April - June

English

Within grammar and punctuation, we will look at speech marks, similes and metaphors, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms and antonyms. Pupils will also learn the comprehension skills of how to make conclusions, identify the main idea in text, separate fact from opinion and determine cause and effect.

Creative writing this term will focus on the 'Narrative' genre and in particular, 'Fairytales'. The children will look at the structure of well-known fairytales and create their own story-lines and interesting characters. Hopefully everyone will live 'happily ever after!'

Maths

This term we will be doing a lot of practical maths based around the topics of data handling, length, area, perimeter and volume. We will also consolidate our knowledge of fractions, decimals and percentages. The topic of 'time' will also be covered including looking at 12 and 24 hour clocks and time durations. Mental maths and tables skills will continue to be a daily priority.

March and April

English

The children will be learning about the skills of recount writing and will write a detailed biography about the great British inventor, Thomas Edison. They will be required to carry out extensive online research to help them with their writing.

In grammar the children will be learning about connectives, prefixes and suffixes and similes and metaphors. Within the area of reading and comprehension the pupils will be focusing on 'making conclusions' using evidence they have found in a text. 

Mathematics

The main areas being taught in Maths over the next few weeks are angles, percentages and length.  There will be a variety of practical lessons to help reinforce the concepts being taught, particularly with angles and length.

Why not ask your child to explain to you some of the things they have been learning? 

What's happening in Targeted Support during January & February 2018?

P6 Numeracy Groups

The main focus at this time is on Fractions and Decimals, particularly the latter.  Within 'Decimals' pupils will learn about:

• first and second place decimals (tenths & hundredths) 
• the four operations using decimal numbers (X, - + and ÷)
• ordering decimals
• rounding decimals to the nearest whole number and to one decimal place
• decimals as common fractions
• sequencing decimals

Within weight / mass, the children will study kg and g, conversions, reading scales, practical measuring and carry out calculations using the four operations (including problem solving) If time permits we will also look at prime numbers, multiples, factors, square numbers etc.

Recall of tables still needs improvement with the majority of pupils so keep working hard at this with your child at home.

We have a lot to be getting on with!

Overview of Targeted Support

This year at Ballykeel I am in the privileged position to be able to offer additional literacy and numeracy to some P6 and P7 pupils.  The aim of this additional support is to help the targeted pupils succeed in literacy and numeracy by achieving their full potential.

These children have been very carefully and systematically selected by analysing their scores in standardised tests (in English, Maths & Intelligence {I.Q.}) and with professional judgement from their class teachers. Pupils are taught in small groups of 6 or 7. 

It is expected that most children should achieve Level 4, in literacy and numeracy, at the end of Key Stage 2 i.e. at the end of Primary 7.  We select children that we believe would not achieve this expected level without this additional support. A major aim, therefore, of these withdrawal groups is that selected children achieve Level 4 in Literacy & Numeracy.

Withdrawal group teachers meet with parents twice yearly to explain the support being provided, share pupil targets and suggest ways that parents can support learning at home.

Mr. J. Fisher