The Upper Primary
The Middle and Upper Primary Departments consist of Primaries 3 to 7 and are led by two Junior School Deputes.The Middle and Upper Primary curriculum, based on A Curriculum for Excellence, builds on the experiences the children have had in earlier years. Investigative skills and pupil responsibility play an increasingly important role at the Middle and Upper Primary levels and prepare the children for the work and approaches they will encounter in the Senior School.
In English Language the children follow a structured programme which addresses Listening and Talking as well as Reading and Writing. Increased emphasis is placed on Grammar and the various aspects of Reading, including the importance of parental involvement in developing the children's reading skills. Modern Languages are introduced at these stages and are taught by specialists, supported by Junior School class teachers and S6 linguists.
In Mathematics, the increased emphasis on problem solving and enquiry and on mental strategies and recall enhances children's numerical abilities and their powers of deductive thought while the judicious use of calculators and computers widens pupils' mathematical applications.A coherent planned policy in Science and Environmental Studies permits breadth and balance, continuity and coherence and a progression of Skills, Knowledge and Understanding.
In Primaries 6 and 7 pupils study Geography, History and Science as discrete subjects, whereas in Primaries 3, 4 and 5 the children are taught the knowledge and skills relating to Geography, History and Science through an integrated topic approach. In Primary 7 there are increasing links with the various Senior School departments.
Specialist teaching is provided in Art, Physical Education & Games and Music. Drama is taught throughout the Junior School but by a Drama specialist in Primaries 5, 6 and 7, while Primary 6 & 7 receive specialist teaching in Computing and Food, Health & Consumer Studies and Philosophy in Primary 7.
As the children mature, learning can take place outside the classroom on a more regular basis with an increasingly varied programme of educational outings, while Games opportunities at Goldenacre, both during the week and on Saturdays, are introduced from P5. Residential educational experiences in Primaries 5, 6 and 7 are an important part of the children's education. These opportunitiesrepresent "the curriculum in action" when children and staff relate in different ways and Heriot's values are further reinforced. These experiences are looked back on affectionately by pupils as they remember the camaraderie they developed with their peers and with their teachers.
As the children complete their primary schooling it is important for us to focus on a smooth curricular and personal transition into the secondary years.The Upper Primary Depute, DeputyHead of the Junior School and Head of the Junior School oversee the transition to the Senior School in close liaison with the Primary 7 teachers and the relevant Senior School Year and Class Teachers.
The Head of the Junior School chairs the Junior School Management Team and serves on the Heriot's Strategic Leadership Group. Members of the Junior School and Senior School Management Teams work closely together throughout the session as members of the Whole School Management Team. The successful transition from primary to secondary education is regarded as essential to the continuing success of Heriot's. As members of the Junior School, each and every child is regarded as an integral member of the wider Heriot Community.