All areas of the school curriculum are planned and taught in accordance with the Scottish National 5 – 14 Guidelines.
Language
Throughout the school language involves the four elements of Talking, Listening, Reading and Writing. In the early stages of school great emphasis is placed on talking and listening with help given to record what is to be written. Gradually phonics and work formation develop. Reading aloud gradually develops into silent reading but continues to be part of home / school work where parents play an important part in helping the developing reader. At all stages children are taught to plan their writing and develop their use of language from simple sentences through to complex stories. They are taught the rules of grammar and spelling and supported in their progress from emergent to confident writers.
Mathematics
The National Guidelines which we follow provide opportunities for pupils to study mathematics under the headings:
- Problem–solving and Enquiry
- Information Handling
- Number, Money and Measurement and
- Shape, Position and Movement.
Emphasis is placed on understanding from an early age and a variety of practical materials is used to help the pupil grasp the concept being taught. Furthermore, pupils are actively encouraged to ask for help if they do not understand something.
Environmental Studies
A programme of themes, giving the pupils the opportunity to study the world in which he / she lives, is operated throughout school. The knowledge and skills which pupils acquire through studying the environment can be grouped under the headings:-
Science, Social Subjects, Technology, Health Education, Information Technology.
Expressive Arts
These studies extend across all areas of the curriculum. They are as follows:
- Art and Design
- Drama
- Music
- Physical Education.
It is in this area that the teachers, as well as incorporating these elements into their own teaching, can call upon the expertise of the visiting specialist teachers who periodically visit school and teach classes.
Religious and Moral Education
The National Guidelines in Religious and Moral Education are followed by the school. At some stage in their primary schooling, pupils will be made aware of the major world religions and the main festivals connected with them.
Religious Education is to promote in the children an understanding of themselves, their place in the immediate and wider environment by encouraging social, moral, cultural and spiritual awareness and to promote in children an understanding of religion in their own society and the wider world.
Moral Education is to develop in children responsible attitudes towards others and to be aware of what is right and wrong.
Religious & Moral Education will start with the children themselves. They will go on to explore the world around them, times of celebration, the life and teaching of Jesus, and other World religions.
Religious Observance
Christian teachings take the form of class instruction, whole school assemblies and seasonal visits to Auchterless Church for a short service. We are very pleased to welcome parents to our end of term services. In-school assemblies are held every week, conducted by either our School Chaplain or the Head Teacher and staff. The Chaplain visits classes regularly and the pupils are involved in the study of the Bible and human experience themes related to their own environment.
Parents who wish to withdraw their child from Religious Observance or Religious Education should put their request in writing to the Head Teacher.
Homework
Homework enables parents to be involved in their children’s learning by becoming aware of the work they are doing and giving them praise and encouragement when appropriate. It helps develop good working habits which will be of value in their future education. Homework given to the children is an extension of the learning which has already taken place.
Homework will be issued on the first day of the week for the upper stages to be completed by the end of the week. For the infant classes it will be set more on a daily basis. In addition reading will be issued throughout the week and it is hoped parents can spare some of their time to enjoy reading to and with their children, by sitting down to share books, comics, or magazines together. Time spent on homework should not be excessive.
- Primaries 1 – 3, approximately 20 minutes
- Primaries 4 – 5, approximately 30 minutes
- Primaries 6 – 7, approximately 40 minutes
Some activities might include:
Primaries 1 – 3 |
Rhyming words, spelling, following instructions, simple sentences, number work, research for project |
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Primaries 4 – 7 |
Investigating and researching for project, maths and language exercises linked to classroom learning, written work, a weekly set of spelling words to learn and reading to prepare |
Opportunities for work in other areas of the curriculum will also arise during the school year.
Homework will be completed in a homework jotter, or on sheets to be kept in a homework folder.
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