Craigmillar Campus:
The Secondary Department

The secondary department offers:

• large, attractive and excellently resourced classrooms.
• Internet access from all classrooms with modern computer and assistive technology available for pupil use.
• a gymnasium, soft play room, multi-gym and swimming
  pool.
• expertise and resources to ensure pupils are able to follow a broad and balanced curriculum.

First and Second Year
Pupils follow the full range of courses based on national 5-14
curricular guidelines which are taught by specialist teachers.

Third Year and Fourth Year
Pupils study a wide range of subjects which lead to
accreditation at Standard Grade as well as Access to
Intermediate level of the National Qualifications framework.

Fifth and Sixth Year
Pupils undertake courses tailored to their needs, potential and aspirations. Individual timetables allow young people to follow the most appropriate courses for their future. Options include Scottish Qualifications Authority units, clusters and courses from Access to Advanced Higher level. Pupils in the senior school may be presented for Scottish Group Awards.

Essential Additional Curriculum
Throughout the secondary department, pupils are helped to develop skills for independent living. Pupils have an on-going and tailored mobility programme. Where required, braille teaching is continued with additional support for specific skills and late starters. Other communication skills are taught, for example Moon and Signing, if appropriate.

Additional Support Needs
Pupils who need more support to follow the curriculum will use a teacher's classroom as a base. Here they are taught language and communication, maths, personal and social education, religious and moral education and environmental and social subjects and go to specialist teachers for other areas of the curriculum. To broaden the learning which takes place within the classroom, teachers run a variety of educational initiatives:

• The Petit Cafe – a co-operative work experience venture located in the Lodge House in the school grounds.
  
• Educational Visits – weekly visits to explore the local community or specific outings with subject teachers to enhance classroom learning in a variety of curriculum contexts.
  
• A Sensory Garden – a walled garden in a small, manageable, secluded area within the school grounds. It is maintained by the pupils with help from staff and is used to access a wide range of skills including decisionmaking, team work and problem solving. This will enable some pupils to achieve Scottish National Qualifications in Managing Environmental Resources.
  
• Work Experience – fourth, fifth and sixth year pupils are given a range of activities to provide them with an insight into the world of work.