BGE - Primary Curriculum

The primary curriculum is organized into a three-year cycle of learning contexts which covers all the eight areas of the curriculum as well as integrated learning experiences.

• Languages
• Expressive Arts
• Health and Wellbeing
• Numeracy and Mathematics
• Religious and Moral Education
• Sciences
• Social Studies
• Technologies

These contexts are planned to give children the opportunity to develop skills, gain confidence and success. Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing underpin the learning and teaching and there is a focus on Project Based Learning or Topics, to link learning together and ensure that all the curriculum areas are covered. Some pupils may attend a local mainstream school in their community - these are organized on an individual basis. The primary department has community visits and outings to practice and develop their life skills.

Literacy and Language

Children are immersed in literacy and language throughout all subject areas.

The main areas are:

• Listening
• Talking
• Reading
• Writing

In Pinewood many of our pupils rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) this can includes signs, symbols, pictures, PECS and communication aids. A Total Communication approach is followed by all the children at Pinewood. The development of AAC within Pinewood is in co-operation with speech and language therapy and parents. Pupils requiring communication aids will initially be assessed and given devices to trial in school before being referred onto KEYCOMM.

Pupils learn to read using pictures, symbols and words at their own level and pace. All children have access to reading books, either personalised or following the school reading schemes.  Throughout the school the pupils are building up a functional social sight vocabulary of words and signs.

Numeracy and Mathematics

Pupils experience numeracy and mathematics in a variety of different ways and in a variety of contexts, with a focus on life skills.  A range of different approaches are used which engage our young people in active learning experiences eg, using money, finding directions etc.  In line with Curriculum for Excellence mathematical experiences are evident in all aspects of school life.  For example Home Economics is a subject which lets the pupils handle number and measure in a very practical context.   Pupils learn about all aspects of Numeracy and Maths - number, money, measurement, time, information handling, shape and problem solving.

Health and Wellbeing (Personal and Social Development PSD)

All children have a child's well-being plan written in partnership with parents, education and therapists which include long and short term goals. These goals are shared with our learners and are reviewed regularly.

Our health and well-being curriculum is personalised to meet the needs of all our learners and our main focus is providing learners with opportunities to learn life skills.

Physical Education is mainly delivered by our P.E. specialists and will cover aspects in 4 areas, namely fitness/athletics, racket and ball skills, gymnastics and dance. We also work closely with active schools to access many opportunities out of school. Some of our secondary groups access PE in the community centre or the church hall and all pupils have the opportunity to participate in sports day and other events.

A number of classes each year have the opportunity to go to Bathgate Pool for swimming lessons. The primary children have the opportunity to take part in a dance showcase in Strictly Pinewood.  Some children will be offered the opportunity to take part in inter-school sporting events.

Further Information

More information any aspect of the curriculum, at a national level, can be found at:

• Education Scotland - The Curriculum (opens new window)