Junior School

 

We believe that children should be at the centre of their own learning and motivated to be the best they can be. Personal and Social Development is an intrinsic part of all lessons. There are plenty of opportunities for the children to play an active role in our school community and have a voice. We encourage their growing confidence and independence with greater responsibility. By Junior 4 all children have some kind of role to play, whether it’s as a class captain or acting as a mentor to the younger children. They work closely with teachers and learn the skills of good leadership. Once a term class captains lead assembly and Junior 6 pupils lead prospective parent and pupil visits.

We also enjoy a close partnership with parents, encouraging you to attend events such as the Infant Christmas Show or the biennial Musical Celebration concert, but to help out on school trips and during active learning sessions in the classroom. 

 

Curriculum
What our pupils get up to during the day

We create a wide-ranging and stimulating curriculum with an emphasis on each child reaching their potential.

In Junior 1 and Junior 2 we are build on the skills learned in Early Years with a broad-based curriculum, which encourages confident, independent individuals, who relate well to other children and adults throughout the School.

There is a thorough grounding in literacy and numeracy, in addition to Social Studies, Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing and Religious and Moral Education. Specialist staff teach French, Music, Drama and Physical Education from Early Years and Art from Junior 3, ensuring that the children are both supported and stretched by well qualified and enthusiastic staff.

The learning experience is maximised by the use of interactive whiteboards and laptops and classroom teaching is complemented with visits to places of relevance such as New Lanark, the Sea Life Centre and Glasgow Science Centre. Junior 6 enjoy a residential trip each year where they enjoy the challenges of an outward bound course and lots of team-building opportunities to see them through the Senior School.


Pastoral Care
A helping hand is always in reach

Personal and Social Development is taught as a separate subject with children being encouraged to develop life skills such as coping with change, dealing with conflict and peer pressure.

At St Columba’s we place great emphasis on the care and wellbeing of all pupils. They are each known as an individual; their personal qualities are appreciated, their individual needs are recognised and their progress and attainment monitored throughout their years at School. In Junior School pastoral care begins with class teachers who establish strong relationships with pupils.

All children from Junior 1 upwards join one of our four Houses - Craigmarloch, Duchal, Kilallan and Strathgryffe - and remain in that House for the duration of their time at St Columba’s. Members of the same family will normally belong to the same House. The House system promotes team-spirit and a friendly, competitive environment. Various activities are arranged throughout the year for which House points are awarded as well as for general behaviour.

We appoint House Captains and Class Captains who meet with the Mr McKay, Depute Rector (Junior School) at least once a term to discuss areas of concern or suggest improvements.



Learning Support
Enabling all of our pupils to achieve their full potential

We believe every child should have the best learning experience possible and well-qualified staff support children who are experiencing specific difficulties.

Support for Learning in Junior School places a high emphasis on early intervention. Where Class Teachers have concerns over a child’s progress, tried and tested systems which serve to identify specific difficulties come into play. This allows individual learning targets to be established, as required. In addition to Class Teachers’ own experience and expertise, additional support may be provided by our specialist Support for Learning teachers. 

View our Support for Learning information booklet here.


Wraparound Care
Peace of mind for busy parents

BASK provides a Breakfast Club and an After School Club for pupils in Junior 1 and above from both St Columba’s and Kilmacolm Primary School.

Based at our Junior School, it operates daily from 7.30-8.45am for Breakfast Club at which children are offered cereal, toast, porridge, fruit, fruit juice, milk and water. After School Club runs from 3.30-6.00pm and your child will have the opportunity to do any homework, enjoy a snack and take part in a varied programme of activities, including art and craft, board games and baking.

The current cost can be advised by emailing an enquiry to bask730936@gmail.com. Child Tax Credit and childcare vouchers are accepted.

Regulated by the Care Inspectorate, staff at BASK are members of the PVG Scotland Scheme and hold childcare and first aid qualifications. If you would like further details or to arrange a visit, please contact Carmen Dow on 07984149544 or via email.