Curricular Information
The school seeks to provide all pupils with a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum matched to their individual needs. In this way, children will gain knowledge of the world about them and develop a desire to learn more about the world.
We take into account the special educational needs of individual children and endeavour to meet these needs whenever they occur.
All teachers present the subjects Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Health Education, P.E., Music, Art, Drama and R.M.E. in accordance with the 5-14 curriculum requirements.
Children in Primary 6 and 7 are also taught either French or German.
Language
Language, including modern languages, is divided into four areas; Listening/watching, Talking, Reading and Writing. Each of these areas is further divided. For example in the teaching of writing, teachers will consider aspects such as, Functional Writing, Personal Writing, Spelling and Knowledge about Language.
Further information on the teaching of reading and writing is available for parents in the handbook, "Essentials for Starters at East Calder Primary", and in the curricular talks arranged annually.
Mathematics
Four areas of study comprise mathematics teaching. These are Problem Solving and Enquiry, Information Handling, Shape, Position and Movement and Number, Money and Measure. Within each area of study, staff will encourage pupils to handle concrete materials and real-life mathematical problems. There will also be an emphasis on mental calculation in number work.
Environmental Studies
Each class undertakes a series of studies of the environment. Each study provides a context within which Social Studies, Science and Technology are taught. To ensure a balanced curriculum certain content is laid down in school policy but there is some flexibility for teachers or pupils to pursue current issues which they find particularly interesting. Within all their projects children gain knowledge and understanding and develop the skills of Preparing for tasks, Carrying out tasks and Reviewing and Reporting on tasks.
Information and Communications Technology
The National Guidelines recommend the use of ICT to improve pupils knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of curriculum areas and subjects to develop pupils' general skills in ICT. In this way ICT is integrated into all areas of school life.
Health Education
The national Guidelines provide a framework for the development of health promotion and health education in a coherent way. Health promotion is considered to be any action that will protect and improve health of individuals and communities and is closely linked with pupils' personal and social development.
Expressive Arts
In Expressive Arts, pupils undertake activities in Art and Design, Music, Drama and Physical Education. In each subject pupils will learn different techniques and use a variety of materials. They will learn to express their ideas and thoughts through the Arts and to appreciate their own work as well as the work of others.
At present we have Specialist teachers in Art and Design, Music and Physical Education, as well as Woodwind and Brass intructors.
Religious and Moral Education
The national Guidelines in RME require teaching about religions to be systematic, and to deal with Christianity as well as developing an understanding of and respect for people of other faiths and people who adopt a non-religious stance for living. Moral education is carried on thoughout the day to day life of the school in the consideration of values such as honesty, fairness and respect for others. School assemblies also centre on these values, whether led by pupils, staff or the school chaplain. |