About
Our Vision and Values
Our vision is 'to be the best we can be'. This ambition is underpinned by our core values of being Responsible, Respectful, Resilient, Reflective, and Receptive. These values are the foundation of our school culture, shaping not only the social behaviours of our pupils but also how they approach learning.
Our Unique Context
Situated in the historic town of Melrose, flanked by the Eildon Hills and served by the River Tweed, we benefit from a rich natural and historical environment. We are committed to developing our extensive outdoor spaces to enrich learning experiences. We recognise that to be truly effective, our curriculum must be responsive to our learners and our community.
Our Curriculum: A Learner-Centred Approach
Our curriculum is designed to be a living, evolving framework that puts our learners at its heart. We achieve this through a strong focus on pupil voice, which allows our children to drive their own learning journey. Through this process, pupils actively participate in choosing the contexts for their Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL), including local themes and topics.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to develop key 'skills for life', which we call the '5Cs': Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Curiosity. By cultivating these essential skills, we ensure our children are well-equipped to succeed in whatever path they choose, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.
Our Pedagogy: Relationships, Culture, and Environment
At our school, effective teaching and learning are built on the foundation of strong relationships, culture, and a nurturing environment. Our pedagogy is delivered through a structured, four-stage learning process:
Equity and Inclusion
Our commitment to equity and inclusion is at the forefront of our curriculum design. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to "be the best they can be". Our pedagogical approach, with its emphasis on understanding individual learner needs, allows us to adapt the curriculum so that all pupils can access it and experience success. Through bespoke feedback and a relentless focus on the 5Rs and 5Cs, we ensure that every learner has the chance to develop the values and skills needed to achieve success in any aspect of life they choose.
Our vision is 'to be the best we can be'. This ambition is underpinned by our core values of being Responsible, Respectful, Resilient, Reflective, and Receptive. These values are the foundation of our school culture, shaping not only the social behaviours of our pupils but also how they approach learning.
Our Unique Context
Situated in the historic town of Melrose, flanked by the Eildon Hills and served by the River Tweed, we benefit from a rich natural and historical environment. We are committed to developing our extensive outdoor spaces to enrich learning experiences. We recognise that to be truly effective, our curriculum must be responsive to our learners and our community.
Our Curriculum: A Learner-Centred Approach
Our curriculum is designed to be a living, evolving framework that puts our learners at its heart. We achieve this through a strong focus on pupil voice, which allows our children to drive their own learning journey. Through this process, pupils actively participate in choosing the contexts for their Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL), including local themes and topics.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to develop key 'skills for life', which we call the '5Cs': Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Curiosity. By cultivating these essential skills, we ensure our children are well-equipped to succeed in whatever path they choose, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.
Our Pedagogy: Relationships, Culture, and Environment
At our school, effective teaching and learning are built on the foundation of strong relationships, culture, and a nurturing environment. Our pedagogy is delivered through a structured, four-stage learning process:
- Ready to Learn: Preparing pupils for new knowledge and skills.
- Focus for Learning: Introducing core concepts.
- Practice of Learning: Providing opportunities to apply new understanding.
- Feedback: Delivering bespoke feedback to support progress.
Equity and Inclusion
Our commitment to equity and inclusion is at the forefront of our curriculum design. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to "be the best they can be". Our pedagogical approach, with its emphasis on understanding individual learner needs, allows us to adapt the curriculum so that all pupils can access it and experience success. Through bespoke feedback and a relentless focus on the 5Rs and 5Cs, we ensure that every learner has the chance to develop the values and skills needed to achieve success in any aspect of life they choose.