 Small Classes - personalised learning
The Junior School has a very favourable ratio of teachers to children which makes rich learning experiences possible. Children are actively engaged and taught to think for themselves. For the most able, flexible arrangements exist for extending learning beyond normal expectations. Targeted learning support for those who have challenges ensures that these children nevertheless reach their potential. There is personalised learning for all, with teachers skilled in developing critical and creative thinking.
 A Dynamic Curriculum
A strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy as key skills means that children are progressively equipped to get the most out of their learning in all other areas. Integrated learning encourages children to make connections and be creative. Expressive arts are a notable strength - art, music and drama are all areas where children are given free rein to perform confidently and develop skills. Every class in the Junior School puts on a presentation of drama, music and dance every year.
Best of Both Worlds
The Junior School has its own 'enclave' within the main building but also access to all facilities, including the Games Hall and Gym, the computing rooms, art and music rooms and, of course, the Gilchrist Theatre. Every child also gets specialist teaching from Junior 1 in Modern Languages, Music and PE and from J5 in Art and Drama.
Learning beyond the classroom
Lunchtime and after-school clubs offer a wide range of different activities: Scottish country dancing, chess, running, school newspaper, choir, aikido, street dance, orchestra, athletics and many more. Residential visits to outdoor centres start in J5 and are used to develop personal qualities and life skills.
 The School Community
Children are part of a caring and warm community and develop the confidence to explore their potential without fear of failure. They look after one another and exercise responsibility, with older members nurturing younger ones in their roles as monitors, pupils council reps or play helpers. Children look beyond themselves to the outside world and are actively involved in charity fund-raising and enterprise activities.
Transition to the Senior School
The transition year - Senior Prep (Primary 7) is a very successful half-way house between being in a primary school and being in a secondary school. Children are taught a number of subjects by their own primary class teacher and pastoral care is carefully coordinated by the two primary teachers in this year group. Children have all the benefits of specialist teaching in Science, Computing, Music, Art, PE and Modern Languages. This special year prepares children effectively for the 'big step up' to S1 and helps to ensure that it is not such a big step afterall!
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