THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM.
We offer our pupils a wide curriculum, based on National Guidelines 5-14 and current advice from East Renfrewshire Authority, in order to promote the skills necessary for life. Although the areas of the curriculum are illustrated individually, they are in fact inter-related. Within the varied curriculum we aim to provide equal opportunities for all our children, regardless of ability, gender or race. Multi-cultural and anti-racist education is actively promoted in this school, as is education for Active Citizenship.
For more detailed information on our programmes of study:
Personal Learning Plans
Extra Support For Learning
Our teaching methods ensure that any difficulties are quickly highlighted. In the first instance teachers would express any concerns to the Depute Head Teacher who would then inform the Head Teacher. The nature of the difficulty would be discussed and if necessary assessed. Remedial action would initially be taken by the class teacher. If any additional input from the Learning Support Teacher was deemed necessary, the parents would always be informed. Our Support for Learning Teacher and members of the senior management team as available, all work with class teachers in order to provide materials, assist with individuals or groups and advise on appropriate programmes of work. Occasionally we call upon the services of the psychologist appointed to the school or other agencies to diagnose and help remedy a learning difficulty. This is only done after consultation with the parent. Our Home Link Teacher will also visit parents at home to assist with learning if necessary.
Extra Support For Learning
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty in its own right. We use the term where a boy or girl is having difficulty with aspects of reading or writing when there’s a clear difference between these and the way they perform in other areas of schoolwork.
If you think your son or daughter may be dyslexic your first step is to approach the school. Mrs Kennedy (Head Teacher), Mrs Hall (Depute Head Teacher) or Miss McColgan (Support for Learning Teacher) will be happy to give you advice and information on Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia).
There will be strategies in place to help deal with any problems that teachers have identified. However, if not, assessments may be carried out to establish the nature and severity of the problems your son or daughter is facing. This may involve specialist help and advice from an Educational Psychologist. As stated previously, the school policy is to keep you and your child fully informed of the results of these assessments.
Joint Support Team
As you know St. Mark’s is part of the New Community School initiative. Our Educational Psychologist and the Community School Social Worker meet with the Head Teacher and Learning Support Co-ordinator regularly to discuss how best to support pupils, teachers and parents. If your child needs extra support you may be asked for permission for us to discuss your child’s needs at a Joint Support team meeting. You may also be invited to a meeting to discuss how best we can work together to support your child. |