Pringle Teaching Centre
The School aims to help you be the best that you can be, and will push you to achieve your personal goals - even things you never thought you could achieve." Junior School Pupil
Your son will start out in a classic primary school style education in the Pringle Centre, with his Form Teacher.
For the first two years (J4 and J5) your son will be taught by a single Form Teacher in the Pringle Teaching Centre. In First Form, (age 10), specialist teachers are introduced and in I, II and III Forms he will start to take lessons in the Senior School and enjoy a balance of learning styles. Crucially he will get a ‘gentle’ introduction to an education in a Senior School meaning that by the time he would usually be sitting Common Entrance exams and changing schools (at 12+) he is well prepared and ready for the next stage of his education. By the time he is in his final year, he is ready to move up to the Senior School, an effortless transition.
Merchiston Juniors staff are committed to developing literacy and numeracy skills in all of our pupils and curriculum content is largely based on the English National Curriculum Key Stages 2 and 3. We are dedicated to helping your son become a: successful learner, effective contributor, responsible citizen and confident individual. In addition, we are committed to integrating Assessment is For Learning, active learning and cross-curricular work into our existing curriculum where appropriate.
| Sample of Daily Routine | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday 08:00 -08:10 | Registration |
| Collection |
4:30pm (End of the School Day) 5:40pm (After Tea) 6:30pm (After Prep * only available to I, II and III Form) |
| Wednesday | No Prep Option |
| Friday | No Tea Option for J4 and J5 Pupils - collection at 4:30pm |
Alexandra Torrance
Head of Department (Juniors)
BA
Mrs Torrance joined Merchiston four years ago as a Teacher of First Form and is now Head of Department (Juniors). Mrs Torrance believes that primary-aged education should include a sense of awe and wonder. She is continually thinking of new and exciting ways to capture the boys’ imaginations - academically, pastorally, and outside the classroom - to develop each individual’s excitement and love of learning.
Claire Haston
J4/J5 Teacher, PGCE
Claire Haston joined us in 2020, initially as Housemother of Pringle. She then made the move to teach our J4 and J5 pupils over Zoom, during the pandemic. With 17 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of ideas and knowledge. A favourite with the boys, her lessons are dynamic, innovative and relevant. Claire enjoys travelling to new parts of the world, being outdoors and cheering on her children at sports fixtures during her downtime. Her favourite subject is History and she did this for her undergraduate degree, prior to her PGCE. Claire is the J4 and J5 teacher for 2023/2024 and is most excited about teaching Environmental Sustainability.
Kirsty Whittle
J4/5 Teacher - BA/PGCE
Mrs Whittle started with us in February 2022 as a part-time member of staff and has now joined the Pringle team as the full time J4/5 Teacher. Mrs Whittle is passionate about ensuring a child's wellbeing is paramount in all aspects of the school curriculum and believes that everyone always progresses when faced with the beauty and wonder of the outdoors. She has 15 years teaching experience working with all ages from 3-13. When not at school, she can be found roaming the lochs and hills of the Boarders with her family and their dog, Dotty.
