To celebrate the end of Money Fortnight we invited our parents and families into school to share with them what we have been learning about in connection with money, and also our interdisciplinary learning context for learning. Activities included visiting the bank, sharing our storybook, making a rainforest in a bottle and making sushi. Thank you to all the parents and families that came along to support this event, there was a great ‘buzz’ around the school.
Learning Intention:
We are learning how to blend colours using oil pastels to create a piece of rainforest art.
Success Criteria:
I can use pictures and images to help me accurately draw a sketch of my chosen animal
I know what colours work well together to blend my pastels effectively
Through our rainforest IDL context, we have been learning all about the people and animals that live in the rainforest. Having already learned about different rainforest animals by researching then using our notes to create a fact file, we decided to use this knowledge to help us create a piece of art. We knew all about the appearance and habitat of our chosen animals and used this to sketch out an outline of our animal before exploring how to blend colours through the medium of oil pastels. We felt very proud of the end results, and we hope that you like them too!
Learning Intention – We are learning to create accurate images. (EXA 2-04a)
Success Criteria – I can carefully observe a photograph to create detailed images.
We searched for photographs on the internet of our chosen rainforest animals. Then we drew an outline of our animal onto black paper using black oil pastels. Next, we introduced some colour using chalk pastels. After that, we drew in a background for our image.
“I’ve never worked with chalk pastels before. It was ok but I didn’t like the feel of them!” (Cade)
“I’d not heard of oil pastels before but I enjoyed using them.” (Freya)
“I enjoyed researching on the netbooks with a partner and getting my hands messy!” (Kirsty)
“I enjoyed sharing ideas with my partner to help each other do a good job.” (Niamh)
Today we had our first House Meeting and the Vice and House Captains did a fantastic job or organising and leading the meeting. They created their own House Meeting Agenda which started with discussing the House Community Contract, followed by a Community Builder so that we could get to know everyone in our house. They completed a Values Vote to select which 2 values their house would stand for. Then they set the challenge of designing a logo and slogan for their house. The results will be shared at the assembly on Friday. Well done on a fantastic first House Meeting!
P5/4 have been researching about animals that live in the rainforest. They have then been using their findings to create fact files. They have found out a huge amount of interesting information about their chosen animals.
Learning intention: We are learning to create a fact file.
Success criteria: I can use my notes to help me create my fact file.
Success criteria: I can use the correct format and layout.
Here are some examples of the learning that took place:
We are looking forward to finding out lots more about the rainforest in the coming weeks!
It was great to meet parents who were able to attend the meet the teacher evening last week. For those who couldn’t make it, please see the attached powerpoint and learning letter for more information. We’re looking forward to a great year ahead in P5/4!
As you will be aware we have bought a Sum Dog Maths subscription for P5-7 pupils. This is an online gaming system that allows children to practise their mental maths skills. They can use this account at home. Please click here for more information. Pupils in P1-4 can make use of the free login in option at home, this is something parents can set up, please click here for more information.
Learning Intention:
We are learning to sort data using Venn, Carroll and tree diagrams
Success Criteria:
For the last three weeks, Primary 5 have been learning about the different ways that information and data can be sorted, and this week we have been learning about Venn, Carroll and Tree diagrams. We have been sorting numbers, letters, words and footballer profiles using different criteria. We have also been using Sumdog to help us learn.
This week was bitter sweet for Mid Calder Primary School as, although we were all looking forward to our summer holidays, we also had to say goodbye to some very special members of staff. Miss Cotter has been with us at MCPS for 32 years, and so the pupils and staff worked together to give her a memorable send off with a retirement assembly. Each class gave a special performance for Miss Cotter by singing songs, sharing memories, reciting poems, and some of the children even gave her some hints and tips about how they think she should spend her retirement. All of the pupils and staff would like to wish Miss Cotter a long and happy retirement.
We also had to say a sad goodbye to Mrs Gordon, Miss Dunsmore and Miss Kerr on Friday and we wish them all the very best in their new ventures.
