1. Duns Primary School- The Rationale for our Curriculum
Vision
All Children achieve their very best
Values
Respect, Responsibility, Achievement, Inclusion
Our Key Drivers
Learning for Sustainability
Rights and values-based education
Local identity and heritage v global citizenship
Improving attainment and achievement of all
Health and well-being
Critical thinking and political literacy
Biodiversity and tackling climate change
Social justice and Fair Trade
Outdoor learning and contact with nature
Peace and conflict
Developing and learning skills for life and work
Ideal Learning in Duns PS happens when:
Children lead their own learning
Children are actively involved
Opportunities are given to work independently and collaboratively
Children are engaged and purposeful
Learning is experiential and active
We use the natural environment and outdoors whenever possible
Learning provides challenge and is differentiated
We nurture the whole child
Principles for Curriculum Design:
• challenge and enjoyment
• breadth
• progression
• depth
• personalisation and choice
• coherence
• relevance
We promote a ‘growth mindset’ through our Learning Powers
Direct your attention and concentrate
Use your imagination
Notice and be curious
Success through error
Persevere-don’t give up
Strive to improve

3. The 4 Capacities

4. Successful Learners
I Show:
• enthusiasm and want to learn
• I am keen to do my very best
• willingness to think new ways
• a desire to try out new ideas
I can:
• use literacy, communication and numeracy skills
• use technology in learning e.g. computers/laptops, Smartboards, TV, digital cameras, ipods, etc.
• use my imagination and be creative
• think and learn by myself and as part of a group
• form an opinion and justify it
• use all my learning to help me in new situations

5. Effective Contributors
I Show:
• I have a ‘can do’ approach to life
• the ability not to give up
• confidence in my own abilities.
I Can:
• share my ideas in different ways and in different situations
• work with a partner and as part of a team
• think and act independently and lead others responsibly
• use what I already know to solve problems in new situations
• come up with ideas and see them through
• solve problems.

6. Responsible Citizens
I Show:
respect for others
that I can take part in aspects of life in the school and wider community.
I Can:
learn more about Scotland and about its place in the world
show some understanding of how other people lead their lives and what they believe
use what I have learned to make good choices and decisions
form opinions about issues which affect our world
decide what is just and fair when considering different topics.

7. Confident Individuals
I Show:
Self-respect
an understanding of wellbeing by
keeping fit and healthy
being safe and secure
feeling happy and content
a clear understanding of what is important to me
a desire to achieve my goals.
I Can:
get on well with others and look after myself
make healthy choices
understand my behaviour can affect other people
think through and explain my beliefs and how I see the world
live as independently as I can
make safe and responsible choices
do well in a range of activities.

8. Responsible Citizen

9. Being Responsible Take the Test
Do I take good care of my own things?
Do I own up when I know I did something wrong?
Do I finish a job once I’ve started it?
Am I extra careful with things that don’t belong to me?
Do I do my homework?
Do I get to school on time?

10. If I make a promise, do I keep it?

11. How Did You Score?
Less than 3 ~ You need to work on being more responsible.
3 or 4 out of 7 ~ You’re doing OK in a few areas, but there’s room for improvement.
5 or 6 out of 7 ~ You’re pretty responsible.
7 out of 7 ~ Give yourself a pat on the back!

12. Responsibility At Home Might Look Like…
Doing chores

13. Taking care of a younger sibling

14. Taking care of a pet

15. Responsibility at School Looks Like…
Getting to school and all of your classes on time

16. Having the right equipment for school

17. Completing your assignments and homework

18. Setting goals for success
Specific
Measurable
Action oriented
Realistic
Timely

19. Follow the School Rules

20. Responsibility in School
Student council
Eco Committee
P7 Buddies
Rights Respecting School Committee?

21. Responsibility in Action
Own up to your actions; admit to making mistakes
Stop blaming others or making
excuses!
Be accountable

22. Responsibility Sounds Like…
I am sorry. I broke it. How can I help fix it?
NOT….
It broke. It wasn’t my fault.
Stop making excuses! Take responsibility.

23. Responsibility Sounds Like…
I haven’t found it yet. I need to look
harder.
NOT…
I can’t find it!!
Another excuse!! Take responsibility!

24. Responsibility Sounds Like…
I chose to do it because I couldn’t stand up to my friend.
NOT….
You made me do it!!
Stop blaming others for your actions.
Take responsibility!

25. When you take responsibility for your actions you are the one saying, “I am in charge of my life.”