MAGIS CURRICULUM DELIGHT IN LEARNING
LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
AMDG
CONTENTS SECTION ONE SECTION TWO SECTION THREE SECTION FOUR SECTION FIVE
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Christian Formation Performing Arts Sports Outdoor Ed Activities and Clubs
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P4 P8 P16 P23 P28
WELCOME Jesuit education seeks to be world affirming – to reveal a world ‘charged with the grandeur of God.’ Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ
As a school, we encourage personal excellence and a delight in learning. We look to form men and women for others in a way that encourages their God-given talents. Therefore, we offer a wideranging programme of co-curricular activities. Our belief is that co-curricular activities allow significant opportunities for personal growth. Pupils are encouraged to meet challenges in individual and group pursuits. Commitment, dedication and teamwork are transferable skills that will benefit our pupils throughout their time at the College and beyond. As you will see in this brochure, we have an exciting and well-developed programme in Christian Formation, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Sport and Activities and Clubs. Many of these groups and others, offer trips in the UK and abroad. The co-curricular timetable is updated each term and is available on the website on the Aloysian Life page. Please refer to it for up-todate information for your children. Engage in the exciting Life Beyond the Classroom!
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Jesuit education has at its core the principle of cura personalis – care for each person so that they may flourish academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Here in St. Aloysius’ College Junior School, every member of staff plays a key role in getting to know every child as an individual. In doing so, we are able to support, encourage and challenge our children in their journey of growing up in today’s society. The Junior School Chaplaincy programme promotes the relgious and spiritual formation that is integral to Jesuit Education. It plays a central role in fostering the spiritual development of our children, families and the church. We welcome children of all Christian traditions, and other faiths, encouraging them to play as full a part as they can in the spiritual life of our school.
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MANRESA ROOM Children in the Junior School have regular opportunities to encounter with the person of Jesus through prayer and worship in the Manresa Room. Teachers can take their class to the room for a quiet time to reflect, to do the Examen, personal prayer or for a liturgy service. Throughout Lent and Advent, members of staff volunteer every day to lead a prayer service. Eucharistic Services are made available for those pupils who wish to receive the sacrament. 5
AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM Your child is at the beginning of their life journey and the development of the whole person is at the core of our Jesuit principles. You will hear and see words and phrases that will echo throughout the school and will soon see that Religious Education and formation does not only take place during RE lessons. The Jesuit Pupil Profile articulates the qualities of character that Jesuit schools seek to develop in their pupils. These virtues are rooted in the gospel values of Jesus Christ and in the spirituality of St Ignatius but they are also fundamental human values, shared by people of all faiths and none. We encourage all our children to seek these qualities throughout their lives, not only in the people they see around them, but in their own actions and relationships with others. In every piece of work that they do, the children scribe A.M.D.G. (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam) reminding them that everything they do is, quite simply, ‘for the greater glory of God’. For our children, to live Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam is a way of being that permeates every thought, every deed, every action, and to ask them to contemplate the meaning of everything they do.
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EXAMEN Your child will also participate in the Examen, which is used throughout the Junior School as an instrument for reflection. It creates a rich tradition for listening and being heard—which is helping all of us learn how to hear and speak not just to one another, but also to God.
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PERFORMING ARTS
The Performing Arts form a major part of the artistic life of the College, offering a wide range of activities and clubs across Music and Drama including the annual school show. Whether your interests lie in acting, singing, or playing an instrument, there is something to suit everyone.
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SCHOLA The Schola is a choral programme unique to St. Aloysius’ College. Pupils from P4-P7 get a chance to join some excellent choirs, and are also offered a much wider educational experience. Members of the two junior choirs get subsidised instrumental lessons in an orchestral instrument. All choristers get the chance to learn using the Royal School of Church Music Voice for Life Scheme, and over 80 pupils have achieved Bronze or Silver awards.
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P4-P7 GIRLS
SCHOLA PUELLARUM
This is our junior Schola for girls. Girls from Primary 4 are members, and there is a simple audition to join, to gauge potential. Girls usually join in Primary 4, but older girls in the Junior School are welcome to have a go (even a second go!) We lead Junior School liturgies, and sing some Sunday Masses (about 7 per year) at St. Aloysius’ Church, as well as a programme of concerts and other performances. In the last three years we have been to Edinburgh, Windsor and Yorkshire. We sing all sorts of music, from plainchant to Latin American, and from songs about gocarts to African songs.
SCHOLA PUERORUM
P4-P7 BOYS
This is our junior Schola for boys. It works in exactly the same way as the girls’ Schola, and the opportunities are also exactly the same (although the songs we sing are different). Occasionally the choirs even sing together, as we did when singing backing vocals for Andrea Bocelli at the SSE Hydro a few years ago. Come and join the team!
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JUNIOR SCHOOL CHOIR
P5-P7
The Junior choir is a very successful group made up of P5-7 boys and girls. The Junior choir is an award winning choir that is frequently asked to sing and perform at various prestigious events around the city. Children do not need to audition to join the choir which will focus on learning and developing their vocal skills in a variety of singing styles in a relaxed environment.
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P3-P4
TRAINING CHOIR
The Training Choir sings a range of musical styles, and has some fun in the process. The Training Choir rehearse during lunchtime and are a competitive choir who also perform at events such as the Christmas Carol Service.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
P4-P7
The Junior School Percussion Ensemble is a new addition to the Junior Music Department this year. It is open to children from P4-7 and seeks to provide percussion players the opportunity to play a variety of genres together in a group and progress in their solo playing. 12
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC There are many opportunities available to take part in the Junior School’s instrumental music programme. A broad range of co-curricular groups are offered for instrumentalists, and we also have a comprehensive instrumental tuition programme covering a wide variety of instruments from traditional orchestral instruments such as violin and clarinet, to traditional music instruments such as clarsach and bagpipes. Therefore, whether you want to rehearse and perform as part of a group, or learn to play an instrument, the instrumental music programme is here to meet your child’s needs.
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STRING ORCHESTRA
P4-P7
The Junior String Group meets during the week and welcomes all string players. The group provides the opportunity to play music in a variety of different styles in a fun atmosphere.
WIND BAND
P4-P7
The Junior Wind Band is open to all woodwind and brass instrumentalists. On Wednesdays at lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to play music in a variety of styles in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
P3-P7
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
Instrumental tuition forms a large part of the work of the Music department, and is available in most instruments, including: Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Harp/Clarsach and Bagpipes. Theory of Music lessons are also available as part of a small group. These lessons are delivered by a team of visiting tutors. Pupils are encouraged to sit external music exams including those of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity College. Lessons are scheduled through the school day and last for 30 minutes. Lesson times are rotated to ensure that pupils do not miss the same class on a regular basis. All pupils have the opportunity to participate in the many ensembles that rehearse weekly in the department. There is an additional charge for individual lessons.
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ANNUAL JUNIOR SCHOOL SHOW
P5-P7
Each year the pupils in P5-P7 participate in their end of year show. Led by the P7 pupils, we alternate each year between an evening of choral music and drama and a full scale musical production. The shows offer pupils the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the staging of these performances, from leading roles to supporting cast as well as lighting and sound engineers. Recent performances have included ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘We Will Rock You', ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.
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SPORTS
Sport at the College is an integral part of our boys’ and girls’ education. Our traditional sports are hockey, rugby and athletics but we offer a diverse, broad and exciting co-curricular programme, designed to suit all. Junior School pupils participate in major regional and national tournaments in many sports, including rugby, hockey, and athletics, as well as basketball, cross country, swimming, and golf. Sport at the College is designed to inspire and excite our young people and allow them to achieve their full potential individually and within teams 16
HOCKEY Throughout the hockey programme the girls will work through passing, travelling and tackling skills. These will be developed further into conditioned exercises, competitive situations, and drills. The girls will progress to full games which, in P7, are half pitch. Along with the health benefits of sport, pupils encounter experiences that help them develop, learn and grow. These include focus and concentration, as well as how to work hard and deal with pressure. Through working together, the girls learn the importance of encouragement and effective communication. Team work promotes determination, persistence, and togetherness. Everyone in a team has a vital part to play. 17
P6 HOCKEY Primary 6 girls take part in a weekly Games session and afterschool Hockey training in Terms 1 and 2 at Glasgow Green.
P7 HOCKEY In Primary 7, pupils selected for teams will play 8-a-side, half pitch matches in their fixtures. Most of these take place on Saturday mornings. The girls compete in several tournaments and festivals towards the end of the year, and all A team players gain competitive experience from these events. In terms 1 and 2, P7 Girls take part in a weekly Games session and afterschool Hockey training at Glasgow Green with our experienced coaches, many of whom have played at National or International Level. Primary 6 and 7 compete in their Interhouse Hockey Competition at the end of the season, giving all girls the opportunity to play competitively. This is a fun and entertaining annual event. Pupils from S4-S6 coach the teams and help run the Interhouse event. 18 12
RUGBY There are many positive values that pupils get from playing rugby. These include improving their fitness and health. However, it is the unseen benefits that have the greatest effect over time. These include the ability to function as a team, or the lifelong friendships that are forged on the field. Rugby is a fantastic sport as it teaches the boys many skills that they can use in other aspects of life. In a rugby team everyone has their own role to perform and in order to do that they require discipline, dedication and have to embrace teamwork. 19
P6 RUGBY At Primary 6 we introduce basic physical competency using body weight exercises. During all sessions we use these body weight exercises and agility games to improve balance, coordination, speed and endurance, all in a fun and non-threatening environment. Our afterschool sessions take place at the College Playing Fields in Millerston. We start to play competitive fixtures at P6 generally against other HMC schools. Matches are 10-a-side, on a reduced pitch. We try to field two squads per week.
P7 RUGBY At Primary 7, as the boys develop physically, we introduce some slightly more advanced bodyweight exercises to try and enhance their speed and strength. However, fun is still the focus If appropriate we try to incorporate stock moves that remain constant through to 1st XV. The competitive fixtures continue against other HMC schools and the P7 boys compete in one 7s tournament at St Columba’s school. As in P6 Rugby, we try and run two squads at P7 if numbers allow.
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ATHLETICS
P4-P7
Athletics is a core part of our curriculum and as such an essential co– curricular activity. We participate in all major competitions from District League Matches to Glasgow Schools and Scottish Schools events. In Term 3, from March to June, our main curricular and co-curricular focus is Athletics. Each year group from Primary 4-7 works on their discipline on their games day. Primary 6-7 can sign up for an optional afterschool session in Term 3 and also train on a Saturday morning from 9-11am at our school playing fields..
P7
BASKETBALL
Basketball is a global sport that is fast-paced and combines the need for individual skill and excellent teamwork. The boys have the chance to train each week, learning the sport and developing the basic skills. It is great for fitness and great for developing coordination and ball handling skills. The boys also have the opportunity to play in fixtures in order to challenge themselves in competitive matches. 21 12
P4-P7
CROSS COUNTRY
Cross Country is a core part of our curriculum and as such an essential co–curricular activity. We participate in all major competitions from District Matches to Glasgow Schools and Scottish Schools events. From August to March we focus on Cross Country events and host our own invitational match.
P4-P7
GOLF
Golf is an excellent sport that requires focus and concentration and demands exemplary sportsmanship. Pupils have the opportunity for weekly tuition at a variety of excellent venues. We participate in all major competitions from St Andrew’s to Glasgow. 12
SWIMMING
P4-P7
Swimming is a sport that demands commitment, both physically and mentally, in order to compete. We participate in all regional and national competitions from Glasgow Schools Swimming finals to Scottish Schools Finals. Pupils in Primary 4-6 participate in a swimming block as part of Games in Dec/Jan each year.
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Outdoor learning evolves throughout the Junior School. The long term aspiration is to give all year groups from kindergarten to Primary 7 quality exposure to nature and the many wonders it provides. Outdoor Education at the College fuels the imaginations and creativity of young minds, develops a sense of adventure, and offers health benefits that come from fresh air and exercise. 23
P5
ISLE OF CUMBRAE TRIP
In March our Primary 5 pupils take part in an overnight stay at the award winning Field Studies Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae, near Millport. The children are given a glimpse of some of the amazing and diverse ecosystems which exist in nature through fun and engaging activities.
CLIMBING
P6
Before pupils head away for their Outdoor Education residential to Ardmay, the children have a morning’s climbing at the Glasgow Climbing Centre. This allows the children to have a practice in harnesses and help reduce any anxieties that some may feel about climbing. Cost for this is included in the Ardmay trip. 24 12
ARDMAY OUTDOOR EDUCATION
P6
Pupils head away for a weekends adventure in May. If the weather permits, the trip includes canoeing, climbing, team activities and weaseling! This is a fun excursion and helps pupils become familiar with the adventures and challenges of being away from the familiarities of home.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION DAY
P7
The Primary 7 Outdoor Education Day incorporates two activities: mountain biking and the National Navigation Award assessment. Classroom based sessions in the foundations of navigation lead to pupils plotting a route and walking it, hopefully stopping off at the ice cream shop on route! 25
P7
JOHN MUIR AWARD
The John Muir Award is an excellent initiative which involves exploration, discovery and the conservation of wild places. Traditionally the introduction to the outdoor programme at the College, before the outdoor programme expanded, The John Muir award still continues to be the backbone of the many principles which emerge throughout the College’s entire outdoor ethos. We currently combine the award with a classroom based novel which then compliments the expansion into the exploration and discovery days the children will be involved in. We visit woodland habitats and coastal environments on our journey and this year, after the success of our milk carton igloo, the conservation project will focus on growing trees for planting. The award takes place in October and November with a Junior School presentation given at the start of the following year, once the project work has been completed.
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SKI TRIP
P6-P7
Following the Christmas Holidays, pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a week’s skiing in an ideal Italian ski resort. Folgaria is quiet and the slopes and access caters for mixed abilities from complete beginner to the more intermediate/advanced.
MODERN LANGUAGES CULTURAL TRIP
P7
Primary 7 have the opportunity to participate in a cultural trip in Term 3. These trips enhance the development of the Modern Language programme, however are not limited to those learning the language as activities are incorporated into the curriculum prior to departure. Previous trips have included France, Belgium and Lake Garda.
JUNIOR CLIMBING SQUAD
P6-P7
At the end of the spring term, Primary 6’s are selected to trial for the Junior Climbing team. Those who are selected will have the opportunity to climb weekly and then continue at the start of Primary 7. The after school climbing sessions run from 3.30pm - 6pm, where the aspirant team are given dedicated coaching and instruction by St. Aloysius’ College coaches at either the Glasgow Climbing Centre or The Climbing Academy. 27
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS The Junior School offers a wide range of afterschool activities for pupils. These take place from 3.30-4.30pm, Monday-Thursday. Our activities have been designed to give pupils a chance to develop skills they may not otherwise have the opportunity to enhance. The afterschool clubs tap into the talents of the teaching staff across the College and enhance the breadth of the educational experience the pupils already receive. The diet of clubs changes termly and the following is only an example of clubs offered.
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TECHNOLOGY FILMMAKING
P4-P7
This club offers pupils the opportunity to write and produce a short film. Pupils taking part will be expected to contribute to the creation of a screenplay and filming of the group’s ideas before the club ends. We often enter these films into national competitions.
DIGITAL CAF
P4-P7
The Digital Café is an ongoing project, based in the house system, in which the children coach staff, and each other, in the use of iPads. This gives the children an opportunity to lead others in an area in which they have expertise.
STEM
P4-P7
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This club undertakes projects that relate STEM subjects to real life and is usually tied into national Science and Engineering awards and competitions. This year’s focus will be on Engineering and Robotics.
IPAD/PC MUSIC
P4-P7
In the iPad/ PC Music Club, we use technology to create original music: no experience necessary! By the end of this club session our pupils will have created their very own album. 29
HEALTH AND WELLBEING KEEP FIT
P4-P7
Keep Fit encourages our young pupils to get active and reap the benefits, not only through improved fitness but development of their social skills, increased concentration and enhancing their self-esteem. This is achieved through fun activities that they enjoy and look forward to.
CHAPLAINCY
P4-P7
Chaplaincy promotes the community of faith within St Aloysius’ College Junior School. It encourages our pupils to live their faith and develop good relationships, not only within the College but in the wider school community. The work of this club will support the Liturgy, prayer and Spiritual life of the school as a whole.
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FIRST AID
P4-P7
First Aid covers a variety of medical conditions. We begin the year by looking at medical conditions such as asthma and anaphylaxis, moving onto the symptoms of a heart attack, followed by cardiac arrest. Pupils will be shown how to carry out CPR and perform basic First Aid and will use the resuscitation mannequin.
ECO CLUB
P4-P7
The activities undertaken in Eco Club in 2019/20 will be based on the challenge set by Pope Francis in ‘Laudato Si’. Pupils will work together for the good of our common home. The work of this club enhances not only the children who participate, but also the Junior School as a whole. 31
ARTS
LIBRARY CLUB
P4-P7
There are many ways to enjoy books and reading within the Library in the Junior School. Library Club involves fun events and activities for children of all ages to help build literacy, confidence, communication and social skills. These activities include illustrating books, creating comic strips, writing book reviews and discussing our favourite books.
SEQUINS ART
P4-P7
An Arts and Crafts Club where pupils will have fun creating beautiful glittering sequin pictures and artwork with friends.
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PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB
P4-P7
Public Speaking helps to develop and build upon pupils’ confidence when speaking in front of an audience. The sessions help with delivery, expression and intonation when reading aloud, as well as encouraging pupils to project their voices. Each year pupils who participate in the Public Speaking Club are selected to compete in the Glasgow Music Festival which takes place in March.
P4-P7
CINEMA
Cinema club give the pupils the opportunity to view and review a variety of new and classic films. We hope this club will develop our young people’s appreciation for film. Bring your own popcorn (BYOP)!
CONSTRUCTION CLUB
P4-P7
Construction Club allows our budding Engineers and Architects the opportunity to create their concepts in a variety of mediums such as Lego, card, pipe cleaners. The design world is the children’s oyster.
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SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MARY’S MEALS
P4-P7
The Junior School pupils have supported Mary’s Meals for over 10 years, filling over 2500 school backpacks and raising thousands of pounds with their ‘Donate a Dinner’ appeal. The Mary’s Meals Club leads whole school initiatives for this fabulous charity and raise awareness of current campaigns. 35
LANGUAGES CLUB
P4-P7
The Languages club will give a wonderful headstart – children have an opportunity to explore another culture, to develop an open mind and to broaden horizons. This club will offer a variety of fun activities (reading books, watching films, ICT, arts and crafts) in the foreign language which will enhance critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving skills and flexibility of mind in young children.
LEARN TO SIGN CLUB
P4-P7
This club allows the children the opportunity to learn Sign Language. Part of the work done by our four Houses includes outreach to schools to work with children with additional needs. This club helps develop the skills of our pupils to allow them to engage with others while sharing and developing the foundations of the Jesuit ethos of St Aloysius’ College.
NETBALL
P4-P7
Netball is a sport which demonstrates transferable basic skills in throwing, catching, spatial awareness, attack and defence. It is open to Primary 4 –7 girls and boys. The pupils concentrate on ball skills through their PE and Games curriculum and this club provides an opportunity to play the team sport on a weekly basis. 36
PRIMARY 3 - TERM 3
In Term 3 we introduce After School activities to the Primary 3 pupils. This gives the children the opportunity to participate in clubs as they prepare to move into Primary 4 where they can participate in the full co-curricular programme.
ATHLETICS
P3
Through a structured, fun format, our Afterschool Athletics Club gives the children the opportunity to learn new skills that can then be used in a wide range of sports as well as promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
MUSIC AND DRAMA
P3
The Music and Drama club helps young children become more confident and develop life skills by acting out different scenarios. It allows children to explore their creativity in a fun and relaxed environment. Pupils have fun working in groups while developing their social skills. 37
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Jesuit Pupil Profile Pupils in a Jesuit school are growing to be . . . Grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others. Attentive to their experience and to their vocation; and discerning about the choices they make and the effects of those choices. Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words. Faith-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future. Eloquent and truthful in what they say of themselves, the relations between people, and the world. Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good. Curious about everything; and active in their engagement with the world, changing what they can for the better. Intentional in the way they live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example they set to others.
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