Primary Curriculum

All pupils have full access to the Northern Ireland Curriculum. There is a big focus on the development of children's self-esteem by concentrating on activities and learning experiences which encourage confidence, curiosity and creativity.

The Primary Curriculum is set out in Six Areas of Learning:

• Language and Literacy
• Mathematics and Numeracy
• The Arts
• The World Around Us
• Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
• Physical Education

At the heart of the curriculum there is a clear focus on the development of skills and capabilities for lifelong learning and operating effectively in society. Through opportunities to engage in active learning across all areas of the curriculum children will progressively develop:

Cross Curricular Skills:

• Communication
• Using Mathematics
• Using Information and Communications Technology
• Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities:
• Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Self Management
• Working with Others
• Managing Information
• Being Creative

Teachers plan together each week and agree on clear learning intentions which are shared with the pupils. Work is carefully reviewed and evaluated half termly. Assessment, both formal and informal, is used to evaluate the teaching and learning process, allowing teachers to plan the next step for each child effectively.

Our Approaches to Learning and Teaching in the Primary Curriculum

• Children learn best when learning is interactive, practical and enjoyable.
• Teachers will make use of a wide range of teaching methods, balancing
• whole class, group and individual activities, to engage children in effective
• learning.
• Children will experience much of their learning through well-planned and
• challenging activities.
• Children will have opportunities to make choices and decisions about their
• learning.
• Children are given equality of opportunity to learn in a variety of ways and
• in different social groupings.