Rode Heath Primary School

RODE HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL

HEATH AVENUE RODE HEATH CHESHIRE ST7 3RY

TEL: 01270-685320 FAX: 01270-872243

Headteacher: Mrs Ann Gill

Rode Heath Primary School is a County Primary School Catering for children aged from four to eleven RODE HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL FACTUAL INFORMATION

HEADTEACHER MRS A GILL DEPUTY HEADTEACHER MS C SINCLAIR

RECEPTION TEACHER MISS H SCOTT YEAR 1 TEACHER MRS R WOOLLAM YEAR 2 TEACHER MISS H LEECH YEAR 3 TEACHER MRS S ROSS YEAR 4 TEACHER MR J RANDALL YEAR 5 TEACHER MRS J WISKOW & MISS N WARD YEAR 6 TEACHER MS C SINCLAIR

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS MRS J HULSE,MRS S STEVENSON, MRS H PICKFORD, MISS J STREET, MRS H HESKETH, MRS H JONES & MRS G SMITH

BURSAR MRS L TAMPLIN ADMIN OFFICER MRS S STEVENSON

CARETAKER MR M LEESE

CATERING SUPERVISOR MRS C COPELAND MID-DAY ASSISTANTS MISS K TWIGG MRS J GIBSON MRS J SPROSTON MRS L WILTSHAW MISS E HAWKS MRS N MOORE KITCHEN ASSISTANTS MISS J SMITH & MRS D CADMAN

CLEANER MRS J DANIEL

GOVERNORS MR R GREGORY (Chair), MR I STEVENSON (Vice Chair), MRS C PHEASEY, MR D REID, MR C POLLES, MR M WILLIAMS, MR P HARRISON, MISS M FORD, MRS P MAIN, MRS H HESKETH, MRS J HULSE (Staff), MISS H SCOTT (Teacher) VACANCY (LEA) & MRS A GILL (Headteacher)

NUMBER OF CLASSES 7 NUMBER ON ROLL 177 (January 2011) THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The School Curriculum During the early years in school much emphasis is placed on establishing a secure and ordered environment in which children can learn to read, write and understand numbers. Other subjects, story and opportunities for structured play are also important part of the school day. As the child grows the curriculum gradually becomes more academic. We try to enable children to attain the highest standards of which they are capable. We encourage enquiring minds and promote the ability to discuss rationally and solve problems. Classroom organisation ensures children have the opportunity to work independently and to co-operate as a member of a group. We try to make the curriculum as vital and relevant as possible. We believe activity is an important part of the learning process and encourage children to investigate and have direct experience where possible. We arrange visits and invite visitors into school to make the curriculum more immediate for children. The curriculum is carefully planned to incorporate all aspects of the National Curriculum. We include the National Numeracy and Literacy Strategies in our planning. The core subjects of the National Curriculum are; English, Mathematics, Science and Information Technology. The foundation subjects include; History, Geography, Religious Education, Craft Design Technology, Music, Art and P.E. Children take the National Assessment tests at the end of the Key Stage 1, (at the age of 7) and at the end of Key Stage 2, (at the age of 11). Children will also take tests prescribed by the County in Year 3 and Year 6.

Literacy Our aim is to develop the child's language ability to its fullest potential. The curriculum for literacy involves reading, writing, listening and talking. The children develop and practice skills that enable them to read for pleasure, understand and respond to different texts and to speak and write fluently and with purpose. Numeracy Numeracy is concerned with the development of skills, understanding and use of number, algebra, measurement and shape. Children follow programmes prescribed in the National Numeracy Strategy. The children are taught to handle data, to apply mathematical skills, to understand and solve problems and make investigations.

Science and Technology In science we aim to develop enquiring minds, develop practical abilities and a scientific approach to problem solving. The children are taught such skills as observation, hypothesis formation, prediction and evaluation which will enable them to make scientific investigations. They will learn how to record their work in a variety of ways. Knowledge of the physical and natural world are developed through carefully planned work, based on the environment. Technology involves designing, making and evaluating practical solutions to problems. It helps children to understand the properties of materials and how they can be used. Technology also includes designing and making, food technology and Information Technology.

Information Technology Computers are available for children to use throughout the school. Most classes have access to several PC's. They are used as a natural part of the classroom work as a tool to enrich the curriculum through word processing, data handling, control technology and software programmes to support learning. Teachers have access to interactive whiteboards to support their teaching. The, use of interactive technology is recognised as a particular strength of the school.

Geography Geographical work involves the children in investigations based on the local environment, from which they can begin to understand and compare with other areas of the country and other parts of the world. They are taught to make and interpret maps and begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between people and their physical environment.

History History is taught through study work that uses local resources, visits and artefacts. We aim to develop a sense of chronology and an appreciation of change and continuity, cause and effect.

Music Children have regular opportunities to listen to music, make their own music, sing and play instruments. Children may join recorder groups and brass & woodwind tuition is available for juniors. Many children play in the schools' very fine band which has recently been strengthened through the introduction of woodwind instruments. The band plays at many school events including the Annual Carol Service, Christmas Fair, Summer Fair etc as well as raising funds playing in the Community.

Religious Education RE is taught in accordance with the syllabus agreed by the Cheshire Local Education Authority. Our aim is for children to understand the nature of religion, its beliefs and practices. Children are asked to consider what is right and wrong and, as they mature, to discuss various moral issues. Children may be withdrawn from Religious Education and school assemblies if so desired. -s. Sex Education This is taught informally in the context of scientific investigations or incidental reference. Older children will have the opportunity to discuss 'growing up' with the school nurse and class teacher. Celebrations During the school year we celebrate Harvest, Christmas, and Easter as well as work which has been particularly significant to the children. We have a weekly sharing assembly' on Friday afternoons. Parents are frequently invited into school to share in the achievements of the children. We would expect to perform a dramatic production at least annually usually to coincide with Christmas. All classes dance at the annual Summer Fair. Special assemblies are held after children have been on their annual residential visits.

After School Activities The school organises a range of after school activities that vary throughout the year. Typical activities would include football, netball, (high five), choir, badminton, computer club, dance, wind band and maths. There is also a school bookshop run by parents, which is held on Wednesdays and sells a variety of paperbacks. Children save up for a chosen book by purchasing stamps with- a minimum value of 10p.

Visits We believe that school visits can greatly enrich the curriculum for the children and make their learning more vital and immediate. Visits are usually related to study work. In order to fund such activities, it is necessary for parents to make a significant contribution towards the cost of the trip. When an educational visit has been arranged for your child, a letter will be sent to you which will explain the purpose of the visit, give the cost per child and invite voluntary contributions. Money should be sent to school in an envelope with your child's name clearly marked and an indication of which trip is involved. Printed envelopes are available from the school office. You will always be asked for consent if your child is taken off the school site.

Residential Visits From Year 2 onwards we organise an annual residential visit. The visits are an integral part of the work studied during the term. We Believe that they help to raise standards and inspire children by giving them opportunity to discover how exciting and immediate learning can be. We always attempt to keep costs to a minimum and are prepared to make special arrangements if parents have problems in paying for the trips. Special Needs If your child has special educational needs we will discuss with you fully the provision to be made for your child. If children are experiencing difficulties in school, parents can make a significant difference to the child's progress by supporting learning at home. If necessary our assessment will be supported confidentially by a specialist learning support adviser. Parents will be consulted when such steps are taken.

Art The artistic skills are developed through experience with drawing and painting, clay, textiles, sculpture and painting. All children have a sketch book in which to develop first hand skills of other artists and be able to express their own ideas. - Physical Education A balanced programme of gymnastics, athletics, dance and outdoor education and games is provided. Children in Key Stage 2 will have the opportunity to learn to swim. In physical education children experience challenge, competition, aesthetic movement, teamwork and physical activity. Developing positive attitudes and healthy bodies is central to the teaching of PE in school.

Homework Homework is likely to be set on a regular basis. All children are encouraged to reflect and extend their schoolwork at home. The important role that parents play in the teaching reading is recognised and valued. Individual support and encouragement at home through the sharing of stories, talking about books and listening to the child read are seen as vital support for the child. The school uses Reading Records as a means of extending home school communication in relating to reading. A homework policy is available in school. Maths games are available for all age groups to make numeracy homework more enjoyable.

The School Building The school was built in 1975. There are seven separate teaching areas. The classrooms have cloakrooms, home bays, work areas and practical areas, fitted for a range of activities. The hall is large and provides a natural focus for school activities, being used for assemblies, music and physical education. Children have their lunch in the hall. There are two hard standing playgrounds and extensive playing fields. The grounds are landscaped and a small woodland area has been developed as a resource for scientific study. The building is very well maintained and has been extended through the building of an additional classroom which also houses our before and after school club; Acorns. The standard of décor is excellent and all classrooms are equipped with Interactive whiteboards, digital projectors and a bank of desktop PC’s for children to use. The siting of these facilities has been optimised over time to ensure that the physical environment is as conducive to learning as it can be.