Monday 6 February 2012

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Lower 1 and 2

Lower 1

CURRICULUM – The Beginning

After the first few weeks of settling in to the new school environment in Lower 1 there will be a meeting to discuss the Lower 1 curriculum in greater detail. This will provide the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about the work your child is doing or going to do in the first year at school. Here is a brief outline of curricular areas your child will experience in Lower 1.

LANGUAGE

We follow the 5-14 English Language guidelines. Languages include Talking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

READING

The core reading scheme is New Ginn 360 which begins with a large class book and small wordless books to encourage and develop observation and story-telling. As a natural progression your child will bring home words relevant to their reading book. During the school week they will have the experience e of a variety of genre.

PHONICS

The Jolly Phonics Scheme is a multi-sensory approach providing your child with a fun and exciting way to learn letter names and sounds. Fast Phonics First is used in conjunction with this.

WRITING

Correct pencil grip and formation of letters will be taught from the onset. The North Lanarkshire Writing Programme is used as a strategic approach to the teaching of creative and functional writing.

LISTENING AND TALKING

These essential skills are required in all areas of the curriculum and are developed in a variety of ways: e.g. playing games, discussion, group work, story time, educational programmes and computer.

MATHEMATICS

Your child will follow the programme of study outlined in the 5-14 Guidelines supported by the New Scottish Heinemann Mathematics Scheme and other supporting materials. Numeracy and mathematical skills will be taught in a variety of stimulating ways with an emphasis on practical activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Projects studied are part of a balanced Lower School programme based on aspects of the 5-14 Environmental Studies Curriculum. In the Early Years emphasis is on discussion, observation and the building of basic and relevant vocabulary. In Lower 1 some of the topics covered are:-

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Your child will be encouraged to use the computer as a tool for learning in a variety of curricular areas.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

In addition to their experience with the class teacher your child will receive specialist input in Art & Design, Music and Physical Education on a weekly basis. Drama is covered within the classroom.

RME & PSD

Lower 1 take part in a whole school Religious and Moral Education programme covering the required areas stated in the 5-14 Guidelines. Personal and Social Development Skills are approached and taught daily through various activities.

HOME/SCHOOL LINK BOOK

Your child will receive a book which will allow communication between home and school which we ask you to sign to acknowledge receipt of information.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

In general it would be appreciated if your child was discouraged from bringing toys to school. Should they be damaged it will cause distress. Your child will be asked to bring an item for “Take and Tell” when specifically requested.

Your child may bring playgroup toys e.g. skipping rope, soft ball etc. Please ensure any items are named.

Lower 2

CURRICULUM

After the first few weeks of Lower 2 there will be a meeting to discuss the curriculum in greater detail. This will provide the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about the work your child will be doing this year. Here is a brief outline of the curricular areas your child will have experience of in Lower 2.

LANGUAGE

We follow the 5-14 English Language guidelines. This includes Talking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

READING

The core reading scheme is New Ginn 360 which continues the vocabulary gained in Lower 1 and as the scheme progresses development in comprehension skills is a main focus. Jolly Readers are also continued from Lower 1 and are used as an extension to broaden their knowledge of a variety of genre.

PHONICS

The Jolly Phonics multi-sensory scheme is continued into Lower 2 and this is supplemented with Jolly Grammar, Jolly Spelling and Schofield and Sims workbooks.

WRITING

Correct pencil grip and formation of letters is taught and encouraged at all times. The Nelson Handwriting scheme and workbooks are used. The Ginn Models for Writing scheme develops Functional and Imaginative writing.

LISTENING AND TALKING

These essential skills are required in all areas of the curriculum and are developed in a variety of ways, e.g. playing games, discussion, group work, story time, educational programmes and the computer.

MATHEMATICS

Your child will follow the programme of study outlined in the 5-14 Guidelines using the New Scottish Heinemann Mathematics Scheme and other supporting materials e.g. Target Maths and Schofield and Sims. Numeracy and mathematical skills will be taught in a variety of stimulating ways with an emphasis on practical activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Projects studied are part of a balanced Lower School programme based on aspects of the 5-14 Environmental Studies Curriculum. In the Early Years emphasis is on discussion, observation and the building of basic and relevant vocabulary. In Lower 2 some of the topics covered are:-

These include aspects of History, Geography, Science and Drama.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Your child will be encouraged to use the computer as a tool for learning in a variety of curricular areas.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

In addition to their experience with the class teacher your child will receive specialist input in Art & Design, Music and Physical Education on a weekly basis. Drama is covered within the classroom.

RME & PSD

We take part in a whole school Religious and Moral Education programme covering the required areas stated in the 5-14 Guidelines. Personal and Social Development Skills are approached and taught daily through various activities.

HEALTH EDUCATION

We take part in a whole school Health Education Programme which covers the strands documented in the 5-14 Guidelines.

HOME/SCHOOL LINK BOOK

Your child will receive a book which will allow communication between home and school which we ask you to sign to acknowledge receipt of information.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

In general it would be appreciated if your child was discouraged from bringing toys to school. Should they be damaged it will cause distress. Your child may be requested to bring an item for “Take and Tell.” Your child may bring playgroup toys e.g. skipping rope, soft ball etc if wished. Please ensure any items are named.