What makes Dunedin Unique?

Dunedin is a “second chance” school which provides exceptional learning services for young people from Edinburgh and the Lothians for whom mainstream education is not appropriate. Many pupils arrive having experienced failure – as a result of medical concerns, their own personal, social, emotional problems or learning difficulties.

When a new pupil arrives at Dunedin often the immediate concern of the school is to build up the individual’s self respect, self confidence and feeling of self worth by offering a caring and supportive environment. We wish the pupils to recognise Dunedin as a genuine “second chance” school where they can make a fresh start and be respected for the individual that they are. A sense of belonging, personal worth, care and tolerance of others is encouraged at all times.

The school operates a friendly, supervised “open door” policy where parents and professionals are welcome to drop in. Parents are especially encouraged to visit or phone the school at any time to discuss their concerns.

Teachers have high expectations of the pupils and believe that they are at Dunedin to learn and that this can be best achieved through mutual respect and good behaviour. This is constantly reinforced with praise and constructive feedback.

Aims

The school endeavours to educate in a caring and supportive environment by providing structured, yet flexible, learning opportunities. It is our prime concern to care for the individual.

Our aims are:

     * To develop self-respect and self-worth
     * To foster mutual trust and tolerance of others
     * To create a welcoming, sympathetic environment that promotes learning
     * To provide a broad and appropriate curriculum
     * To encourage a positive attitude to learning
     * To motivate pupils to aspire to their full potential

In order to achieve these aims, we will provide a safe and secure environment where every pupil has access to instant and constant support.

Curriculum

The school provides a wide curriculum of examinable and non-examinable subjects. The school’s flexible approach to learning allows pupils to develop at their own pace and can adapt to a pupil’s specific needs. In addition, the high staff-to-pupil ratio and small-group teaching caters for the individuals’ needs.

The timetable is carefully constructed to provide a curriculum that suits each individual as closely as possible and caters for any specific learning needs. The teaching groups are carefully considered to create a calm learning environment in which the pupils can reap maximum benefit. Groups are formed through negotiation with all staff and, although a group usually comprises pupils working at similar levels, the ability to co-operate as a group is also important.

Subjects offered include: English, Mathematics, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Information Computing and Technology, Geography, History, Sociology, a Modern Language, Home Economics and Art.

Other, non-examinable subjects offered are: Business Studies, Citizenship, Comparative Religions, Current Affairs, Personal and Social Education and Sport.

Pupils are only presented for National Qualifications and examinations if it is appropriate and at a suitable level. The school will enter pupils for Access 2, Access 3, Standard Grade, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Higher. Units are also offered in most subjects and at a variety of levels. These can be in addition to, or as an alternative to external examinations.

Pastoral Care and Support

All staff care for all pupils but the school operates a tutor system which means that each pupil is allocated to a particular member of staff who is responsible for particular aspects of pastoral care.

Staff also work closely with any outside agencies involved in the care of the pupils and there is frequent contact between school and Educational Psychologists, Social Workers and other professionals who play a part in caring for each child.

(doc ref: 06/05/09)