The curriculum followed at Presentation Primary School Midleton is based on the following principles:
- The full and harmonious development of the child
- Respect for individual differences
- The use of activity and discovery methods
- The use of environment based learning when possible
- The use of group teaching
- Ensuring that there is an effective programme for pupils with learning difficulties
The following subjects constitute our curriculum:
Gaeilge
Text to follow
English
Oral Work: Encouraging every pupil to grow in confidence and ease of self expression
Reading: Promotion of reading for pleasure and purpose.
Writing: We aim to ensure that every pupils literacy is in accordance with age and intellectual ability.
Poetry and Drama form an integral part of our English programme.
Mathematics
We lay a secure foundation of skills, understanding and knowledge in order for each child to attain his/her full potential. Our primary aim is to allow each child to develop his/her confidence around numbers and problem solving.
Social and Environmental Studies
This programme aims to stimulate and foster in each child an interest in the world around him/her.
Science
To foster attitude and curiosity
To provide interest and enjoyment
To develop the ability to define problems and to find solutions
To encourage children to appreciate their environment
Music
To enlarge the musical experience of each child through singing, music making and listening, choir work, orchestra and operettas.
Knowledge of instruments is a key to the appreciation of music as a whole.
Music as a source of entertainment.
P.E.
We aim to promote the physical well being of each child. We aim to develop a suitable range of motor skills and to help each child to cultivate desirable social attitudes. We provide opportunities for dance, gymnastics and athletics. We also teach a range of skills for team sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, Camogie, Rounders, Football and Badminton.
Arts and Crafts
A wide range of arts and crafts are catered for in order to encourage creativity in each child.
| Painting Picture Pattern Design Rubbings Life Drawings Patterns Printing Crayon Still Life Silhouettes Lettering/Calligraphy Observational Drawing |
Craft: Papier Masche Tie Dye Stained Glass Windows Collage/Mosaic Paper Weaving Paint Techniques Colour Wheel Tapestry Cross Stitch Crochet Embroidery Toy Making Knitting |
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
SPHE takes place in a number of ways in the school and the involvement of parents at all stages of the programme is essential for its effectiveness. Children learn through experiencing a positive school climate and atmosphere and by exploring aspects of the curriculum through relevant subject areas. The curriculum includes RSE (Relationships and Sexuality Education), Stay Safe and the Substance Abuse Prevention programme. The RSE programme was drawn up by a committee comprising of representatives of parents, teachers and the Board of Management.
German
Wilkommen!
MLPSI:
The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative has been in operation in many Irish primary schools, including St. Brigid’s, since September 1998. It aims to introduce modern languages at primary level. Further information can be found on www.mlpsi.ie, where our school is featured as schoolof the month (March/April 2007) and for our link with St. Mary’s High School.
Aims:
- promote positive attitudes towards language learning
- encourage communication in our target language of German
- diversification in the range of languages taught
- the establishment of links between language teaching at first and second level.
When?
- German is taught for 45 minutes, twice a week.
To Whom?
- 5th and 6th class girls have the opportunity to learn German.
Comments from the girls:
- “German has been really fun over the 2 years I’ve done it and I’ve learned a lot – it gives you an idea of what German is like.”
- “I think German is a really good idea, because when we go into first year we will already know some of it.”
- “German is a great language to learn because it is a lot like English. It can sometimes be difficult but it will help you for first year.”
- “It is great fun and it is something we all look forward to at the start of the week and the end.”
- “When we learn German we do a lot of art and games as well as learning to speak the language. It is very educating and it helps us to learn the cultures of different countries.”
- “I like learning German because it is easy to learn and it is fun to learn.”
- “I like doing German. German isn’t hard because some of the German words are close to the English words. If you’re doing German in High School you have a head start and you understand more.”