St.Mary's school Booklet

Welcome to St Marys Leith!

PERMANENT TEACHING STAFF

THE SCHOOL DAY

THE CURRICULUM

NURSERY CLASS

MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING

HOMEWORK POLICY

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

PRIMARY SECONDARY LIAISON

Welcome to St Marys Leith!

Dear Parents

St Marys is situated in an ideal setting overlooking Leith Links. As a denominational school our catchment is fairly wide and we also attract children from outside the area as well as a number of children of other or no denomination and several children of ethnic minority groups. We accommodate 305 children in eleven classes and have two nursery classes which cater for the needs of 90 preschool children mostly on a part-time basis.

A Mother and Toddler Group meet twice weekly in the school allowing younger children to play together while their parents get to know one another.

Currently we have a Depute Headteacher, a Senior Teacher and specialist help is provided in Learning Support, Art and PE. Pupils in the upper school have the opportunity to learn to play the trumpet.

The school has an active PTA and a supportive School Board.

At St Marys we aim to provide a caring environment in which each child can feel happy, secure and respected as an individual and thus develop educationally and socially to the best of his/her ability.

We offer a broad curriculum with the emphasis on active learning through topics and real life situations as far as is possible.

As you read through this introduction to the school I hope you will appreciate our joint responsibility in achieving the above.

Yours sincerely

Mary F Clason
Headteacher Back to top

PERMANENT TEACHING STAFF

Mrs M Clason Headteacher
Mrs M Bainbridge Depute Headteacher
Mrs M McPherson Senior Teacher Nursery
Mrs M Neill Teacher - Learning Support
Mrs P Keefe Teacher
Mrs J Pammenter Teacher
Mrs M MacFarlane Teacher
Mrs C McManus Teacher
Mrs P Maynard Teacher
Miss L Brack Teacher
Miss M Feeney Teacher
Miss L Igoe Teacher
Miss L Artini Teacher
Miss L Kyne Teacher
Miss A McCluskey Teacher
Mrs M Walker Nursery Teacher - part time


VISITING SPECIALISTS

Mrs M Scott Teacher - Art
Mrs J Wight Teacher - PE


NON-TEACHING STAFF

Mrs F Kelly Nursery Nurse
Mrs Ashley Kent Nursery Nurse
Mrs L Hancock School Secretary
Mrs S Scott Office Auxiliary
Mrs M Borthwick Classroom Assistant
Mrs P Inglis Classroom Asssistant
Mrs E Ford Classroom Assistant
Mrs Y Stuart Auxiliary
Mrs F MacPherson Auxiliary
Mrs S MacKinnon Auxiliary
Mrs L Park Auxiliary
Mrs J Pearson Auxiliary
Mr P Smith Janitor Back to top

THE SCHOOL DAY

P1-2 P3-7
Monday - Thursday 8.50am-12noon 8.50am-12.15pm
1.00pm-2.45pm 1.00pm-3.15pm
Friday 8.50am-12noon 8.50am-12.25pm

Morning break 10.30-10.45am 10.30-10.45am

TIMEKEEPINGand ATTENDANCE

We would appreciate your co-operation in ensuring that your child arrives at school on
time and in the case of P1 and P2 is picked up by an adult promptly at the end of the day. It can be very distressing for a child to be left when everyone else has gone home. There are times when unforeseen circumstances occur to keep you late and in this situation a telephone call to school allows us to reassure your child that you are on your way.

If your child is absent from school for any reason please inform us by telephone or in writing on the child?s return so that accurate records of attendance can be kept.

Should your child remain at home after a lunch break please contact the school so that the exact whereabouts of the child is known to the Headteacher.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly. In cases of unsatisfactory attendance the headteacher will ask the Education Welfare Officer to visit the home and discuss the problem with the parents. If such unsatisfactory attendance persists, the headteacher, following discussions with the Education Welfare Officer and other agencies, will decide whether the case should be referred to the local Area Attendance Advisory Panel. This Panel has powers to carry out the statutory responsibilities of the authority with regard to defaulting parents.

EARLY CLOSURES AND EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

Dates and times of any planned early closures will be indicated in good time in the school newsletter. However there are occasions when the school has to be closed unexpectedly because of some domestic failure. In any such circumstance every effort will be made to contact parents or a designated adult to pick up or receive the child. In this respect it is essential that we have a current telephone number through which we can make this contact. Back to top

THE CURRICULUM

LANGUAGE

At St Marys we aim to develop in each child a positive attitude to language through the provision of structured and stimulating learning experiences from which can be developed skills of communication and knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their own and other languages using a variety of contexts.
This is achieved through an integrated programme of work involving LISTENING, SPEAKING, WRITING and READING based on the recently published SOED Curriculum Guidelines 5-14.
(A copy of ?Education 5-14: A Guide for Parents? can be obtained on application to the Scottish Education Department.)
Early READING is based on the City of Edinburgh Early Literacy Programme which develops the child?s phonological awareness focussing on the building up and breaking down of words. At this stage reading is approached on an individual basis with the child selecting, with guidance, a book to read with you and with the teacher - a system known as ?shared reading? progressing thereafter through graded reading based on a variety of books.
As children progress through the school the range of reading increases and group studies of novels develop further understanding of text. At all stages children are introduced to non-fiction material at an appropriate level.
At all stages children are encouraged to discuss the content of their reading material thus developing associated skills of TALKING and LISTENING.
Further skills in talking and listening are learned using audio visual aids and from early stages discussion skills are developed from children?s own experiences, topical issues and current affairs. Children are encouraged to take part in assemblies, productions etc developing the confidence to speak publicly.
At the Infant stage WRITING is developed alongside the reading within the Early Literacy Programme. At their own pace children progress to writing their own stories, handwriting being developed appropriately.
Further development of writing finds children engaged in producing varied written work for many different purposes linked where possible to real life situations. Language structure, spelling and punctuation are taught at appropriate levels again where possible in the context of reading material and topical themes.

Children are also introduced to the wordprocessing facility of the computer at the early stage using Prompt Writer and later Pendown, Kid Pix and Clarisworks.



MATHEMATICS

At St Marys it is our aim to develop in each child a positive attitude to mathematics through a balanced, progressive series of stimulating learning experiences from which can be developed knowledge and understanding of numeracy and mathematical thinking and the capacity for independent thought through enquiry, problem solving, information handling and reasoning using a variety of contexts.

This is achieved through a programme of work based on the SOED Curriculum Guidelines 5-14.

In the early stages Maths is developed through the Edinburgh Early Numeracy as well as through play, sorting, matching, counting games etc progressing to more formal work based on the Heinnemann Mathematics Programme supplemented by other resources. Mathematics is also taught through topic work and related to every day situations whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on understanding of mathematical concepts and their relevance to real life. In developing this understanding great use is made of concrete materials and practical activity.
Calculators and computers are introduced at an early stage as we prepare children for the lifeskills of the new century. Logical thinking and problem solving skills are developed through carefully chosen games, topic work and real life experiences.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Our aim in Environmental Studies is to stimulate children?s awareness and understanding of their environment and their place within it, to enable them to learn about the factors which have shaped it and develop their knowledge of other people, places and times.



Knowledge and understanding of Geography, History, Science, Technology, and Health Education are developed through topics integrating some or all of these curriculum areas. Environmental studies also gives children the opportunity to use and further develop their skills in language and maths, to develop investigative and practical skills and powers of expression and to acquire positive attitudes and values.

When appropriate this work is enhanced by external resources of people, experiences and places of interest.

Where possible we offer residential experience to our senior pupils this being an ideal situation in which to develop environmental studies as well as personal social skills.


EXPRESSIVE ARTS


Music, Drama, Physical Education, Art and Craft are important parts of the curriculum offered in St Marys. Specialist teachers complement and extend the work done by the class teachers generally integrated with the topics being studied.

Music
We aim to give our pupils a great variety of musical experiences including singing, musical games, dance, playing of recorders, percussion and electronic keyboard as well as the production of plays etc. Music is also offered as an extra curricular activity by Mrs Maynard (recorder), Mr McIntyre (band) and Mrs Bainbridge (folk group) and there is an opportunity to join the choir.

Drama
Drama is developed in many different ways, through themes, as part of a language exercise, through music and in a more structured way through the various productions which are put on by the children. All pupils are encouraged to express themselves through this medium thus coming to deeper understanding of situations etc.

Physical Education
Our PE programme is developed by class teachers advised by Mrs Wight, PE Specialist, who visits the school weekly. Included in the programme are gymnastics, dance, games and athletics our aim being to develop skills of co-ordination and balance and foster co-operation and sportsmanship so that all pupils may enjoy active participation in sporting activities.

Swimming lessons are provided at Dr Bells Baths and it is our policy to allocate this provision throughout the school. Senior pupils take part in local swimming events both competitive and fundraising.

Mr Smith, together with parents, coaches our football teams who take part in the local league as well as other tournaments and friendly matches and netball is offered as an extra curricular activity by Miss Feeney.

Art and Craft
From the earliest stages children are encouraged to express their ideas through drawing, painting and model making frequently linked to topics being studied. Many different techniques are introduced using a variety of materials. Examples of children?s work in this area are to be seen around the corridors and in classrooms. Again this work is supported by our specialist Art Teacher.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND OBSERVANCE

St Marys is a Catholic school and as such specifically gives instruction in the Catholic faith using the ?Veritas? Religious Education Programme in common with all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. It is essentially a Christian religious scheme based on the theme of following God?s way by leading a life of love and respect for all people.

Regular themed assemblies are held in school to which all parents are invited. Mass is celebrated in school or we join with the parish on Holidays of Obligation and at other festivals.

Children being prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation join with their parents at monthly celebrations in the Church and our pupils play key roles in the traditional processions held in the parish.

We have a large number of children of other or no denomination on the roll and while no special arrangements are made for these children no serious difficulties have been encountered in their religious education and observance. At all times we expect that the appropriate respect is afforded to our beliefs and those of the other denominations represented in the school. In line with SOEID policy other religions and their festivals are studied where appropriate.



METHODOLOGY

In all areas of the curriculum a variety of methods are employed in order that the needs of each child are addressed. As well as class, group and individual direct teaching.
Where appropriate we operate ?team teaching/co-operative teaching? situations thus giving children an extended variety of contexts for learning. Back to top

NURSERY CLASS

The aim of the nursery class is to develop each individual child both socially and intellectually, to encourage independence and to foster an enquiring mind. This is achieved through the provision of a meaningful child centred curriculum. Being aware of the individual needs and interests of the children staff provide learning opportunities in a variety of contexts with reference to Guidelines on nursery education entitled ?The Child at the Centre?.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in the nursery in many ways thus enriching the children?s experiences.

It is important to note that the granting of a place in our Nursery class does not automatically guarantee a place in P1 at St Marys though to date this has not been a problem. Back to top

MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

As activities are planned to develop skills in investigation, problem solving and discussion. a number of our staff are now trained in the teaching of modern languages and we have the services of an Italian teacher from the Italian Consulate we are able to offer an introduction to French and Italian. Back to top

ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING

All teaching staff use continuous assessment to monitor pupil?s progress evidence being taken from all areas of the curriculum. From time to time small tests will be administered to assess specific aspects of learning. All assessment matches the aims of the teaching/learning process related to the attainment targets of the 5-14 programme.

Part of this programme includes a requirement that attainment tests in Language and Maths be carried out at appropriate stages identified by the class teacher.

Should a child?s performance fall below that which it is felt he/she is capable of standardised assessment will be carried out to identify any problem and to remedy this. Parents will be consulted if necessary.

Annual reports are issued to parents and two opportunities given for individual parental consultation. In addition to this open meetings are held to highlight any new developments and to familiarise parents with the modern methods being used.

Should you be concerned about any aspect of your child?s education please feel free to make an appointment to see me or the class teacher, similarly if we have concerns we will ask to see you to discuss these.

Confidential files are kept which hold details of schools attended and copies of reports as well as any relevant medical factors. These files are forwarded to the appropriate High School at the end of Primary Seven. Back to top

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is only given as extension or reinforcement of that which has already been taught and is given at the teacher?s discretion. At the early stages this will generally be reading in accordance with the paired reading programme. Further up the school some research into the class topic may be asked encouraging the child to use the local library. Please take an interest in any homework your child has as this gives good indication of what is being taught in class. From time to time a child will be asked to complete work which was unfinished in school due to lack of attention or misbehaviour, please ensure that any such work is completed, it will always be within the child?s capabilities.

In the lower classes the child's Reading Record gives an opportunity for your comment while in the upper school this opportunity is offered by the homework diaries. Back to top

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Mrs Neill, our Learning Support Teacher, spends part of the week with us during which time she works with class teachers to help children who are experiencing difficulty in Language and Mathematics whether on a short or long term basis. If it is in a child?s best interests she will extract him/her from the class to work elsewhere either individually or with a small group. This will generally be seen as part of the differentiation required within the class situation however if long term regular support is deemed necessary parents will be informed and offered the opportunity to discuss the support. She also advises teachers on alternative materials and extension work for children of high academic ability.

Edinburgh City has a policy of integration. This 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. These placements are made following assessment by Specialist Advisers and in consultation with the child?s parents. Back to top

PRIMARY SECONDARY LIAISON

Close links exist between St Mary?s and Holy Rood High School and regular meetings of members of staff take place to discuss curriculum. In addition opportunities to visit the High School are offered to our pupils and to parents. Closer links are being forged with Leith Academy to ease the transition of our non-denomination children.

Should you wish to exercise your choice of secondary school then appropriate information will be made available to the high school concerned.

During the final weeks of the summer term most high schools offer the opportunity for children to visit their new school to meet the staff and their future classmates and to familiarise themselves with the surroundings.

All of these experiences serve to make the transfer from primary to secondary as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. Back to top