Teaching and Learning    The School Day     Behaviour     Rewards and Awards     Reporting to Parents    Record Keeping/Assessment     Homework    School Excursions    Medicine in School     Any Further Suggestions   Educational Links

The Primary Department aims to establish a broad curriculum introducing a wide range of concepts, experience, knowledge and skills in a caring environment.

Teaching and Learning
We believe that children learn best when they :
-are happy
-are stimulated and challenged
-feel secure, confident and stable
-can achieve success and praise
-feel peaceful, calm and cared for
-are given tasks which match their ability
-are treated with fairness and respect
We aim to provide an environment where children can :
-develop lively, enquiring minds
-make decisions and solve problems
-question and experiment
-use initiative
-value courteous, considerate and respectful behaviour
-feel appreciated and encouraged
-receive help and support
-achieve academically

The School Day

Nursery and Year 1

8.55 - 10.15 Class
10.15 - 10.30 Merienda (Class)
10.30-11.00 Morning break
11.00 - 12.00 Class
12.00 - 12.30 Break
12.30 - 1.15 Class
1.15 - 1.30 Toilet/Wash hands
1.30 - 2.00 Lunch
2.00 - 2.50 Break
2.50 - 3.40 Class

EXITS

Years 2 - 6

Behaviour
We expect pupils to be :
-fair, polite and thoughtful
-tidily dressed in school uniform
-well-mannered and co-operative
-hard working and well organised
-respectful of the school rules

We do not tolerate:
-bullying
-bad language/cheek
-disobedience
-stealing
-retaliation
-frequent disregard of the school rules

Disciplinary action takes many forms :
-a verbal warning
-loss of priviledges
-detention (where parents are informed)
-a conduct sheet (signed on a daily basis by teacher and parent)

Pupils are taught the following rules :
-We keep hands, feet and objects to ourselves
-We respect other people and their property
-We move around school sensibly
-We follow instructions the first time given
-We play only where we are allowed to play
-We do not bully or fight

Rewards and Awards
-praise (private or public)
-positive feedback
-privileges
-work displayed
-a visit to the Head of Dept.
-a positive note to show parents
-ticks, marks, stars, stickers, smiley faces
-leaf awards (Happy Family Tree)
-Merit Certificates ( monthly Merit Assembly )
-End of Year book prize /certificate (Y3-Y6)

Reporting to Parents

Parents' meetings - September, November and March

Reports - December and June

Record Keeping/Assessment
-Pupil Profiles
-Regular subject assessment / observation
-Self - assessment (child's own Record of Achievement )

Homework
-to encourage self discipline and personal organisation
-to create a work routine and additional time for structured learning
-to forge a link between home and school
-to allow parents direct involvement in their child's learning
-the frequency and length of the task will vary according to the child's needs
-pupils in Years 3-6 will be expected to carry out an average 30 mins. homework each night.
-homework tasks should be the childs own work but it is a great help if parents are able to talk about projects / task and provide interested support for their child.
-tasks may include - reading, learning of tables , spellings or other materials, completion or extension of work done in class, researching for information, small projects or investigations.
-additional homework will not normally be set simply because a child is being taken out of school for a family holiday
-useful items for homework tasks include - pencils, pens, coloured pencils, rulers, rubbers, dictionaries, encyclopaedia, newspapers/magazines/brochures, compass, set square and protractor.
-make sure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to work.

School Excursions
Several school excursions are planned each year as we believe this is sound educational practice since much learning takes place from "seeing" and "doing" at "first hand". Class visits are used as a starting point for, or to reinforce project work in the department.

We expect pupils' behaviour to reflect the same high standards of behaviour expected in the classroom. Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with by one of the afore mentioned sanctions.

The support and help we receive from accompanying parents is much appreciated. In the case of very young pupils with specific needs a higher pupil - adult ratio is preferred, the class teacher may in some cases suggest that a child's parent, whenever possible, is at hand to help out.

Medicine in School
Parents should inform school of any medical problems e.g. speech or hearing difficulties, diabetes, asthma, allergies or epilepsy.
Medical examinations are held from time to time of which prior written notice will be given.
Medicines to be administered in school must be accompanied by a doctor's note. They should be labelled clearly with the child's name, the name of the medicine, the amount and time of the dose.
Children with acute infections should not be in school until the treatment is complete and the child fully recovered
Should a child develop symptoms which cause concern throughout the course of the school day parents will be contacted.

Any further suggestions
Any ideas or queries regarding the Primary Department may be directed to Ms. Deborah Eaves..