READING AND LANGUAGE
Reading, writing, listening and talking are essential aspects of language and all part of the skill of communicating effectively. 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.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics
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 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.
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is the progressive development of your individual child’s understanding and awareness of the world around him/her, both local and global, in terms of her/himself and the part he/she plays, can play and will play, as a member of society. The main components of Environment Studies are Science, Social Subjects, Technology, Health Education and Information Technology.
Cauldeen School has a carefully constructed series of content topics providing an appropriate balance and progression in all areas of Environmental Studies throughout the school and ensureing an appropriate balance of skills and content.
Visits to places of educational value and interest, mainly local but also further afield, are an integral part of Cauldeen School policy in this area. This includes the option of educational visits to other areas of the UK and European Continent for pupils in P5, P6 and P7.
To date, highly successful visits have taken place to France, Belgium and Holland, where aspects of work completed in the classroom is supported by visits to the actual location and make use of their French in real situations.
All pupils will be involved in developing computer skills both in our custom built Information Communication Technology Base and on our updated computers in all classes. Presently we have an overall ratio of one computer for every four children.
Our skills development programme will involve using databases, desktop publishing, the internet, control technology, word processing and use of the Environmental Studies programme and the wider use of computers in the broader curriculum.
Religious and Moral Education
Religious Education in Cauldeen School is approached on a non-denominational basis in all classes. The aim of our Religious Education programme in each class is to provide our pupils with an understanding and appreciation of stories from Christianity and other world religions and the moral values and attitudes they impart. We aim to provide knowledge about beliefs, celebrations, festivals, key figures etc from the main religions. Relationships and Moral Values are at the core of the curriculum and are reflected in applying these attitudes and actions throughout the school.
Regular assemblies and services are conducted with the school chaplain in attendance. Each class prepares and presents an assembly at least once per session for the whole school, enabling the pupils to share their learning in a meaningful way.
As Religious Education is reviewed in line with the School Development Plan, the 5-14 National Guidelines are being implemented.
Personal & Social
Personal and Social Development encompasses issues such as self awareness, self esteem, inter-personal relationships, independence and inter-dependence. These issues are central to the education of the whole child and are essentially concerned with the development of life skills.
Expressive Arts
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. 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.
ICT
Cauldeen is proud of it’s excellent provision of ICT resources, including the high-tech computer suite. As a school we are committed to ensuring access for all children to the latest in ICT technology. To ensure a progression of skills across all the various 5-14 strands we have recently purchased the Nelson Thornes ICT programme of work.