Hillwood Primary School

Hillwood Primary School was opened in December 1975 and is a non-denominational primary school for children who live in Ratho Station and the surrounding areas of Clifton, Gogarburn, Ingliston, Lochend, Newbridge and Norton.

The building is of a semi open-plan design with spacious teaching areas, both of which are carpeted to help keep noise levels to a minimum. In the Primary 1-3 area a tiled wet bay ensures that there are suitable facilities to enjoy arts, crafts and messy play. Children in the Primary 4/5 and 6/7 areas enjoy the use of their own wet bays. We also have a new and well-stocked library.

Situated in the central area of the school are a drama and dance studio and a kitchen. During lunchtime the dance and drama studio is used as a dining area. There is also a stage.

The playground is fenced off from the road and includes two asphalted hard areas and a grassed play area, which can be used as a football pitch. It also has an attractive activity area where the children can play safely, supervised by Pupil Support Assistants. P1/2 have their own playground and can choose whether they play there or in the main playground. There is a Pupil Support Assistant in each playground and buddies help to support safe and happy play.

Our Early Years Hub opened in April 2013 and is a joint venture with Queensferry Early Years Centre. The Hub offers a variety of activities for children under 3 as well as sessions for parents.

Hillwood is a fantastic place to learn and work. As a former P7 pupil said we are “A small school with a big heart!” Our school community is proud of this statement and live up to it daily. At Hillwood we work hard with our parents, pupils and staff to create a warm and welcoming environment where pupils can learn and grow.

To enable all pupils to achieve their full potential through the highest quality of education in partnership with pupils, staff and parents. We will try to achieve this through the following School Aims:

• Create a caring and secure environment in which every child and staff member feels happy, confident and valued.
• Offer a curriculum which provides the best learning opportunities for each individual child and allows him/her to develop and perform at the highest level.
• Promote independent learning in an environment where the children are encouragedto take appropriate responsibility for their work.
• Encourage co-operation between families and school to enhance each child’s learning.
•  Foster close partnerships among the school, the home and the local community.
• Continue the development of the school building and playground as a stimulating and enjoyable resource for learning.
• Develop the skills and professionalism of all staff members

At Hillwood, we value our community and our place within it. We celebrate achievement in all forms both in school and out and work hard to ensure our pupils get the best possible start in their educational career.
At Hillwood we work hard with our parents, pupils and staff to create a warm and welcoming environment where pupils can learn and grow. Parental involvement is very important as we know it helps children to achieve their full potential in school.

We wish to encourage a partnership with you to ensure the best possible standards of pupil behaviour. We promote positive behavior and all children are aware of school rules and what to do if they spot something that doesn’t seem right. Occasionally, children can struggle to follow school rules and when this happens we work hard with family to resolve the situation and achieve the best possible outcome for the child.