{"id":265,"date":"2019-02-20T10:14:44","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T10:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/?page_id=265"},"modified":"2022-10-04T09:56:25","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T09:56:25","slug":"learning-and-teaching","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/learning-and-teaching\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning and Teaching"},"content":{"rendered":"

St Michael\u2019s Primary School takes a child-centred approach to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 planning pupils\u2019 learning experiences and assessment is an integral part of this process. The use of the wellbeing indicators in\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 developing a holistic understanding of our learners is an essential part of our practice. Learning experiences are planned carefully\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 using the Experiences and Outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence and based on the seven principles of curriculum design. Taking\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 account of the learning needs of their pupils, our staff employ a range of teaching strategies.\u00a0\u00a0 Children will be encouraged to learn independently as well as co-operatively. They will carry out solo tasks, paired and trio based activities, participate in small group and large team based events. Learning will take place both within and outwith the classroom. Activities will always be purposeful;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 providing new learning experiences or opportunities to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 demonstrate knowledge and understanding by applying skills in new or unfamiliar contexts. They have opportunities to lead their\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 learning within their classes and also through a range of well-planned activities outwith their class setting.<\/p>\n

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Our learning and teaching takes place within four different\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 contexts:<\/p>\n

Curriculum areas and subjects<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Our staff ensure that all pupils in St Michael\u2019s Primary\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 experience a Broad General\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Education as outlined in\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Curriculum for Excellence,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>\u201cprogressing through the Levels, as far as this is consistent with their learning needs and prior achievements.\u201d (Education\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Scotland). This is their\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 entitlement. This means that pupils will learn: Languages (English and French), Numeracy and Mathematics, Religious\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Education in Catholic Schools, Health and Wellbeing, Social Studies, Science, Technologies and Expressive Arts. By applying the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 principles of GIRFEC, staff ensure that all pupils experience an\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 appropriate curriculum, enabling them to be successful in their learning journey. It is our duty to ensure that our pupils\u2019\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 learning\u00a0experiences develop their capacities for life.<\/p>\n

Interdisciplinary Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Our staff plan interdisciplinary learning (IDL) experiences for their pupils, enabling them to encounter and explore relevant links between different\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 subjects. It also provides pupils with opportunities to apply skills that they have learned in new and unfamiliar contexts, providing staff with\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 opportunities to assess the depth of children\u2019s\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 understanding. In line with Building the Curriculum 3, <\/em>our staff achieve this through a range of approaches, for example, through one-off projects or longer courses of study and providing opportunities for mixed stage learning which is interest based. IDL projects greatly inspire and motivate learners and provide\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 opportunities for pupils to showcase their learning to their parents and families.\u00a0\u00a0 These celebrations of learning give further\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 opportunities for our pupils to develop their skills and receive very positive feedback from families. Mixed stage learning has been\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 highly successful within our infant department and will be extended to other areas of the school.<\/p>\n

Ethos and life of the school<\/strong><\/p>\n

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As a community of faith we have \u201can\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person, made in the image of God.\u201d (Charter for Catholic Schools in Scotland). By our\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 actions we promote the Gospel values of love, sacrifice, faithfulness, humility, justice, compassion and tolerance. As a nurturing school, the application of the principles of nurture in our daily practice\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 firmly supports the creation of an inclusive ethos and the promotion of the Gospel values. Positive relationships are at the heart of our school.<\/p>\n

Our partnership with Litchenza Primary in Malawi helps us to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 develop global citizenship.\u00a0\u00a0 Our Global Citizenship Group has a key role to play in the leadership and development of this.<\/p>\n

Our staff ensure that pupils are provided with opportunities to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 contribute to the school and its wider community, and actively\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 encourage them to do so. As a Rights Respecting School, the voice of each person is valued and each person has the opportunity to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 contribute to decision making processes which lead to school\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 improvement. One of the ways in which we achieve this is by all\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pupils being members of Pupil Voice Groups. These groups have clear mission statements which reflect the focus of the group, its\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 impact for its individual members and for the whole school. Our\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pupils are also regularly consulted through Learning Conversations and pupil audits.<\/p>\n

Pupils are provided with leadership opportunities within classes and throughout the school, developing positive attributes and skills\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 required to be responsible citizens. They share their talents with others.<\/p>\n

Opportunities for personal achievement<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Planning for pupils\u2019 learning\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ensures that there\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 opportunities for pupils to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 experience\u00a0\u00a0personal\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 achievement.<\/p>\n

In St Michael\u2019s Primary our staff are dedicated to providing\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pupils with a range of\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 opportunities for personal achievement outwith their\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 daytime classroom experience. This is evident through the vast range of after school and lunchtime clubs that are available. Opportunities are planned so that pupils of all age groups are having these experiences.<\/p>\n

Our school works in close partnership with Brnardo\u2019s, CLD, Active Schools, Inverclyde Music Service, Library Services and Clyde Muirshiel Rangers Service to further extend the opportunities\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 available to our pupils.<\/p>\n

We celebrate the achievements of our pupils through assemblies, newsletters, Twitter, our website and the local press. As we\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 continue to celebrate pupils\u2019 achievements we are seeking ways for parents and carers to share their children\u2019s achievements from\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 outwith school. Our learners are encouraged to record their\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 personal achievements in their Learning Journals which they\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 complete in class on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n

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Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values – Religious and Moral Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 imposes a statutory duty on local authorities to provide \u201cReligious Observance\u201d in Scottish schools. This is defined in a national R.O. Review Group report published in 2004 as comprising: “community acts which aim to promote the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 spiritual development <\/em>of all members <\/em>of the school’s community and\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 express and celebrate the shared values <\/em>of the school community”.<\/em><\/p>\n

In a letter of guidance issued by the Scottish Government in\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 February 2011, it is acknowledged that Catholic schools take a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 distinctive approach to the provision of Religious Observance:<\/p>\n

Scottish Government Ministers welcome the tradition that, in Roman Catholic denominational schools, Catholic Liturgy will largely shape the nature and frequency of religious observance activities in the classroom and in the wider school community. So, at times, children and young\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 people will be invited to participate in, and sometimes to lead, prayer and reflection in classrooms and at assemblies. At other times, to honour\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0particular occasions or feasts, chaplains will lead school communities in the celebration of Mass and other forms of liturgical celebration.[1]<\/strong><\/sup><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Catholic schools follow the customs and practices of the Church in order to nourish the spirituality and faith of pupils and staff. Our Catholic tradition is enriched by ancient rites, prayers and devotions which help young people to become aware of, and show reverence to, the sacred presence of the living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Guided by this tradition, we celebrate various seasons and special feast days to honour God, Mary his Mother and the Saints.<\/p>\n

Pupils are invited to pray with their teachers at times in classrooms and assemblies, as well as in liturgical services. Usually a classroom will display a Crucifix on the wall; in some classrooms and other\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 areas of the school, a sacred space will feature a copy of the Bible and will be decorated with signs and symbols that reflect the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 changing seasons of the Church Calendar Year i.e., Advent,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.<\/p>\n

This regular practice of Prayer is complemented by religious\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 services conducted, sometimes as part of an Assembly, to mark\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 special occasions, eg, the distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, the seasons of Advent or Lent. To mark special Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Mass will be celebrated by the school\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 chaplain, with the school community, in school buildings or in local parishes. Some pupils, at certain stages, may be able to participate in retreats and pilgrimages to places of special significance within the Catholic tradition.<\/p>\n

While Religious Education is governed by separate Church\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 guidance, it is complemented by Religious Observance practices and, together, these experiences help pupils to develop their\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 understanding of the Catholic faith, to experience opportunities for spiritual growth and to commit to beliefs, values and actions in a positive response to God\u2019s invitation to faith.<\/p>\n

In terms of pupil participation in R.O. Scottish Government guidance makes it clear that it makes an important contribution to pupils’\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 development and that it promotes the ethos of a school by bringing pupils together and creating a sense of community. However, it also makes clear that parents have the right to withdraw children from participation in religious observance and that this right should\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 always be made known to parents and their wishes respected. The Scottish Government also recognises that:<\/p>\n

Where a parent chooses a denominational school for their child’s\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 education, they choose to opt in to the school’s ethos and practice which is imbued with religious faith and religious observance. In\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 denominational schools, it is therefore more difficult to extricate a pupil from all experiences which are influenced by the school’s faith character.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Catholic Church has designed a new programme, \u201cGod\u2019s Loving Plan\u201d, which will be used to deliver our sex education programme. Sex and relationship education is an integral part of a school\u2019s health education and RE programme. It focuses on the physical, emotional, moral and spiritual development of all children. Teachers are central to the delivery of sex education from Primary 1-7 and work in\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 partnership with parents\/carers and appropriate health\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 professionals.<\/p>\n

Parents\/Carers are fully informed and consulted on the content and purpose of sex and relationship education in schools, and have the opportunity to raise concerns with school staff. On an occasion where a parent\/carer wishes to exercise the right to withdraw his\/her child from sex and relationship education or any aspect of religious education, they should discuss this with school staff (as per Inverclyde\u2019s policy \u201cSexual Health and Relationship Education\u201d) and alternative arrangements will be made.<\/p>\n

Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 authorised absentee in the register.<\/p>\n

In St Michael\u2019s School we have very strong links between the school, home and parish. Canon David, as our school chaplain, leads us in worship and regularly visits our school. We work closely together to support all learners in their faith journey.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

St Michael\u2019s Primary School takes a child-centred approach to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 planning pupils\u2019 learning experiences and assessment is an integral part of this process. The use of the wellbeing indicators in\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 developing a holistic understanding of our learners is an essential part of our practice. Learning experiences are planned carefully\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 using the Experiences and Outcomes of Curriculum … Continue reading Learning and Teaching<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9185,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-265","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9185"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265"}],"version-history":[{"count":112,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1197,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/265\/revisions\/1197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/in\/stmichaelsprimary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}