McLean Primary School follows the National Guidance for the 5-14 Curriculum as the basis for the learning opportunities and activities carried out in the school. The school also provides a wide range of additional activities related to the curriculum through school clubs and residential visits.
The 5-14 curriculum has six main elements, English language (which incorportates listening, talking, reading and writing), mathematics, environmental studies, (which incorporates geography, history, science, health education, technology and ICT) expressive arts, (which includes art and design, drama, music and physical education) religious and moral education and personal and social development. Additionally, children in P6 and P7 are offered the study of a European Language. (either French or German)
The 5-14 curriculum is divided into levels, from A to F. Teachers ensure through planning and assessment, that each child will progress through these levels at a pace determined by their understanding and application of the work. National guidance is given as to when most children should progress to a new level. National Tests are also used to confirm teachers' judgements of progress.
To try and maximise information about children's progress and abilities, children in P1, P3, P5 and P7 undertake additional standardised testing in English language and mathematics. Teachers at McLean also use further standardised tests in spelling and reading to track children's progress twice a year. These tests are administered from P3 to P7. Parents and children are normally informed of the results in these various areas of testing, either through the end of term report or by letter. A strong determinant of children's success in school is self-confidence. McLean puts a great deal of emphasis on developing children's self-confidence and the development of responsibility. This development is undertaken through both curricular and extra curricular activity. |