Castleview Primary School

We think that Castleview Primary is a wonderful school and we know that you will want your child to join our school family.At Castleview Primary School we believe that every child has a right to an exceptional education in a safe, secure and happy environment.Our school community has a shared responsibility to nurture each individual to achieve their full potential.

We are committed to supporting the development of the whole pupil and as a result, wish to encourage their development in spiritual, moral, social and cultural terms. As a Rights Respecting School, we place the rights of children at the centre and strive to nurture and nourish our pupils as active citizens locally and globally.

At Castleview we aim to develop successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens by Creating a school ethos which, in every way possible, gives value to these aspects of development, especially by providing an overall atmosphere that is both caring and challenging and which provides opportunities for the development of personal responsibility. We provide environments where children and staff feel included, safe from harm, confident and valued by one another. We offer learning and teaching opportunities appropriate to each child. Across all areas of the curriculum children should have a rich experience which allows them to become successful learners attaining their full potential, building on prior attainment achieved both in school and at home.

We encourage Parents and Carers to be genuine partners in their children’s education through sharing opportunities to engage in learning experiences and the wider curriculum. We will work closely with the Parent Council and Parents and Carers will be welcomed into classrooms to work alongside staff, at all stages, in a planned way.

We wish to encourage a partnership with you to ensure the best possible standards of pupil behaviour, improving relationships and promoting positive behaviour strategies. Our behaviour policy sets out our expectations and supports our vision for the “Castleview Family”. Castleview has an excellent school website and here you will find details of our school policies and how we apply the United Nation Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Castleview is at present a level one Rights Respecting School and is working towards achievement of level two.

We offer opportunities for you to discuss your child's progress with teachers through arranged meetings. There are two opportunities each session for Parents and Carers to come to the school to view their child’s work. These take place in October and February of each academic session and an appointment time is issued for every child in the school. Parents and Carers are asked to attend these sessions to ensure that the home/school partnership remains effective.

Research shows that children learn in a variety of learning styles and through a variety of teaching approaches. We want our children to develop vital skills and knowledge and a positive attitude to learning. We use many learning and teaching approaches and within this we aim to make learning as active as possible. 31 It is important to us that our children are happy and motivated to learn and that this attitude is the focus for learning and teaching. In each curricular area children will work as a class, in groups and as individuals. There are also opportunities for children to work with other classes and teachers.

Curriculum for Excellence emphasises the value of an active learning approach. In the early years, children will have a range of learning experiences that include planned and purposeful play and stimulating learning which engages and challenges children’s thinking using real life and imaginary situations. As children progress through school they continue to be involved in active learning experiences which are engaging and give them ownership of their own learning.

There is a range of extracurricular activities available for pupils after school. Parents and Carers will be informed about these by the school. In addition to in-school activities, classes also make regular educational visits and field studies. These visits are linked to pupils’ class work. The number of school clubs varies from year to year and depends on staffing availability. Membership of these clubs depends on children displaying the highest levels of behaviour and commitment.