How can I help my child at home?
Our staff are often asked by parents, "How can they support their child's learning at home?".
There are many ways you can do this and we would like to share some of these with you here.
In the Early Years:
Sing songs together.
Enjoy sharing a variety of books and find interesting ways to create story dens.
Point out letters, words and numbers when out exploring the world. Children will quickly spot familiar shop names, numbers and letters on buses, signs, cars and house doors which is supporting their emerging literacy skills.
Make a little extra time when you can throughout your day to give your child opportunities to develop their independence skills. This is very important life skills and gives your child responsibilities to look after themselves. For example: Encourage them to choose what they want to wear, support them to put on their own shoes and jackets for outside, ask them to help set the table for meal times etc
Help your child develop their fine motor skills through playing games, making Lego models, drawing or using play dough.
As your child gets older:
Read with them daily until they are confident reading novels independently. Teachers will send homework activities selected to help your child develop the skills needed to be confident readers.
Practice math facts in fun ways with your child. Playing games are a great way to embed math knowledge in a fun and stress free way.
Who is our Parent Council?
Our purpose is to support the school, children and families.
We are involved in the discussion and development of the school, including the Curriculum for Excellence and children’s learning and development, school policies and the spending of monies raised by the Parent Council.
We are responsible for the stocking and selling of school uniforms and we also organise events to bring together the school and local community whilst raising money for various items that benefit the children e.g. our Spring and Pumpkin trails, school discos and book fairs.
We currently have six committed members with specific roles as well but are always looking for people to join in and help out whenever possible.
We meet approximately every six weeks via Google Meets between 7pm and 8pm alternating days of the week.
We would love to see some new faces join the calls to ask questions, give their opinion or to just listen - everyone is welcome to attend!
Parent Council – Hazlehead School (hazlehead-ps.aberdeen.sch.uk)
What's on offer in my community?
Airyhall Library is a fantastic resource to have in our community and has something for everyone. Children of any age can became a member and start their love of books by visiting this facility. The library runs book bug groups, peep sessions and offers support and information to families in our community. Please click on the link for more information and how to register yourself and your child with a library membership.
Children and young people | Aberdeen City Council
Airyhall community centre also offers
After School Club
After School Club
Community Link Childcare provide 2 after school clubs for pupils at Hazlehead School.
Hazlehead Afterschool Club is held within the school’s Community Wing and includes lots of fun activities, games, playground time and crafts.
Trailblazers is based at Hazlehead Park and includes loads of outdoor fun and experiences.
Both After School Clubs provide a healthy afternoon snack.
Eligable for Childcare Tax Credits and Childcare Vouchures accepted.
Please contact Community Link Childcare if you need any more information – hazlehead@communitylinkchildcare.org.uk or 01224 764553
What does the curriculum look like at Hazlehead?
At Hazlehead your child will learn through the Curriculum for Excellence which is used throughout Scotland. While every child learns at their own pace, the following gives a generic guide of the levels your child will work through in primary school.
Early Level provides a framework for children’s learning in the Pre-School years and Primary One.
First Level provides a framework for children's learning in Primary two through Primary four
Second Level provides a framework for children's learning in Primary five through Primary Seven.
Curriculum for Excellence places a strong emphasis on Health and Wellbeing, Literacy and Numeracy. All staff have a responsibility to ensure these areas are taught for our learners.
The eight curricular areas we develop through the Curriculum for Excellence are:
● Health and Wellbeing
● Literacy
● Numeracy
● Expressive Arts
● Religious and Moral Education
● Sciences
● Social Studies
● Technologies
These eight curricular areas provide a framework for young people’s learning so that they can develop into Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors.
More information on the curriculum is available on our school website however the following document is a good factfile:
What is a composite class and how will it affect my child?
Schools are allocated teaching staff according to the total number of pupils in the school based on the current maximum class sizes which are:
P1: 25
P2 and P3: 30
P4 – P7: 33
Composite classes: 25
When there are not enough children in a year group to make up full classes we are obliged to make up composite classes. Composite classes have children from two or more year groups in the same class. This is usual in every school and in no way disadvantages children.
Children are taught according to their own ability not according to their age. In any year group there can be children working across several levels even though they are the same age. When we make up composite classes we take a number of factors into consideration.
We look at ability groups, friendship groups and which children work well together and who may be better apart. A lot of discussion goes into this process and decisions are not taken lightly. We ask parents to trust us to place their children in the grouping most suited to them educationally, socially and emotionally.
You can get answers to frequently asked questions from this document: Composite Classes Leaflet
What can I do if I have a complaint?
(insert complaint procedure)