Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary School

The highlight of Mr Young’s day is always his walk through Cathedral’s four learning streets, where he loves catching a glimpse of the children’s learning in action. On Tuesday 10th January, he came across these three enthusiastic learners in Ambition Avenue collaborating on a PowerPoint presentation about Egyptian gods.

Right beside them, another group was hard at work carefully cutting and arranging strips of gold and blue metallic paper to create a life‑size image of Tutankhamun, complete with his iconic mask. The artwork will take several days to complete and will rely on plenty of teamwork and creativity. Watch this space for the finished masterpiece!

As part of their learning on the Scottish Wars of Independence, our enthusiastic Primary 5 learners took on the challenge of constructing their own model of Stirling Bridge — the site of William Wallace’s famous 1297 victory. Using technology materials of their choice, they planned, designed and built this impressive structure that showcased both creativity and historical understanding. A fantastic display of teamwork and problem‑solving from everyone involved.

These Primary 6 boys demonstrated impressive teamwork and creativity as they took the lead in a learner‑led project to design and build a three‑dimensional model of the Egyptian god Anubis. Working collaboratively from the very beginning, they researched the features of the ancient deity, planned their design and delegated roles based on each person’s strengths. Their final model reflects not only their growing understanding of Ancient Egypt but also their ability to problem‑solve, communicate and support one another throughout the process. 

Parents and carers of children in Primary 3–7 joined us on Thursday 5th February for our second Active8 Family Learning session. The event opened with an insightful presentation from Mrs Duffy, who outlined the educational theory behind Cathedral’s approaches and explained the careful balance of adult‑led, adult‑initiated and learner‑led experiences. Mrs Duffy also highlighted the strong similarities between Cathedral’s approaches and those of primary schools in Finland, widely recognised as one of the world’s leading education systems.

Following the presentation, families headed into classrooms and learning streets where they explored a range of activities alongside their children.

Wednesday 4th February saw a visit from one of Cathedral’s music specialists, Mr Cruikshank.  Developing their instrumental skills, these young saxophonists are learning to play ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Back to Black’ by reading musical notation and playing together as a band.  Mrs Duffy was lucky enough to be treated to her own personal recital!

Parents and carers of children in Primary 3–7 joined us on Tuesday 3 February for an Active8 Family Learning session. The event opened with an insightful presentation from Mr Young, who outlined the educational theory behind Cathedral’s approaches and explained the careful balance of adult‑led, adult‑initiated and learner‑led experiences. Mr Young also highlighted the strong similarities between Cathedral’s approaches and those of primary schools in Finland, widely recognised as one of the world’s leading education systems.

Following the presentation, families headed into classrooms and learning streets where they explored a range of activities alongside their children.

A second Active8 Family Learning session will take place on Thursday 5th February for families of children in Primary 3/4, 4a, 5a, 4/5, 6a, 7a and 7c.

Please use the link below to access Cathedral’s January–June Family Learning leaflet.

Jan – June 2026 Family Learning programme

Cathedral learners are not only highly engaged in the classroom—they also know how to create their own entertainment in the playground. This talented and creative group recently formed their own dance crew, NV (pronounced envy), and even distributed VIP tickets ahead of their debut performance on Monday 2nd February. The outdoor theatre was packed for the much-anticipated show, proving that creativity and confidence are thriving here at Cathedral.

February’s wellbeing indicator is RESPECTED. Please use the prompts below to talk to your child about this indicator. This will help them complete their wellbeing wheel in school.

Nursery and Primary 1

• I share my ideas during Pupil Parliament.

• My teacher asks me about my learning.

• I help the teacher to make decisions about my learning.

• I often tell the teacher what I think about my work.

• I can make and keep good friends.

• I show respect to myself, others and school property.

Primary 2 – 4

• I share my ideas during Pupil Parliament.

• My teacher asks me about my learning.

• I help the teacher to make decisions about my learning.

• I can contribute to self and peer-assessment with respect.

• I can make and keep good friends.

• I show respect to myself, others and property.

• I can listen to the ideas, thoughts and feelings of others.

Primary 5 – 7

• I share my ideas during Pupil Parliament.

• I take on responsibilities in class and beyond, such as buddying.

• I regularly discuss my learning with my teacher.

• I help the teacher to make decisions about my learning.

• I can contribute to meaningful self and peer-assessment.

• I have personal skills that help me to manage my relationships.

• I show respect for myself, others and property.

Cathedral Primary has been embedding the UNCRC articles into the life and work of our school community for many years, and this commitment was highlighted as a key strength in our recent inspection report. Inspectors noted that:

“Across the school, children demonstrate a deepening understanding of children’s rights and feel their rights are respected. All classes have a class charter, created by the children, for the children. Senior leaders ensure children’s rights are a regular focus of school assemblies, supported further by class lessons. The highly effective work of the Rights Respecting pupil group ensures that children’s rights are central to the life of the school.”

Following an accreditation morning on Friday 30th January, Cathedral Primary was delighted to be awarded Silver Rights Respecting Schools status. This achievement reflects a whole‑school effort, but particular thanks go to Mrs Shevelin and the RRS Committee for gathering evidence and presenting it so confidently on the day.

A wonderful milestone for our school community and a testament to our children’s commitment to understanding and championing the UNC Rights of the Child.