Junior School
Our approach to learning and teaching in the Junior School is child-centred and we recognise the importance of creating environments in which children are ready to learn, receptive to new ideas and confident to participate fully and express themselves openly. At St Margaret’s, the Junior School curriculum is based on the National Guidelines and is enhanced by ncreasing access to specialist teaching and an extended curriculum of after-school clubs, music and sports opportunities.
In the Junior School we have a determination towards open doors and partnerships. We have a Pupil Council where children have the opportunity to represent their peers and to inform and be informed. We have regular parent meetings and reporting opportunities and we encourage the involvement of parents in school particularly at those times where their expertise can be used to the benefit of individual classes and topics being pursued.
We also host a number of social events in the Junior School including a Beetle Drive, a Coffee Morning and a Burns Supper. At the end of the school year, we throw open our doors and invite families and friends of St Margaret’s to visit our Open Afternoon where we can all share in the achievements and displays of Junior School classes.
Specialist Teaching
In Junior 1 and 2, children have specialist teaching in Physical Education (PE), Music and a Modern Foreign Language (MFL). By Junior 3, 4 and 5 children have the additions of specialist teaching in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as well as swimming. In Junior 6, there are the further additions of specialist teaching in Science and Art & Design. Individual music tuition is available at St Margaret’s and children can leave their class at any reasonable time in the teaching day to undertake this.
Although no activity is compulsory, we do believe that pupils who do not join in extended curricular activities are not benefiting from a St. Margaret’s School education and the preparation for life it offers.
Trips
Junior School pupils have the opportunity to participate in day trips to places of interest linked to their Environmental Studies programme. Popular excursions include Edinburgh Zoo, the National Gallery of Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Museum of Edinburgh. There are also seasonal outings to Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Dunolly House
In Junior 6, our pupils have the opportunity to participate in a week-long residential experience at Dunolly House in Aberfeldy. From that centre, an extensive programme of outdoor and social activities is undertaken and this includes gorge walking, orienteering, archery, climbing and white water rafting.
If you have any questions about entry into the Junior School, please contact our Admissions Manager, Emma Degnan on 0131 668 1986
or by email at admissions@st-margarets.edin.sch.uk
If you have any questions about the Junior School curriculum or learning opportunities for you child in the Junior School, please contact Sarah Ogden, Acting Deputy Principal, St Margaret's Junior School.
