P5 have been doing lots of learning over the last couple of weeks!

In maths, we have been learning all about area.  We are now able to calculate the area of simple rectilinear shapes, and some of us can even calculate the area of compound rectilinear shapes.  We know that this is a skill we will use in life – for example if we want to build a new shed, buy a new carpet or work out how much paint we need to give our living rooms a makeover!  We are now working on our division skills in maths.  We have worked hard on our times tables knowledge this year, and it’s really paying off now!  We can see that division is linked to multiplication – it’s just like flipping it round the other way.  Knowing our tables has really helped us with our division skills, and we have also learned to use multiplication squares to support us further when needed.  Some of us have been working on division using ‘bus stop’ sums – which I am sure some parents will remember from school!

This week, in literacy, we will start to look at fact and opinion.  We will link this to our topic of Mary Queen of Scots and the mysterious death of her second husband, Lord Darnley.  We will extend this by looking at persuasive language and use this in our writing.  Maybe we could write a letter to Miss Thomson to see if we could persuade her to allow us to play with our fidget spinners in class one day!

In art, we will be practising our colour mixing skills, as well as looking at the effect of light and shadow, by painting portraits.  This is something which was done in the time of Mary Queen of Scots as there were no cameras.  However, the artist could sometimes be very flattering so the pictures were not always true to life!  We will also be making ornate frames for our portraits before hanging them in our ‘castle’.

In PE, we have been continuing with our Daily Mile most days.  We have also carried out heats for the Gala Sports Day – well done to everyone for their efforts.

In Health & Well Being, we have been learning about puberty and some of the changes that will happen as we grow older.  We have thought about all the changes that have taken place so far in our lives – there are so many!  We discussed that there are some changes we have control over, and some that we cannot control.  We are keen to hold a ‘Guess The Baby’ competition (just for fun!) to see how we’ve changed, so it would be great if everyone could bring in a baby/toddler photo if possible.  We’ll take good care of these and return them ASAP.

Just a quick reminder that it is our Celebrating Success Assembly on Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 11am.  Children are welcome to bring clothes to change into for their performance – we are singing a pop song so most clothes will be suitable (as will cool sunglasses!)  We also have another long weekend to look forward to, as it’s Victoria Day on Monday 22nd May 2017 and the school will be closed.  Let’s hope the sun shines for us!