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Curriculum |
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CURRICULUM The curriculum describes everything which is learned and taught in school. The curriculum is balanced to allow a child to develop his/her full potential, both educationally and socially. The main areas of the curriculum are English Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Personal, Social and Health Education, Expressive Arts, Religious and Moral Education and Modern Languages. All of the teaching in Muirtown Primary follows the Scottish 5 – 14 Guidelines.
ENGLISH LANGUAGEThe language curriculum can be divided into areas of listening, talking, reading and writing. Our aim is to encourage children to develop skills which allow them to communicate fluently and confidently. Listening and Talking are incorporated in all areas of the curriculum. Skills must be taught in order that children become confident when expressing themselves. At the Early Stages this may be knowing when to talk and when to listen. Later children should be able to speak confidently with awareness of audience. Children are encouraged to enjoy Reading. Basic skills are acquired by the Look and Say method and phonetic approach in Early Stages. These are further developed as the child progresses. The school has a structured reading schemes and a variety of other reading resources. We have fiction and non fiction available for the children to read. In Writing, children are encouraged to express themselves .
MATHEMATICS Mathematics plays an important role in our lives. It is used in everyday activities, such as buying food, keeping time and playing games. Mathematics includes areas of number, money and measurement, information handling, shape, position and movement. Children are encouraged to learn through practical experience, using concrete materials. Children acquire mathematical concepts and learn number facts. Mental calculation is strongly emphasised. Methods of mental calculation are important in helping children to understand number and use it effectively. Regular oral and mental work develops children’s calculation strategies and recall skills. Calculators are in use from early stages for calculations specified by the class teacher only. Computer programmes are used to reinforce work and to develop skills in information handling. Skills in problem solving are developed using various resources – eg texts, computer, programmable toys. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Environmental Studies is an umbrella term used to describe the teaching of understanding people in the past, understanding people in place, understanding people in society, science and technology. In Muirtown Primary School, a thematic approach is used which encourages learning through practical experiences. Children are encouraged to develop an awareness of their place in Society. Opportunities are given to promote a focus on Scottish heritage. Science is taught as a stand alone subject ensuring continuity and progression.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (I C T) As part of our ongoing ICT development the school has been networked. Each classroom has the use of two PCs as well as nine laptops which are timetabled for the upper school. We also have two SMARTBOARDS in use in Junior and Upper classes and children are developing knowledge and skills in this area that will support their learning and prepare them for life long learning in the 21st century.
HEALTH, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION Health Education caters for the physical, emotional and social health of our pupils. Through Health Education we aim to provide a curriculum that helps pupils to acquire knowledge of the human body and how it works and the social and emotional factors that influence health. Pupils are encouraged to make informed choices and take appropriate decisions that help to ensure a healthy lifestyle. The school aims to foster links between school, home and community so that all are involved in a collective responsibility for promoting good health. Health Education covers a programme of Sex Education and Drugs Education. Throughout the school we are continually promoting positive behaviour and all children are give opportunities to discuss and learn about the importance of citizenship and lifelong learning.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS Expressive Arts is a term which is used to describe the teaching of Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education. All of these areas encourage self-expression and the development of the child’s own ideas and imagination, and an appreciation of the expression of others – eg composers, artists, etc. Music is supported by a visiting specialist who consults with the class teachers to ensure a progression of skills is acquired. Instruction in Chanter, String and Brass is available to those in the upper school with particular aptitude and interest. RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION This is an important curricular area. Christianity is the religion of our country and our religious education programme reflects this. To encourage children to show tolerance towards others of different beliefs and cultures they will learn about the other five main religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. A close liaison is maintained with Kinmylies Church and Mr Humphris regularly attends assemblies. Moral Education is linked with Religious Education and children are encouraged to be caring and behave responsibly. Children are encouraged to be charitable and to think of the less fortunate. Speakers from various charities are also invited to come to speak to the pupils on a regular basis. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Observation. If so, they should consult the Head Teacher.
MODERN LANGUAGESModern Languages are introduced in the upper school. French is promoted by the MLPS programme through the 5-14 Guidelines in Modern Languages. Opportunities are given to develop confidence, skills and strategies which will give them a basis for future language needs.
EARLY STAGES As many of the parents who are reading this booklet for the first time will be parents of future primary 1 children we have decided to include some information about education at the early stages. The main aim of the school's induction programme for entrants is to ensure an easy, trouble~free and happy transition from home to School. The children who have attended the Nursery Class in Muirtown Primary School will have become familiar with the School and will already feel secure in its environment. In the term prior to your child entering primary 1 opportunities will be given for you to attend informal workshops where you will be given an insight into the various activities which take place in the infant classroom. Much of the work in the infant classroom is achieved through the child being given a wide array of practical experiences. The infant classroom is often an area full of bustling activity. When your child comes home during these first crucial weeks ask him/her about what he/she has been doing. Perhaps more than at any time in your child's school career his/her attitude will be influenced by your attitude. Share with your child his/her experiences and remember - never hesitate to approach the School if there is anything we can clarify or help with. At Early Stages, Classroom Assistants support the promotion of effective learning and teaching under the direction and supervision of teachers.
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING The school aims to provide learning experiences which will assist each child to develop his or her full potential both academically and socially. In order to achieve this aim an important focus for attention must be the child's development and progress in relation to the day to day curriculum. Using various approaches pupils are assessed constantly by their class teacher in order to monitor progress, identify support needs, recognise strengths and to most effectively plan programmes of work which take the needs of the child into account. If a pupil has continuous difficulties parents will be consulted and discussion will take place on involving other agencies to support the work of the school. National Testing is used to confirm teachers professional judgements based on ongoing assessment of a child’s progress. A pupil will be tested in Reading, Writing or Mathematics and parents informed when he/she has passed a test and is ready to move to the next 5-14 level. The Authority has designed a new report to make information about children’s progress in different areas of the curriculum easier to understand. In Muirtown we will issue written reports twice yearly and Levels A – F, based on teacher assessment and National Testing where appropriate, will be used.
Levels A – F have been defined. in the following terms:‑
Level A - should be attainable in the course of P1‑3 by almost all pupils. Level B ‑ should be attainable by some pupils in P3 or even earlier, but certainly by most in P4. Level C ‑ should be attainable in the course of P4‑6 by most pupils. Level D ‑ should be attainable by some pupils in P5‑6 or even earlier, but certainly by most in P7. Level E - should be attainable by some pupils in P7‑S1 but certainly by most in S2. Level F - should be attainable in part by some pupils, and completed by a few pupils in the course of P7-S2.
Consultative Evenings are held in the course of the session giving the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress.
HOMEWORK The booklet "Homework Notes for Parents" has been compiled to provide guidance in this connection and will be made available along with the School Handbook to the Parents of all children admitted to the school in the course of the session. Pupils will be encouraged to do work at home. The amount of homework will be determined by the Class Teacher in relation to the work of the group / class and the capabilities of the pupils. Homework may take the form of an assignment or necessary revision or practice. Homework will be set for work covered and no child will be asked to do work that has not been fully explained in the classrooom. From time to time work not completed in class may be sent home for completion. As a Parent you can help by taking an interest in your child's homework and if the activity is one which requires practice, such as reading, being willing to support your child by listening to him/her read and by signing to show that you have seen and are satisfied with it.
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