Sciennes Primary School

Primary School was built in 1892. It stands adjacent to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and serves the communities of the Grange, Sciennes and Mayfield, on the south side of Edinburgh. The school is co-educational and non-denominational. The catchment area has a small proportion of association homes, the majority of housing being owner occupied. There are 22 classes, and the current roll is 652 pupils. 15% of our pupils are bilingual and approximately 20% come from outwith our catchment area. We celebrate and greatly value the wonderful diversity in the Sciennes family.

Our school is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, but can provide challenges for learning and teaching in the 21 Century. We have invested resources to create additional teaching areas to support individual and group learning opportunities. The school has a large hall, one general-purpose room, a two room library, ICT learning centre and science base.  We are very fortunate to have a swimming pool situated in the basement. Three portable units house four classrooms to the rear of the building. An ‘outdoor classroom / garden’ has been created.   There is a dining hall and kitchen area where our pupils are provided with school lunches. The dining / small hall is also used for learning and teaching and is the base for the Sciennes After School Care Scheme (SASCS). The small hall was refurbished to create a high quality dance studio / PE area. We consider this development will contribute to helping us reach target for our pupils to enjoy two hours of physical education. We have created a beautiful ‘quiet area’ in the playground to enhance experiences for children.

All classes benefited from an increase in PE opportunities, including curriculum swimming, tennis, skiing, dance and rugby. Our Active School Coordinator made a very effective contribution to enhancing experiences during and outwith school. We are fortunate to have good facilities in our local community.

The Youth Music Initiative (NYCOS) provided a music / singing teacher for P3 classes. A singing instructor provided singing and instrument experiences to P3 – P7. Small groups of pupils from P4 – P7 received tuition in violin, viola and wind instruments.  In session 2011-2012 we will continue to have a PE specialist and increase PE teaching. We will increase learning opportunities in tennis and dance. A teacher of Gaelic who taught P5 in 2010 – 2011 has been allocated again to P5 classes.

The school greatly benefits from a full time Business Manager, Mrs Christie, who forms part of the Senior Management Team. The school is served effectively by our Administrator, Clerical Assistants, Learning Assistants and Service Support Officers. We are also fortunate to have very good catering and cleaning staff.

A range of services and agencies support the work of the school. The Sciennes After School Club Service (SACS) provides care after school and during school holidays. The holiday club service supports children and families from other local schools.

At Sciennes we will create an excellent educational environment of the highest quality which:

• Provides children with the necessary skills for life: Wisdom, Justice, Compassion and integrity.
• Values and respects each individual.
• Works in partnership for the good of all.

At Sciennes Primary School, we aim to:

• Provide  positive and inspiring learning and teaching experiences.
• Support our children to become; successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
• Promote achievement, attainment and creativity.
• Meet the needs of all learners.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Challenge and combat all barriers to equality and social justice.
• Work in partnership with parents; the school and wider community and value the contribution everyone makes.
• Encourage high quality leadership at all levels and Develop skills, knowledge, confidence and self-esteem