We are continuing to read War Horse with an emphasis on analysing plot, character and setting. This week we built up a word bank of adjectives that could be used to describe the main character, Joey. We highlighted which 4 best described him before scanning the text for evidence of where he has demonstrated this particular skill or quality. For example, Joey demonstrated empathy when he felt the pain of Topthorn’s illness and nursed his wounds.

Whilst reading chapters 14 and 15, we summarised the main ideas and events by note taking. We discussed the features of good note taking and how we can do so more effectively. This included using bullet points, not writing in full sentences and drawing out the key information.

In writing, we wrote instructions of how to create a volcanic eruption. This style of writing required us to apply various features such as sub-headings, a numbered list and sequencing openers and connectives (e.g. firstly, next, afterwards, finally). Next week we will carry out our volcanic eruption experiments and write a scientific report based on our findings.

Numeracy and Mathematics

We have been continuing to use written methods for multiplication and will shortly be introduced to the inverse operation of division. This week we consolidated our learning of our 6, 7, 8 and 9 times tables before multiplying 4-digit numbers by a single-digit and multiplying 2-digit numbers by smaller 2-digit numbers. Here’s a reminder of the method we’ve been using…

Learning Across the Curriculum

Social Enterprise – This week we will be meeting up with our group’s to prepare a Dragon’s Den style pitch for Mr Logan. In this pitch we will set out who our group are, what cause we want to raise money for, why it’s important to us and how we intend to go about raising the money. There have been lots of exciting suggestions so far. Keep an eye out for information on the Christmas Hampers we will be organising for the residents of St Michael’s Day Care Centre and what we’ll be doing at this year’s Christmas Fayre.

P.E – In P.E we have been introduced to the basic rules and principles of handball. This is going to be our focus in P.E up until January as we prepare for our Linlithgow cluster schools handball festival. We watched this video to introduce us to the rules of the game…

Art and Design – We have been using layers and textures of paper this week to create Remembrance Day artwork and reading the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae. These will be displayed in class, come and have a look at them next week and ask us what the poppy symbolises.

Our News and Achievements

We’ve been super busy over the October break, here’s what we’ve been up to:

• Jude has been on his travels to Castle Douglas and brought in various types of stone to show us including rainbow quartz.
• Freya shared her news about her trip to Oban over the holidays.
• Sofia told us of her trip to LEGO Land and showed us the brick she created.
• Eighlin went to visit Eilean Donan castle which is what she was named after.
• Nairn had a tour at Manchester United’s stadium and brought some items to show us.
• Ava continues to excel in gymnastics and has a number of upcoming national competitions.
• Lucy told us about her visit to a lighthouse and seeing her Grandparents.
• Finlay B and Jack G attended the Hearts v Rangers match which, luckily for them both, was a draw.
• Oliver travelled down south to Northumberland and Manchester over the holidays.
• Eva told us all about her sister’s birthday and what they got up to.
• Finlay M was also in Northumberland over October for his Gran’s 70th birthday.
• Mairi flew to Copenhagen and visited a number of attractions whilst there including the original LEGO shop.
• Megan spoke about her segway tour and her trip to watch Scotland beat San Marino 6-0.

Coming Up

• 10.19 – Rugby taster session (1), sports gear to be worn to school
• 11.19 – Homework grids for Term 2 to be sent home, due for 13.12.19
• 11.19 – Rugby taster session (2), sports gear to be worn to school
• 11.19 – Golf session (1) with Stephen Gallagher Foundation at Kingsfield
• 11.19 – Open Morning (Number Talks) at 09.00
• 11.19 – Remembrance Day Assembly
• 11.19 – Rugby taster session (3), sports gear to be worn to school
• 11.19 – Golf session (2) with Stephen Gallagher Foundation at Kingsfield
• 11.19 – Rugby taster session (4), sports gear to be worn to school
• 11.19 – Golf session (3) with Stephen Gallagher Foundation at Kingsfield
• 11.19 – Learning Showcase event at 14.00 – 15.00
• 11.19 – Golf session (4) with Stephen Gallagher Foundation at Kingsfield
• 12.19 – Christmas Fayre event at 09.30 – 12.00
• 12.19 – Christmas Church Service at St Michael’s
• 12.19 – Christmas Carol singalong event
• 12.19 – 6.1.20 – Christmas Holidays

Have a great weekend everyone!

P5 and Mr Logan