Curriculum For Excellence in Action
Curriculum for Excellence is fully implemented at Kirkliston. We continue to review and develop our curriculum map, in line with the aims and principles contained within A Curriculum for Excellence. This is shared at curricular evenings, parent consultation meetings and with pupils.
There are eight curricular areas – Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Literacy, Mathematics, Religious and Moral Education, Social Studies, Sciences and Technologies. Many of these areas are taught in conjunction with others and not as discrete subjects.
Our Curriculum at Kirkliston
At Kirkliston, pupils from N to P7 will be taught across the different curricular areas using a variety of different approaches, and involving pupil interests and ideas. We recognise the varied learning styles of our pupils and appreciate the need to provide a balanced and interesting curriculum. As we develop what and how we teach, careful consideration is given to the main principles behind A Curriculum for Excellence. These are
- challenge and enjoyment
- breadth
- progression
- depth
- personalisation and choice
- coherence
- relevance
At the beginning of each term information newsletters are produced by each class teacher. These highlight the significant aspects of learning at each stage for the term ahead. Newsletters can be found on class pages.
Out of School Visits
From as early as Primary One, pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a range of out of school visits. These are designed to complement the Learning and Teaching taking place in class and play a valuable role in developing skills and knowledge. P7 pupils enjoy a residential outdoor education visit to Benmore.
We take into account increasing costs and try to avoid undue financial pressure on parents, by keeping costs to a minimum.
Parents are encouraged and very welcome to accompany classes when possible.
Support for Learning
All pupils are supported with their learning. Sometimes it is necessary to provide some additional support for a variety of different reasons. Mrs O`Hara, Mrs Benzie, class teachers and pupil support assistants (formerly learning assistants) identify and provide this support as required. We also work very closely with a wide range of health and social work colleagues to provide support which meets the needs of all our children. The school has embedded the ethos and practical aspects of Getting It Right For Every Child and Family.
An additional support need comes from anything which is a barrier to learning. The Education Authority has many legal duties towards children with additional needs. The information about this is contained in a booklet called ‘In On The Act: Information For the General Public’ which is published on the Education Authority website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/inontheact or contact the Additional Support For Learning team on telephone number 0131 469 3444.
Relationships, sexual health and parenthood education
At Kirkliston Primary we use the new national resource for teaching relationships, sexual health and parenthood education. The complete resource is available to view at https://rshp.scot/. Our RSHP curriculum has been in place for several years. This is a new resource which has been designed to help us to deliver the existing RSHP curriculum.
As a staff we have studied this resource and created a plan for its delivery throughout the school. We have ensured that all content is age and stage appropriate for the learners. Click on the link below to view our Nursery to P7 planner.
Kirkliston Primary RSHP curriculum
Class teachers will use their termly newsletters to let you know which lessons are being taught. Please get in touch with the school if you have any questions regarding the resource or its delivery. The website also has a FAQ section https://rshp.scot/faq/.
Proposed Religious Observances
Please note that any parent who wishes to exercise their right to withdraw their child from religious instruction and/or observance should contact Mrs Henderson, Head Teacher, in writing and alternative arrangements will be made for your child.
Communication with Parents
The importance of the partnership between home and school can never be understated. A weekly Head Teacher’s blog is emailed to all families with a roundup of the week. Throughout the school session parents are provided with regular information relating to the school as well as their child’s education. There are many different opportunities to share learning and these are highlighted on the weekly blog and newsletters.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school at any time should they be concerned in any way.
Assessment
Please click on the following links to access the most up to date information regarding the assessment of children’s progress in Scotland.