Donaldson's is Scotland's national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.
Primary School children at Donaldson's learn in small classes - the maximum class size is six - with a teacher, nursery nurse and classroom assistant, to ensure each child gets individual attention in a fun and stimulating environment.
Donaldson's primary children can attend full time (day or residential), or as part of a shared placement scheme with another school.
We focus on personal and social development, and the development of language and communication within an environment of total communication including BSL and English.
We follow a curriculum underpinning the principles of Curriculum for Excellence and each child has an individual learning programme which also includes swimming and gym sessions with specialist PE teachers.
Children in upper primary are also able to attend ICT (Information & Communication Technology), CDT (Craft, Design & Technology), Cooking and Art classes within the secondary school.
As well as their class teacher, a team of subject-specialist teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, an Educational Psychologist, an Educational Audiologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Ophthalmologist help them achieve their full potential.
To view a typical primary classroom in detail please visit our virtual tour.
"At the primary stages, children experience a suitable range of activities, with an emphasis on developing communication and literacy."
HMIe report August 2009