Specialist Areas
Outdoor Education has been focusing on Force and Motion this week. Kites are super fun so we decided to make our own and decorate our windows!
The Orchard Brae children have been reconnecting with each other by leaving muddy footprints on the walls between the classrooms!
A spot of brown paint and tickles on the feet!
Outdoor learning has been lots of fun
Orchard Brae Advent Calendar: Day 24
We’ve reached the final day of our advent calendar and there is only 1 more sleep to go! For our final advent treat, we are delighted to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our advent calendar.
There are a variety of musical experiences on offer throughout the school week. We are delighted to announce that for the second year running we have a Musician in Residence from Drake Music Scotland, who is supporting secondary pupils to develop digital music skills. We have weekly drumming sessions in class and individual lessons with Keith from Rhythmbox and we also have our Music therapist from ELM Music Therapy delivering individual sessions. Below is a quote from Emmeline explaining what can be achieved through music therapy. And we have a selection of happy and engaged pupils clearly enjoying their music therapy sessions.
“I aim to support the pupils to make meaningful musical interactions through the use of instruments, voice, movement and more, to interact and communicate regardless of ‘musical ability’. Within the music therapy sessions, I take a pupil-centred approach where musical improvisation and active music making are the predominant therapeutic intervention methods.
The music therapy sessions can create a safe space for pupils to express themselves and to develop language, communication skills, movement, fine and gross motor skills or to help with emotional regulation. Often the music therapy space can create opportunities for spontaneous learning and an outlet for emotions.”
This week, R12 have done lots of work on Remembrance Day. We watched a powerpoint that focused on poppies and went on to make our own in a variety of ways: we made poppy wreaths and printed poppies using apples cut in half. We now have a beautiful wall display in our class and a poppy on our door.
Room 18 has been enjoying PE outside this term. We have been developing our ball and racquet skills by performing various drills. Our tennis skills are developing nicely.
Room 14 have been enjoying creating music with Drake Music Scotland using technology. We have been learning skills in taking turns and working together as well as mastering different musical technologies including Garageband, Thumbjam and Soundbeam.
Wembley here we come!
Room 12 had a great time picking brambles and making jam. Pupils used the bread maker to cook the jam. Pupils also made their own labels before taking their jar of jam home to share.
Last year, Room 19 entered the ‘My Place Photography Competition’. Pupils were encouraged through the competition to explore their surroundings and share photographs. Room 19’s photos are being displaying in a public exhibition, you can see their photos here:
https://myplacescotland.org.uk/mpp-gallery/?ag=secondary&ye=2021&mi=225
The group took photos in school and out in the community using iPads.
I am sure you will agree there are some fantastic photos in the group.
Well done to all
Over the last few weeks classes have been exploring water in Outdoor Education lessons. We have poured, splashed, sprayed, puddled about and giggled. Everyone found a way to play with water that they enjoyed. Throwing large bucket of water around the playground and watching it fall and then make a loud splat noise was the grand finale for most classes. We hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed playing with water.
