Curriculum
Our curriculum is based upon national guidance as set out in A Curriculum for Excellence. This is the basis for all learning and teaching activities designed to promote the development of the four capacities -Responsible Citizens, Effective Contributors, Confident Individuals and Successful Learners.
Areas of study include: Literacy and English Mathematics Science Technologies Health and Wellbeing Social Studies Expressive Arts Religious and Moral Education
Literacy and English include the following elements: Listening and Talking Reading Writing
All pupils are encouraged to develop their skills in communication. For some, this will involve the use of alternative and augmentative communication systems eg concrete signifiers (real objects), Makaton signing (which involves signing a word and speaking at the same time), the use of symbol systems (picture or drawings which represent actions or objects) and, for some, assistive technology involving the use of switch systems. Some pupils may follow a programme which focuses on the development of literacy skills: pre-writing/ writing and pre-reading/ reading activities, supported by computer technology. This will form the basis of whole class and individual education programmes. Commercial programmes currently used include the Oxford Reading Tree Reading Scheme.
Numeracy and Mathematics include the following elements: Number Addition and subtraction Fractions Money Time Measure 2D and 3D shapes Handling data
All pupils are encouraged to develop functional mathematical skills, including using numbers in everyday situations, finding out about the properties of shapes, using simple measurements, using money to make purchases within real contexts. Commercial programmes include Heinemann Mathematics and Maths based computer programmes.
Science includes the following elements: Planet Earth Energy in the Environment Forces and motion Life and Cells Communications
Through topic work and eco-awareness, pupils have many experiences and learn a variety of skills in early science.
Technologies include the following elements: Eco-awareness Use of ICT and AAC Model making Use of technology to present ideas Practical activities including use of video and photographic equipment
Croftcroighn School is well equipped with many: • Smartboards and computers, supported by a wide range of software • Switches and switch operated toys • Voice output devices such as Big Macs • Cameras and video cameras, including Digital Blue movie cameras • Model making resources
Pupils have many opportunities to interact with their environment and with other people using the many resources we have in school.
Health and Wellbeing includes the following elements: Making choices Physical Education Physical activity and sport Food and Health
Pupils are encouraged to develop discrimination in touch, taste, smell and to develop tracking and location in vision and hearing. Through the development of play skills and finding out about the world around them, children are assisted to learn about their environment and to develop appropriate patterns of social behaviour. The development of personal and social development is at the centre of every area of study. Pupils are encouraged to develop appropriate levels of independence in their personal care regimes: eating and drinking, dressing, washing and toileting. Appropriate social behaviour and respect for self and others is encouraged in every aspect of school life and structured programmes in health education, citizenship and enterprise help prepare pupils to take on more personal responsibility in their own lives.
Social Studies include the following elements: People: past events and societies People: place and environment People: in society
Pupils experience and learn through topic work, outings and object handling.
Expressive Arts includes the following elements: Drama Art Music Dance
Pupils experience a very full and varied programme of expressive arts activities. We have a full-time music teacher and are very well supported by a comprehensive range of visiting specialists including drama specialists, storytellers, art specialists, therapists etc. Art appreciation is also encouraged through visits to local museums and exhibitions. Likewise, pupils are given regular opportunities to experience the performing arts through visits to theatre and also through participation in our annual school show and monthly assemblies.
Religious and Moral Education includes: Christianity Other world religions Development of beliefs and values
Each day, classes begin with a short welcome session, recognising each pupil and his/her unique character and personality. Monthly whole school assemblies help create an ethos of mutual respect and provide opportunities for the entire school community to celebrate and recognise successes and achievements. All pupils are encouraged to develop positive attitudes to and tolerance of others’ differences. Through exploration of Christianity and other world religions, children explore a variety of forms of worship and celebrate associated festivals.
Croftcroighn School 290 Mossvale Road Glasgow G33 5NY Phone: 0141 774 3760 Fax: 0141 774 5016 E-mail:headteacher@croftcroighn-pri.glasgow.sch.uk