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