What Do We Teach?

The school curriculum is based on National Guidelines for pupils of the 5-14 age range produced by the Scottish Office Education Department in the following areas:
Language
Mathematics
Environmental Studies
Expressive Arts
Religious and Moral Education with Personal and Social Development and Health Education

ICT- ( Information & Communications Technology ) is not, in primary, considered as a subject in its own right but rather as a tool to be used across the curriculum. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to take full advantage of the learning capabilities that ICT offers.

The Expressive Arts encompass Art and Design, Drama, Music and Physical Education and are seen together as placing a special emphasis on developing creativity, imagination and personal response in individual pupils.

The Council's Instrumental Service enables some pupils to be taught to play the cello. In P7, a number of pupils are offered brass instruction and chanter lessons are currently being delivered to some pupils in P6 and P7.

Stenhouse also has a school choir which has a very good reputation, having performed for visiting dignitaries to Edinburgh and at local events.

Science, History and Geography are are all grouped under Environmental Studies.

Through this area of the curriculum pupils are given opportunities to learn about the world around them and develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to interpret and make a positive contribution to their environment.

In addition to the core curriculum, French is taught in P6 and P7, and Stenhouse is unusual in being one of very few schools in the city where Gaelic is taught.

As well as the core provision for all, pupils are encouraged to be active both mentally and physically outside school hours.

Over a number of years, groups of pupils from the school have been able to enjoy the facilities on offer at Lagganlia Outdoor Education Centre in the Cairngorms.

Stenhouse is also part of the Scottish Executive Initiative, Active Schools, funded by Sport Scotland in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council. The fundamental aim of Active Schools is to give school aged children the tools, motivation and opportunities to become more active throughout their school years to foster lifelong activity.

Stenhouse and Active Schools work in partnership to provide opportunities for pupils to become, and stay, more active. Some of the activities currently on offer are: tennis, tag rugby, dance, football, gymnastics, basketball and badminton.