LANGUAGE
The Language curriculum consists of four inter-related areas:
Listening and Talking
Children learn to develop their language skills and thinking processes through listening and talking. We help them to improve these skills through a variety of collaborative activities, e.g. stories, drama, discussion and media studies
Reading
Reading begins in the nursery where children are introduced to a wide variety of stories, poems and picture books and progress through our structured reading programme in the early years of primary school. As children become more independent in reading they progress through the study of novels and non-fiction books.
At all stages our aim is that children develop a love of books and read for enjoyment. This is encouraged by the provision of an attractive class and school libraries as well as the opportunity to discuss and share books both at school and at home. Arrangements are made regularly for classes to visit our local library at Granton.
Writing
Writing grows from early drawing and painting where children are encouraged to communicate their ideas. As they learn to form letters they are taught how to use our language in writing for a variety of different reasons. Children are shown how to plan and draft their ideas before making a final copy. The skills of spelling, handwriting, punctuation and structure are taught progressively.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics involves much more than number. Equally important is shape, measurement, position and movement, handling information and the ability to solve problems. Emphasis is placed on practical experience so that children realise the importance of mathematics to everyday life and are able to apply what they learn to a variety of situations. The computer and calculator are used at all stages to support and reinforce the teaching of mathematics.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
This term refers to the study of the child's environment and covers areas of the curriculum such as geography, history, science, technology and health education.
In Environmental Studies your child will learn about the world we live in, of its people and places, past and present and develop an awareness of how all living things depend on their environment for survival. He or she will learn how they can contribute towards the shaping of the environment for the future and develop an awareness of different lifestyles and cultures, learning to respect and accept other people's ways.
Through observation and simple investigation your child will practise basic scientific skills to build up knowledge and an understanding of the world around them.
Field trips have an important part to play in giving meaning to the study. You will be informed of these in advance and a contribution towards the cost may be asked for.
Click here to see the list of topics for each class.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
Music, art, drama and physical education all play an important part in your child's physical and emotional development and we pay great attention to this area. Your child will experiment with and learn to use a wide range of materials and equipment through which their knowledge, aptitudes and skills will be developed. In addition to the many talents of our own class teachers
we have the benefit of visiting specialists in P.E. violin, cello and art and craft.
RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION
Since we are a non-denominational school, we are concerned with giving each child some understanding of what religion is rather than imparting a particular religious view. In keeping with the 5-14 guidelines, our programme aims to teach moral values such as honesty, truthfulness and kindness as well as awareness and respect for other world religions. We hope to provide children with knowledge relevant to our society and to foster tolerance and respect for the beliefs of others.
We hold weekly assemblies each Friday morning in school where good things happening within the classroom are shared with the whole school. We also celebrate aspects and traditions of the many cultures which make up our society.
Parents are very welcome to join us for assembly and we look forward to seeing you there.