exist, how they support others and the difference they can make.

Learners were proud to support the village MacMillan Coffee Morning, helping to raise awareness and understanding of community action and helping others.

Interdisciplinary Learning

At the start of the year, pupils explored:

Politics, Choices & Change

Enquiry Question: How are decisions made and how can we have a say?

This learning linked closely to our School Captain and House Captain elections, allowing pupils to explore democracy, leadership and pupil voice.

Our current interdisciplinary learning focus is:

Environmental Impact

Enquiry Question: How do our choices affect the environment and the people around us?

Through this big question, learners are investigating sustainability, environmental responsibility and how individual actions can have local and global consequences.

Reflecting on Our Learning

We continue to develop our ability to reflect on learning through our Glow to Grow Books. Pupils use the Meta Skills Characters to:

• Categorise their learning.
• Celebrate achievements.
• Recognise strengths.
• Identify next steps and future goals.

Digital Technologies

This term, pupils have been developing their digital literacy skills through taking ownership of our village magazine, The Barrometer.

Learners have been researching, writing articles, taking photographs, editing content and developing an understanding of how digital technologies can be used to communicate with a wider audience.

Wider Curriculum

We are delighted to be taking part in RotaKids this session, giving pupils opportunities to make a positive difference within our local and global communities.

Our first community projects include:

• Creating and distributing Harvest Hampers within the village.
• Organising and promoting Purple Pinkie Day to support the global effort to eradicate polio.

We also enjoy a weekly Cook School session, where pupils develop practical life skills while learning about seasonal produce, healthy choices and food preparation.

Outdoor Learning

Our outdoor learning continues to be an important part of the curriculum. This year, pupils have embarked on a year-long Superworm Challenge, encouraging teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and a love of learning outdoors.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we look forward to many more opportunities to learn, create, explore and achieve together.