Curriculum

The core skills of Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing are at the heart of our Junior School Curriculum and broadly follows the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Additional weekly specialist subject teaching is provided in Art, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Science embedded into our core curriculum, so a Primary 7 class may be studying Music, Creative Writing and History as part of our approach to interdisciplinary learning.

Our children learn in state of the art classrooms where communication, teamwork and digital skills are all part of the daily curriculum. Curiosity based learning is encouraged to strengthen confidence and participation to meet the needs of all children. Further support is available with the guidance of our Support for Learning or Enhancement Teacher.

Pupils also participate in a wide variety of sports including athletics, basketball, cricket, dance, fitness, gymnastics, hockey, rugby, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

Assessment
Communications with Parents

Assessment

We believe that assessment is an integral part of effective learning and teaching. Assessment carried out in Junior School is of two kinds: formative and summative. Formative assessment is ongoing and often informal. It is very useful in identifying the next steps in a pupil’s learning. Summative assessment is more formal (perhaps taking the form of a test) and identifies whether a pupil has achieved a particular standard in a curricular area. Several successful summative assessments are required before a pupil is recorded as having reached a particular standard.

Communications with Parents

We highly value parental participation in all children’s learning. As part of our reporting process, in September you can attend a Curricular Evening to find out about the work that your child will cover throughout the year.

Short interim reports are issued to parents in October, January and May to update you on your child’s progress and make you aware at an early stage of any possible issues of concern. You will receive a very detailed report in June celebrating achievements for the year and identifying next steps in learning.

Parent Interviews are arranged for November and March each year, when parents are invited to view their child’s work and to meet with their child’s Class Teacher for approximately 15 minutes.

In addition, parents are very welcome to contact the school at any time if there are concerns about their child’s progress. An appointment can be readily arranged with the Class Teacher.

3-18 Curriculum

Junior School attainment in Literacy and Numeracy is outstanding and significantly above the national average with almost all children exceeding national averages.