Curriculum
Curriculum 3-18
Each child is an individual: we believe that the education on offer at Belmont House reflects this. We aim to maximise their unique talents and pride ourselves in promoting personal excellence through offering an individual approach to education throughout the School, from Nursery to Senior 6. Our class sizes throughout the School are small, with an average size of 16 in the Junior School, 15 in the lower Senior School and 10 in the upper Senior School.
Junior School
A balanced, integrated curriculum is on offer throughout the School. In the Nursery, we aim to develop the individual child by encouraging the social, emotional, intellectual and physical aspects of their development according to their own ability and level of maturity. All are encouraged to work to their full potential as they are introduced to the relevant pre-reading, writing and numerical concepts which prepare them for a smooth transition into Junior 1.
In the Junior School, a secure grounding in the basic skills of Mathematics and Language is provided. Environmental Studies, Art, Music, French, Computing and the general use of ICT provide further breadth and balance to the curriculum. Senior School specialist staff teach throughout the Junior School and in the latter stages (Junior 5 & 6) over 25% of the timetable is delivered by senior staff, often in specialist accommodation, in liaison with the class teacher. This ensures that the pupils benefit from the close cooperation and communication between Junior and Senior School that is a direct result of the entire School being on one site.
Senior School
The Senior School begins in Transitus (equivalent of Primary 7) and all pupils follow a curriculum designed to provide challenge and stimulation, and which includes a wide range of academic subjects. Time is also allowed for Personal and Social Education, Religious Education and Physical Education. At the end of Senior 1, all pupils choose eight subjects to take on into Scottish Qualifications Authority courses in Senior 2 and Senior 3. The choice of subjects is considerable but English, Mathematics, a foreign language and Computing are compulsory. From Session 2007-2008 onwards, all pupils will be presented for SQA Examinations at Standard Grade, Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2 by the end of Senior 3. SQA Higher Examinations are taken at the end of Senior 5, with five subjects being the norm, and Advanced Highers are offered in Senior 6. These place an emphasis on independent study and are an ideal preparation for University life. Additional Highers are also available in Senior 6.