Social Studies, Sciences and Technologies
These areas of the curriculum are often taught in an interdisciplinary learning context. This is a process in which two or more subject areas are integrated with the goal of fostering enhanced learning in each subject area. Interdisciplinary Learning may take the form of in-depth studies lasting for a number of weeks, or a short series of lessons.
Social Studies
Through social studies, children develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. They learn about people’s achievements and about how to make sense of changes in society, of conflicts and of environmental issues.
Opportunities exist for studying the local environment and how it has evolved, which could include observation, fieldwork or an opportunity to discuss issues.
Teachers at Earlston Primary try to make class projects as ‘real’ as possible by including the school site and surrounding community as a basis for study. Where it is felt to be appropriate, visits to further afield are arranged to complement the study.
During these studies, the pupils develop lifelong skills. Equally important is the need to foster positive attitudes and to prepare children for active participation in decision making about the environment and the benefits of technology.
Sciences
Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to our economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society. Scotland has a long tradition of scientific discovery, of innovation in the application of scientific discovery, and of the application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment. Children and young people are fascinated by new discoveries and technologies and become increasingly aware of, and passionate about, the impact of science on their own health and wellbeing, the health of society and the health of the environment.
Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes in science provide opportunities for children to develop and practise a range of enquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking skills, and develop attitudes and attributes of a scientifically literate citizen in society. They also support the development of a range of skills for learning, life and work.
Technologies
Technologies at Earlston Primary School include craft, design, engineering, graphics, food, textile and information technologies.
We aim to develop our pupils’ skills in order for them to participate in modern life so that they can:
- Develop an understanding of technologies and their impact on society – in the past, present and future
- Apply knowledge, understanding and practical skills to design and create products, processes and solutions that meet needs in play and daily life
- Gain the confidence and skills to embrace and use technologies
- Text, Graphics & Multimedia
- Controlling and Programming
- Collecting and Analysing
- Electronic Communication
- Digital Research
Expressive Arts include experiences and outcomes in art and design, drama, dance and music. Our learning progression pathways provide Earlston pupils with opportunities to learn to:
- Express themselves in different ways and be creative;
- Experience enjoyment (and contribute to other people’s enjoyment) through creative expressive performances and presentation;
- Develop important skills specific to expressive arts and also transferable skills.
Pupils within Second Level may be offered the opportunity of specialised tuition to learn a range of instruments. Sessions become available for this throughout the year. You will be notified if and when these opportunities arise. The purchase of an instrument can be costly however many of the instruments can be hired initially. Further details are available on request.
In a more formal setting, concerts involving drama, dance and music are presented to parents, friends and other links within our local community. Taking part in these presentations can help pupils develop skills in self-expression, with evidence of a visible increase in self-confidence.
Religious and Moral Education
The children at Earlston Primary progress through the Curriculum for Excellence Religious and Moral Education experiences and outcomes in order to:
- Develop their spiritual, social, moral and cultural values;
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other world religions;
- Appreciate moral values such as honesty, respect, fairness and concern for others
- Investigate and understand the questions and answers that religions can offer about the nature and meaning of life
- Develop their own beliefs, attitudes, moral values and practices through a process of personal search, discovery and critical evaluation.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons and Observance and should contact the school if they wish to do so.
Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted for up to three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.
The school has a very positive relationship with the local church and Minister, Marion Dodds who is often invited into school to deliver assemblies or the school are invited to attend the church throughout the year as part of our religious observance.