Auchtertool Primary School

Dear Parent

Auchtertool PS sits at the heart of the local village community. The staff and pupils enjoy being part of a close-knit community where it is possible to build relationships with young and old and where learning is enriched by the community experiences offered.

Our staff team is dedicated to providing meaningful learning experiences which prepare the children for life and we fully recognise the important partnership of home and school in supporting taking learning forward. We work together to ensure that Auchtertool PS offers great learning in a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment. On entering our school buildings everyone should feel the positive, caring and friendly ethos we work hard to provide.

Auchtertool has two classrooms, one for P1-4 and one for P5-7. Learning centres on building knowledge, understanding and skills through firm foundations in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing. Learning through active, meaningful engagement allows children to build life-long skill and allows learning to develop in context for the skills for life, learning and work. We deliver a Curriculum for Excellence which encourages active participation and where learners can plan and evaluate their learning so that there is clear understanding of where

they are in their learning and what their next steps will be. We know our children well and can identify barriers to learning in good time, giving support where required. This support can include tools and strategies to encourage independent learning. We challenge all our pupils to give their best and show their capability.

Having a voice is encouraged! Pupils at Auchtertool have opportunity to discuss all aspects of school life and can take responsibility for development in many areas across the school, including eco-work, playground, peer mediation and extra-curricular activity. We have a Pupil Council and give children leadership experience across all stages to ensure they play a meaningful role in the life of the school.

PE is an integral part of our curriculum and the children take part in activities in school and out. We can use the Village Hall for class PE and have the advantage of being beside the park which allows outdoor play and other sports. Sports are arranged in conjunction with our Active Schools Co-ordinator and can be offered as an after-s Bikeability, Yoga and Ski Club have all featured in Auchtertool’s learning activities during and after school and we are able to use the grounds of Auchtertool House to provide quality outdoor learning experiences. Our Active-Schools Co-ordinator is passionate about bringing different sporting experiences to the children and we have participated in hockey, football, netball and multi-activity sessions.

P6 and P7 children have the opportunity to enjoy a residential experience in both P6 and P7 at an Outdoor Education Centre.

Transitioning into and out of school can be daunting at times for children and at Auchtertool we pay close attention to times of transition from nursery, through stages in school and in moving onto high school. We have close links with our education partners and make sure that there are opportunities to visit and prepare for moving on. The Balwearie Cluster work together to give opportunity for children to engage in transition activities and this is particularly important for us as a small, rural school. We celebrate our unique identity but also look to be

active participants in the wider school community of Balwearie.

The children at Auchtertool are valued and the active Parent Council and local community work in partnership with the school to provide activities and experiences to add depth and variety to learning. We are very grateful for this support. As a school we look to give back to the community in different ways and it is in our long-term planning for the future.

Welcome to Auchtertool!

Mrs Carolyn Ritchie

Headteacher