Blairgowrie High School Blairgowrie High School - Central ...

ASPIRE
Blairgowrie High School
Prospectus 2012/2013
MATHEMATICS
When new first year pupils arrive at Blairgowrie High School, a number of factors are used to place
each pupil in an appropriate class. We will use their national assessment levels from primary
school, our own departmental test, and the results from the CAT tests (Cognitive Ability Test) carried
out at the start of the year. Throughout first year, individual pupils may be moved up or down a
class if our mid-year tests indicate that they would be best suited to the work in another class.
We aim to develop a range of skills including mental, non-calculator and calculator skills, with
much of the work being set in context and involving problem solving. The department uses a variety
of resources with ICT playing an integral part. Homework will be regular for all pupils, with the
volume and difficulty being highly dependent on the level of maths each pupil is working at in the
department.
S2 will now see all pupils officially begin the standard grade course with the final exam being at the
end of third year. At the start of S2, pupils will be placed in either a foundation, general or credit
class. Pupils may be moved up or down within each of these categories but cannot move from one
to the other. This places huge importance on each pupil achieving his/her best throughout S1.
As in S1, homework will be regular for all pupils through all years. The department has a history of
excellent exam results from Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. From this
it is expected all pupils will work their hardest along with staff in the department, so that each pupil
can achieve their best.
MODERN LANGUAGES
In S1 pupils continue to learn whichever language, French or German, they began in primary
school. After a brief period of revision and consolidation a broader range of new topics relevant
to everyday life is introduced. The experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence cover
proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing and these skills will be assessed throughout
the year. Homework is set on a regular basis and includes preparation for speaking and writing
assessments together with other exercises. Vocabulary learning and revision is an ongoing task for
all pupils and is expected to be done weekly.
In S2 pupils will be given the chance to learn Spanish either as an alternative language or as a
second foreign language.
In all years pupils will experience language not just through the formality of a text book but also
through a variety of media such as films, video clips, internet, reading texts, songs and specialist
DVDs.
MUSIC
During class time in S1, pupils are given the opportunity to study through a variety of musical
experiences. The main focus is aimed at performing. Pupils have the opportunity to learn to play
instruments from a choice of Keyboard, Tuned Percussion, Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Drum Kit.
Pupils may also opt for instruction in Piano, Piping, Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
(subject to availability of instruments and places). Extra-curricular activities, currently include
three Choirs, a Wind Band, a Brass Group, Strings Group and a Woodwind Ensemble. All pupils are
encouraged to take part in the end of session Musicals and the end of term Concerts.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In S1 the activities chosen and the teaching approaches used will ensure that pupils are challenged
physically as well as mentally. Personal qualities such as leadership, self-discipline, ability to work
with others, decision-making skills and the ability to help less-able pupils are simultaneously
developed.
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