Category: News

Room 3 – What is Christmas?

  By , , , , , ,

Three weeks ago, Room 3 started exploring the question ‘What is Christmas?’ as part of our Winter Festivals theme and as you will see from the photographs…we have certainly tried our hardest to answer it!  We have been building on our prior learning and have used means of learning which are motivating to help us discover more about Christmas.

We have participated in many music sessions where we have used Christmas props and have been practising our Makaton signing – we look forward to performing some of the Christmas songs to an audience at the show tomorrow.

Exploration of a wide range of objects has happened through Sensology sessions as well as focussed turn taking games as we continue to develop our awareness of each other – Christmas pass the parcel was a lot of fun and we did so well at sharing what we found inside with our friends.  We have explored exchanging money as part of a Christmas counting song where we bought mince pies at the bakers shop.

During free play we have explored a wide range of Christmas items and found some of them very interesting.  One boy found it great fun to knock bells off his standing frame, meanwhile another young lady was delighted to find a chocolate coin hiding in the Christmas exploration bowl as you will see from her selfie!  There have been many Christmas activities set up including festive playdough which we made together and our favourite exploration tubes which we have been motivated to request through vocalising or move towards by crawling or in our equipment.

There are so many lovely Christmas stories and poems and we particularly enjoyed learning about the ‘Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bell’ – there was much hilarity as she swallowed bows, parcels, a sack and even a sleigh which we made fly across the classroom!  We learnt about the Christmas story and joined up with friends in Rm 2 and 8 for this – we took on different roles, dressed up and acted the story out.

We have loved exploring Ian Bean’s online Advent Calendar with a daily activity we could do using the switch or eye gaze machines.  The Christmas tree lights have been a real motivator to press the switch for too.

A real highlight was the sensory 12 days of Christmas…unfortunately there was so much fun and hilarity that it was tricky to get still photos but the classroom was very animated as we anticipated each item coming back – one boy was beyond excited about the 5 gold rings which he shook with gusto each time!  There were lights flying, crackers cracking, tooters tooting, Christmas puddings and a beautiful dancing snowflake which sparkled on the tree.

We have been busy doing lots of crafts including using the salad spinners to make pictures for each season – this is definitely one of our favourite art techniques!  We posed to take a picture for our Christmas cards and have done lots of crafts in art with Diane too.  The room smelt amazing when we made jam to take home as a little Christmas gift.

We all looked fantastic today for our Christmas party before going to visit Santa and having a wee sing song with him.

Is it any wonder everyone is tired?!  Yet another busy term in Room 3 with so much hard work.  Enjoy your well deserved holiday and we look forward to what 2020 has to bring.

 

Festive Fun

  By , , , , ,

It has certainly been a busy week at Orchard Brae and we have enjoyed participating in a range of festive fun and yesterday was the busiest day of all!

In the morning, the Primary department had a dress rehearsal for their Christmas Show, which we will performing next Friday.

A big thank you to Lynn and the catering team who put on a splendid Christmas lunch for us yesterday.

We all enjoyed tucking into our turkey and all the trimmings and festive shortbread and ice cream for dessert while listening to some Christmas tunes.

In the afternoon, we were joined by the St Margaret’s School choir who performed some Christmas tunes for us.  We would like to say a HUGE thank you to the pupils and staff from St Margaret’s who joined us.  This has become an annual event and it is one which we always look forward to.  The hall was packed and everyone enjoyed their performance immensely.  Thanks also to Room 9 staff and pupils who hosted a short snack and get together with them afterwards.

After such a hectic week, we look forward to seeing what excitement next week will bring!!

 

Artie’s Tartan Tales

  By ,

Today we were lucky to have had a very special visitor, Artie from Artie’s Tartan Tales.

We all sat patiently waiting for the show to start and Artie said hello to us before the show.

 

We were thoroughly entertained throughout the whole show! Artie performed a variety of Christmas songs as well as some old favourites from the Singing Kettle.  He had staff and pupils bopping around, singing along and copying the actions!

 

He spent time meeting some of his biggest fans after the show (yes, Claire from Room 2, we mean you!) and even allowed us to explore his magical Singing Kettle!

A fantastic time was had by everyone and we hope to see him again at Orchard Brae in the future.

However, if you can’t wait that long, Artie will be performing a special Burn’s show at The Aberdeen Arts Centre on January 25th 2020.  Tickets can be booked using the link below:

https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/bookevent/arties-singing-kettle-scotland/258003ADGNQNHKDBCVDTKGKJBLLJHNCBB

Christmas Jumper Day

  By ,

Orchard Brae Pupil Council have organised a Christmas jumper day in school on Friday 13th December. This is just for fun – no need for any donations.
Staff and pupils, feel free to wear a something festive – it doesn’t have to be a jumper, all Christmas clothing and accessories are welcome!

 

Makaton At Orchard Brae

  By , , , ,

Following on from our successful launch of the Makaton Taster Session for Santa’s, Aberdeen City Health And Social Care Partnership, released this wonderful video.

It contains interviews with our music therapist, Emmeline as well as our colleagues in Speech Therapy and of course, footage of our amazing Makaton Minis and Makaton Choir.

 

 

Everyone Can Play

  By , ,

You can now book your place at the next block of Everyone Can Play, run in partnership with Drake Music Scotland and Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Classes are aimed at those with Additional Support Needs aged between 10-18 and encourages pupils to use a range of methods utilising conventional instruments using Figurenotes notation, an easy to read alternative to standard notation using colour and shape as well as technologies such as Soundbeam and iPad.

When: Wednesday 18.00 – 19.00
Where: Tutti Studio, Music Hall
Ages: 10-18 | Cost: £50 per term

Please contact Aberdeen Performing Arts for more information.

 

 

 

Makaton Training Levels 1 & 2

  By , ,

Our colleagues at Speech and Language Therapy are have announced dates for more two day Makaton Courses (Levels 1 & 2).  These are taking place on the 10th and 15th of January at Airyhall Clinic and 18th and 19th February at Frederick Street.  If you would like more information or to book a place please download the form below or contact Sarah Thornborrow on 01224 310582 or email sarah.thornborrow1@nhs.net.

 

In-Service Days – 21st and 22nd November

  By

Just a wee reminder that the school is closed tomorrow and Friday (21st and 22nd) for In-Service Day training.  The school will resume as normal on Monday.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

  By ,

As we are now entering the time for colder weather, we would like to remind you of the school information line available for adverse weather conditions.

You can access this service by dialing 0870 054 1999 (this is a national rate number which should cost no more than 10p from a landline). You will then be prompted to enter a six digit PIN. The PIN for Orchard Brae School is 011860. Once connected, a voice will speak out the name of the school and a series of prompts will guide you to the appropriate option.

Updates will also be posted on the Aberdeen City Council website (https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/school-closures) as well as on Northsound Radio.

Makaton Training

  By , ,

Our colleagues at Speech and Language Therapy are running a two day Makaton Course (Levels 1 & 2) on the 29th November and 6th December at Airyhall Clinic.  If you would like more information or to book a place please download the form below or contact Sarah Thornborrow on 01224 310582 or email sarah.thornborrow1@nhs.net.