Teacher

Kells is situated in the village of New Galloway, 14 miles north of the market town of Castle Douglas. The school roll is currently 57 pupils split into three classes. There is a large grassed area marked out for football and athletics. Parents and pupils are developing a School Garden which will, hopefully, become a place of interest and relaxation for the whole community.

Kells is a happy family unit. The Staff’s aim is to produce well-rounded children with enquiring minds, a desire for and commitment to achievement and a sensitivity to others’ needs. Citizenship is well developed at Kells with the pupils increasing their responsibilities as they progress through the school. Each pupil is encouraged to work to his/her full potential but teamwork is, also, a very natural process. Kells is very strong in the Arts with many former pupils going on to Music and Drama college and Stardom!

Due to its facilities, the Glenkens Nursery is housed in Dalry School. This nursery caters for all children of 3-5 years who live in Dalry and New Galloway. On average, 50% of the children come to Kells School. Both the Head Teacher and Infant Teacher liaise with the nursery and there are Kells' Induction Days in the term prior to entry to school.

Education Statement

The school aims to help children reach a level of social and intellectual maturity compatible with their age, aptitude and ability. In the first instance, emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of basic skills of literacy and numeracy, but the broader aspects of social and personal development are considered equally important.

The school aims at a well-balanced curriculum which will prepare your child for his/her secondary education, i.e. a competent, self-confident, communicative and courteous child who will use his/her initiative.

Our main aims are to:-

1. help children develop lively, inquiring minds and the skill to use them;
2. enable children to discover themselves as people and to develop their abilities and talents;
3. make it possible for children to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for life in the world of tomorrow;
4. develop in children an effective use of language and mathematics;
5. give the children an understanding of the world in which they live and of the interdependence of individuals;
6. develop self-esteem, self-confidence and respect for themselves, their peers, their elders and their environment, in the children;
7. encourage children to a knowledge of and respect for religious and moral values, and, to recognise those of others may be different. 

Each child receives a carefully thought out programme of work designed to enable him/her to develop at a pace and at a level suited to his/her age ability. It is imperative that the child ‘tastes’ success in what he/she does provided he/she is prepared to make the effort. We encourage the policy that ‘No passengers are carried at Kells!’

If the child is to gain maximum benefit from education, then, teachers and parents need to work together. To encourage this co-operation and mutual understanding, Kells operates a policy of ‘Open-door’. Parents are always welcome in the school to see the teacher or to discuss matters of interest or concern with members of staff.

Learning is not restricted to the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to arrange field trips, children entertain in the community, the link with the Forestry Commission, planting of our own oak woods, clearing of streams, acid rain surveys, visits to local farms, fish farms and deer ranges are but a few of our outward bound activities.

All pupils attend the Regional Music and Speech Festivals. Kells is very strong in the Arts and have been top rural choir in both Dumfries and Wigtownshire for several years. The pupils are regularly asked to perform throughout the area because of the choir’s excellent reputation.

Trips of high educational content are arranged further afield for older pupils. Every alternate year, the senior pupils go on a week’s residential stay at Winmarleigh Hall, near Preston. This is for I.T./Outdoor Pursuits as well as Personal and Social Development.

The children’s social development is important. To develop this, we have parties at appropriate times of the year, a whole school outing, visits to other schools for friendly football matches or to watch their concerts.

Courtesy, good manners and concern for other are highly regarded at Kells and attempt is made through the regulation of school life to see that pupils come to appreciate these.

Background Information

Kells has the services of visiting specialist teachers of Physical Education, Music, Art, French and Learning Support. Instrumental Instruction in Brass, Wind, Strings, Guitars and Cello is also available. We have a school choir and Orchestra. The children are encouraged to join the Stewartry District Band and the National Youth Choir. Our children take part in both the Dumfries and District and Wigtownshire Festivals each year in both music and speech sections.

To foster the reading habit, Kells has its own Bookshop which is organised by parents. There are after school clubs which include Football, Rugby, Model Boat Club, Chess, Cross Stitch and Young Investigators. The clubs are run by parents and members of the community on a voluntary basis.

Kells enjoys an excellent relationship with both parents, members of the community, neighbouring primaries and our associated secondary. Excellent primary/secondary liaison ensures a smooth transition for our pupils.