School Prospectus 2013-2014
A friendly caring village school
Welcometo St John’s CE Primary School
Dear Parents & Carers,
Welcome to St John’s CE Primary School. We are a local village school based on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors in the village of Rishworth. We have a committed and talented team of staff, governors and volunteers who all work together to provide children with an excit- ing and enjoyable learning experience. Our prospectus aims to give you a glimpse of what our school has to offer your child and hope you find all the information you need. If you have further questions please don’t hesitate in contact us and you are very welcome to arrange a visit to the school.
We look forward to your visit
P Simpson Mr Philip Simpson, Headteacher
2 Our School
Our School was originally opened by the National Society in January 1874 and remains a Church School to this day. St John’s CE Primary School, Rishworth is a co-educational Church of England Academy for day pupils aged from 4 to 11.
Since its opening, the build- ing has been extended several times and now provides five spacious classrooms, an extra infant teaching area/library, an ICT suite, two meeting rooms, a large hall and school kitchen.
All our classrooms are warm and welcoming; they are carpeted and well furnished and resourced.
Teachers use display boards to show children’s work and to provide a reference for children during lessons.
Interactive whiteboards are installed in each classroom and children have access to class computers as well as those in the ICT suite.
The school also has wireless connectivity throughout.
3 Our Aims & Objectives
Philosophy of Education: We believe that children learn best when they are happy and have the confidence to respond to the challenges that result in learning. At St John’s we endeavour to set learning challenges within a caring, Christian environment where adults lead by example. We value the role of parents, families and the community in the education of our children and we endeavour to keep our practices under systematic review with the aim of continuing improvement.
The School’s Aims are : To maximise the academic attainment of each child To maximise the personal, social and spiritual development of each child
Helping us to meet our aims - the School’s Objectives are to:
Provide an environment that keeps pupils Provide practical opportunities for partner- and staff safe from physical and emotional ship with parents harm Be a friendly and inviting place Provide excellent learning opportunities, Create a happy and caring environment inside and outside the classroom Provide enriched, extra-curricular provision Ensure that a disciplined, well ordered envi- ronment is maintained Be committed to the professional develop- ment of our staff Create a caring, Christian environment where children learn about the traditions Be a good employer and beliefs of the Church of England Ensure that every child becomes an effec- Help children to develop knowledge of and tive, contributing member of the school respect for the beliefs and value systems of community others
Meet the needs of each individual child Parents, children, Governors and the Church Provide a good quality learning environ- community have helped us to identify our objec- ment tives. Provide access to good quality resources
4 The Curriculum
You may already know that every state school in Britain follows the same guidelines as to what children should learn. This is the National Curriculum. Our school follows this statutory framework to plan its curriculum.
The curriculum for each age group is organised in different ways.
In Reception children cover the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This is organised under 3 headings:
1. Personal, social and emotional development 2. Physical development 3. Communication and language
In key stage 1 and key stage 2 children study the core subjects: And the foundation subjects:
Religious Education English – using Calderdale syllabus for RE Mathematics Music History Science & ICT Geography
Art and Design
Information Communication Technology
Design Technology
Physical Education
5 Reception & Key Stage 1
RECEPTION: In reception much of the curriculum is delivered through focussed and structured play. The teacher sets up activities arising from ongoing observations to further the physical, emotional and academic development of the children.
KEY STAGE 1: Because our classes contain children of different age groups, class 1 and class 2 teachers plan to- gether and follow a programme of work over 3 years.
In both classes subjects are themed, e.g. seaside holidays is used to teach children history and ge- ography. Themes are chosen which reflect the way that children’s experience of the world grows. However, some areas of the curriculum; PE, music and some aspects of language and maths are delivered discretely where the teacher considers this a more effective approach.
READING: As soon as your child starts school s/he will begin to follow our reading programme. The school uses a synthetic phonics scheme to teach children to identify the spoken sounds of the English language, to blend the sounds into words for reading and to break words into sounds for writing. The scheme currently used is Read Write Inc: Oxford Press University Press.
Children’s reading is supported by the use of a graded reading scheme. The school bases the scheme on the Oxford Reading Tree publications. Other graded materials are added to provide a rich experi- ence of stories, poetry and information. We rely on parents reading with their child at home each evening in order for children to progress real- ly well.
WRITING: The school adopts a policy of emergent writing. Children are encouraged to record their ex- periences and ideas using the letters and sounds that they know. Systematic teaching of synthetic phonics gradually develops the child’s knowledge of how to represent sounds in writing. Tricky words must be learned by rote. Spellings are often invented by the children as they gradually acquire con- ventional spelling. Confidence to write expressively and creatively is the school’s priority in teaching writing in the early years.
Parents are invited to a presentation early in the school year where they can talk to teachers about the methods used to teach reading and writing.
MATHEMATICS: Mathematics is taught in a variety of ways. Very young children benefit from interac- tive, hands on approaches to developing the basic concepts. The school caters for this at all levels providing access to high quality resources; computers, Interactive White Boards and games. The school uses various publications to support its maths curriculum. Teachers use also use a written calcu- lations policy in addition to this.
6 Key Stage 2
READING: In key stage 2 we divide our reading scheme into 2 sections; learning to read and reading to learn. Where children are still acquiring skills in decoding words, they are supported by a graded reading scheme which is suited to the needs of their age group. Children using this learning to read material, read individually to an adult in school as regularly as possible. Once Children have acquired decoding skills they are provided with a range of books to help them read to learn. These books are chosen by the children themselves and cover stories, po- ems, non-fiction materials of different levels of challenge. We rely on parents reading with their children at home on a daily basis. In key stage 2 children take part in guided reading; small groups of children read, discuss and analyse their reading under the direction of the teacher.
WRITING: Children are taught to write in KS2 by establishing links with their reading. Teachers use examples of different kinds of stories, poems and non-fiction texts to help pupils analyse the way pieces of writing are organised, what kind of vocabulary and language structures are used. Pupils are then assisted in systematically developing their own written work.
MATHEMATICS: The National Curriculum Document provides the basis for planning mathematics work. Teachers continue to use practical teaching strategies to promote pupils’ understanding. Interactive white boards (IWB), games, problems and challenges are used to provide exciting opportunities to learn to apply mathematical skills and knowledge. The school uses a variety of published schemes when a more theoretical approach is required.
SCIENCE: Science is organised on a two year cycle so that pupils cover each Science topic twice in KS2 (at a different level). This is considered important in assisting pupils to develop their scientific thinking.
FOUNDATION SUBJECTS: The school seeks to make its curriculum broad and balanced. In order to avoid repetition of content the school has organised a four year topic cycle for other subjects. Key Stage 2 teachers plan work together to ensure that work provides suitable challenge for pu- pils of different ages. Detailed programmes of work have been written and are constantly evalu- ated and improved. The school invests generously in resources to enhance children’s enjoyment of each topic and special days and events are often organised to provide a more in depth expe- rience.
The school provides the opportunity for instrumental tuition; all KS2 pupils are taught guitar by a local guitar tutor. Parents can select further instrumental tuition from visiting specialist music teach- ers.
As part of the Personal, Social and Health Education Programme pupils receive Sex and Relation- ships Education (SRE). Parents have supported the school in developing its SRE policy and pro- gramme of work. The school uses video material developed by Channel 4 to support its work. Parents can view the SRE policy on the web site or by request from school.
7 Inclusion
The school seeks to provide for all its pupils, no matter what their need. It has a Special Edu- cational Needs Policy which follows the correct Code of Practice.
A register is maintained of those pupils who have some form of special educational need. The number of pupils as identified by the revised categories is as follows:
Stage Broad Criteria No of Pupils
School Action Differentiated work based on Individual Action Plan 4 As above but with involvement of outside agencies e.g. psy- School Action Plus 13 chologists Statement Pupil has Statement of Special Educational Need 0
Pupils with special needs are taught within mainstream class environment but with the ap- propriate teaching/curriculum materials/support geared to their individual needs. The school has made sure that the SENCO, teachers and support staff have training and exper- tise in supporting pupils with a range of difficulties; including literacy, dyslexia, maths and behaviour needs.
The school also uses the support of outside agencies e.g. the Local Authority's Psychologi- cal Service and Support Services and District Health Authority personnel.
The school has appointed a Governor to have particular responsibility for Special Needs provision in the school.
8 Religious Education
As a Church Academy, the religious education of the children is central to the life of the school. It permeates all that is taught inside and outside the classroom. Work in religious education begins with the simplest of beliefs; trust in Jesus and in God. It gradually pro- gresses to a much deeper knowledge and understanding of the Christian Faith, the life and teachings of Jesus, a reverence for truth, a respect of persons, knowledge of other faiths, and an acceptance of responsibility which all underlie the child’s knowledge of God.
The RE Scheme of Work is based upon the Calderdale agreed syllabus for Reli- gious Education (supported by Wakefield Diocese), copies of which are availa- ble for reference in school. Within that Syllabus Christianity forms the broad core of the work undertaken. Judaism and Islam form the other main elements.
An act of Collective Worship of a Christian character is undertaken daily at school. Teachers and the clergy from the local churches lead the worship. Holy Communion is celebrated in school at the end of each year at Easter and the leavers’ service in July.
St. John’s School has strong links with the local village church, its life and work in Rishworth.
Children of all ages and their par- ents are warmly welcomed to at- tend the church services that in- volve the children, as well as the regular Sunday Morning worship in church.
Parents wishing to do so, can exercise their right to withdraw their children from RE and worship under section 237 (2) of the 1988 Education Act. If parents are considering such a decision, they are asked to consult with the Head Teacher.
9 Homework
St John’s values the work that parents do in providing experiences at home that enrich and add context to the work done in school. The school sets tasks for children to share with their parents at home that support the work being done in school.
Types of homework We set a variety of homework activities
In the Foundation Stage and at In lower Key Stage 2: In upper Key Stage 2: Key Stage 1: Children should read for ten Children should read each Children should read for a minutes each evening evening few minutes each evening We set spelling work We set spelling work We set sound or spelling work Children do book reviews Children do one book re- once each half term view each half term We ask that parents help We suggest practical numeracy their children with letter for- We suggest practical nu- mation games and activities for parents meracy games and activities and children to share for parents and children to We suggest practical numera- share cy games and activities for Y6 children are asked to do parents and children to share science revision work in the autumn and spring
We send a curriculum newsletter home at the beginning of each term, requesting that par- ents promote school based learning by taking their children on outings, talking to their chil- dren, choosing books from the library that support the work being covered. We suggest ICT based activities for History and Geography for parents and children to share. We also sug- gest PHSCE activities for the family to take part in.
Reception Approximately 1 15 minutes per Reading / sounds or spellings / handwriting / hour per week evening maths activities Years 1 & 2
Years 3 & 4 Approximately 20 minutes per Reading / spellings / handwriting / / book 1.5 hours evening reviews / maths activities per week
Years 5 & 6 30 minutes per 30 minutes per Reading / spellings / handwriting / / book day evening reviews / maths activities / science
10 Parent Partnership
The role of parents Parents have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. We ask parents to encourage their child to com- plete the homework tasks that are set. We invite them to help their children as they feel necessary and provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best. Parents can support their child by providing a good working space at home, by enabling their child to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing.
If parents have any problems or questions about homework, they should, in the first instance, contact the child’s class teacher. If their questions are of a more general nature, they should contact the head teacher. Finally, if they wish to make a complaint about the school homework policy or the way it is implement- ed; parents should contact the governing body.
The Home / School Agreement While the school undertakes to play its part in setting suitable homework tasks for pupils, we expect that parents will support us by ensuring that homework is careful- ly undertaken and handed in on time. The Government requires that parents sign a home / school agreement; recognising their responsibilities to the home / school partnership.
Attendance St John’s aims to keep attendance at 96% or above; we rely on parents to support us in this aim. It is parents’ statutory duty to bring their child to school for 190 days per year. Parents should inform the school office as soon as possible if their child is too ill to attend school so that the absence can be authorised.
Absences during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. (Please see the school website for more information)
11 Our Standards
Teachers carry out assessment to evaluate chil- dren’s progress. Each term we set aside time to assess children’s reading, writing and maths; some- times using published materials which help us to judge progress against nationally established norms.
Teachers also assess how well children are progressing on a day to day basis as they mark work and question pupils in class.
Every year we hold 3 parents’ evenings when we report on children’s academic, social and person- al progress. We also write a detailed annual report, which is sent home to parents so that they can keep their own record of how well their child is progressing at school.
We keep records for each child in school. These records include examples of work, school reports and assessment information
In YR the teacher uses the Foundation Stage Profile (FSP) and Development Matters as ways of re- cording the progress that children are making. This is an ongoing record and is used as a basis for discussions with parents throughout the year on the progress of their children.
Y1 children are tested in their knowledge of phonics.
In Y2, KS1 (age 6/7) and Y6 KS2 (age 10/11) children are assessed formally.
These graphs show how our children performed in May 2013 in comparison to children nationally and within the LA.
KS1 children at 2B+, 2013 Y6 SATs results for St John's 2013 100 100 80 80 60 school 60 school national 40 40 Calderdale 20 % % children 20
% % children 0 0 English Maths English Maths reading writing maths L4+ L4+ L5+ L5+ subject subject
12 Inspections
The school had its latest OFSTED inspection in July 2010. St John’s was judged to be good with some outstanding features.
“This is a happy school……...”
‘This is a very happy school where relationships are of the highest order and these help to create a welcoming, nurturing and caring environment. It has many strengths and some outstanding features; these include the effectiveness of safeguarding pro- cedures and the extent to which pupils feel safe.’ (Ofsted 2010)
A full copy of the report can be viewed on OFSTEd’s website, http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/ and on the school’s own website;
The church school inspection was in July 2010. The school was judged to be “outstanding”. ‘The Christian character of the school is evident in its daily life and is demonstrat- ed in children’s good spiritual and social development; this is helping to create an environment where children enjoy learning and make good progress.
Children are confident in speaking about spiritual matters. Strong leadership and teamwork have created a successful community, based around positive and caring relationships, in which everyone is valued. The school has been effective in building a partnership with the local church and also with representatives of a range of communities and faiths.’ Copies of the church school inspection can be found on the Wakefield Diocese website http://www.wakefield.anglican.org/support/ issues/education/schoolreports.htm and on the school’s own website.
13 School Roll
We have 5 classes in school; 2 key stage 1 classes and 3 key stage 2 classes. Currently we have 59 children in key stage 1 and 81 in key stage 2; 140 children on roll.
Class lists are prepared at the end of the summer term; we try to make sure that class sizes are as equal as possible.
The numbers of children on roll in each year group as at September 2013 was:
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF AGE GROUP CLASSES CHILDREN CHILDREN Reception YR 20 Class 1 20 YR + 9 Y1 29 Middle Infants Y1 19 Class 2 10 Y1 + 20 Y2 30 Top Infants Y2 20 Class 3 20 Y3 + 7 Y4 27 Junior 1 Y3 20 Class 4 13 Y4 + 14 Y5 27 Junior 2 Y4 20 Class 5 7 Y5 + 20 Y6 27 Junior 3 Y5 21 TOTAL 140 Junior 4 Y6 20 TOTAL 140
14 School Routines
School Day
8:45 Playground is supervised 8:55 Beginning of the school day 9:05 Close of registration 10:30 Assembly (9.15 Monday and Friday) 10:45 - 11:00 Playtime 12:00 - 1:00 Lunchtime 2:20 - 2:30 Reception and Key Stage 1 playtime 3:00 End of the school day Reception and Key Stage 1 3:15 End of the school day Key Stage 2
School terms: Children must be in school for 190 days each year. There are 3 academic terms: September to Christmas – Autumn term January to Easter – Spring term April to July – Summer term
Each term is split into two by a week’s half term holiday. Teachers are in school for a further 5 training days. Term dates for the academic year 2014/15 are at the end of this prospectus.
School Lunches The school has a very successful school meals service. Fresh meals are cooked on the premises daily and children can choose from a wide, varied menu. Children are also wel- come to bring a packed lunch from home. Parents are encouraged to include only healthy and nutritious food within lunchboxes. As a ‘Healthy School’ we do not encourage chocolate bars, sweets, crisps and foods with ex- cessive fat and salt content. In all cases, children are supervised during the lunch break by a team of mid-day supervi- sors.
School lunches cost £2.10 per day. Schools meals must be paid for before they are taken.
15 School Staff
Head teacher: Mr Phil Simpson Assistant Head: Mrs Joanna Wasyliw
Class Teachers: Class 1: Mrs Helen Kowal & Mrs Rebecca Gorrill (Early Years Professional) Class 2: Mrs Diane Haigh (EYFS & KS1 Manager) Class 3: Mr Daniel Dewick Class 4: Miss Rebecca Bell Class 5: Mrs Joanna Wasyliw (KS2 Manager)
School Office Manager Support Assistants Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs Hazel Green Mrs Jackie Carek Mrs Paula Fraser Caretaker Mrs Jill Lassey Mrs Debii Thwaite Mrs Linda Lumb & Mr Adrian Lumb Mrs Linda Lumb Mrs Lorraine Lumb Kitchen Staff Mrs Lorraine Lumb Mrs Andrea Dougherty Mrs Rachael Horner Mrs Lynn Taylor Mrs Paula Fraser Mrs Jane McPartling Mrs Debii Thwaite Mrs Andrea Dougherty
Mrs Rachael Horner
16 Governors
The Governors are committed to ensuring the continuing standards of the school. They meet on a regular basis.
Chair of Governors: Stephen Byrne
Vice Chair: Pat Bassano
Staff Governors: Phil Simpson, Joanna Wasyliw, Linda Lumb Parent Governors: Dan Needham LA Governors: Lisa Dawson, Catherine Hankinson Foundation Governors: Pat Bassano, Tom Bentley, Stephen Byrne, Julia Baker, Leah Boyd, Tom Green, Clare Douglas, David Kenworthy, vacancy (ex-officio)
Inspection of Documents St John’s Governing Body makes every effort to comply with its legal obligations with regard to Freedom of Information. Most policy documents can be viewed readily on the web site or in school on request.
17 School Uniform
Our school colours are red and grey. Pupils can choose to wear:
School sweat shirt with embroidered school badge – or red sweater, cardigan, fleece or similar Grey trousers, shorts, skirt, pinafore White blouse, shirt, polo top Red gingham dress in summer months Sensible black shoes
For PE children are asked to wear: Plain white top Black shorts or leotard Pumps/ trainers for outdoor sessions
For swimming children are asked to wear: Swimming trunks (not baggy shorts) or swimming costume (not bikinis) Swimming hats (available from school).
Uniform can be ordered via the school of- fice, or online by visiting: www.yourschooluniform.com or www.tesco.com/ues
Children are asked to come to school neat and clean. Jewellery is generally not allowed for health and safety reasons – only stud earrings and watches are permitted. Children should not wear make-up of any description and hair that is long enough should always be tied back. Our uniform is deliberately simple and flexible and it creates a feeling of belonging. Children are asked to wear it on school outings and trips as it helps the children to be easily recognised and as- sists teachers in keeping children safe.
18 Term Dates
2014 Autumn Term Re-open Tuesday 2 September
Half Term Close Thursday 23 October
Re-open Monday 3 November 72
Christmas Close Friday 19 December
2015 Spring Term Re-open Monday 5 January
Half Term Close Friday 13 February
Re-open Monday 23 February 55
Easter Close Friday 27 March
2015 Summer Term Re-open Monday 13 April
May Day Close Monday 4 May
63 Half Term Close Thursday 21 May Re-open Monday 1 June
Close Friday 17 July Midsummer
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Dates to Remember Training days in which school is closed to pupils are: Good Friday - Friday 3 April 2015 Monday 1st September 2014 Polling Day - Thursday 7 May 2015 Friday 24th October 2014 May Day - Monday 4 May 2015 Friday 21st November 2014 Important Notes Friday 22nd May 2015 School will be open during polling days Monday 20th July 2015
19 Admissions
St John's is the community school for Rishworth and seeks to meet the needs of the locality through co-operation with parents/guardians, the Local Education Authority and the Diocese of Wakefield. The policy aims to maximise, within the agreed accommodation limit, the number of children admitted to the school while maintaining the quality of their education by avoiding overcrowd- ing in classrooms and premises, and overloading of teachers. The production of this policy has taken account of the school’s Mission Statement particularly in relation to the Christian principles and values on which the school is based. Admissions to Reception class A child may be admitted to the Reception class provided that their fifth birthday falls between 1st September of the year of admission and 31st August of the following year, both dates inclu- sive. The number of children that can be admitted to the Reception Class each year is currently 20. This number has been calculated according to the capacity of the school, which the law de- fines and has been agreed with Calderdale LA.
Priority 1 Priority 3 A. Pupils who are in Public Care or children A. Children whose parents regularly and fre- who were previously looked after but ceased quently worship at St Bartholomew's or St to be so because they became adopted or John's Churches. became subject to a residence or special B. Children whose parents regularly and fre- guardianship order. quently worship at other Churches (within the parish) whose denomination is not Church of Priority 2 England. A. Children with brothers and sisters registered (In all cases a supporting letter from the Parish as pupils of the school at the proposed date Priest will be required as evidence required.) of admission AND whose parents regularly and frequently worship at St Bartholomew's or St John's Churches. Priority 4 B. Children with brothers and sisters registered Proximity of the child's house to the school, as as pupils of the school at the proposed date measured by a straight line measurement from of admission AND whose parents regularly the pupil’s home to the closest designated and frequently worship at other Churches school gate. (within the parish) whose denomination is not Distances will be calculated using the LA’s Ge- necessarily Church of England. ographical Information System. To ensure con- (In all cases a supporting letter from the Parish sistency applies, all measurements will be Priest will be required as evidence) carried out by the LA’s GIS system and no other method of measuring distance will C. Children with brothers and sisters registered be considered. as pupils of the school at the proposed date of admission. Each property has a coordinate taken from Ordnance Survey ADDRESS-POINT data. This is the point which distance measurements will be taken from.
20 Arranging a Visit
St John’s makes every effort to be a warm and friendly place for children and their fam- ilies. Parents are welcome to visit the school at any time. Parents considering applying for a place at the school should call so that we can make arrangements to show you around the school and answer any questions that you might have.
We arrange 2 visits to school for chil- dren who are to join the reception class at the start of the Autumn Term. These visits are arranged at the end of the Summer Term. Parents are invited to an evening meeting in May when they will be able to meet the Class and Head Teacher to discuss school life.
It is hoped that all prospective par- ents will have already visited the school with their children at a mutual- ly convenient time. Many of the chil- dren coming to St John's School al- ready attend Toy Box playgroup which has strong ties with the school.
Parents are also invited to a number of school and social events during the school year. The school encourages parental involvement in classroom activities on a regular basis.
21 Message from the Bishop of Wakefield
From earliest times the Christian faith has held learning and teaching at its heart - the monasteries of Yorkshire were centres of education. The Church of England helped pioneer education for all and the Diocese of Wakefield now has 100 church schools within its boundaries. For all these reasons we welcome you and your child to this school.
We hope you will find it a happy community where young people are nourished in every way. The school offers all that our educational system requires, but it aims to do this in a distinctive way - within the context of the Christian faith, where teaching and learning are rooted in faith in God as seen in Christ Jesus, and handed on by the Church over the centuries. The school is also an inclusive community where all children and adults , from different faith backgrounds and none ,are welcomed.
Church schools work to foster those attitudes in children which prepare them to become good, reliable and honest mem- bers of the wider community. But good citizenship is also dependent upon and nurtured by the guidance and example received through family life. We invite you, then, to work with the school staff in helping your child to develop into a ma- ture and responsible member of the community. This will mean guiding your child to grow spiritually, socially and intel- lectually, thereby encouraging self respect, respect for others and faith in God. We welcome you most warmly and I commend you to God’s blessing.
The Rt Revd Stephen Platten Bishop’s Lodge, Woodthorpe Lane, Wakefield, WF2 6JL Tel: 01924 255349 email: [email protected] Tax: 01924 250202
22 School Contact Details
The address of the school is Godly Lane Rishworth Sowerby Bridge West Yorkshire HX6 4QR
Telephone (01422) 822596
Email [email protected]
Website www.stjohnsrishworth.org.uk Chair of Governors Mr Stephen Byrne
Headteacher Mr Phil Simpson BA(Hons) NPQH
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