Deshar Primary School Curriculum

1: Curriculum Values and Rationale

VALUES

We want a curriculum that will:

Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children feel included and respected

Encourage all children to aim for excellence in everything they do

Make learning fun, active and challenging so everyone can achieve their best

Encourage independence, responsibility and active participation in both school life and that of the wider community

Value everyone’s qualities while promoting and maintaining the highest expectations of attitude and attendance

Aim to equip all learners with the skills necessary for life in the future

RATIONALE

We want a curriculum that will raise standards by developing an interest and enthusiasm for learning.

We want a curriculum that takes into account the most recent research.

We want a primary curriculum which develops a rigorous interdisciplinary approach as we know that thematic work is the way to interest young

children. We want a curriculum which develops pupils’ creative approaches to learning whilst raising standards.

A curriculum that develops Imagination.

Where pupils are encouraged to come up with their own ‘original’ way of doing something.

A curriculum that encourages pupils to evaluate their work in relation to success criteria and next steps to improve their work.

We want to develop learning in different ways; out of doors, through play, in small groups, through art music and sport, by listening, watching and

doing.

2: Overview of our Curriculum in Deshar Primary School

In Deshar Primary School we provide a curriculum which fully embraces the four contexts for learning of Curriculum for Excellence

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT [Confident Individuals]

Sports Day, Sponsored walk, Soccer 7s, P4/5 Swim, Skiing P6/7

Music - Tuition/Performing, Drum & Guitar lessons, Christmas and Summer Concerts, Carol Singing and Kodaly for P1-4

PLP – Personal targets, E-portfolios, Snapshot jotters, Achievement Folders

Head Teachers certificates, Achievement boards, Golden pupil

Enterprise, Blythswood Shoebox Appeal, Children in Need

Pupil Council, Eco Committee, Buddies, Assemblies

Motivational talks, Drama workshop

Eco School Action Month Activities

Cross Country Running

Nature Club, Forest School

Nursery- Scottish Book Awards, World Book Day, St. Andrew’s Day,

Badenoch Music Festival, Rotary Quiz

Resilient Kids (Nursery/P1 transition), Circle Time, Blogging awards

P6 trip to Raasay, P7 trip to Edinburgh

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ETHOS AND LIFE OF THE SCHOOL [Effective Contributors / Responsible Citizens]

This includes opportunities to participate responsibly in decision-making, to contribute as leaders and role models,

offering support and service to others and playing an active part in putting the values of the school community into practice.

House Teams, Pupil Council representatives, JRSO representatives and Eco School Committee members.

Wearing school uniform, recycling, assemblies

P1/7 buddies, lunchtime buddies

Charity work Working to support our local community - Milton Pond Conservation Work and litter picks

HOW WE DELIVER CORE ENTITLEMENTS [SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS]

Curriculum Area What? How? Key resources

Literacy – Writing

Through use of Big Writing approach [VCOP and WOW words etc]

Aspects of HLP.

Nelson Handwriting scheme.

HLP spelling strategy i.e. common words.

Phonics programme [ focus on Jolly Phonics]

Unsupported pieces of writing [variety of genre] are used for moderation and assessment and for reflection with the teacher,

peer or parent. These support pupils and teachers in identifying clear next steps / targets for future learning

Literacy - Reading

Progression of phonics through the Jolly Phonics scheme (systematic phonics approach)-

Key resources

Early Level - Oxford Reading Tree, Four Corners, Fireflies

First Level – Oxford Reading Tree and Four Corners, Novels, Kingscourt, Toe by Toe, Ginn

Second Level – Oxford Reading Tree, Four Corners, Kingscourt, Ginn reading and supplementary novels,

ASN - Wellington Square, Zoom, I Can *Speedy Readers IT programme (to be introduced in 2014)

Pupils at all levels also have access to a broad range of novels [ fiction and non-fiction] comics, newspapers, manuals,

magazines, etc

They also access the library in each teaching block to select books for class and home reading.

Library van, Challenge Awards, Writer’s Craft, Reading for Information

Literacy – Talking and Listening CfE Experiences and Outcomes provide core framework

Resources such as board games, listening tapes, computer games support learning.

Pupils from P2 – 7 are required to prepare and deliver a solo talk on an annual basis, starting with projects of their own

choosing and progressing to talks linked to key IDL topics.

Talking and Listening Partners

Literacy – Modern Languages Through implementation of the Highland MLPS programme [CfE Experiences and Outcomes at Second Level provide core

framework].

Numeracy

Through introduction of the Highland Numeracy Programme [CfE Experiences and Outcomes provide core framework].

A broad range of resources are used to support learning including Scottish Heinemann, Collins Problem Solving in Action,

TeeJay Maths and Peter Patilla mental agility.

Health & Well-Being Through familiarisation and introduction of the Highland P.E programme [including Better Movers, Better Thinkers activities]

and the school’s own Health and Well Being programme [CfE Experiences and Outcomes provide core framework].

Specialist input [1 hour per week] is provided by a P.E. teacher. Class teachers plan and deliver learning for the remaining hour

[entitlement of 2 hours each week for every pupil].

In addition, pupils in P4/5 Swim for 12 weeks each academic session [Highlife Highland supporting delivery].

Additional opportunities for personal achievement are offered through after-school clubs e.g. football, basketball, shinty,

nature club, music and P6/7 skiing and snowboarding sessions supported by BASSSA

Pupils also develop skills in emotional literacy through the Resilient Kids and Being Cool in School and Values Education

Programme.

Safe, Strong and Free in Nursery

The following curricular areas are delivered through IDL topics or stand-alone lessons [where no natural links exist]. Wherever possible, staff will plan

contextualized opportunities for Numeracy, Literacy and Health and Well-Being within these IDL topics.

The cross cutting themes of Learning for Sustainability, [including citizenship [global etc], outdoor learning, enterprise and creativity education will be

woven into themes, as and when appropriate. Social Studies Through implementation of staff and pupils’ own selection of key IDL themes, ensuring progression and coverage of the CfE Experiences and

Outcomes [Es and Os] at Early, First and Second Level. Where Es and Os cannot be delivered through a linked topic they will be taught

within stand-alone lessons.

Enterprise activities and Eco Projects will also provide quality contexts for learning in this area.

Science Through introduction of the Highland Science Programme [through IDL or through stand – alone lessons].

Each year, pupils will be involved in experiencing science activities in connection with Generation Science

Religious and Moral

Education

Through implementation of the CfE Es and Os

In addition to the above, pupils will have regular opportunities for religious worship in school assemblies. The School Chaplain, Mr Walker,

supports the school during these assemblies and visits classes [after consultation with class teachers and reference to the Es and Os ] to

support learning and teaching of Christian themes.

Learning about other world religions is delivered through the implementation of the Es and Os of CfE

Technology

o ICT

o E safety

o Food technology

Through implementation of the CfE Es and Os. Wherever possible, learning in ICT is contextualized.

Through use of the CEOP materials - http://ceop.police.uk/ and visits from the Community police officer

Our ASN baking groups have regular opportunities for personal achievement by learning cookery and baking skills. In addition, producing

these items enables pupils to develop listening and talking skills and enhances learning by facilitating the sharing of views and opinions.

Pupils at various stages of the school participate in making cakes and sweets for our Christmas Fayre and as part of their Scottish themes

(e.g. Burns Day, Food for Thought). They also learn about the importance of food hygiene.

Pupils in P6 participate in the Seafood in Schools project, a context for learning which links with the local secondary school and its

associated school group. Working with other pupils within the ASG, the group produces a case study of the project.

Expressive Arts

o Art and design

o Music

o Dance , Drama and

Role Play

Wherever possible, the programme activities will be delivered through contextualized learning.

Where possible, the programme activities will be delivered through contextualized learning. Additional learning opportunities will also be

provided by Mrs Owens on a weekly basis and by Feis Spe and Kodaly instructors. School performances, Assembly

Where possible, the programme activities will be delivered through contextualized learning. All pupils are involved in developing drama

skills through involvement in the Christmas entertainment programme and from workshops delivered by Eden Court Outreach. Health.

Circle Time.

Partnership with our community and others which supports pupils’ learning and achievement [Responsible Citizens]

We provide regular opportunities for our local community to work with us and for our pupils to work with the local community. These include:

HC Ranger Service, RSPB Field Teacher, RSPB Community Ranger

Craig MacLean Centre, Skiing, Active Schools Co-ordinator

Dental Hygienist, Nurse – hand washing/sex education, CPR

Police – JRSO

Local Church, Christmas Fayre,

Locals who come into speak – Sheila Wallace, Postie, Farmers

People who help us – Post Office, Local Crofter

Through delivery of the above curricular areas pupils will develop a range of skills. Pupils will constantly reflect on this skills development as part of

their on-going reflection about learning.

3: When do things happen in Deshar Primary School?

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT [Confident Individuals]

Term 1 Pupil Council Eco Committee Buddies Motivational talk Chris Josey-Kodaly Drama workshop Assemblies Personal Targets Nature Club Martin – Drum & Guitar

Term 2 Christmas Concert Carol Singing Assemblies P4/5 Swim Snapshot jotters Nature Club Christmas St. Andrew’s Day Music Club P1-4 visit to Toy Museum Food bank - Harvest

Term 3 Assemblies Rotary Quiz Personal Targets Nature Club Skiing P6/7 Badenoch Festival World Book Day Safe, Strong and Free

Term 4 P6 buddies Assemblies P4/5 Swim Sports Day Snapshots P6 residential trip to Raasay P7 Edinburgh Residential Trip Resilient Kids (Nursery/P1 transition) Soccer 7s

On going Basketball E-portfolios Blogging awards Golden Tickets Enterprise Circle Time Golden pupil Head Teachers certificates Music Tuition/Performing Achievement boards

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ETHOS AND LIFE OF THE SCHOOL [Effective Contributors / Responsible Citizens]

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 On going Gardening Pupil Council Eco Committee Buddies

Christmas concert Carols, Coffee and Cakes for Blythswood Shoebox Appeal

Children in Need End of term concert Gardening.

House Teams, Pupil Council representatives, JRSO representatives Wearing school uniform, recycling, assemblies P1/7 buddies

CROSS CUTTING THEMES FOR LEARNING

Learning for Sustainability [including citizenship [global etc], outdoor learning and sustainable development] Enterprise Education, Creativity, Eco School, Food Bank. Litter project whole school, planting/growing, Blythswood Challenge, Library Enterprise, Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Maths Outdoors, Healthy Breakfast, Eco School

WHOLE SCHOOL CURRICULAR EVENTS which contribute to learning e.g. Challenge, Book/Reading, Health, Eco Schools, Scottish weeks

Term 1 Events/organisation

Term 2 St Andrews Day

Term 3 World Book Day Music FestivalFestival Skiing

Term 4 Commonwealth Games High Five Health Programme Visit to Tesco –Farm to Fork

4: Planning for our Curriculum in Deshar Primary School

Timetabling

Deshar Primary School has allocated teaching time according to our judgement of what is best for our children based on the values and ethos

outlined above.

Our curriculum is flexible in that we teach some subjects in some weeks, or terms, and not in other weeks, or terms, however there are some basic

principles which are outlined in the following table.

The timetable allows for lessons of varying lengths.

Literacy and Maths/Numeracy can be taught in the mornings or afternoons although more often they are taught in the mornings.

The time allocation per week is outlined in the following table – however this should be used as a guideline and is not wholly prescriptive.

Subject Key programme Further information Time

Language Highland Literacy Programme

Big Writing

Literacy and English is taught either through a specific lesson each day or through IDL work.

Additionally, there is focused teaching in basic skills which includes phonics, spelling and

handwriting. There is also a focus on speaking and listening in all lessons skills.

4.5

Mathematics Various including:

Heinemann Maths

TeeJay Maths

Mental Maths programme- includes written, oral and ICT

Allocation of 45-60 minutes daily for the teaching of maths. Mental and oral maths and

problem solving form part of the daily and weekly lessons.

There is a whole school overview for the teaching of maths across the school which ensures

appropriate breadth and depth of coverage

4.5

PE Allocation of 2 hours per week for the teaching of PE. Over the session this includes dance,

gymnastics, athletics, games, golf and swimming.

2.0

Health and

Wellbeing

Prim-Ed

Primary Health and Values

Each week there is dedicated time for the teaching of Personal, Social and Health Education

Circle Time.

1.0

Social

subjects

Topic work, including IDL is taught for a

minimum of 4 hours per week. The

length of teaching time spent on each

subject within a topic varies. It could

last for an hour per week, or take up

the whole allocation of 4 hours a week.

When projects are planned awareness

is raised of international

links/sustainability

Coverage of the RME curriculum includes the CfE Es&Os relating to Christianity: Beliefs; Values

and Issues; Practices and Traditions and World Religions selected for study: Beliefs; Values and

Issues; Practices and Traditions

Expressive

Arts

Technologies/

ICT

R.E.

Citizenship incorporates the concepts of local and

global citizenship, interdependence,

social justice, sustainable development,

values and perceptions.

Practical workshops where pupils take on roles and responsibilities to lead on activities which

make a difference in their local/global community

MFL Taught in P 6 and 7 Following Highland MLPS Programme

CORE ENTITLEMENTS [ Early, 1st and 2nd LEVEL] Literacy Numeracy P.E. Modern Languages Health and Well-being

Curriculum Area What? How? Key resources

Literacy listening and talking

reading

writing

3-5 reading sessions HLP a week 1-2 writing sessions a week Spelling words – group/individual, Spelling games/activities Scholastic shared texts Writer’s Craft x 1 or R for I x 1

Big Writing programme, Nelson Spelling, Jolly Phonics Spelling - Prim Ed Spelling

Numeracy Number, money and measure Shape, position and movement Information handling Problem solving

5 maths sessions – 4 sessions numeracy/number + 1 session other maths. Problem solving and Invest. 1 per week

Maths recovery resources, Highland maths programme, Education City, ICT games, own games, Teejay and Heinemann.

Modern Languages listening and talking reading writing

2 x 30 min session a week P6/7 Other vocabulary/days of the week etc. incorporated into weekly activities

Modern Languages programme, tracking clouds

H & WB Food and health

Knowledge/understanding of

healthy diet and making

informed decisions in order to

improve mental, emotional,

social and physical wellbeing

experiencing positive aspects of

healthy living through

knowledge/understanding,

skills, attributes and capabilities

to make healthy food choices,

establishing lifelong healthy

Blocks and links with interdisciplinary and other class lessons

HWB Highland Council Programme, Safe Highland values Ed, School HWB Programme, Resilient Kids, Circle Time, High Five, Cool in School, Choices for Life, CPR

eating habits putting into

practice

knowledge/understanding of

how the dietary needs of

individuals and groups vary

through life stages

P.E [ 2 hours] Physical education

Physical competencies –

balance, control, rhythm,

timing, coordination, accuracy

and kinaesthetic awareness

Cognitive skills – decision

making, problem solving,

kinaesthetic awareness,

processing information,

analysing movements

Physical fitness – speed,

strength (core stability),

suppleness/ flexibility and

stamina/ endurance

Personal qualities/skills – motivation, resilience, tolerance, determination, confidence, leadership and working with others

All classes 2 hours of PE Specialist and class teacher

PE Specialist, PE Programme - resource

INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING Key principles - 4-6 week focus 3-4 curricular areas to be linked at most Personalisation and choice

Topic IDL suggested programme/ IDL planner for other areas of linked learning

Progression in Social Subjects Science Technology RME ICT Health Expressive Arts

RME, PE, Numeracy and Literacy in place. Working on planning and progressions in Science (Feb). Social Subjects, Expressive Arts and ICT next session