March 2023

March update 

The day the teacher's quit... Not to panic! Mr Milligan and I are very much still firmly in position up here in Maidenhill, but what a fun writing prompt to kick-start our work on persuasive writing this block. The children came into the classroom to discover that all of our resources had 'quit' and were tasked with the challenge of persuading me to unlock them all again. The writing was absolutely super and I was very much convinced by the children's persuasive arguments! Alongside our work to develop our persuasive writing techniques, the children have also been exploring fact and opinion and dictionary skills to support them in their efforts. I have been so impressed by how well the children have coped with these tricky concepts and applied them with such enthusiasm to their work. Of course, we couldn't fail to mention all the fun had during World Book Day this year too! From scavenger hunts in the library to story time in PJs in the drama studio, the children's love of reading was evident to see. Well done 2 Alpha!

This month we have been covering a host of mathematical concepts including data handling, symmetry, measuring capacity, column addition, counting in 2s, 5s and 10s and identifying number patterns. It has been so wonderful to see the children's confidence grow when applying their mental maths strategies and problem solving skills as part of our Daily 5 maths problems too. Independently or together in pairs, it is clear that the children in 2 Alpha enjoy a challenge! Keep up the wonderful work everyone. 

The children have thoroughly enjoyed our wider context for learning this month, learning all about magnetic force as part of British Science Week. The children researched and created their own posters as part of this year's theme Connections, presenting all they have learned about magnets and magnetic force in eye catching ways. If you haven't already, please take a little peek at the school Twitter page for some video clips of the children sharing their learning! Building on the children's enthusiasm, the class have since explored concepts of product design by evaluating a range of fridge magnets and creating designs of their own. From the planning stage, to building prototypes, to creating our final products, the children have developed their practical and evaluative skills to come up with some fantastic products which I know they are desperate to share with you at home. We should hopefully have our magnets completed in time for the Spring break, so please keep eyes peeled for these coming home in school bags over the next few days!

The boys and girls in P2 Alpha love all opportunities to get involved in art and design and have been getting 'stuck in' to some beautiful Spring themed still life and mixed media art this month too. It is such a joy to see the children evaluating and sharing the reasons for their choice of art materials and the classroom is looking all set for Spring with the beautiful designs adorning the windows. Well done Primary 2!

Parent visitors and appointments 

A huge thank you to our kind parent visitors who have continued to pop by this month to talk to the children about their professions as part of our previous context for learning, The Human Body. We are so grateful for your time and have learned so much. We cannot express how much joy and excitement a visit from loved ones at home brings. Thank you so much for your time, knowledge and exciting props too! It is truly appreciated.

Thank you also for popping along for our Parents Evenings this month too. It is so lovely to be able to report on the children's wonderful progress this year in person. My door is always open and so please never hesistate to catch me at the end of the day or to pop an email along to the office with any questions that I can help with. 

Spring Break

All that is left to say is to wish all of the boys and girls a wonderful Spring break! The children have worked incredibly hard this term and are truly deserving of a restful holiday with family and friends. Whether you are spending time at home (like me) this Easter snuggled up for movie nights and trips to the park or travelling somewhere with a little more sunshine, I would like to wish you all a lovely holiday together. 

Best wishes, Mrs Allan

PE and French with Mrs Cairns

For French this month, we have been learning different greetings and how to take part in short conversations. We have learnt:

It's been really lovely to see how much their confidence has improved when listening and talking in French.


For PE, we have been learning the basics of tennis and practising our bat and ball skills. The children have got much better at holding the racket, aiming at targets and demonstrating good hand-eye coordination.