READING
Reading begins in the nursery where children are introduced to a wide variety of stories, poems and picture books and progresses through our structured reading programme in the early years of primary school. As children become more independent in reading they progress through the study of novels and information books.
At all stages our aim is that children develop a love of books and read for enjoyment. This is encouraged by the provision of attractive class and school libraries as well as the opportunity to discuss and share books both at school and at home.
WRITING
Writing grows from early drawing and painting, where children are encouraged to communicate their ideas. As they learn to form letters they are taught how to use our language in writing for a variety of different reasons. Children are shown how to plan and draft their ideas before making a final copy. The skills of spelling, grammar, handwriting, punctuation and structure are taught progressively.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
At Drumbrae our children will also experience the French, German or Italian language at various stages throughout the school.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics involves much more than number. Equally important is shape, position and movement, measurement, handling information and the ability to solve problems. Emphasis is placed on practical experience so that children realise the importance of mathematics to everyday life and are able to apply what they learn to a variety of situations. The computer and calculator are used at all stages to support and reinforce the teaching of mathematics. At Drumbrae we use a progressive programme Scottish “Heinemann Mathematics” which addresses all aspects of the 5-14 Curriculum. Pupils from P1-7 are now set in groups for maths and use a wide variety of resources to support learning.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
This term refers to the study of the child’s environment and covers areas of the curriculum such as social subjects (geography and history), science and technology.
In Environmental Studies, your child will learn about the world we live in, of its people and places, past and present and develop an awareness of how all living things depend on their environment for survival. He or she will learn how they can contribute to the shaping of the environment for the future and develop an awareness of different lifestyles and cultures, learning to respect and accept other people’s ways.
Through observation and simple investigations he or she will practise basic scientific skills and build up knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
Field trips have an important part to play in giving meaning to the study. You will be informed of these in advance and a contribution towards the cost of outings may be required. You will be required to complete specific forms for your child. A Risk Assessment form will also be completed by the school.
ICT
Developing skills and expertise in using technology has a high profile at Drumbrae. The use of computers is a vital part of our work and the children are taught to develop their skills and knowledge through a progressive programme of work. The children will also be taught how to keep themselves safe in the powerful internet highway.
This covers health, drug and safety education, personal and social education, home economics and P.E.
At Drumbrae the Health and Wellbeing of our children is paramount. We have been working hard to achieve stage 3 Health Promoting Schools status.
Personal and social education permeates everything we do in school. It is about providing our children with a sound foundation on which to base moral and ethical decisions and develop behaviour which respects the dignity of themselves and others whilst at the same time developing social responsibility and commitment to learning it provides a basis for healthy living and is about preparing our children for effective citizenship.
Sex Education is delivered in line with City of
Pupils in P7 also have the opportunity to take part in a 5-day residential experience to Benmore Outdoor Education Centre.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
Music, Art, Drama and Dance all play an important part in your child’s physical and emotional development and we pay great attention to this area. Your child will experiment with and learn to use a wide range of materials and equipment through which their knowledge, aptitudes and skills will be developed.
In addition to the many talents of our own class teachers, we have this session the benefit of a visiting specialist in brass instrument tuition.
RELIGIOUS & MORAL EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
Since we are a non-denominational school, we are concerned with giving the child some understanding of what religion is rather than imparting a particular religious view. Our programme aims to teach moral values such as honesty, truthfulness and kindness as well as awareness and respect for all major world religions. We hope to provide children with knowledge relevant to our society and to foster tolerance and respect for the beliefs of others. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from religious and moral education and observance.
Within our school we hold weekly assemblies where good things happening in the classroom are shared with the whole school and events in the outside world are discussed. It also allows us to celebrate aspects and traditions of the many cultures which make up our society.
ANTI-BULLYING AND ANTI-RACIST POLICY
At Drumbrae we are committed to the promotion and development of equal opportunities where all members of the school community feel valued and are entitled to respect, social justice and inclusion. Our ideas are reflected not only in the ethos of the school but also in direct teaching where skills, attitudes and knowledge are developed to help children recognise and understand prejudice and discrimination and the importance of a high standard of behaviour in order that throughout their lives they choose to respond appropriately as a member of an ordered, inclusive and multicultural society.
Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable at Drumbrae.
ASSESSMENT AND RECORDS
At Drumbrae pupils are continuously assessed throughout the year using a variety of approaches such as observation and National Assessments. Each pupil has a Personal Learning Plan where samples of work are gathered throughout the year and passed on to the next teacher along with relevant notes. Each pupil is encouraged to choose items to include in their files. These samples will show the progress and achievements made by each pupil from Nursery to P7. At the end of P7 pupils will take their personal record home.
Records of children’s progress and achievements are also transferred to the relevant Secondary School at the end of P7. REPORTS
A written report is issued to parents at the beginning of June. As well as this, parent/teacher consultation times take place in the second term. These meetings give parents the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress. If at any time you wish to discuss any matter concerning your child, feel free to make an appointment. A curriculum evening is also organised for each class throughout the year.
CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS
We try always to be aware of pupils who have special aptitudes or particular difficulties and ensure that learning is appropriate to each child’s needs. We have the benefit of an Additional Support for Learning Teacher and Learning Assistants who work with the class teachers and children as required. Should your child require individual support, we would notify you and invite you to discuss the matter. We also have links with the Regional Educational Psychologists and other services for those children who have specific individual needs.
At all times we encourage full discussion with parents. Our whole emphasis is on the development of positive attitudes in order that each child realises his or her full potential and has full access to the curriculum.
The Authority has a policy of integration which promotes the placement into primary and secondary schools of pupils with significant special needs. Additional support may be given to the school to enable such a placement.
At Drumbrae we consider that a little homework on a regular basis is of benefit to pupils as it reinforces and extends work done in class and gives parents an indication of what their child is doing at school. Parental co-operation and interest is an important element in ensuring that homework is effective. Tasks will be varied. At the early stages homework will comprise mainly of sharing reading, while later on children can expect different tasks, such as a reading assignment, carrying out research for a study, working on a piece of writing or a Maths practice activity. Pupils will receive a Homework Diary which contains information and advice for parents.
If work is not finished in class because of time wasting, we expect children to complete it in their own time at home. PUPIL INVOLVEMENT Pupil involvement in the life of the school is highly valued and expected. Children from Primary 1-7 have a range of opportunities to become involved in the decision-making groups.
PUPIL COUNCIL (MUD) (MUD – Meet Up at Drumbrae) is an elected group which represents the entire pupil population, discusses issues and gives an opportunity for children’s concerns and issues to be raised, discussed and addressed.
ECO WARRIORS
This hearty band of children are on a mission to raise awareness of environmental and health issues. They work hard to promote respect for our school and encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle with a lot of success!
The purpose of assessment is to find out if learning has been effective and is progressing. Information garthered wilkl determine the next stages of learning.
JRSOs (JUNIOR ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS
Two children from Primary 7 are responsible for helping to promote awareness of road safety issues for children. They are especially busy during Road Safety week and are supported by police, learning assistants (who deliver cycling proficiency) and health professionals.