{"id":106,"date":"2015-06-19T09:39:19","date_gmt":"2015-06-19T09:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/nl\/anntest3\/?page_id=106"},"modified":"2016-09-22T16:24:41","modified_gmt":"2016-09-22T15:24:41","slug":"health-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/nl\/holytowninformation\/health-wellbeing\/","title":{"rendered":"Primary Curriculum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Curriculum for Excellence<\/span><\/h1>\n
\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by the values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament \u2013 wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity. The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four capacities \u2013 to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Primary Curriculum<\/span><\/h1>\n

Languages (Literacy and English, Modern Languages)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Literacy and English<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The four main outcomes of English Language are Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. Holytown Primary\u00a0implements an active literacy approach as advocated by North Lanarkshire Council Literacy Base.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The development of literacy skills plays an important role in all learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pupils develop and extend\u00a0 literacy skills when they have opportunities to:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n
  • communicate, collaborate and build relationships<\/span><\/li>\n
  • \u00a0reflect on and explain\u00a0 literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others<\/span><\/li>\n
  • engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT<\/span><\/li>\n
  • develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages<\/span><\/li>\n
  • explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them, and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative<\/span><\/li>\n
  • extend and enrich\u00a0 vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u00a0In developing my English language skills pupils:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • engage with a wide range of texts and develop an appreciation of the richness and breadth of Scotland\u2019s literary and linguistic heritage<\/span><\/li>\n
    • enjoy exploring and discussing word patterns and text structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0Modern Languages (French)<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      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.\u00a0 Pupils in Primary 5, 6 & 7 extend this to include reading & writing in French..<\/span><\/p>\n

      Learning a new language encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons as they explore the language and its associated culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Through\u00a0 learning of a new language pupils:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
      • gain a deeper understanding of their first language and appreciate the richness and interconnected nature of languages<\/span><\/li>\n
      • 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<\/span><\/li>\n
      • develop skills that they can use and enjoy in work and leisure throughout\u00a0 life.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n

        The study of language plays an important role in all language learning and the development of literacy skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Pupils develop and extend literacy skills when they have opportunities to:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          \n
        • communicate, collaborate and build relationships<\/span><\/li>\n
        • reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback to help them improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others<\/span><\/li>\n
        • engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT<\/span><\/li>\n
        • develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable about their own and other cultures and their languages<\/span><\/li>\n
        • explore the richness and diversity of language, how it can affect them and the wide range of ways in which they can be creative<\/span><\/li>\n
        • extend and enrich vocabulary through listening, talking, watching and reading.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Numeracy and Maths<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n

          The school follows the NLC guidelines on Maths, using\u00a0\u2018Heinemann Maths\u2019, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Mathematics includes specific aspects of numeracy which will be developed both in mathematics and through activities in other areas of the curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Putting mathematical knowledge and understanding to constructive use has been one of the decisive factors in shaping societies.<\/span>
          \nEngineering, science, technology and business rely upon mathematics and continue to find new applications for mathematics.<\/span>
          \nCultural development and artistic endeavour are influenced by mathematics.<\/span>
          \nEach of us uses mathematical skills and concepts in everyday life.<\/span>
          \nTo 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Learning through mathematics enables children and young people to:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

            \n
          • develop essential numeracy skills, including arithmetical skills which allow them to participate fully in society<\/span><\/li>\n
          • develop a secure understanding of the concepts, principles and processes of mathematics and apply these in different contexts, including the world of work<\/span><\/li>\n
          • \u00a0have an understanding of the application of mathematics, its impact on our society past and present, and its potential for the future<\/span><\/li>\n
          • \u00a0establish firm foundations for further specialist learning, including for those who will be the mathematicians of the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
            \n

            Health & WellBeing<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

            Each class participates in two hours of PE every week. Holytown\u00a0Primary School is a Health Promoting School.<\/span><\/p>\n

            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:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

              \n
            • Enable pupils to develop a positive regard for their own needs and the needs of others<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Develop life skills that allow pupils to participate effectively and safely in society<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Give pupils opportunities to recognise how their own and society\u2019s values affect their thoughts and actions<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Encourage pupils to take increasing responsibility for their own lives<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              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.<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n

              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.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Children and young people need to experience what it feels like to develop, enjoy and live a healthy lifestyle.<\/span>
              \nThey also need to learn ways of dealing with the many new and challenging situations they will experience throughout their lives.<\/span>
              \nA healthy lifestyle supports physical, social and emotional wellbeing, and underpins successful learning.<\/span>
              \nConcerns about the health, diet and activity levels of Scotland\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Learning through health and wellbeing enables children and young people to:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                \n
              • experience positive aspects of healthy living and activity for themselves<\/span><\/li>\n
              • develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary for their physical, emotional and social wellbeing now and in their future lives<\/span><\/li>\n
              • make informed decisions in order to improve their physical, emotional and social wellbeing<\/span><\/li>\n
              • apply their physical, emotional and social skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle<\/span><\/li>\n
              • make a successful move to the next stage of education or work<\/span><\/li>\n
              • for some, open up opportunities to excel in sport or to pursue careers in health and leisure industries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0Expressive Arts<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                \n

                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.<\/span><\/p>\n

                NLC guidelines are implemented and evaluated to show progression and effort in:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  \n
                • Using materials, techniques, skills and media<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Expressing feelings, ideas, thoughts and solutions<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Evaluating and appreciating<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  \n
                  \n

                  Through the Expressive Arts, children and young people can have rich opportunities to be creative and imaginative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment.<\/span>
                  \nThey can come to understand the important roles of the arts in describing and changing society.<\/span>
                  \nThrough their experience of the expressive arts, children and young people can appreciate the contributions of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Learning through the expressive arts enables children and young people to:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n
                  • express themselves in different ways and be creative<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • experience enjoyment (and contribute to other people\u2019s enjoyment) through creative and expressive performance and presentation<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • develop important skills specific to expressive arts and also transferable skills<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • develop an appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values and ideas<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • for some, prepare for advanced learning and future careers by building foundations for excellence in the Expressive Arts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Religious and Moral Education<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                    Our programme focuses on Christianity and other world religions, namely Islam and Judaism. Holytown Parish Church\u00a0Minister, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Religious and moral education includes learning about Christianity and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    It also includes aspects of philosophical enquiry.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Scotland is now a nation which reflects a wide range of beliefs, values and traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Religious and moral education enables children and young people to explore the world\u2019s major religions and approaches to living which are independent of religious belief, and be challenged by these different beliefs and values.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    It supports children and young people in developing responsible attitudes to other people, their values and their capacity for moral judgement.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Learning through religious and moral education enables children and young people to:<\/span><\/p>\n

                    develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other world religions and recognise religion as an important expression of human experience<\/span><\/p>\n

                    explore moral values such as wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity<\/span>
                    \ninvestigate and understand the responses which religions can offer to questions about the nature and meaning of life<\/span><\/p>\n

                    develop the skills of reflection, discernment, critical thinking, and deciding how to act when making moral decisions<\/span><\/p>\n

                    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.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    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.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

                    Sciences<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

                    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\u2019s discoveries in their local environment, and they are encouraged to use all local sources in their research including home background information.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    We are an Eco School and are committed to improving our school environment and making a positive contribution to global community issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Science includes experiences and outcomes in biological, chemical, physical and environmental contexts.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    The most important goal for science education is to stimulate, nurture and sustain the curiosity, wonder and questioning of children and young people.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Young children have a natural sense of wonder and curiosity and are active and eager learners endeavouring to make sense of the world.<\/span>
                    \nThey develop ideas through play, investigation, first-hand experience and discussion.<\/span>
                    \nAs 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.<\/span>
                    \nYoung 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Learning through the sciences enables children and young people to:<\/span><\/p>\n