Learning Enhancement

How to learn - rather than what to learn - is the focus of the Junior School Learning Enhancement Department

The Learning Enhancement Department’s team of qualified and experienced primary teachers delivers a programme which incorporates Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Philosophical Enquiry, Thinking Skills and Diversity, setting up good habits for life. All pupils from Nursery to Primary 7 take part in a varied and innovative curriculum.

Heriot’s leads nationally in the teaching of Philosophy to children. We are the first school in Scotland to achieve a Gold Award from Sapere, an organisation which recognises best practice in the teaching of philosophy. Sapere has described Heriot’s Learning Enhancement Department as “a strong and unique example of Philosophy for Children in action.”

Philosophy for Children is designed to open up conversations, nurturing critical, creative, collaborative and caring thought processes. It improves outcomes in literacy and numeracy, particularly for children facing disadvantage. Research from the Nuffield Foundation shows that the study of philosophy enhances communication skills, teamwork and resilience.

Learning Enhancement staff also teach with Junior School Class Teachers, focusing on small groups of children at different times. This enables the team to meet the needs of every pupil.

The Science Coordinator and Able Child Coordinator are based in the Learning Enhancement Department.

We are delighted to welcome visitors to the Department and the videos below may give you a little taste of some of the learning that takes place.