Elmvale is a happy, friendly primary and nursery where pupils achieve to the very best of their ability academically, in the arts and sports. We are fortunate in having enthusiastic members of staff who work hard for the benefit of all our pupils. Our parents play an active part in the life of the school through the Parent Council and PTA. They organize social events for parents and pupils in the evenings and help out with fundraising, trips and assist in classes. We are a forward-thinking school and nursery and do all we can to help our children to become successful learners, responsible citizens, confident individuals, and effective contributors.
Curriculum for Excellence is now being introduced across Scotland for all 3-18-year-olds – wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know, and equip them for the jobs of tomorrow in a fast-changing world.
Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practices, and explore learning together. Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s “learning journey” from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary, and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They’ll ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with a challenge they can thrive on.
Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills. Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and numeracy the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life.
It develops skills for learning, life, and work to help young people go on to further study secure work, and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgments, challenge, enquire and find solutions.
There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy and since 2013/14 new National 4 and 5 qualifications have been in place. Our well-regarded Access, Highers, and Advanced Highers will be updated to take account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching. There’s personal support to help young people fulfill their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support wherever that’s needed. There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that a school is a place where children feel safe and secure.
Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for a great education. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum made up of Languages and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, Social Studies, Expressive Arts, Religious and Moral Education, Health and Wellbeing, Sciences and Technologies. Every child is given the same opportunity to attain his/her potential in all 8 areas of the curriculum. Below is an indication of the breadth of our curriculum and details of particular programs used.
