Graveney Primary School

GGrraavveenneeyy PPrriimmaarryy SScchhooooll

‘Learning and achieving together’

SSCCHHOOOOLL PPRROOSSPPEECCTTUUSS

2011-2012

Contents

Letter from the Headteacher …3

Aims of the school …4

Admissions Policy …5

Kent County Council Education Department … 6

Welcome to our School …7 School staff Governing body Links with our local community

A little bit of history ….. ….10

General Information …12 School Day Class organisation Break and meal times Visits and journeys Communication with parents Complaints procedure School Car Park

School Life …15 Behaviour and rewards Class rules Bullying Absences Illness Medicines Clothing and equipment Policy on charging C.P Summary

The Curriculum …18

The Foundation Stage (4-5 year olds) …19

The National Curriculum (Key Stages 1 & 2) … 24 Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, RE Foundation subjects: Geography, History, Music, Design & Technology, PE, Modern Foreign Languages Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education End of Key Stage SATs Sex Education Special Needs Homework End of Key Stage SATS Extra curricular activities and after school clubs Complaints about the Curriculum and Religious Worship

School Calendar …36

GGrraavveenneeyy PPrriimmaarryy SScchhooooll

„Learning and achieving together‟

Headteacher: Mrs Lisa Evans B.Ed(Hons) Seasalter Road Graveney Faversham Kent ME13 9DU : 01795 532005 Fax: 01795 590741 [email protected]

Dear Parents

On behalf of all the children, staff and Governors it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Graveney Primary School.

At Graveney we believe in celebrating success at every level. The life of the school is driven by enthusiasm and a desire to achieve. We aim to bring learning alive, making it exciting and stimulating for all of our pupils. They get one chance at education and we aim to make a difference!

We want to give children a thirst for learning that continues with them throughout their future school experiences and beyond.

To ensure this happens we have a great team of people. We view education as a joint venture, involving everyone – children, parents, staff, Governors and the wider community. We firmly believe this great partnership provides the best possible care for every child.

Whilst I hope that this prospectus answers many of your questions, please feel free to contact the school if you need to.

I look forward to meeting you.

Yours sincerely

Lisa Evans

Mrs Lisa Evans

Governors’ Strategic Vision Statement based on the principles of Every Child Matters At Graveney Primary School we believe that every child has the right to:  Be healthy  Stay Safe  Enjoy and Achieve  Make a positive contribution and  Achieve economic well-being

We want every child in our school to:

 Be a successful learner  Engage  Shine and  Reach for the stars!

This means that we are committed to providing a happy, secure, safe and purposeful environment where our children can learn successfully and develop fully and seek to:

 Value every individual acknowledging their uniqueness and their different skills and attributes.  Work with every child and their family to ensure that their learning needs are met and that they achieve the highest standards possible.  Provide wide-ranging opportunities to support every child’s all-round personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  Encourage every individual to have high aspirations, recognising their own potential and supporting others in achieving theirs.

Therefore we will:

 Respect each individual as a unique child who is accepted as part of our diverse school community where we promote life choices which support the health and well-being of the individual  Endeavour to provide a safe and secure environment in which our children feel supported and encouraged from all staff that care for them. This will include fostering respect for self, other children and adults and the world around us.  Provide wide-ranging academic and personal development opportunities that encourage each individual to enjoy and achieve and be their best  Develop each child’s skills, attributes and capacities that enable them to develop high aspirations with enquiring minds and the ability to listen and question, to encourage self-motivation, self-discipline and make positive contributions.  Encourage a strong partnership with parents, staff and governors who have a genuine pride in the education and social development of the children, the school and the wider community.

In support of this we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that: Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, academic and physical developments of pupils in our school and of society and prepares our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Admission Policy

The school welcomes applications from all children. The County admissions policy stipulates that places should be offered to children according to the following criteria:

1) Parental wishes. 2) Sibling connection: an older sister or brother is attending the school at the time of entry. 3) Health reasons. 4) Proximity of child‟s home to the school.

We are able to offer places in September, for children who reach 5 years of age within the academic year in which they start, (1st Sept. – 31st August); this is up to our admission number of 15.

Our aim is that all children settle into school well and are happy to come. Therefore we believe it is essential to provide a comprehensive induction programme before starting school. In the case of new Year R children this includes visits to the school and a home visit from our staff. For other children who attend in different year groups, they are offered an induction visit and are given a mentor from their class who will look after them and help them to settle into our school.

Transfer to Secondary School

Pupils in their final year at Primary School are assessed for placement at High School or Grammar School under the county‟s selection procedure. A pamphlet explaining this is sent to all parents during the Autumn Term in Year 6. Choices are discussed with parents at the end of Year 5 and take into account pupil assessments and the headteacher‟s recommendations. Pupils from Graveney transfer to many schools including the Abbey School, The Archbishops School, The Chaucer Technology College, Simon Langton Grammar Schools, The Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Whitstable Community College. School staff liaise closely with secondary colleagues to ensure the smooth transfer of our pupils.

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Strategic Director: Children, Families & Education:

Kent Education Office, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 1XQ Telephone: 01622-671411

Graveney Primary School

Chair of Governors: Mr Barry Snashall

C/o Graveney Primary School, Seasalter Road, Graveney, Faversham, ME13 9DU

Headteacher: Mrs Lisa Evans

Graveney Primary School, Seasalter Road, Graveney, Faversham, ME13 9DU

Welcome to our School

Graveney Primary School Seasalter Road Graveney Nr Faversham Kent. ME14 9DU Tel: 01795 532005

Fax: 01795 590741 [email protected]

School Hours 8.50 – 3.15pm

Our school is officially classified as a `Community Primary Co-educational Day School‟, and is situated in the village of Graveney, near Faversham.

The School Staff

Headteacher: Mrs L.Evans, B.Ed (Hons) NPQH Senior Teachers: Miss T. Goodsell, BA Ed (Hons) Mrs A Blackwell B Ed (Hons) Teaching Staff: Mr N. Murray BA (Hons) with QTS Miss C Wright BSc (Hons) with QTS

Teaching Assistants: Mrs S Champkin Miss K. Holt-Rix Mrs J. Ingram Mrs V. Mann Mrs S. Baker Senior School Manager Mrs Dreena Knibbs Administrative Officers Mrs Sarah Dunkin Cleaner-in-charge: Mrs L.Yates Midday Supervisors: Ms L. Catton Mrs R. Newman Mrs Johnson

Visiting Clergy: The Revd. G. Read

The Governing Body: Chair of Governors: Mr. B. Snashall, Community Governor Governors: Mrs. L. Evans, Headteacher Mr. A. Bowles, LA Governor Rev Gill Reed LA Governor Mrs A Memmott – Parent Governor Mr R Kitto – Community Governor Mrs G. O‟Shea, Parent Governor Mr N. Murray, Staff Governor Mrs S. Dunkin, Parent Governor Mrs J Wakeman- Associate Governor

Local Education Authority Area Office

Kent County Council Education Dept Kent County Education Dept. Springfield East Kent Area Maidstone Clover House Kent Thanet Way, ME4 2LJ Whitstable, CT5 3QZ Telephone: 01622 671411 Telephone: 01227 772992

Links with our local community

Parent and Volunteer Helpers

The school is grateful for the practical assistance we receive from parents in many areas of school life. The impact of such support can be seen in the success of our football club and team, which is very much due to the expertise and commitment of our resident coach, George Mann.

We enjoy parent support both in and out of the classroom, for reading and many other activities. We would be pleased to hear from any parents or member of the community who would be willing to assist the school in these and other ways.

Links with the local pre-schools

We have good links with the pre-schools in Faversham, Whitstable and surrounding villages. The pre-school children and staff are regularly invited to the school to take part in activities or watch special assemblies and Christmas performances.

A little bit of history ….

This is a very exciting time in our school’s history.

The original Victorian schoolhouse, (that today contains the school hall, office and staff rooms), was built in 1876, for a school roll of 80 children, at a cost of just over £1,000. Graveney School in 1913

Over the years the school has served the children and community of Graveney and the surrounding area. During the 1939- 1945 war the school provided a Graveney School in 1940 community shelter during daylight bombing raids.

New classrooms for a new Millennium

In 2000, the school was awarded funds Artist’s impression of new school building under the “New Deal - you will notice some slight changes to for Schools” scheme the finished project to build new classrooms to replace the three temporary mobile classrooms.

The new classrooms are attached, via a corridor, to the original `school house’ building - which remains in use as the school hall, office and staff rooms.

The new building means that for the first time for many years, the children are housed under cover within one building.

The new building project included four new classrooms, an ICT suite and new toilets, all adjoining the schoolhouse via a corridor. The school hall has been slightly enlarged enabling all the children to eat together at lunchtime, to be used for PE and all the children to attend assemblies. A new playground surface has been laid and is marked out with traditional games such as hopscotch and a netball court to support our P.E. curriculum. The school grounds have been landscaped and limited car parking for staff has been provided. The classrooms have all been fitted with new fixtures and furniture.

(Please note - the title on the plan is incorrect. We are not a Church of England denominational school.)

The new building meant some disruption in the short term but the end result is a wonderful new teaching and learning environment. The new building project began in the summer of 2001 with the move from mobiles to the new classrooms taking place in March 2002.

In 2008 a brand new computer suite gives the school opportunities to provide whole class Information, Communication Technology studies with 13 networked Windows XP computers. All classes have an interactive SMARTboard and data projector in addition to computers in the classroom. This has meant that we have reinstated the library in the old ICT room.

The school remains fortunate to continue to have the use of a field opposite the school for sporting activities including the annual school sports day and a new school car park that provides approximately 35 spaces for parents.

The School

School Office Staff Mrs Dunkin and Mrs Knibbs are probably the first people that you will meet when you come into school. The office is open from 8.30 – 4.00pm. It would be helpful if you could call or telephone within these times for routine matters. If anything urgent occurs, please ring or call at any time.

Security The new pedestrian gate onto the playground is locked between 9.00am - 3.10pm. Access via the large gates is for essential deliveries only. During school hours all visitors are asked to enter the building at the main front door, via our security entry system.

Visitors On arrival, visitors will be welcomed by the office staff, then invited to sign in the Visitors‟ Book and wear a visitor‟s badge. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

The School Day

Morning Session: 8.50am - 12.00 noon

Afternoon Session: 1.00pm. - 3.15pm

The school gates open at 8:40am when a member of staff will be on duty until the school day starts. At the end of the school day the gate is unlocked and parents can come onto the playground to collect children as their class teacher dismisses them. Lessons are timetabled to finish at 3.15pm and often additional time is required for gathering homework, bags, lunch boxes, etc.

If you have to change the way that your child is to travel home, do please inform the school. This is particularly important with young children, who can easily be confused by changes in routine.

School Car Park Please use our new car park situated near the school. There is a drop off zone to be used in the mornings for parents just wishing to drop older children off. They will then walk over the bridge to the school entrance. Each morning one of our members of staff helps and supervises children across the road.

Class Organisation

Our total pupil admission number is 105 with 15 pupils in each year group. Ladybirds Class Year R also known as the Foundation Stage. Our Planned Admission Number for reception aged pupils is 15. This is the maximum number of children in Class R we admit in September. We believe that this small class size gives the children the best start to their school life. Bumble Bees Class: Years 1 & 2 (Key Stage 1) Dragonflies Class Years 3 & 4 (Key Stage 2) Scorpions Class Years 5 & 6 (Key Stage 2)

All parents receive a written report in the summer term. Consultation evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms although parents are most welcome to discuss their child‟s progress at any time throughout the year.

Break times

The children have a supervised playtime from 10.45-11.00 am in the mornings. There is an additional 15 minutes afternoon playtime for Ladybirds and Bumble Bees. Children may bring a fruit or vegetable snack for playtime. Free fruit is provided, each day, for Ladybirds and Bumble Bees. Children have access to drinking water in the class rooms and are actively encouraged to drink through the day.

Fun in the snow

Lunch Children may have a cooked meal or school packed lunch or bring a packed lunch from home. Cooked lunches are prepared at a neighbouring secondary school and delivered to us each day. The current cost of a school meal is £2.10. Menus are available from the school office.

Payment for school meals should be put in a sealed envelope with the child‟s name, class and amount written on the front, and brought to the school on a Monday morning. Cheques should be made payable to `Graveney Primary School‟. Parents in receipt of income support or income based job seekers allowance may apply for „Free School Meals‟. The application form can be obtained from the school office.

Visits and Journeys

The school arranges a bi-annual residential visit for years 5 and 6. In June 2009, the pupils went to Marchants Hill in Surrey, run by the P.G.L. Company who specialise in outdoor and environmental courses.

As a school we believe in the importance of extra curricular activities. Places we visit have included Graveney Church and other places of worship, the O2 Centre Greenwich, the seashore, local farms, the Faversham Heritage Centre, the Roman Museum in Canterbury and whole school theatre trips to Margate. Visits all have an educational objective and are natural extensions of work carried out in the school and help to focus on, or highlight, areas of the curriculum. Parents are notified, by letter, of trips planned and parental permission must be granted prior to taking children off-site.

PGL - 2009

Communication with parents

Successful education is brought about by good links between school and home. We welcome and encourage contact with parents to achieve a good working relationship. Staff are always pleased to meet with parents after school. If you wish to see the headteacher, she is available most days or if not, an appointment can be made through the school office.

Fortnightly newsletters are sent to parents, giving forthcoming events and dates. Copies are displayed on the „Parents and Carers‟ notice board on the playground and on the school website.

Parents receive reports at the end of each academic year. Additionally there are set Parent Consultation Evenings, in the Autumn and Spring Terms. On these occasions, parents are able to review all class work and to discuss in detail their child‟s progress and attainment. „Next step‟ targets for the following term are also shared.

Complaints Procedure

Should a problem or difficulty arise concerning your child, we would hope that, in the first instance, you contact the school – the class teacher or Head teacher. In the unlikely event that the situation is not resolved, parents should follow our complaints procedure and contact the Chair of the Governing Body and Local Authority if appropriate to take the matter further.

School Life

The school provides a happy, secure, lively and attractive school environment for our children, building their self-confidence and preparing them well for the demands of secondary education.

Through good teaching, we aim to develop each child to his or her full academic potential whilst at the same time encouraging all round development, independence and resourcefulness.

We consider mutual respect to be the key to good behaviour – discipline is consistent and fair, with plenty of praise to encourage and reward effort.

Behaviour and rewards Graveney School is known for good behaviour and therefore we have few `school rules‟. Those rules we do have are designed for the children‟s well-being, health and safety. The rules and reasons for them are carefully explained to all the children. They are encouraged to be well- mannered and polite in their everyday school life. As well as whole school house points rewards, we have a weekly achievement assembly known as „Gallery Stars‟ where children are rewarded by their class teachers in recognition for excellent learning and behaviour.

Class Rules These are on display in each classroom, and children learn to be aware of the need for class rules. There are `consequences‟ for minor infringements, but happily we rarely need to apply these. We prefer the motivation that stems from the standards of achievement set and from the praise system that we operate at Graveney. The children are further encouraged in effort, attainment and behaviour. We also award stickers for classroom effort and performance.

Bullying Happily, we rarely have incidences of behaviour that could be described as `bullying‟. Bullying has no place at our school. Please let us know at once if you feel that this may be happening. The school has an anti-bullying policy, and we treat any example of this sort of behaviour very seriously.

Absences A brief phone call to let us know if your child is going to be absent and when we can expect their return is essential. This saves us worrying unduly about any non-arrivals. If we have not heard from you by 9.30am on your child‟s first day of absence we will attempt to contact you to satisfy ourselves that your child is safe. We also ask for a written note detailing the reason for your child‟s absence on the first day they return to school. Failure to report absence means that by law we have to count your child‟s absence as unauthorised and this has to be recorded on the end of year report.

Requests for leave of absence during term time Requests can be made to the Governing Body for pupils to accompany parents on their annual holiday. Leave will only be granted to pupils with a good attendance pattern. No leave of absence will be authorised during the month of September, January and the national SATs assessment period in May for any child in the school.

Illness If your child is unwell the best possible place for her/him to recover is at home. If your child becomes ill during the day, we will contact you so that you can collect her/him.

Certain illnesses may require a short period of exclusion from school to prevent the condition spreading. Your doctor should advise you of this, but if you are in any doubt, please seek advice from the school.

Medicines The best place for your child when under medication is at home. However, there are times when medicines have to be administered during school hours. To ensure your child‟s health and safety we maintain a school medicine record and ask that parents complete the relevant form at the school office. We will then only administer medication that has been prescribed by a doctor from original packaging as dispensed for your child at the pharmacy.

Clothing and Equipment that your child will need

School Uniform We believe that a uniform promotes a sense of belonging and a pride in the school and encourage school uniform to be worn at Graveney School. This consists of:

School Uniform PE Kit

KS1 - White polo shirt, burgundy school White t-shirt sweatshirt or cardigan Burgundy shorts Grey or black trousers or skirt Burgundy jogging pants (for sports outside) Black shoes Plimsolls (indoor games) White or grey socks Trainers (outdoor games only)

KS2 – White school shirt or blouse and burgundy striped tie V-neck jumper or cardigan Grey/black skirt or trousers Black Shoes

Burgundy/dark red school dresses (summer wear) Burgundy fleece (outdoors)

Book bags/ PE bags School reading book bags can be purchased from Lea-Ray or Rivals in Faversham, or via their websites: www.learay.co.uk & http://rivalschoolwear.co.uk

For health and safety reasons, children attending football club are required to wear football boots, socks and shin pads.

We do reserve the right to forbid items of clothing, accessories and footwear that are unacceptably dangerous in school or are against the interests of children at large.

Jewellery

Under K.C.C. guidance, children do not wear jewellery to school, primarily for health and safety reasons. If parents do decide that their child is to wear a `stud‟ to school, it must be removed for PE and games, or covered with a plaster/micropore tape – this is to protect the child from damage to the earlobe. The school does not provide plasters/micropore for this purpose and parents are asked to send them in, in a named box. Only one set of earrings are permitted.

Labelling Clothes Parents are requested to ensure that all property brought to school is clearly marked or labelled with the child‟s name. This is especially important for school sweatshirts and t-shirts, where identifying the owner can otherwise be impossible. K.C.C. do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to the personal property of pupils, and the marking of items helps to prevent disappointment.

Policy on charging for school activities

A policy on charging for school activities has been adopted by the Governing Body in consultation with the Local Education Act, (in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act). The Governing Body recognises the valuable contributions that the wide range of additional activities, including visits, clubs and residential stays can make towards pupil‟s personal and social education. The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils and as additional optional extra.

There are to be no charges whatsoever for your child’s basic education. The Act maintains the principle to provide this free as of right.

The Governing Body reserves the right to make a charge in the following activities organised by the school.

1. School journeys in school hours The board and lodging element of any residential activity deemed to take place within school hours.

2. Activities outside school hours The full cost to each pupil of any activity deemed to be an optional extra taking place outside school hours.

3. Individual instrumental tuition The cost to a pupil for providing individual instrumental tuition.

4. Charging in kind The cost of materials, ingredients, equipment in cooking and design technology provided the parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.

Under our Governors‟ policy, and in accordance with the Act, we are able to ask for voluntary contributions to help towards the cost of trips, visiting theatre groups, etc. No child will be excluded from such activities. In cases when insufficient voluntary contributions are made, regrettably it may be necessary to cancel an activity.

Where parent are in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit, the Governing Body will remit in full the cost of board and lodging for any residential activity that is organised for the pupil if the activity is deemed to take place in school hours or where it forms part of the National Curriculum.

The Governing Body is prepared to remit full or part cost of any activity or visit in cases of family hardship which makes it difficult for pupils to take part in the designated activity. Parents are invited to apply in confidence for the remission charges in part or in full. Authorisation of remission will be made by the Headteacher in consultation with the Chair of Governors. All such matters are dealt with the utmost of discretion.

Graveney Primary School Child Protection Policy

Summary

The Governing body and staff of Graveney Primary school take seriously our responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements are in place within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.

The policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and related guidance. This includes the DfES guidance Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education (2007), the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2006).

The Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator (DCPC) who has overall responsibility for child protection practice in school is the Headteacher. The designated CP Governor who is named on the policy is Mrs G O’Shea.

Within the full policy it states:

 The school ethos

 The role of the school for ensuring that all action taken is in line with Kent’s Child in need/child protection procedure.

 The role of the Designated Child Protection Coordinator

 How child protection is addressed through our curriculum, policies, guidance and school initiatives

 A copy of the procedures that staff should follow in cases of child protection and how to recognise forms of abuse

 The type of record keeping kept by the school

 Referrals to Social Services

 Staff code of practice

 Supervision and Support

 Monitoring and Training

 Monitoring and Review

Full copies of the above policy are available to parents on request.

The Curriculum What is taught at Graveney?

Some of the most commonly asked questions from parents are: “Do children learn their tables?” “Do you teach them how to spell?” followed closely by, “What about handwriting?” The answers to these questions are “Yes!”, “Yes!” and “Yes! We do practise handwriting”. The school has clear policies on all these and every other aspect of the curriculum. These policies have been formulated by the Headteacher, staff and governors and are common throughout the school. Our systematic approach to teaching and learning in English and mathematics is supported by the renewed frameworks in Literacy and Maths. These documents are used by teachers to plan every day teaching and effectively combine traditional and more modern methods of learning.

As a primary school, Graveney covers three different stages of education known as Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Foundation Stage – (4 -5 year olds)

These are the early years of education, beginning with nursery or pre-school education and ending at the end of the reception year when the children will be five years old. The curriculum is divided into six areas of learning, although we recognise that, in practice, many of these areas overlap.

The Six Areas of Learning

Personal, social and emotional development

Children learn to work together, to share and co-operate. They are helped to develop good self- esteem and confidence. This area is the basis for success in all other areas of the curriculum.

Communication, language and literacy

Children develop speaking and listening skills in a variety of situations. They begin to read and write and to use information and communication technology (ICT) skills. These are developed through making connections, often through play.

Mathematical development

Children develop skills in mathematics through active learning. This will include counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. Mathematical understanding is developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play.

Creative development

Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative allows children to make connections between areas of learning and so extend understanding. This area includes art, craft, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.

Physical development

Children develop their skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. This involves using a range of equipment both indoors and outside.

Knowledge and understanding of the world

Children develop those skills that help them make sense of the world. This includes first-hand experiences that encourage exploration, observation, problem-solving, critical thinking, decision making and discussion. This forms the foundation for later work in science, design and technology, history, geography and ICT

THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM (5-11 year olds)

Key Stage 1 (5-7 year olds)

When children leave the Foundation Stage after their reception year they enter Key Stage 1. This stage lasts two years (Year1 & Year2) and finishes at the end of Year 2 when the children are all seven years old. In May of their final year children are assessed by their teachers in English, Mathematics and Science, using National tests. Results are reported to parents with the child‟s annual record of achievement.

Children in Key Stage 1 study the National Curriculum and religious education.

Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds)

Key Stage 2 lasts for four years (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 & Year 6) and ends when the children transfer to secondary school at the age of eleven. In May of their final year children are assessed by their teachers and by national tests in English & Mathematics. Results are reported to parents with the child‟s annual record of achievement.

Children in Key Stage 2 study the subjects of the National Curriculum and religious education.

The National Curriculum lays down what should be taught by every school during compulsory schooling from Y1 to Y13 (ages 5yrs – 16yrs).

The following subjects are known as the „core‟ subjects and will have more time devoted to them than the others:

English Mathematics Information Communication Technology (ICT) Science

English Book week

We place great importance on children‟s ability to communicate with confidence in spoken and written English. In `Literacy‟ lessons, and throughout the other curriculum subjects, children will experience a language-rich environment when they will be encouraged to communicate efficiently, effectively and purposefully, and to appreciate the richness of their native tongue.

We give particular attention to the vital skills of reading and writing, and see these as laying the foundations for future progress. Our pupils are encouraged to see themselves as readers and writers from the start. As they mature, they become more confident and are able to extend and use a range of subjects, approaches and styles in their writing. In this school you will find reading and writing taking place as a whole class, group or individual activity. During Literacy lessons, a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry books are used, and all pupils have access to class book corners. All children have reading record books. Throughout the year, in conjunction with the individual child, we identify target areas for development, which is part of children‟s self-assessment. We strongly encourage all parents to support their children with regular shared reading times at home.

Mathematics The children at Graveney see maths as an exciting challenge, and we aim to develop this positive attitude, by teaching the key skills and concepts through structured and progressive lessons. Mental agility, problem-solving and mathematical investigations also add to the enjoyment of the challenge mathematics presents. Computers are used to collate and record data relating to graphs and charts, and to reinforce mathematical understanding. Much of the work that children carry out is based on practical activities and investigating mathematical problems. Mathematics is integrated into other areas of the curriculum, particularly science where children will be reading scales, making accurate measurements, weighing, etc.

Science Science is a valued subject at this school, as an area of learning, which is directly concerned with increasing the children‟s knowledge and understanding of the natural and physical world. An understanding of the impact of past discoveries and future developments, coupled with an awareness of the current environmental issues, are important areas for teaching and learning. Children are taught how to make choices and plan investigations that can safely be carried out in class. They are encouraged to apply scientific skills by hypothesising, predicting, interpreting results, recording findings and evaluating procedures and outcomes.

Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

We have a dedicated ICT suite with thirteen networked computers using the latest Microsoft Windows XP operating system. In addition each classroom has computers. Children are taught specific ICT skills that can be applied to learning in many curriculum areas. With parental permission, and under strict guidelines for use, children use the Internet to enhance learning. This is seen as an exciting development and a wonderful opportunity for our children to gain access to a worldwide resource. All classes now have interactive SMARTboards and data projectors for ICT and cross curricular learning.

Religious Education and Collective Worship

A visit to Graveney Church

The school follows the Kent agreed syllabus for religious education. The syllabus is mainly Christian in approach but treats all denominations equally. In addition, aspects of Judaism, Sikhism, Islam and Hinduism are studied.

Parents have the right to remove their children from religious education and the act of worship, which must be part of the daily assembly. Please discuss this with the headteacher first if you wish to exercise this right.

Foundation Subjects

These subjects include: History, Geography, Music, D&T, PE, MFL, Art and Design , PSHCE Children are taught foundation subjects mainly through topic work. This ensures learning is in real contexts and therefore more meaningful for children. Planning is done through a two-year rolling programme. Some of the topics that have been taught include World War II, Ourselves, Journeys, Water Worlds. For further information of current topics being taught please look at our website www.graveney.kent.sch.uk

Each term parents are invited to watch a class assembly based on what the children have been learning.

Geography

Geography starts with first-hand experience of the school and its immediate surroundings: studying the people who live and work in school and the village environment. Children are naturally curious and quickly develop an interest in people and places. The wider world is brought closer in the teaching of weather, other localities at home and abroad, maps and fieldwork. The availability of resources, the effect of transport and changes in land use enable

pupils to demonstrate their geographical skills and follow lines of enquiry.

A trip to London Array site

A visit to the Environmental Centre

History

The past influences all our lives, shaping the beliefs and customs of all the diverse communities. Learning about the past and the methods used to study it helps children to make sense of the world in which they live.

Children in Key Stage 1 begin by looking at artefacts, learning through oral history, pictures, photographs and stories. The history of their own families and the place where they live enables them to ask questions, make simple judgements and begin to make sense of the passage of time.

Children in Key Stage 2 use all of the above but have more in-depth study of ancient civilisations as well as the history of Europe and the UK.

By developing the children‟s knowledge of the customs, laws and traditions of ancient civilisations and of our own country, a deeper understanding of the impact of history on their lives will be developed.

World War 2 Day

Art Through art, children are able to appreciate their own artistic efforts and the achievements of other famous artists and art from a range of periods and cultures. These provide a rich source of ideas and inspiration for individual expression. Children are provided with the opportunities and stimulation to develop the skills to draw, paint, print, design and construct from examples or from their own imagination. They are taught how to use a range of materials through more than one medium.

Music Music is an important part of the culture of the school, and we are proud of the lively productions that take place each year. They are a feature of the school and are very well received. Singing is supported by a specialist music teacher and children can also receive individual instrument tuition. Children are currently learning to play the guitar, electric keyboard, piano and violin. There is a fee for this tuition, but the school subsidises this for all parents as we greatly value music in our school. Listening to music, composition, appreciation, singing and playing percussion instruments are part of the music curriculum. We aim to enable children to use, understand and respond to music as a means of expression, communication and enjoyment. Children will experience a wide range of music, both traditional, classical and from other periods and cultures.

Musical Production – Fiddler on the Roof

Design and Technology

Tudor Houses

D.T. is a rapidly developing subject, where children are encouraged to see themselves as designers and technicians. Younger children have the opportunity to play and explore, using construction equipment such as Lego, K‟nex and associated computer modelling programmes, to respond to simple themes and to compare their results. As they become more adept, children will be presented with problem-solving tasks where they are required to design, make and evaluate for a specific purpose, to compare materials and components and to evaluate the final product.

Puppets

Physical Education

The school‟s programme is aimed at developing the children‟s general skills, co-ordination and special awareness. All children have regular movement, apparatus and games lessons. The approach to games is on a skills basis, which is begun at Key Stage One. We have the numbers needed for larger team games, playing football and netball against other local schools. We also enter locally organised tournaments, particularly in football. Children in Key Stage 2 are taken to the Faversham pool for swimming lessons.

Sports Day

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

We believe that it is important to introduce children to a foreign language in the primary phase and therefore French is taught from Years 1 & 2 onwards. We use a scheme called „Tout le monde‟ to teach basic vocabulary and greetings. French greetings are used on a day to day basis including answering the register! There are good links with our local secondary school promoting languages in school.

Personal, Social and Health and Citizenship Education, (PHSCE) PSHCE. and Citizenship curriculum are taught in many different ways. As part of our PSHE, children take part in the SEAL programme (Social, emotional aspects of Learning). Children take part in whole class lessons called „Circle Time‟. These lessons enhance self-esteem, help children learn self-discipline and support the forming of positive relationships between all pupils in our school community.

Drugs Awareness Parents are advised of any occasions during the year when they may attend talks by professional advisors on the subject of drug use and abuse. It is clearly important that children today are properly informed about potential hazards, and thus hopefully able to anticipate them

Children at Graveney are taught to be good citizens of both the school and the wider community. They look at rules, roles and responsibilities. All children are encouraged to take on posts of responsibility such as being part of our school council as well as „Library monitors‟, „Corridor Monitors‟, and „Playground Friends‟.

An infant child learning about the importance of looking after your teeth

Sex Education

The governors have a policy for sex education, which is available on request. Children‟s questions are answered frankly and accurately according to the age of the child. There are more formal lessons in Y6 covering puberty and human reproduction which are introduced as part of their context on “Gene Genie”. Parents are given the opportunity to look at all materials used before the lessons take place.

Special Educational Needs Some children require extra support at some time in their school career, to achieve their full academic potential. There is a special needs policy in operation and as a school we recognise that every class teacher is a teacher of children with special needs. As part of our policy of inclusion, we seek to maximise each child‟s access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Therefore, support given to children during English and mathematics lessons is mainly undertaken in class. Support facilities are available within the school from outside agencies, and from expertise drawn from schools within our Local Learning Group. The Special Needs provision at Graveney is co-ordinated by Miss Goodsell. Any parent with a concern may always liaise with her, and it is our policy to encourage two-way communication on a regular basis, other than on set occasions, such as Parents‟ Consultation Evenings. Pupils may be placed on the special needs register at either „school action‟, „school action+‟ or „statemented‟. An individual education plan (IEP) may be drawn up and discussed with parents dependent on the nature of intervention required.

Homework

The aim of our school is for children to develop as confident, independent learners and we believe that homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.

We believe that a moderate amount of homework can help to reinforce the key area of learning. All children take reading books home and communication between school and parents about reading is very much encouraged.

Homework is set each week based on learning that has been undertaken in classes and children have a whole week to complete the tasks. Parents are informed regarding children‟s targets in the key areas, and are made aware of topics and projects so they may give support at home.

End of Key Stage SATs (Standard Assessment Tests).

End of Key Stage One: (7-year-olds) Miss Goodsell:

End of Key Stage Two: (11-year olds) Mr Murray

Annually, all school children aged 7, 11, and 14 are involved in national tests in English, Maths and Science.

At Key Stage One the SATs are mostly “task” based and are administered and assessed by the class teacher.

At Key Stage Two the children are given more formal written tests, and although administered by school, they are marked externally. They will be given exercises in class, so that they have experience of the sort of tests/tasks that they will have to complete, and at Key Stage Two these will be timed.

The main emphasis is on continuous “teacher” assessment of the children, and this is considered by the school to be of great importance in planning the curriculum for each child.

Extra Curricular provision and After School Clubs

We are committed to providing an enriched learning experience for every child at Graveney. School trips are positively promoted as well as inviting visitors to the school to share their skills and knowledge with the children.

With the help of teachers, teaching assistants and parents we are able to offer a wide range of clubs after school, up to date details of which can be found on the school website.

An example of the clubs that run at different times throughout the academic year are:

Performing Arts Cinema Club Sports Challenge Multi-Skills Football Bingo Cricket Table Tennis Dance Club Cookery Gardening Club Maths games club Homework club

Complaints about the Curriculum and Religious Worship

The Local Education Authority has published a leaflet explaining what parents should do if they have a complaint about the curriculum or religious worship in their child‟s school. The leaflet encourages parents to discuss their complaint with the Headteacher first - the great majority of complaints can be handled in this way. However, a parent who remains dissatisfied can refer the complaint to the panel of the school‟s Governing Body. There are also further appeal stages; to a panel of the L.E.A. and finally to the Secretary of State for Education.

Full details are set out in the leaflet, “Curriculum and Religious Worship in Schools: Arrangements for Considering Complaints”. Copies are obtainable, free of charge, from the East Kent Area Education Office, Whitstable.

SCHOOL CALENDER

Graveney Primary School Term Dates and School Holidays 2011-12

Term 1: Thursday 1st September – Friday 21st October

Holiday Monday 24th October – Friday 4th November inclusive

Term 2: Monday 7th November – Friday 16th December

Holiday Monday 19th December – Tuesday 3rd January inclusive

Term 3: Wednesday 4th January – Friday 10th February

Holiday Monday 13th February – Friday 17th February inclusive

Term 4: Monday 20th February – Friday 30th March

Holiday Monday 2nd April – Friday 13th April inclusive

Term 5: Monday 16th April – Friday 1st June

Holiday Monday 4th June- Friday 8th June inclusive

Term 6: Monday 11th June – Friday 20th July