James Gillespie's Primary School

[EduCativ]

James Gillespie’s Primary is a co-educational, non-denominational school for children from Nursery to Primary 7.Our school is situated in Whitehouse Loan and serves the area of Marchmont and the Grange in the south of Edinburgh.

The present school building was opened in 1991 and is set in spacious grounds with grass and asphalt areas at present where children can play in safety. The school has two annexes. One is the Nursery building and Gym Hall which is situated at the opposite end of the playground to the main building and the other is a modern annex which houses the two Primary 5 classes. The main building has 12 classes, an ICT Suite, a Music Room, Drama Area, Conference Room, and Hall which also serves as a dining area. All our classes are limited to 30 in size, from Nursery to Primary 7.

Our school celebrated its bi-centenary in 2003 and we are very proud of our long tradition of providing high-quality education in this part of the city.

We also have a part-time Business Manager, a full-time Administrator, a full-time and a part-time Clerical Assistant. We currently have 10 Learning Assistants, 1 Service Support Officer, and 4 Catering Staff.

A school Nurse visits our school as well as Occupational, Speech, and Language, and other therapists to support pupils in a variety of ways.

Our school vision is to create a happy, safe, and engaging learning community where everyone can develop positive relationships and experience personal success.

We aim to develop the following values in all of our learners…

• Integrity – be truthful in all that you do.
• Equality – treat everyone fairly.
• Respect – treat everyone well.
• Diligence – work hard and rewards will come your way.

Through these values, we encourage everyone in our school community to be…

• Successful learners throughout their lives.
• Confident individuals in a range of contexts.
• Responsible citizens at home, school, in the local community, and our country.
• Effective contributors at home, school, in the local community, and our country.

Our school motto of “Strength & Loyalty” or “Fidelis et Fortis” in Latin, is reflected in those thousands of children who have moved on from this school to lead successful lives and hold strong bonds with their old school.

Our curriculum will be delivered indoors and outdoors in all weathers. Children will learn outdoors in our school grounds, the local neighborhood, our city and region, and on excursions to other parts of our country. We ask teachers to take learning outdoors every week. We go outdoors to learn when this is the best place to carry out that learning.

We are a non-denominational school with children and staff from many faith backgrounds and no faith background. We expect and develop an understanding of, and tolerance towards, all faiths and people who have no religious faith. We teach children about the major world faiths (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism & Judaism) We ensure all children are offered visits to religious centers representing our local religious communities. If any child requires a space to practice religious observance, this can be arranged with the headteacher. Each year, children learn about a different world faith.

View full school