Monday 6 February 2012

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Lower 6 and 7

Lower 6

Within the first few weeks of Lower 6 there is an opportunity for parents to meet with the L6 teachers. This is to discuss the curriculum in more detail and for any queries to be discussed.

The following is an outline of the curriculum that is followed in Lower 6.

Language

The areas in language that are covered are Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening.

Reading

In Lower 6 children will follow the Ginn 360 Reading Scheme which includes comprehension and reinforcement materials. They will also complete a novel study related to their Environmental Studies Topic. Pupils are encouraged to read independently and frequent use of the library encourages use of a variety of texts.

Writing

In Lower 6 the North Lanarkshire Writing Scheme is followed. This encourages children to write imaginative, functional and personal pieces. In Lower 6 children become experienced at editing and redrafting writing.

Spelling

The Nelson Spelling Scheme is used, which teaches children spelling rules which they can then apply to their writing.

Handwriting

The Nelson Handwriting Scheme is used in Lower 6. This incorporates handwriting, spelling and grammar skills.

Listening and Talking

In Lower 6 this is developed through class and group discussions. The pupils are required to participate in individual and group talks to the class, often relating to the Environmental Studies topic.

Mathematics

In Lower 6, children will use the Heinemann Mathematics scheme to support their learning. Extension materials are also used where appropriate.

Pupils are encouraged to develop Problem Solving skills and this is supported through the Apex Problem Solving Scheme. Some pupils will be extended in this area through Maths Challenge which is run by the Upper School Mathematics Department.

Environmental Studies

Pupils will study the following topics:

Specialists

Pupils will attend specialists from the Upper School on a weekly basis for the following: Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT and French.

RME & PSD

Lower 6 take part a whole school Religions and Moral Education programme and this is supported by attending assemblies. Personal and Social Development is taught on a daily basis as well as specific activities including Circle Time and Golden Time.

Homework

Pupils in Lower 6 should spend approximately 45 minutes per evening on homework. This includes 10 minutes of recorder practice and 15 minutes of reading per night.

Other homework tasks may include:

Lower 7

After the first couple of weeks in Lower 7, there is a meeting with parents to discuss the L7 curriculum in greater detail. This provides the opportunity for parents to discuss any queries they may have about the work their child is doing or will be going to do in Lower 7.

The following is a brief outline of the curricular areas your child will experience in Lower 7:

Language

At present we follow the 5 – 14 guidelines, soon to be replaced by the 3 – 18 Curriculum for Excellence. Language includes Reading, Writing, Listening and Talking.

Reading

In Lower 7 pupils are encouraged to be more independent readers and to report back to the class and teacher either orally or through a book report. Ginn 360 is used as a reinforcement tool at this stage.

Frequent individual and group research ensures pupils read a wide variety of text often related to the Environmental Studies Topic covered in class. The pupils are also encouraged to borrow books for personal reading from our well-stocked library.

Spelling

The Nelson Spelling Scheme is used with Lower 7 to ensure continuity throughout the Lower School. Extension work is also available if necessary.

Writing

All genres of writing are covered with writing often being linked to the current Environmental Studies Topic in class. At this stage pupils are encouraged to edit their work independently using a dictionary or thesaurus.

Listening and Talking

These essential skills are further developed through class discussion, individual talks, group talks and class presentations encouraging pupils to be competent and confident when talking to an audience.

Mathematics

Your child will follow the programme of study outlined in the 5 – 14 Guidelines supported by the Heinemann Mathematics Scheme and other supporting materials. Numeracy and mathematical skills will be taught in a variety of stimulating ways and will include Problem Solving and practical activities with extension books and materials for more advanced pupils.

Your child will experience stimulating oral work and computer games to enhance learning. Pupils may be extended through work with the Upper School Mathematics Department through Maths Challenge.

Environmental Studies

Projects studied are part of a balanced Lower School programme based on the 5 – 14 Environmental Studies Curriculum. In Lower 7 the topic covered are:

Specialists

In addition to their experience with the class teacher your child will receive specialist input in Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT and French on a weekly basis. Swimming is taught in Term1.

RME & PSD

Lower 7 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 and projects.

Lower 7 pupils take part in the Lower School Choir and take part in whole school assemblies. The are also afforded the responsibility of organising and speaking at a whole school assembly.

Two pupils in each class are elected, as Form Captain and Vice Captain. The whole year are responsible for being Hall Monitors on a rota basis.

Altnacriche

The pupils in Lower 7 take part in an activity week at Altnacriche during the month of June. The pupils take part in many varied activities with the focus being on enhancing the pupils’ social skills and skills when working as part of a team.

Upper I Induction

All Lower 7 pupils have a two day induction to Upper I. On the first day the pupils are split into teams with Upper I pupils and assigned a group activity.

This allows the pupils to meet new class members and to forge friendships with the current Upper I class. During the second day of Induction the pupils follow a normal Upper I timetable to give them experience of a typical day in Upper School.

Homework

Homework tasks for Lower 7 can include:

Lower 7s should spend approximately 45 – 60 minutes on homework per night (this will include 10 minutes of recorder practice).