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An introduction to our Curriculum can
be found in the online Prospectus
The Cauldeen Primary Curriculum is separated into the following
areas:
| • Reading
and Language |
• Mathematics |
| • Environmental Studies |
• Expressive Arts |
| • Personal & Social |
• Religious & Moral |
| • ICT Resources |
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| Reading and Language |
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Mathematics |
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Reading, writing, listening and talking
are essential aspects of language and all part of the skill of communicating
effectively.
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The school policy on mathematics is to
teach number concepts and skills in a systematic and practical manner
to achieve understanding of the concepts and processes involved. |
The school reading and language
policy is to teach and develop these skills across the curriculum
so as to give real meaning to the work carried out as well as using
the structure of a modern reading and language scheme.
Proven up to date reading and language schemes are in use, supporting
a high quality of learning and teaching in the reading and language
areas of the curriculum. The teaching of reading involves more than
reading words on a page, it also involves many types of specific
reading skills as well as reading for enjoyment. Many of these higher
order reading skills are taught in the upper primary classes.
Language skills include oral language, listening skills, drama,
writing stories, poems, reports, letters and numerous other writing
for specific purposes across the curriculum. Spelling, punctuation,
handwriting and grammar are thoroughly taught to ensure that our
pupil's written work is accurate, legible and communicates easily
to the reader. Although the pupil's will use word processing packages
and desktop publishing on the school computers at times, this
does not diminish the need for clear written work.
The language policy, including the early intervention initiative,
is based on best practice, the National Guidelines provide quality
learning and teaching and is reviewed regularly. It aims to provide
a progression of skills from P1 to P7 with emphasis on the transfer
of skills to other areas of the curriculum. We also aim to encourage
knowledge and understanding about language as well as an enjoyment
of reading. In the upper primary a second modern European language
is available. At the present time upper classes are receiving
instruction in French.
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The school policy is in line with the
5-14 National Guidelines and current council guidance.
To ensure the necessary continuity and steady development of number
and mathematical skills, a proven mathematics programme is used
as a core. Where appropriate, other material such as computer programmes,
practical assignments, etc are used, and where mathematical work
naturally fits in to other curricular areas it is developed i.e.
Project work, sports etc. Practical and problem solving mathematics
is encouraged to enable the pupils to apply the skills they learn
to real situations and achieve enjoyment and success.
Mental mathematics is taught throughout the school encouraging
mental agility. Computation, a good knowledge of tables, as well
as, practical problem solving are very necessary skills which
the teachers will help all the children develop. |
| Expressive Arts |
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The areas of the curriculum, which we describe as
expressive arts, include music, art, craft, poetry, drama or role-playing,
physical education, dance and movement. |
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The sharing of expertise between the
specialist teacher and class teacher gives rise throughout the year
to a great deal of lively work in art, drama, dance and music which
is shared at our concerts performed for parents and the community.
As areas of the Expressive Arts are reviewed in line with the main
School Development Plan, the 5-14 National Guidelines are being
implemented. The Expressive Arts, as an essential part of the pupils
curriculum, develop and provide outlets for talents, creative abilities,
individual expression and response as well as stimulating interest
or deepening understanding. Although much of the work done in this
area is integrated across the curriculum, especially in Environmental
Studies, our classroom and specialist teachers ensure that a planned
development of skills and techniques takes place within the individual
areas of the expressive arts programme. |