Curriculum for Excellence
Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing an improved, more flexible and enriched curriculum for all children and young people from 3 – 18. The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education, wherever they are being educated. All schools and nurseries in North Lanarkshire are working hard to raise standards so that children and young people will develop all of the skills necessary to continue to be successful when leaving school and entering the world of higher education, training or work.
Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by the values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity. The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four capacities – to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.
Primary Curriculum
Languages (Literacy and English, Modern Languages)
Literacy and English
The four main outcomes of English Language are Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. Holytown Primary implements an active literacy approach as advocated by North Lanarkshire Council Literacy Base.
P1-3 pupil are engaged in active literacy activities which develop independent skills, confidence and competence. They spend approximately 8 hours per week on literacy activities, which include phonics, spelling, reading and writing. These activities develop talking and listening skills involving a variety of resources and activities such as dictation, whiteboards, magnetic letters, sequencing cards, games and use of ICT. The children work in a variety of ways; as a class, in groups, independently, with a trio or in pairs. Some tasks involve direct teaching, others will not. Traditional tales and core novels are used to model the writer’s craft and form a basis of many of the writing activities the children undertake. The resources used include Story World, PM Readers, Literacy Links and Lighthouse books.
P4-7 pupils use an integrated, cross-curricular approach to novel studies. Children read independently within groups. Each novel is accompanied by a set of focused activities, which use an active approach in addressing the four outcomes of English Language. The resources used include Literacy World, Pelican Reading, Big Books and Literacy Links books.
The development of literacy skills plays an important role in all learning.
Pupils develop and extend literacy skills when they have opportunities to:
- communicate, collaborate and build relationships
- reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others
- engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT
- develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages
- explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them, and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative
- extend and enrich vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading.
In developing my English language skills pupils:
- engage with a wide range of texts and develop an appreciation of the richness and breadth of Scotland’s literary and linguistic heritage
- enjoy exploring and discussing word patterns and text structures.
Modern Languages (French)
All children are involved in learning conversational French in a range of circumstances across the school from ordering their lunch to greetings, colours and numbers in assembly. Pupils in Primary 5, 6 & 7 extend this to include reading & writing in French..
Learning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture.
Through learning of a new language pupils:
- gain a deeper understanding of their first language and appreciate the richness and interconnected nature of languages
- enhance their understanding and enjoyment of their own and other cultures and gain insights into other ways of thinking and other views of the world
- develop skills that they can use and enjoy in work and leisure throughout life.
The study of language plays an important role in all language learning and the development of literacy skills.
Pupils develop and extend literacy skills when they have opportunities to:
- communicate, collaborate and build relationships
- reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others
- engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT
- develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages
- explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative
- extend and enrich vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading.
Numeracy and Maths
The school follows the NLC guidelines on Maths, using ‘Heinemann Maths’, Teejay Maths and practical materials. Each child follows a comprehensive programme, which is suitable to his/her age and ability in line with the levels of a Curriculum for Excellence. Children regularly participate in interactive maths activities.
Mathematics includes specific aspects of numeracy which will be developed both in mathematics and through activities in other areas of the curriculum.
Putting mathematical knowledge and understanding to constructive use has been one of the decisive factors in shaping societies.
Engineering, science, technology and business rely upon mathematics and continue to find new applications for mathematics.
Cultural development and artistic endeavour are influenced by mathematics.
Each of us uses mathematical skills and concepts in everyday life.
To face the challenges of the 21st century, each young person needs to have confidence in using mathematical skills, and Scotland needs both specialist mathematicians and a highly numerate population.
Learning through mathematics enables children and young people to:
- develop essential numeracy skills, including arithmetical skills which allow them to participate fully in society
- develop a secure understanding of the concepts, principles and processes of mathematics and apply these in different contexts, including the world of work
- have an understanding of the application of mathematics, its impact on our society past and present, and its potential for the future
- establish firm foundations for further specialist learning, including for those who will be the mathematicians of the future.
Health & WellBeing
Each class participates in two hours of PE every week. Holytown Primary School is a Health Promoting School.
We encourage our children and families to make healthy choices in diet, exercise and emotional well being. Children follow NLC guidelines on health education and skills and understanding are naturally extended from P1-7. We also deliver a personal and social development programme of study throughout the school. This aims to:
- Enable pupils to develop a positive regard for their own needs and the needs of others
- Develop life skills that allow pupils to participate effectively and safely in society
- Give pupils opportunities to recognise how their own and society’s values affect their thoughts and actions
- Encourage pupils to take increasing responsibility for their own lives
Health and wellbeing includes experiences and outcomes for personal and social development, understanding of health, physical education and physical activity, and contributions from home economics.
It also includes approaches and activities such as physical activity and nutrition, planned by pre-school settings, schools or colleges to promote the health and wellbeing of their learners and the wider community.
Children and young people need to experience what it feels like to develop, enjoy and live a healthy lifestyle.
They also need to learn ways of dealing with the many new and challenging situations they will experience throughout their lives.
A healthy lifestyle supports physical, social and emotional wellbeing, and underpins successful learning.
Concerns about the health, diet and activity levels of Scotland’s children and young people, social inclusion and inequalities in health emphasise the importance of a focus on health and wellbeing throughout education, starting in the early years.
Learning through health and wellbeing enables children and young people to:
- experience positive aspects of healthy living and activity for themselves
- develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary for their physical, emotional and social wellbeing now and in their future lives
- make informed decisions in order to improve their physical, emotional and social wellbeing
- apply their physical, emotional and social skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle
- make a successful move to the next stage of education or work
- for some, open up opportunities to excel in sport or to pursue careers in health and leisure industries.
Expressive Arts
Children are helped to develop skills in Music, Drama and Art to extend and encourage a progression of skills. These skills may be integrated in a cross curricular way to enable pupils opportunities to transfer and apply the skills the have learned.
NLC guidelines are implemented and evaluated to show progression and effort in:
- Using materials, techniques, skills and media
- Expressing feelings, ideas, thoughts and solutions
- Evaluating and appreciating
Through the Expressive Arts, children and young people can have rich opportunities to be creative and imaginative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment.
They can come to understand the important roles of the arts in describing and changing society.
Through their experience of the expressive arts, children and young people can appreciate the contributions of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities.
Learning through the expressive arts enables children and young people to:
- express themselves in different ways and be creative
- experience enjoyment (and contribute to other people’s enjoyment) through creative and expressive performance and presentation
- develop important skills specific to expressive arts and also transferable skills
- develop an appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values and ideas
- for some, prepare for advanced learning and future careers by building foundations for excellence in the Expressive Arts.
Religious and Moral Education
Our programme focuses on Christianity and other world religions, namely Islam and Judaism. Holytown Parish Church Minister, Mrs Kyle, undertakes a programme of religious observance at assemblies, leads church and school services and makes pastoral visits to classes throughout the school year.
Religious and moral education includes learning about Christianity and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values.
It also includes aspects of philosophical enquiry.
Scotland is now a nation which reflects a wide range of beliefs, values and traditions.
Religious and moral education enables children and young people to explore the world’s major religions and approaches to living which are independent of religious belief, and be challenged by these different beliefs and values.
It supports children and young people in developing responsible attitudes to other people, their values and their capacity for moral judgement.
The study of Christianity, which has shaped the history and traditions of Scotland and continues to exert an influence on national life, is an essential feature of religious and moral education for all children and young people.
Learning through religious and moral education enables children and young people to:
develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other world religions and recognise religion as an important expression of human experience
explore moral values such as wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity
investigate and understand the responses which religions can offer to questions about the nature and meaning of life
develop the skills of reflection, discernment, critical thinking, and deciding how to act when making moral decisions
develop their beliefs, attitudes, moral values and practices through personal search, discovery and critical evaluation, and make a positive difference to the world by putting their beliefs and values into action.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from both religious education and assemblies. Please notify the head teacher in writing if this is the case.
Sciences
In science, skills are taught through investigations of living things and the processes of life, energy and forces and earth and space. Emphasis is laid on the children’s discoveries in their local environment, and they are encouraged to use all local sources in their research including home background information.
We are an Eco School and are committed to improving our school environment and making a positive contribution to global community issues.
Science includes experiences and outcomes in biological, chemical, physical and environmental contexts.
The most important goal for science education is to stimulate, nurture and sustain the curiosity, wonder and questioning of children and young people.
Young children have a natural sense of wonder and curiosity and are active and eager learners endeavouring to make sense of the world.
They develop ideas through play, investigation, first-hand experience and discussion.
As they grow older children ask searching questions based on their everyday observations and experiences of living things, the environment and the materials, objects and devices they interact with.
Young people are fascinated by new discoveries and technologies and become increasingly aware of, and passionate about, the impact of science on their own health and wellbeing, the health of society and of the environment.
Learning through the sciences enables children and young people to:
- investigate their environment by observing, exploring, investigating and recording
- demonstrate a secure understanding of the big ideas and concepts of science
- make sense of evidence collected and presented in a scientific manner
- recognise the impact science makes on their lives, on the lives of others, on the environment and on culture
- express opinions and make decisions on social, moral, ethical, economic and environmental issues informed by their knowledge and understanding of science
- establish the foundation where appropriate, for more advanced learning and future careers in the sciences and technologies.
Social Studies
The children participate in a variety of social studies topics, developing knowledge and skills relating to people in the past, people and place and people in society. We adopt an enterprising approach to our topics ensuring pupils are making decisions and solving problems.
Social studies includes experiences and outcomes in historical and geographical, social, political, economic and business contexts.
It is important for children and young people to understand the place where they live and the heritage of their family and community.
Through social studies, children and young people develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances, and how their environment has been shaped. They learn about human achievements and to make sense of changes in society, conflicts and environmental issues. With greater understanding comes the opportunity to influence events by exercising informed and responsible citizenship.
Learning through social studies enables children and young people to:
- broaden their understanding of the world by learning about human activities and achievements in the past and present, political, social and environmental issues, and the values underpinning their own society and other societies
- develop the capacity for critical thinking, through accessing, analysing and using information
form their own beliefs and view of the world and develop their understanding of different values, beliefs and cultures - establish firm foundations for lifelong learning and, for some, for further specialised study and careers.
Technologies
Our children are trained in ICT skills using Apple Mac computers, I-pads and I-books. They are given opportunities for skills reinforcement, and to develop knowledge and ability in using hardware and software, internet, email, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, painting and drawing. Children also have opportunities to use interactive whiteboards, digital cameras and remote control toys.
Within Curriculum for Excellence, the technologies curriculum area relates particularly to contexts that provide scope for developing technological skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes through creative, practical and work-related activities.
Learning in the technologies enables children and young people to be informed, skilled, thoughtful, adaptable and enterprising citizens, and to:
- develop understanding of the role and impact of technologies in changing and influencing societies
contribute to building a better world by taking responsible ethical actions to improve their lives, the lives of others and the environment - gain the skills and confidence to embrace and use technologies now and in the future, at home, at work and in the wider community
- become informed consumers and producers who have an appreciation of the merits and impacts of products and services
- be capable of making reasoned choices relating to the environment, to sustainable development and to ethical, economic and cultural issues
- broaden their understanding of the role that information and communications technology (ICT) has in Scotland and in the global community
- broaden their understanding of the applications and concepts behind technological thinking, including the nature of engineering and the links between the technologies and the sciences
- experience work-related learning, establish firm foundations for lifelong learning and, for some, for specialised study and a diverse range of careers.
Leave a Reply