Prospectus
1. Contents
2. Welcome ...... 2
3. Our Vision ...... 4
4. School Teaching Staff and Governors ...... 5
5. School Office ...... 6
6. Learning and Teaching ...... 9
7. Health and Welfare ...... 15
8. Home School Links ...... 15
9. Collaboration ...... 16
1 2. Welcome
A very warm welcome to our happy school! I am so proud of our
improvement journey having led Gulval School since 2014. We are
a warm, welcoming, caring and vibrant school for 4 to 11-year olds
sitting at the heart of the local Cornish community. We are a stone’s
throw from the beautiful beaches of Penzance and St Michael’s
Mount and are surrounded by fields and farm land. Gulval is unique;
a happy and inspirational place to learn. My dedicated and
experienced team (#TeamGulval!) are committed to making learning
exciting and challenging. We all work hard to ensure the children in
our care receive the very best education and that they remember their years spent at Gulval School with
great affection. Our pupils consistently achieve results that are at least in line, but more often above,
national expectations in every measure; they prove that hard work does indeed pay off!
We have a long tradition of sporting excellence and encourage participation and competitive sport
through a wide range of clubs including football, rugby, rounders, swimming, cross country, athletics
and netball high 5s. We are passionate about outdoor and adventurous learning and have developed
our grounds to include a traversing wall, Poly Tunnel outdoor classroom, tyre park and animal
enclosures; all to support inspirational learning and teaching. Everyone loves our resident pygmy goats
Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, Hedwig and Dobby and the new additions to our herd Baloo and Mowgli! Our
gorgeous goats are so friendly, they live in school and help us to ensure an even greater breadth of
curriculum offer. They are also integral in
supporting all children to Thrive emotionally and
socially – they’re always very busy! Our chickens
and rabbits are equally popular with pupils and the
wider community. Our school dog Eddie is so
reliable, always there when we need a friend to
help us to feel safe and secure again. At some
point soon we’ll need to start calling this our school
farm!
2 We welcome parents into school and value the partnerships that exist between home and school.
Indeed, we could not have achieved and maintained our rapid progress without the support of our community. We offer opportunities to meet through a whole range of events including parent consultations, Big Dig days, concerts, sports and fundraising events such as our expedition week. We are immensely proud that Gulval School really does sit at the heart of the community it serves. In May
2017 Ofsted said that; ‘Gulval is an inclusive school. Leaders provide good-quality support for families.
The school acts as a central cog in the wheel of the community. As a result, pupils are confident and considerate and know what it is to be a responsible citizen and contribute to society.’ In June 2020 we became a National School of Excellence for Thrive – this is a big deal and we are so proud to be recognised in this way. You’ll find more about this in the coming pages.
Our aims? For every child to exceed beyond their potential, to be self-confident and have a belief that anything is possible. To believe that they are bound only by their imagination and to ‘never give up’, having a deep understanding that we learn through our mistakes. We achieve this through our school ethos and our values based on respect. We thrive on the spirit of adventure at Gulval and work continuously to provide our children with a range of exciting learning opportunities and the experiences they need to develop into successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who are equipped with the skills to meet the demands of 21st Century life.
Please do contact the school and arrange a visit, even if it’s just to find out more, we love showing new parents around our school! You can also find out more by visiting our school website and Facebook page, just search for Gulval
School or click here .
Mr Paul Baker
Headteacher
3 3. Our Vision
In order to prepare our children for today’s multi-cultural society we teach diversity throughout our curriculum but especially through Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), Religious Education (RE), and Thrive based activities.
We encourage children to communicate orally and through writing, to think and solve problems mathematically and to express feelings and emotions in a creative manner. We help children acquire moral values so they can live happily within our community, find enjoyment in school and gain satisfaction from their own achievements.
Our vision is underpinned by our core principles of respect; respecting yourself, others and the environment. We focus on kindness, courage, the spirit of adventure and genuine responsibility so that all pupils can enjoy the very best education, realise their full potential in a happy and caring environment, enabling them to lead a full, purposeful and happy life.
3.1 No child left behind
Our aim is to make sure every child fulfils their potential; it is important that every child has choice and develops the valuable skills that will enable them to succeed beyond school and in life.
4 4. School Teaching Staff and Governors
4.1. School staff
Headteacher: Mr Paul Baker
Assistant Headteacher: Mrs Demelza Elliott
Associate Assistant Headteacher: Mr Scott Markham
Class Teacher: Miss Lauren Wise
Class Teacher: Miss Kim Wilson
Class Teacher: Miss Kirsten Maun
Class Teacher: Mr Scott Markham
Class Teacher: Miss Sophie Lamden
Class Teacher: Mrs Demelza Elliott
Class Teacher: Miss Sarah Warren
Associate SENCo
Mrs Pippa Davies
Trauma Informed and Thrive Practitioners
Elisa Taylor Paul Baker Pippa Davies Kelly Barnes
Teaching Assistants
Mrs Wendy Carpenter Mrs Serena Markham Mrs Beck Uddin Mrs Lindsay Davy
Mrs Claire Sowden Mrs Debbie Hughes Mrs Jacqui McLeod Mrs Laura Barden
Mrs Nicola Brownfield Mrs Debbie Frisby
Administrators Site Team
Mrs Penny Nicholls Mrs Andrea Smith Mr Mark Blewett Mrs Kat Tanner
Mrs Lina Aucyniene
For more information about our staff team please visit the school website.
5 4.2 Local Governing Body
The school’s Local Governing Body is made up of a number of Community, Parent and Staff governors. The governors are not responsible for running the school day to day; that is the responsibility of the Headteacher. They support, monitor and scrutinise the work of the Headteacher and other school staff and, under the direction of the Headteacher, work to carry out a range of strategic and statutory responsibilities.
OFSTED expect Governors to:
• Performance manage the Headteacher rigorously • Know and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school • Understand the impact that teaching, learning and assessment has on the performance of the school • Understand data provided by the school • Provide appropriate support for the leaders in terms of “support and challenge” • Understand performance management procedures and how this informs leaders about pay decisions
5. School Office
5.1. The school day
Reception 8.45 am – 3.00 pm
Key Stage 1 and 2 8.45 am – 3.15 pm
We can only accept responsibility for the welfare of children on the school premises between 8.45am and 3:15pm unless the child is taking part in an organised school activity under the supervision of a teacher. Children who arrive before 8.45am can be looked after in our Breakfast Club. Children remaining after school can attend Pirates. Charges apply for both Breakfast and Pirates Clubs.
5.2. Term dates
Follow this link to find our term dates on the school website. You can also find importants dates and events on our school calendar here.
5.3. Admission
The primary school is open to children from Gulval and its surrounding areas, is non-selective and co-educational. Full admission details, including oversubscriptions, can be found in the admissions policy.
The school’s published admission number is 25 for each year group.
To apply for a place at Gulval School, we ask parents to follow Cornwall Council’s school’s admission process which you can find here.
6 5.4. Attendance
To make good progress, and establish good relationships with others, children must attend regularly. Gulval School has very clear and rigorous systems in place to support parents and pupils in order to achieve good attendance.
Parents are asked to notify the school by phone in the event of illness on the first day of absence. School policy is to follow up on any unknown absence with a phone call on the first day before 9:30am to ensure the safety of all our pupils. This may be followed up with a home visit from the Headteacher if there are concerns about the safety of a pupil.
Pupils achieving 100% attendance each term will receive a certificate.
5.5. School dinners
School meals are provided by Caterlink, which offer a variety of choices each day prepared at the school.
Universal Free School Meals
At Gulval School we are benefiting from the government initiative where all Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Reception children receive a free school meal. Universal Free School Meals was introduced in September 2014. If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they will automatically receive a free meal every day
5.6. ACE After school clubs (Active Creative Enjoyment)
We offer a real breadth of clubs that extend our curriculum offer and increase opportunities for children. ACE clubs change all the time but here are some examples of recent clubs;
• Football • Healthy cooking • High 5s • Rounders • Athletics
• Dance • Cross country • Film • Computer • Survival School
• Sewing • Tag Rugby • Gardening • Animal Husbandry • Hot chocolate reading
For more information and the latest selection of ACE Clubs visit the school office page of our website here.
5.1. Wrap around care
We hope to offer a service where all children will be safe, happy and feel cared for. As the provision will be led by staff that already work in the school, we think that there will be a real sense of community for all involved. By extending our school day we hope to make life easier for parents who may have a variety of demands on their time. Breakfast club is available from 8:00am to 9:10am (£2.50), Pirates club is available 2:45pm to 5:15pm
(£3.50 per hour).
7 5.2. Uniform
We love our uniform and we take a great deal of pride in how we wear it. You can find the details you’ll need on the next page. Unless otherwise stated, items are available either through school (see Penny or Andrea in the school office) or can be purchased from any high street store of parents’ choice. You’ll find an order form, price list and details of how to order items on our school website here.
Girls Uniform Boys Uniform
Primary School Uniform Nursery to Year 2 Primary School Uniform Nursery to Year 2
Grey sweatshirt, badge embroidered onto fabric Grey sweatshirt, badge embroidered onto fabric
Polo shirt – plain white Polo shirt – plain white
Black trousers/black skirt or pinafore Black trousers
Black shoes Black shoes
Badged book bag in black Badged book bag in black
White, black or grey socks or black or grey tights Black or grey socks
Girls Primary School Uniform Years 3 to 6 Boys Primary School Uniform Years 3 to 6
Grey Gulval School blazer with trim Grey Gulval School blazer with trim
Plain white shirt, short or long sleeved Plain white shirt, short or long sleeved
Gulval School tie Gulval School tie
Black skirt or black tailored trousers (with Black tailored trousers or black tailored shorts waistband, not denim or tracksuits) (with waistband, not denim or tracksuits)
Summer term only: Blue and white gingham Plain black v neck jumper (optional) summer dress Black or grey socks Plain black v neck jumper (optional) Plain black school shoes (not trainers) White, black or grey socks or black or grey tights
Plain black school shoes (not trainers)
Reception and Key Stage 1 PE Sports Kit Key Stage 2 PE Sports Kit
Sports polo shirt – sky blue and badged Sports polo shirt – sky blue and badged
PE bag with logo PE bag with logo
Black sports shorts Black sports shorts
Black plimsolls Black plimsolls or trainers
Optional items
• Hijab – only plain black pull–on hijabs may be worn.
8 6. Learning and Teaching
Age of pupils at end of Key Stage Description academic year EYFS Foundation 5 Year 1 6 1 Year 2 7
Year 3 8 Year 4 9 2 Year 5 10 Year 6 11
6.1. Our school curriculum
Gulval School follows the National Curriculum which consists of four core subjects and six foundation subjects. The table above shows how pupils are categorised within the National Curriculum:
All pupils are assessed by Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) and by teacher assessment (TA) at the end of each Key Stage. In addition, ongoing assessments are made by the class teacher throughout the school year. We continually review and develop our curriculum and the following statements represent a summary of our aims and philosophy about the nature of learning, children’s needs and the National Curriculum. Gulval School endeavours to promote the following five outcomes for all pupils:
1. Be healthy
2. Stay safe
3. Enjoy and achieve
4. Make a positive contribution
5. Achieve economic wellbeing
6.2. Literacy
Through our daily literacy sessions, we provide a balance of English, speaking and listening, reading and writing to help our pupils develop literacy skills and an enthusiasm for language.
Every child has an opportunity to speak aloud, perform, read from a wide range of scheme and non-scheme fiction and access an ever expanding library of books covering topics from around the world.
We teach children handwriting systematically and encourage children to develop a clear and attractive style, taking pride in the presentation of their work.
Attainment is tracked on a half termly basis. We use a range of intervention programmes to help children achieve the expected levels of attainments.
9 6.3. Mathematics
Mathematics introduces children to concepts, skills and thinking strategies that are essential in everyday life and support learning across the curriculum. We aim to provide a curriculum that enables every child to have the confidence to become resilient and independent learners. Children are encouraged to use and apply their skills in mathematics both within and outside of the classroom, to understand problems, reason about the world around them and be willing to explore possibilities.
6.4. Science
Science is taught through the Cornerstones Curriculum and a rolling programme that has been devised to ensure that pupils are covering the required topics throughout the year.
Topics cover all key concepts: life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. Pupils can carry out their own experiments and investigations, supporting independent learning.
6.5. Cornerstones Curriculum
Gulval School implements the Cornerstones curriculum which teaches through the use of Imaginative Learning Projects. This curriculum is based on a whole school learning philosophy that engages children and helps to raise standards. There are a wide range of cross curricular activities which are tied to themes and subjects
Each Imaginative Learning Project is split into sections, which see children progress through four stages of learning: Engage, Develop, Innovate and Express.
Engage
At the ‘Engage’ stage, children:
• gain memorable first-hand experiences, such as going on a visit or inviting a special visitor into school
• enjoy ‘WOW’ experiences
• get an exciting introduction to a topic or theme
• begin researching and setting enquiry questions
• get lots of opportunities to make observations
• develop spoken language skills
• take part in sensory activities
• have lots of fun to fully 'engage' with their new topic.
10 Develop: At the ‘Develop’ stage, children;
• improve their knowledge and understanding of the topic
• develop and practice their new skills
• compose, make, do, build, investigate, explore, write for different purposes and read across the curriculum
• research their own questions and those set by others
• follow new pathways of enquiry based on their interests
Innovate: At the ‘Innovate’ stage, children;
• apply skills, knowledge and understanding in real-life contexts
• solve real or imagined problems using everything they’ve learnt
• get inspired by imaginative and creative opportunities
• revisit anything not fully grasped at the ‘Develop’ stage.
Express: At the ‘Express’ stage, children;
• become the performers, experts and informers
• share their achievements with parents, classmates and the community
• evaluate finished products and processes
• link what they have learnt to where they started
• celebrate their achievements!
6.6. Physical Education
We believe this is a hugely important part of the school curriculum, not only do most children enjoy physical activity but the lessons help the children to develop themselves physically and achieve suppleness, fitness, strength and stamina. These lessons help them to develop skills and confidence, to be adventurous and imaginative, to use their initiative to become self-reliant and gain discipline. We participate in inter-school competitions throughout the year in the following sports:
• High 5s • Rugby • Swimming • Rounders
• Gymnastics • Badminton • Athletics • Cross country running
Each child in both key stages has five hours of swimming lessons each year with the target of being able to swim a minimum of 25 metres by the end of Year 6. Top-up swimming lessons are arranged for those who do not reach this target.
In 2019 we were awarded the ‘Gold school Games Mark’ for our commitment to ensuring the very best sporting opportunities are available to pupils at Gulval School.
11 6.7. Religious Education
Our aim is to provide knowledge, and as far as possible, an understanding of the Christian religion, its beliefs and the standards which it sets. We aim to show the relevance of all religion and human values to everyday life, especially in establishing standards of behaviour and consideration for others.
Apart from lessons, the children assemble regularly for an act of worship. This is done through whole school key stage or class assemblies. Ministers from all denominations are invited to lead an assembly during the year.
6.8. Health Education
Gulval School achieved Healthy School status in 2014 and again in 2017, we are very proud of this achievement. In 2019 we were also awarded the ‘Time 2 Move: Community Collaboration Award’ focusing on healthy living and our community.
Health education is integrated within other areas of the curriculum and we firmly believe that it is important to encourage children to choose a healthy lifestyle.
6.9. Outdoor and Adventure Education
Children have the opportunity to take part in residential activities and adventure based expeditions including to residential settings such as Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre, St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, St Just-In-Roseland, Delaware, Carnyorth, North Wales and London.
Our aim is for every child to work towards experiencing at least one overnight residential adventure during their time in primary school. Without exception, children thoroughly enjoy the experience and they develop greater independence, self- reliance and self-confidence as a direct result.
12 6.10. Reading Schemes
Key Stage 1
We use Read Write Inc. to teach daily Phonics through EYFS and KS1. Children learn the English alphabetic code: first they learn one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend these sounds into words, then learn to read the same sounds with alternative graphemes. They experience success from the very beginning. Lively Phonics books are closely matched to their increasing knowledge of Phonics and ‘tricky’ words and, as children re-read the stories, their fluency increases.
Key Stage 2
Once children have completed the Read Write Inc. Phonics scheme (normally within Year 2), they are taught in Guided Reading groups. The teaching here focuses on the reading skills and allows children to continue to develop their fluency, expression and knowledge of books and authors. Many of these sessions are taught in small groups using a carousel system where the teacher reads with each group every week. We supplement this with some Whole Class Reading where the class all work together to practise and develop their reading skills. Using the Talk for Writing approach we teach children to read as a reader where they focus on the vocabulary, grammar and comprehension but also to read as a writer focusing on the author’s crafting of language and use of literacy devices.
6.11. Homework
Children are encouraged to read with their parents daily and to learn their spellings and multiplication tables.
In addition, a homework grid is sent home with children on a half termly basis. The work is linked to their imaginative learning project and allows children to share their learning at home with their parents. Completed homework is celebrated weekly in the class where smileys are awarded.
6.12. School Visits
We create opportunities for important organised school visits and expeditions that are linked to the school curriculum. While some visits are heavily subsidised we do ask that parents contribute towards the associated costs of these trips.
Although recently having invested in our school minibus, occasionally parents are kind enough to help with transport. This is greatly appreciated however, before any transport is used, a declaration form must be signed which is available from the school office.
6.13. Reporting Policy
All teachers can advise on the standard of work or progress made by children in their class. If parents/guardians have difficulties or problems, they are urged to contact the class teacher in the first instance and the Headteacher if necessary, who are always readily available.
As the teacher may have a prior commitment, it is advisable to make an appointment. Of course, minor matters may be dealt with over the telephone or by correspondence.
In Year 2 we report Teacher Assessment Levels and in Year 6 the results of the Standard Assessment Tests are reported in the summer term.
13 6.14. Relationship and Behaviour
Children thrive when they are in relationship with adults who are fun, playful and curious about them. At Gulval school we believe in building positive relationships between children, parents and staff and acknowledge behaviour is a form of communication. Our behaviour policy recognises the need for rules and routine for children to feel safe and secure. Sometimes it is necessary to deal with poor behaviour choices, but if a child’s behaviour gives cause for concern, we do not hesitate to seek the parents’ co-operation and offer support. Gulval School has a very clear and transparent approach to encouraging positive behaviour choices and a systematic approach to both rewards and sanctions.
Our Relationship and Behaviour Policy can be found online here, this policy details the exceptionally high standards we have for pupils’ behaviour that we promote through our school values system of respect.
6.15. House System
For the purpose of competition within the school and to instil a deeper sense of community the children are divided into four school houses;
• Pendour
• Prussia
• Lamorna
• Portheras
The names of houses were voted for in 2015 and are based on coastal coves within our surrounding area. Our community helped us to decide the names of our school houses! Each house has two house captains, chosen each year through a peer vote.
14 7. Health and Welfare
Information concerning children who have an illness or disability needing medical treatment or diet, must be given to the school so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Such information will be treated confidentially. Medicine at school is administered by a trained first-aider.
We recognise that some girls will start to menstruate whilst at primary school. While we expect all pupils to be prepared for this significant change in their bodies by their families and school it is still an intensely emotional time. Parents can let their daughters know that a staff toilet is available for their use at this time. It is private, easy to use discreetly and has disposable facilities for sanitary towels which are available through school when necessary.
From time to time it is necessary to ask parents to collect children who are ill or to arrange for someone to take them home. Thus it is essential for the school to have telephone numbers so that parents may be contacted during working hours, or addresses of the address of someone willing to care for each child. In the case of more serious injury, children are taken to West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance. Whenever possible parents are contacted, so that the parent can travel with or meet the child at hospital. If this is not possible a member of staff would accompany the child.
It is now the parent’s responsibility to check for head lice. Please notify school if your child has needed treatment.
Should a child receive a bang to the head a letter will be issued with the latest advice from the NHS.
An asthma register is kept in school and all asthma pumps should be available in the classroom for self- administration for those children who need them.
Pupils are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to school and children in KS1 are provided with a healthy snack for morning break.
8. Home School Links
8.1. Parent evenings
During the school year parents are invited to discuss their child’s work with their teacher and a written report is sent home to KS1 and KS2 in Spring term and EYFS children in the Summer term. Parent’s evenings are held during the Autumn and Summer term for KS1 and KS2 and in the Autumn and Spring term for EYFS children.
15 8.2. Parent Teacher Association
FROGS (Friends and Relatives of Gulval School)
Gulval School has a very active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) called FROGS (Friends and Relatives of Gulval School). The PTA acts as a fundraising body to provide much needed items which are not supported by the budget. Every parent is automatically a member but if you would like to be more involved with the organisation please see either Mr Baker or Mrs Smith. They will be delighted to see you.
The aims of the PTA are:
• To give opportunities for closer co-operation between parents, friends, staff, home and school
• To provide the opportunity for parents, friends and staff to work together on projects that enhance and develop the school and the welfare of the children.
Parental help is also appreciated with activities such as cooking, craftwork, swimming and reading and if parents are prepared to share a particular skill or interest with the children we would be delighted to know about it.
9. Collaboration
9.1. Pre-school links
Gulval Little Learners is a nursery which runs five morning and five afternoon sessions per week within the school environment. There is very close liaison between the Reception Class and Little Learners, you can find out more here.
Gulval School takes part in many local competitions for example playing football, high 5s, cricket and rounders matches against other schools. Pupils take part in the area sports, cross country events and swimming galas each year.
We also encourage and enjoy strong links with our feeder secondary schools. Year 5 and 6 pupils experience a number of days and events covering various areas of the curriculum during transition days with Humphry Davy and Mounts Bay Schools.
9.2. Communication
Gulval School uses Facebook successfully to communicate with our parents and the wider community, the Gulval School Page acts as our school newsletter though at times additional information will be sent home via satchel post. We also use Twitter to promote the success of the school and provide additional information to a wider audience. FROGS (PTA) have their own Facebook page which is used to communicate and organise events such as the Big Dig and Summer Fair.
16 Gulval School School Lane
Gulval Penzance TR18 3BJ
01736 364747 www.gulvalschool.org.uk