L3

In L3 the curriculum is wide-ranging and varied.

Language

All four elements of language - reading, writing, listening and talking - are taught, building upon the foundations laid in L1 and 2. A structured reading scheme, Oxford Reading Tree, is used as a whole language programme.

We believe in teaching spelling and there is a structured scheme in place, called Quota. Formal comprehension work is continued, as are grammar lessons, which teach knowledge about language, punctuation and structure. With children writing at length in our creative and functional writing programme, this becomes increasingly important.

Listening and talking activities take place on a regular basis.

All pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction in Library Skills by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.

‘My daughter in Junior School comes home excited and animated about her lessons. I am a very happy parent.’

Maths

Throughout the Junior Years, a core Maths scheme is in place. In L3, Heinemann Maths – Revised Level 3, which introduces multiplication and division, is used. We believe that children should have a secure knowledge of multiplication tables as this will assist them greatly in tackling more complex mathematics in the future.

Lessons in Practical Maths, covering 3D shape, symmetry, tiling, length, weight, volume, area, right angles, time and data handling, also takes place.

Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.

From L3, Maths is taught in ability groupings. This means that we can vary the size of groups and the content and pace of lessons to match the ability of the pupils. Our less able group is taught in a small group where pupils are given individual support and consolidation. Our most able are given a wide variety of challenges and problems to solve.

Environmental Studies 

In our teaching of Science, History and Geography, we aim to develop in pupils a curiosity and a greater understanding of their past and heritage and of the world around them. We develop their research and investigative skills as well as their analytical thinking skills and their evaluation of evidence. Much of the work will involve the pupils in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments. Topics covered:

Term 1   The River Tay, which has a geography bias.

Term 2   The Ancient Egyptians, which has a history bias.

Term 3   The Senses, which has a science bias.

RE and Personal and Social Development

Topics covered include Bible stories, such as Moses and Joseph, and an introduction to Judaism.

PE

There are two sessions each week, taught by a specialist teacher in the large gym within the main building, covering gymnastics, games and dance.

Music

Children are taught songs, rhythms and about musical instruments by a specialist teacher once a week. From L3 many children participate in instrumental tuition, either individually or in groups.

Art and Drama

These are taught within the classroom on a regular basis. The classrooms are bright with the exciting artwork on display.

ICT

Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for an exciting lesson with our specialist teacher.

Homework

Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial. A homework diary details the homework required each night. This is a two-way communication as we value your comments on how your child is coping with homework.  Normally homework in L3 consists of hearing reading, learning spelling, learning multiplication tables and completing a short written exercise either in Maths or Language. Homework in L3 should not take more than 30 minutes per night.