Linlithgow Primary School Classroom Curriculum

 

The areas of the curriculum are :                   

        English Language                                   Modern Foreign Languages

                   Mathematics                                         Science

                            Expressive Arts                                 Environmental Studies

                                    Health Education                            Religious and Moral Education

                                      

In addition, schools are expected to meet the needs of children in the area of Personal and Social Education.

 

Teaching is planned to enable children to reach attainment targets set for all the strands of a curriculum area at clearly defined levels of attainment.  Level A should be attainable in the course of P1-3, and 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, and 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 by S2 and Level F should be attainable in part by pupils, in the course of P7-S2.  National Tests are provided in English Language and Mathematics, and regular assessment of children is carried out by the class teacher to determine appropriate levels of work.

 

How is all of this achieved at Linlithgow Primary School?

English Language

The elements of reading and writing are taught from Primary 1 and these activities are developed and encouraged in children throughout their years in school.  Children are encouraged to develop a reading habit and to read for enjoyment - regular library periods are built into the weekly class timetable.  Since reading and writing are so important for effective learning and participation in the other areas of the curriculum, particular emphasis is placed on them.  Talking and listening skills are just as important and children are given regular and frequent opportunities to practise and develop these skills in class.  Spelling is taught to the children in a structured way, as are handwriting skills.  All children are presented for National Tests in reading and in writing when the teacher considers them ready to progress from one level to the next.

 

The teaching of a foreign language starts in Primary 6 when children are introduced to French, the language they will probably continue to learn at secondary school.  We expect to extend the teaching of French to all stages during the course of this session.

 

Mathematics

We use the Scottish Heinemann Mathematics teaching materials and supplement it with a variety of investigative and practical activities and a range of materials and equipment.  In addition to learning the basic rules of number and notation, children explore shape, measurement, graphs and problem solving and learn to use the calculator appropriately.  Children follow programmes of work suited to their ability in groups and are regularly assessed by the teacher.  The children sit the National Tests when the teacher considers them ready to move on to the next level.

 

Environmental Studies, Science & Health

This covers the study of social subjects as well as Science, Health, Technology and ICT as children gain the opportunity to learn about themselves and the world they live in.  We place a lot of emphasis on the local environment in the early stages and build on it to increase knowledge and understanding on a much wider scale as they get older.  The children are helped to develop a variety of skills, including collecting evidence, recording and presenting results of studies, interpreting and evaluating these results and developing informed attitudes.

We have produced an overall plan for the school which ensures there is a balance in the focus of social subject topics studied and which allows for progression and continuity as the children move up the school.  A programme of outings and visits is built into this plan for each class.  The outings can stimulate interest in a particular topic and can also reinforce the traditional classroom based learning.  Outside agencies and individuals are also invited into school to share experiences and expertise with the children.  Children are also taught a progression of skills in using ICT across the curriculum. In line with West Lothian recommendations the school is now using the Renfrewshire Science Programme.  Health Education is taught in line with the new curriculum guidelines, and a structured programme has been implemented throughout the school.

 

Expressive Arts

This curricular area is made up of four distinct activities:

            Art & Design                     Drama                        Music             Physical Education.

In each of these areas, children are provided with experiences and opportunities to use materials, techniques, skills and media to express ideas, thoughts and feelings.  The class teacher is able to cover much of this learning but we also have some input from visiting specialist teachers in Art and Design, Music, Physical Education and Home Economics.  In addition to participating in these activities, children are helped to appreciate and evaluate within these activities by observing, listening, responding and discussing.

 

Religious & Moral Education

Children are taught about other world religions in addition to Christianity and are introduced to an exploration of the questions addressed by religion about the meaning, value and purpose of life itself.  At Linlithgow Primary School, the focus is firmly based on the experience of Christianity but children are encouraged to develop an understanding and respect for people of other faiths.

Our children attend a weekly Assembly, during which we sing Christian songs and usually say prayers. 

Moral Education is integrated into every aspect of the life in the school.  As our Aims state, we try to establish a caring atmosphere and encourage the development of relationships based on respect.  In addition, we constantly promote positive values of honesty, fairness and cooperation and a sense of belonging.

 

Please note - Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and from religious observance.  Arrangements can be made for children to be supervised or be involved in another activity.  Please inform the Headteacher if you wish your child to be withdrawn.

 

Personal & Social Development

Children are given increasing responsibility as they grow older - responsibility for their actions, responsibility for their learning and responsibility for others.  As part of the learning process, school provides opportunities for children to develop self-awareness and self-esteem and to learn to appreciate the value and contributions of others.  Opportunities are also provided to challenge the children and to help them develop independence.  This is achieved not only in the classroom, but in the gym hall and on the sports field and in the provision of a range of other activities on offer at the school.

 

•             Sport - including football, netball, rugby, athletics, tennis.

•             Swimming, skiing, orienteering and other outdoor education pursuits.

•             Residential Opportunities.

•             Musical Instruction - brass, strings, recorder.

•             Public Speaking, Junior Palace Guides.

•             School Shows, Concerts and Assembly Presentations.