|
|
| | James Gillespie`s High School
| |
Lauderdale Street, EH9 1DD, UK Edinburgh
+44 (0)131 447 1900
|
|
| 
|
In 1803, as a result of a legacy left by James Gillespie, a wealthy Edinburgh manufacturer of snuff and tobacco, James Gillespie's school was founded for 65 boys and one master!
The school moved to a larger building in Gillespie Crescent ( see old pix ) and as the school developed, girls were admitted as well as boys. 1908 the Edinburgh School Board took over responsibility for the school and it moved to a building in Bruntsfield links. In 1966 the current school buildings were built around Bruntsfield House and it continued as a school for girls. In 1973 the school became a co-educational comprehensive school taking in boys and girls.
This school, as a community, will provide a welcoming and secure learning environment in which individuals can fully realise their potential in a climate of mutual respect.
We are committed to ensuring that the James Gillespie's High School community is one in which:
• we trust and respect each individual.
• we respect and care for each other and value the diversity which exists among people.
• students develop responsibility for themselves and a sense of self worth which is strong in success or failure.
• there is a commitment to education as a life-long experience.
• there are high and realistic expectations of success.
• learning experiences fully meet the learning needs of all people.
• there are stimulating learning experiences of the highest quality.
• there is a positive attitude to progress, change and improvement.
• all members develop an awareness of their social responsibilities.
• all members have opportunities to work towards improving the environment, both locally and globally.
|
|
|
| Transfer from Primary to Secondary School
Admission procedures begin in November/December in the year preceding admission to secondary school in the following August. Each application is considered individually.
Primary School Head Teachers submit the names and addresses of all P7 children to the City of Edinburgh Council Offices during November.
By January, the parents of catchment area students should receive a letter from the Education Offices indicating that a place has been reserved at their catchment area secondary school, together with a prospectus for that school. Included with this will be information about how to apply for a placement in another secondary school. At this stage parents may request a prospectus from other schools in which they are interested. There is a closing date for applications, which is usually January.
Non-catchment area parents are informed whether or not their request has been granted. If a school is over-subscribed, catchment area students and those with brothers/sisters already in the secondary school are given priority. After that a number of other considerations are taken into account and all cases are considered individually. Parents have a right to appeal against any decision.
After 31st July, admissions to S1 in August are dealt with directly by the School.
In James Gillespie's
Meetings are organised for parents of P7 children who are interested in sending their children to the school. There are two meetings. The first meeting is when parents and their children are invited to look round the school. The second meeting is more formal and parents will meet the Head Teacher and other members of staff with responsibility for First Year students. Parents in catchment area schools will receive this information automatically.
Intake to First Year is restricted to 200 students.
Change of Address
Students whose place of residence changes to outwith the catchment area may continue at the school provided that parents submit a request IN WRITING.
------------------------------------------------
ASSOCIATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
SCIENNES / JAMES GILLESPIE'S / TOLLCROSS / PRESTON ST. / ROYAL MILE
The Head Teachers of our associated primary schools meet regularly with a Depute Head Teacher of James Gillespie's High School to discuss matters of mutual interest. These include curriculum continuity, assessment and transfer arrangements. There is an exchange of information between relevant primary and secondary school staff about the curriculum content and Teaching and Learning strategies and effective arrangements are in place to transfer information about curricular progress.
Secondary school staff visit the primary schools every year. Staff from the Learning Support and Support for Pupils Department visit as part of the transition process to establish prior learning successes and in order to identify future support needs. This allows appropriate help to be continued without interruption.
Click here for School Catchment Details > |
| Choices
A wide variety of courses are offered in addition to the compulsory courses described below. These include:
Scottish Qualifications Authority Higher
Scottish Qualifications Authority Intermediate I and II
Scottish Qualifications Authority Advanced Higher
GCE 'A' Level subjects (Art & Design, Geography and Physics only)
Compulsory Courses
On 11th June all students returning are expected to attend school for an Induction Course which introduces them to the Senior School. Class Representatives are elected and choices for the Activity Programme are made. Attendance is compulsory unless examinations are still to be taken.
Personal Development Programme
A personal development programme for senior students is timetabled for 2x40 minute periods each week. It consists of:
We seek to ensure that young people are equipped to perform the various roles which life in society entails. This demands an awareness of current events and matters of global/national concern and an ability to communicate with ease and confidence. They must acquire knowledge and skills, which relate to the world of work, to leisure, to personal relationships and family life and to effective membership of the community. The PSE Programme seeks to develop this and is a compulsory part of our Senior School programme. It seeks to:
- Give students a wider general knowledge and awareness of current affairs.
- Give students an opportunity to discuss controversial subjects in a controlled environment.
- Encourage students to participate in discussion and to express their views on a number of topics, so developing communication skills.
- Enable students to meet adults from outside the school environment.
Speakers from business and other walks of life provide opportunities for discussion. 5th and 6th Year students have separate programmes and topics offered to the 6th Year are generally more controversial.
Other Planned Activities
These provide an opportunity to help students deal with problems arising during the term when applications are being made for university. Careers officers will be available in school to offer clinic support or group/individual advice. Tutors will cover a variety of topics including study skills, work experience/shadowing, problem solving, negotiation skills, record of achievement. Tutors will assist students identify personal areas of interest for further investigation within school using resource materials.
Weekly Year Group Meetings
Fifth and Sixth Year groups meet once per week with their Year Head for administrative tasks and an exchange of information.
Work Experience/Work Shadowing
Work Experience is valuable, giving students an insight into the world of work, and giving them an opportunity to find out more about intended careers. Students acquire a confidence in dealing with new situations and relating to adults.
Work experience/shadowing is an integral part of the Personal Development Programme and students may negotiate this within their designated Personal Development time or may opt to arrange this for Friday afternoons or a holiday week. Placements may be made through the Careers Service or through personal contacts. Briefing and de-briefing for this is undertaken during tutor-contact time in the Personal Development Programme.
Community Service
Students may participate in a community project. This may be with children or the elderly. Voluntary service is a valuable experience for young people. Activities are carefully monitored and a number of placements are available.
|
| In the first two years students sample many new subjects while continuing with others more familiar.
Virtually all children follow a Common Course for the first two years of secondary school with some level of setting in English and Mathematics. This recognises the fact that children showing particular abilities may require more difficult work and that students experiencing difficulty may require specialist help.
The subjects studied are - >
Art Business Studies (S2)
Computing (S2) Design & Technology
Drama English
Food & Health Studies (S1) French or German / Gaelic
Geography History
Mathematics
Media Studies Modern Studies
Music Physical Education
Religious Education Science
Allocation to Classes
Students entering First Year are placed in mixed ability groups. Care is taken to ensure that there is an acceptable spread of ability and that, as far as possible, children with similar interests are placed together.
Teaching Groups
Normally students will remain in these Tutor Groups as they move through the school. During the First and Second Year the Form Class is usually the teaching group.
Class Size
Class sizes in First and Second Years are normally 25 (20 in English and Maths). Practical classes, which form about half of the students' experience, are normally 20.
Modern Languages
In First Year students are allocated to either French or German. Students from Tollcross Primary School who have been taught Gaelic will be able to continue their studies. If there is a reason why you wish your child to take a particular language, you must make this request in writing to the Depute Head Teacher Pupil Support by 7th May at the latest. We will meet requests, if possible. There are four French and four German classes and one Gaelic class.
Music Instruction
Instrumental tuition is available depending on the availability of Instructors. Tuition may be individual or in groups. Priority is given to students receiving instruction in their primary schools.
------------------------------------------------
CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
In the first two years students sample many new subjects while continuing with others more familiar.
Virtually all children follow a Common Course for the first two years of secondary school with some level of setting in English and Mathematics. This recognises the fact that children showing particular abilities may require more difficult work and that students experiencing difficulty may require specialist help.
The subjects studied are - >
Art Business Studies (S2)
Computing (S2) Design & Technology
Drama English
Food & Health Studies (S1) French or German or Gaelic
Geography History
Learning and Information Technology Strategies (S1) Mathematics
Media Studies Modern Studies
Music Physical Education
Religious Education Science
Allocation to Classes
Students entering First Year are placed in mixed ability groups. Care is taken to ensure that there is an acceptable spread of ability and that, as far as possible, children with similar interests are placed together.
Teaching Groups
Normally students will remain in these Form Classes as they move through the school. During the First and Second Year the Form Class is usually the teaching group. <BR>
Class Size
Class sizes in First and Second Years are normally 25. Practical classes, which form about half of the students' experience, are normally 20.
Modern Languages
In First Year students are allocated to either French or German. Students from Tollcross Primary School who have been taught Gaelic will be able to continue their studies. If there is a reason why you wish your child to take a particular language, you must make this request in writing to the Assistant Head Teacher (S1/2) by 7th May at the latest. We will meet requests, if possible. There are four French and four German classes and one Gaelic class.
Music Instruction
Instrumental tuition is available depending on the availability of Instructors. Tuition may be individual or in groups. Priority is given to students receiving instruction in their primary schools.
|
primary schools in Edinburgh,
secondary schools in Edinburgh,
schools in Edinburgh
|
