Keig Primary School is situated in the village of Keig, which lies approximately twenty miles to the west of Aberdeen and four miles from the town of Alford.

The school enjoys an attractive, quiet rural setting with a panoramic view over the Don Valley and hills of Donside. Pupils attend school from the village of Keig and surrounding area. The exact catchment area is shown on the enclosed map.

1. Curriculum: Through appropriate consultation with parents, pupils and staff, we will provide and deliver a broad, balanced curriculum ensuring integration, continuity and progression in line with the National 5-14 Guidelines. Courses and programmes provide support and guidance for teachers and other staff.

2. Attainment: We aim to foster and maintain high standards of achievement through a system of baseline assessment, early intervention, target setting, pupil tracking and national testing.

3. Learning and Teaching: We aim to provide a learning environment, which stimulates and motivates pupils to use a variety of teaching approaches appropriate to the needs of each child. This will encourage active involvement and independent thinking with due regard to the differing abilities and aptitudes pupils may have. Teachers will plan effective programmes and will incorporate assessment procedures which will identify pupils’ needs and assist the teacher in planning ‘next steps’ in learning. We will ensure that parents and pupils are informed of progress and that the views of parents and pupils are taken into account.

4. Support for Pupils: We aim to provide a caring, supportive environment in which the educational, intellectual, emotional physical and social needs of individual children are met. We recognise the need to maximize opportunities for all children, regardless of needs, linking with other agencies as appropriate.

5. Ethos: We aim to encourage a sense of identity and pride in the school and to promote an ethos of achievement through high expectations and use of praise and reward. We will encourage pupils to be courteous and well mannered, with the expectation of high standards of behaviour and discipline. Pupils will be involved in decision-making about the life and work of the school encouraging an atmosphere of equality and fairness for all. Positive steps will be taken to enable all parents to participate effectively in their children’s care and education – through effective means of communication.

6. Resources: We aim to make the best possible use of facilities and resources available, both within the school and wider community; deploy all staff in a suitable manner and have in place an appropriate Staff Development and Review programme.

7. Management, Leadership and Quality Assurance: We aim to produce and implement a development plan and process for self- evaluation and monitoring to support the work of the school with high quality management of staff, communication, administration and organisation.

Enrolment of pupils into Primary 1 usually takes place in January of each year. Notification will be given of exact dates in the local press or information can be obtained by contacting the school.  Details of eligibility for enrolment are set out in ‘Notes for Parents’ issued by Aberdeenshire Council. This policy states that first admission to school should be at a single entry date in August for pupils attaining the age of five years between 1st March in the year of entry and the final day of February in the succeeding year.

The Education Act 1981 relating to Choice of School (Parent Charter) gives parents certain rights in choosing the school they wish their child to attend. This right can be exercised at any time throughout their child’s school years.

Parents considering enrolling their child in Keig School should first contact the Head Teacher to arrange to visit the school and meet the staff.

Our Induction Policy for new Primary 1 pupils is available in school. The booklet ‘Welcome to Keig School’ contains useful information for parents and children.

Children in Primary 1 will attend school on a mornings only basis for the first few weeks.

As part of the Early Intervention initiative pre-school children are invited to spend sessions in their classroom during the summer term. This gives them the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates and become familiar with the school environment. Learning Packs can also be borrowed by the children during this term. These packs contain books, games and activities which have been included to help promote Early Literacy and Numeracy skills. In conjunction with this, parents are invited to attend a series of workshops in school. The workshops outline activities and strategies that can be used to promote Early Literacy and Numeracy skills in the home and local environment. They also allow parents to become familiar with school resources and introduce them to methods of teaching reading, writing and mathematical concepts in the early stages. These are informal meetings when it is hoped any questions can be answered about starting school.

Most children wear navy or grey trousers or skirts and a choice of purple or red sweatshirts embroidered with the school logo. Fleece jackets in a variety of colours and bearing the school logo are also worn. Orders for sweatshirts and fleeces are taken in April / May. New entrants to the school will be included in the distribution of order forms. For school events and particularly when we are out on visits the children look very smart in their sweatshirts.

For the Children:
Football and netball teams are formed whenever possible. Children take part in matches and tournaments with neighbouring schools. Parents regularly help with training.

Cross Country Running is available for children in Primary 5 – 7. Training is given within school hours.

Various other opportunities arise during the session. These include art classes, skiing, cycling proficiency etc.

For the wider community:
Playgroup, Parent and Toddler and Kids Craft Group (Messy Twos) groups meet regularly in the school hall.

A Bowling Club meets on three evenings each week from October to March.

A Badminton Club meets weekly in an evening.

A Youth Club also meets weekly in the School Hall.

The Hall is available for let by application to the Head teacher, who also has information on letting charges.