BELL'S BRAE PRIMARY SCHOOL in Shetland Islands, Lerwick

Education Centre Information: Bell's Brae Primary School:

Funding Type: State funded
Total Pupils: 389
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
School roll: 301
Teacher numbers FTE: 31.7

School Type:

Eco School
Primary

Additional Services:

Pre-school/Nursery facility
Integrated special unit

Background:

Bell's Brae is a non-denominational school with two form entry. The primary accommodation is made up of 20 classrooms, a library, a GP room, a dining hall, a gymnasium and a small room for individual or group tuition. The nursery department consists of two classrooms and a small kitchen, and the special department has four classrooms, a home room and a physiotherapy room. Bell's Brae aims to 'prepare pupils for the society in which they are going to live', and it hopes to 'equip pupils with the skills necessary for life in the modern society'. The school believes that the support and co-operation of parents is 'essential' and that there must be a partnership between home and school. The curriculum is based upon the five broad areas of English language, mathematics, environemental studies, religious and moral eduaction and expressive arts, which are all promoted by the Scottish Office. Pupils are offered a 'wide' variety of extra-curricular activites and these include swimming galas, sports day, participation in football and netball leagues, inter-class sporting competitions, chess, cookery, dance, drama, photography, gymnastics and keep fit among many others. Pupils are also given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The school considers educational outings and visits as 'an important part of the curriculum', and these can range from walks around Lerwick to longer journeys by bus. Bell's Brae aims to promote 'close' home, school and community relationships and parents are welcome to call at the school at any time. Pupils are encouraged to raise money for local and national charities. These have included the Blue Peter Appeal, the National Lifeboat Association, the RNIB, and the New Horizons Minibus Appeal.