P5/6/7 have settled back into school life very well after the Christmas holidays and began the term by investigating the structure of the Earth. To help them learn about the Earth’s Crust and the location of the Continents, pupils worked together to complete jigsaw puzzles.
After investigating the advantages and disadvantages of energy sources, pupils prepared their arguments for a debate. Each group made a poster which, alongside Google slides, provided the medium for presenting to the P3/4 class. Following the presentations, a vote was taken which resulted Solar and Hydroelectric energy sources being voted first equal. Well done to all of you for the huge amount of work you put into your research and your professional presentations.
P6/7 thought it would be a good idea to take a train to Waverley station to get us to the Scottish Parliament in time for a very informative workshop about the history of the Parliament, led by Isabel. She then took us for a tour of the building, then to meet our local MSP, Iain Gray, who was able to answer all our questions. We ventured outside for lunch, after which we found the answers to a quiz about the structure of the Parliament building, then back through security for a brief spell in the chamber. Thanks to all the staff and MSPs at the Parliament for being so friendly and helpful and also to Dawn, Ben’s mum, who helped us throughout the day.
Scottish Parliament on PhotoPeach
On Monday 14th November, we went to the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle to find out more about how WW2 affected the lives of people living in Scotland. As part of our “Wartime Life Experience” workshop, we learnt about the real-life experiences of Scottish evacuees, prisoners of war, sailors and those left at home and were able to examine letters, photographs and uniforms. We were also able to see how the homes would have been furnished and what would have been used in the kitchen.
Our visit to the Castle coincided with a visit being made by some important guests to commemorate Remembrance Day and we were extremely lucky to witness a 21-Gun Salute.
Shonagh Davidson, our drama specialist, spent two afternoons helping us learn about the life of Anne Frank through drama. Thank you.
Anne Frank Drama – Part 1 on PhotoPeach
Anne Frank Drama – Part 2 on PhotoPeach
In Music, P6/7 learnt songs that would have been sung during WW2 and visited Carberry Care Home for a Remembrance Day celebration to share their learning with the residents. Everyone had a wonderful time, singing along to “White Cliffs of Dover”, “The Quartermaster’s Stores” and “Pack up your Troubles” amongst others.
Thanks to the residents for sharing their memories of WW2 and for the wonderful WW2 inspired afternoon tea.
Carberry Care Home WW2 Visit on PhotoPeach
Thanks to Fiona for organising a Hockey Festival for the pupils from the Tranent cluster.
A brilliant day!
Hockey Festival on PhotoPeach
Thank you for your generous donations for ‘Children in Need’. The total amount raised by Elphinstone Primary for this very worthwhile cause is £100! ‘Be a Champion’ was the theme this year and the pupils’ champions and as you can see from P5/6/7 photos below, their costumes were varied and splendid!
P5-7 had a fantastic time at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Our guide, Lizzie, showed us where to find some of the amazing plants, originating from the Rainforest, which we use for flavouring, food and clothing. We found out that you can get socks made out of Bamboo!
We also found out that Scotland’s own Silver Birch can be used to make products such as shoes, bags and a very delicious syrup – Yum!
Rainforest Adventure at the Botanic Gardens on PhotoPeach
