P1B and P6B has a wonderful afternoon decorating biscuits. We worked together to make beautiful biscuits, making sure we shared the ingredients fairly. We had so much fun and they were delicious to eat too!
Monthly Archives: March 2019
P6 Victorian Trip
Primary 6 visited the Lerwick Town Hall to gather information on how it was built during Victorian Shetland and to find out how it is used now.
The Town Hall was built in 1883 and originally cost £4000 to build. 
We started in the council chambers where Shetland’s 22 councillors now gather together to discuss important issues. This room was originally called the Burra Courtroom, where a magistrate would sentence criminals. From the courtroom, inmates would be taken down to the cells, which is now where the oil tank is stored!
We learned about the stories of the stained glass windows throughout the Town Hall as well as the other decorations throughout the building. The story of the bell and steering wheel was particularly interesting, having come all the way from Norway. The Norwegian navy gifted this to Shetland from theirn Motor Torpedo Boat (MB) after helping them escape the Nazis back in World War 2.
From the Town Hall we visited the Fort and sketched the changes we can see today after looking through Victorian photographs. 
Next, we visited the museum and learned about the different jobs that are available in Shetland. We took part in a Victorian School workshop, where we wrote on slate and also with ink. A lot of us got very messy! Mr Christie showed us a strap and photos of Shetland schools in Victorian times. Yvonne then took us on a tour of the museum, showing us what life was like in both the town and country. There was quite a difference!
P7a Experiment with Driverless Cars
Today Primary 7 have been taking part in a STEM workshop. The focus was on the new technology that is required for cars to work without a human driver. The class thought about the different applications of this technology and the different skills that are needed to be able to use this technology effectively.
The class spent time programming robots to move carefully around the block. They had program movements and sounds. We looked at how mathematical symbols are used in programming and were able to apply our own maths skills to the task.
Finally we looked at how new technology is changing how different jobs are done and where technology is currently being used effectively in Shetland.
Primary 6B Victorian Day with Izzy
P6B loved dramatising a Victorian School day with Izzy.
Izzy was very strict with us. We started by lining up outside the classroom and taking a register with Victorian names.
Our lessons started with a hand check, to make sure we were not filthy or wearing jewellery or nail varnish. Some of us did not pass the test! We then had to make sure we sat up straight, looked to the front and kept our hands on the table at all times.
We recited the school prayer.
We completed a handwriting and language lesson as well as reciting a poem and singing ‘All things bright and beautiful’. We even did a gym lesson at our tables.
If we made a mistake, moved or made a noise, Miss Swanson punished us. She even ordered some of us to face the wall!
We thoroughly enjoyed having a Victorian school day but we are even more happy that school is not like that now.
Postcards from Dundee
Primary 6A have teamed up with a Primary 6 class in Dundee as pen pals. We wrote postcards to P6b in Dundee pretending to be Shetland tourists. We told them about all the amazing things you can do in Shetland, they did the same for Dundee.
We drew pictures on our postcards and our whole class drew nature pictures. P6A feel that Shetland is famous for its nature and culture and we wanted to make sure P6B in Dundee knew how important this was for us. On Monday 11 March we were delighted to get a big envelope full of postcards from Dundee.
We read them and researched all the places they mentioned. We noticed some difference between our postcards and theirs:
Shetland Places we mentioned: Dundee Places they mentioned:
Sumburgh lighthouse – Puffins V&A
Different Shetland Islands Ryze trampoline park
Up Helly Aa Discovery Dundee
Clickimin Broch Fun Factory
Swimming pools Olympia Swimming Pool
Fishing Battlefield
Shetland Fudge and the Cake Fridges
Most of the places we wrote about were outside, in nature and things we could do for free. We felt these were the main differences. We loved researching the fun activities in Dundee and can’t wait for our visit there on the Edinburgh trip next year. 
Scottish Parliament Workshop for P7a
Primary 7 were lucky enough today to have a visit from the Scottish Parliament. We learned about how MSPs are elected to Holyrood and about the history of our parliament. We also learned about the different parties and independent politicians that are elected to the parliament and how they debate issues. We learned how bills become law in Scotland and about the work of the Presiding Officer. It was a fun session where we even got the opportunity to practise our own debating skills.
Science in Wider Achievement Time
P4-7 have been enjoying a choice of activities for wider achievement time on Friday afternoons. One group have been experimenting with the effects of oil on bird feathers.
P6A STEM Workshop
Have you heard of STEM? Science. Technology. Engineering. Maths.
In a World where technology is quickly overtaking anything we could’ve imagined, STEM is becoming more important than ever. Emma a scientist came to visit P6A and she brought with her a box of robots.
P6A learned how to code their robots to move in different directions, shapes and to even make noises. Pupils had to use a range of STEM skills including knowledge of speed, angles and bearings. They had so much fun and Emma said they are future STEM scientists in the making. 
Outdoor Adventures in Primary 7
Both Primary 7 classes have been on a woodland adventure this week. At sunny Kergord both groups were busy balancing, climbing, building and experiencing the wild. One group spotted a robin and another found two frogs! Pupils were even lucky enough to eat their lunches alongside an open fire.
Being Cool in School
This term and last term we have been doing Being Cool For School. We have looked at cool responses to situations. We have discussed cool thinking. We have considered cool facial expressions and cool body language. We have acted out lots of different scenarios. Our class have really enjoyed it. The Parent Council provided the funds to pay for the resources. Here is what some of the class had to say about it.
Freya – I thought it was fun because it helps you to stay cool.
Luca – It’s helped me at playtimes when I’ve been in arguements.
Connor – Loved it! It has helped when I’ve been in trouble.
Isla – I loved acting out the scenarios.
